Jan09
5-Year Old Dies Following Attack by Chained Dogs
Posted at 03:39 PM | Permalink
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Comments (77)
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Carol Jones, the executive director of the Thomas County Humane Society, missed the point when she responded to this attack by telling people to "be cautious of their family pets. They can turn on you at any time, and it doesn't matter what kind of dog." It's ridiculous to suggest that people be constantly suspicious of Fido when the real reason for this tragedy can be found elsewhere in the article—the part where it says the dogs attacked the child when they "broke free of their chains."
Leaving dogs chained outside creates a risk of injury for children or anyone else who might wander into the yard. Chained dogs kill more children than do fireworks accidents and falls from trees and playground equipment combined, according to a 2002 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dogs who spend a lot of time alone or chained are more prone to become aggressive and bite, while dogs who are socialized and enjoy life with their human "pack" are generally protective of their guardians without being a danger to the community.
January is "Unchain a Dog" month. Chained dogs everywhere experience stress and confinement that put them in danger of going mad and attacking someone, and many dogs suffer and die every year during winter's bitter cold and summer's blistering heat. Please make a promise to all dogs who are trapped at the end of a chain in your neighborhood that you will do something—anything—to help them.
Posted by Jeff Mackey
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Comments
I personally think dogs are very nice, gentle, and social animals, no matter what breed. I think the pit bulls only attacked because maybe they were treated unfairly. Dogs shouldn't be chained unless of an emergency. But pit bulls are agressive dogs and I think they attack because people are very cautious and chain them. But there's always a reason why an animal attacks, including us humans. We should embrace pit bulls and treat them much more nicely and fairly. If a golden retriever can bond with you, a pit bull can too.
Posted by: Sophia | January 9, 2009 04:44 PM
Let me guess; the dog will now be put down. Why don't we start criminally charging the dog's owner for missing the point about chaining dogs. Furthermore, why don't we sue the city or county where this incident took place, use the money to educate the public, and pass an ordinance against chaining dogs. It's always the ignorance of humans that causes the problem and then the animals have to suffer.
Posted by: Michael Essi | January 9, 2009 05:01 PM
any dog that's kept chained is of course going to be aggressive. dogs are not alarm systems or objects, they are companion animals that deserve to be treated as part of the family. it's horrible when people chain their dogs up outside, it should be illegal!
Posted by: beth | January 9, 2009 05:02 PM
The AKC supports chaining dogs 24/7 (on behalf of its puppy mill friends)
and dog fighters support chaining 24/7. That's how most fighting dogs are kept.
These lobbying groups oppose anti-chaining laws and support this abuse, and some gullible legislators get manipulated by them
But it time time for all of us to stand up and say NO MORE CHAINING
Countless dogs are suffering and dying at the ends of chains. No More!!
Posted by: kelly | January 9, 2009 05:07 PM
Chaining a dog is emotional abuse. Animal cruelty isn't just physical. An animal that is chained is not socialized. Dogs are not stupid. They are pack animals and that means they need to interact with their pack to be healthy and balanced emotionally. This dog's owner failed and is the one that needs to be held accountable. Dogs aren't the problem people are. Hold the humans accountable and stop punishing the dogs for something that is not their fault.
Posted by: Janine Pavlik | January 9, 2009 06:43 PM
I just can't believe there are people who still chain their dog outside... Is it ignorance? Why do they do that? How can they do that? It should be illegal. God, I feel so helpless... Poor dogs suffer because of bad humans...
Posted by: Kay | January 9, 2009 07:22 PM
I have owned Pit Bulls my whole life, they are one of the best dogs to have in your life, they are athletic, gentle and loving, more so than any other dog I have been around. There is no such thing as a bad dog. It's only bad owners and not understanding how to be a proper pack leader. Guaranteed any dog attack that happens is because of poor human leadership.
Posted by: chris thornton | January 9, 2009 09:11 PM
To say that a pitbull killing a child is due to him being chained up is like suggesting that a prison inmate who stabs another man only was able to commit murder because he is in prison. Pitbulls can be a dangerous breed, but that doesn't mean that they should be outlawed. Education about proper dog care is good, but to say that a dog will suddenly become docile once released is absurd.
Posted by: Sam | January 9, 2009 11:48 PM
I agree with the comment above. Gods are inherently beautiful and gentle animals....it is the treatment they receive from humans that make them turn. I think what we should be doing is making chaining illegal and giving these dogs the chance to be the loving and loyal creatures they are
Posted by: sinker | January 10, 2009 12:25 AM
Just as incarcerated people are more violent after release, so are dogs chained except dogs did no crime. It is wrong to chain a dog. Bad for dog and people.
Posted by: roxanne | January 10, 2009 02:04 AM
As an owner of pitbulls for the past 7 years, there are so many things wrong with this situation...why do people immediately state "pitbulls are aggressive dogs"?? Seriously, that dog doesn't know it is a pitbull rite? It only knows it's a dog for crying out loud! Tying a dog out is not an ideal situation by any means, but the only problem here is the socialization of the animal, or lack thereof. It didnt attack because it was tied to a heavy chain, I mean if they have to be tied up, a weak rope will most certianly not do, they will break it. My dogs have chewed thru chain link kennels before, if they want loose, they will got loose. The problem is that the dog was mentally unstable, period. And where were the parents??? Not supervising a 5 yr old outside for long enuff that a dog can maul it to death? This kind of thing doesn't happen in a matter of seconds people ..The bottom line is that the dog was obviously under socialized and the parents were neglegent, with both the dog's well being to not become capeable of killing a human and also neglegent of the child's welfare .
Posted by: Katie Adermann | January 10, 2009 02:50 AM
i personally think this is a sad story but they poor animals only attacked because they have been left chained for god knows how long and probably had no socialization. i feel horable because these poor animals will most likely get an even worst rep and will have to be put to sleep.
Posted by: brenda penarrieta | January 10, 2009 02:59 AM
Pitbulls or any other kind of animal is not aggressive the owners make them the way they are, thats why they attend to attack people if we embrace them and love them they wouldnt be a dangerous animal and chaining your animal is WRONG!!only when your going out for a walk. treat them fairly..
Posted by: Miriam | January 10, 2009 04:21 AM
Too bad the dogs killed the little girl and not the owners.
Posted by: Brad | January 10, 2009 09:33 AM
I read this article because I wanted to see what type of dog it was. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a pit bull. I have always had "gentle" breeds. I recently found a pit bull mix puppy, sick with parvo, took her to a hospital where after 8 days, she was returned to me. Skin and bones, but so exuberant to recognize me (after only a few hours after finding her). This dog has turned out to be exceptionally aware, strong, heavy and lithe. She is sensitive to temperature change. She also thinks. I do not doubt for one moment that any dog, but especially a pit bull, were to suffer the pain of being chained and isolated, taunted by the freedom of other beings around them - the dog would become incommunicative and respond aggressively to anything other than food or water. I am so sorry to hear of the death of this young child. I am sorrier that we as a people are so slow to recognize what is really going on with these dogs.
Posted by: Jan Schultz | January 10, 2009 10:54 AM
when is the issue of parenting ever going to become apparent? i would not leave my 5 year old outside alone
Posted by: keri | January 10, 2009 11:50 AM
Sad. I'm sure the dog will be put down, and I hope that the parents of the girl learn something from this. And that they don't get a pet again.
Posted by: Aneliese | January 10, 2009 01:28 PM
i play with my dog every day and the only time she barly hurt me was when we were playing. i would like to point out she is a fully grown german shepherd which are one of teh most dangerous dogs...and she is a sweetheart.
Posted by: shalynn | January 10, 2009 01:38 PM
1) I don't think people should keep pitbulls as pets (as they were originally bred to be fighting dogs) and 2) dogs shouldn't be chained in the first place..
a dog is more territorial, nervous and aggressive when it is tied up or chained as it feels more vulnerable.. ie. it cannot 'get away' if should be attacked..
Posted by: beth | January 10, 2009 02:25 PM
This kind of thing makes me so sad. I 100% believe this could have been prevented if the owners had been more educated. I do not think the dog, or the breed, should be to blame. I think people should have to be educated about proper animal care and how the mind of a dog works before being allowed to own a dog.
Posted by: Sarah | January 10, 2009 03:06 PM
I agree with Michael Essi..let's get tough on owners of chained dogs and fighting dogs and hold them accountable. Let's educate the public about ethical treatment of pitbulls and other dogs!
Posted by: suki in colorado | January 10, 2009 05:45 PM
And it is a good thing to us, animal lovers of South Florida, that recently they passed a law that prohibits dog owners to keep dogs in chains in their backyards among others regulations such as keeping clean water and food for the dogs and other things that would qualify as cruelty.
Posted by: Margo | January 10, 2009 09:55 PM
hm....if it is put down, good riddance. If an animal attacks once, it will attack again. From my experience working at a Vet's I know this for a fact.
But it doesn't mean to give up on pit bulls. We have some that come in and are true sweet hearts. Any dog can become a vicious eating machine, but once it becomes one, it will be too late. And time to kill the dog
Posted by: Matt | January 10, 2009 11:00 PM
The morons who chained and neglected their dogs are not the victims here, they are the reason why this girl is dead, but it is their tortured dogs that will be killed. We need to learn.
Posted by: stacey Galvin | January 11, 2009 12:55 AM
I am so sick of hearing how human harm was done by another "Pitbull" When are people going to start punishing the humans that MAKE these dogs this way. I guess I don't know how I would act if someone put gunpowder in my food... beat me everyday and only rewarded me with attention if I committed a horrible act. Dogs only know what we humans teach them.
Posted by: Darlene Becker | January 11, 2009 07:46 AM
I personally think that it was the owners fault for leaving the dog chained and unattended and leaving the girl on the trampoline with no supervision
Posted by: Dinora | January 11, 2009 01:40 PM
I think everyone here is missing the point. This would have never happened if the animal was not enslaved by humans. We need to keep pushing to make pet ownership illegal! These animals need to be returned to their natural habitat where they can live as they should and enjoy their lives!
Posted by: Joan | January 11, 2009 04:40 PM
I want to comment about Beths comment...just because a dog is chained does not make it aggressive. Its the breed of dog and also the humane care NOT given...
dogs need attention, they are social...just like humans and need feedback from either humans or another dog. a dog chained is in solitary confinement ...without an officer to see if the dog is OK
Posted by: Donna | January 11, 2009 05:09 PM
I do not blame the dog, it was not hes fault. It will anger me to know that he was put to sleep! Why on earth would you want a dog and just keep it outside?!!!!!! That just pisses me off! They should keep the owners outside, chained.
Posted by: Me | January 11, 2009 05:36 PM
Maybe, we should realize that this breed is used specifically for attacking and killing back to the genetic origin and not as a pet. Pit Bulls are, as a species, not suitable for close quarters situation with children, other pets, or small animals. If you don't believe it Google pit bull and cities banning and see for yourself. Some animals are not suited for domestication and this is one example of a breed that has more problems than positive attributes. If the animal killed a person then yes it should be euthanized.
Posted by: Doc | January 11, 2009 05:40 PM
I volunteer at an animal shelter where, unfortunately, many neglected pit bulls are found chained and abandoned. These pit bulls are some of the sweetest dogs I spend time with, cuddling up to me, nuzzling, and laying their heads gently on my lap. My question to these people is- what is the point of owning dogs if you don't want to take on the responsibility of treating them well? I am sure they would say protection, but as mentioned in this article, dogs are protective of their human families when treated as part of the family, and less aggressive to people in general when kept inside and loved. Something needs to be done to prove this point to people who only buy pets as means to an end.
Posted by: Casey | January 11, 2009 06:30 PM
I don't undstand alot of people at PETA. If dogs are not to be treated as objects or alarm systems why are they sold like an alarm system or object. Shouldn't PETA protest thes kennels that sell dogs for hundreds and thousands of dollars. If people were being breed and sold to others it would be called slavery. So if PETA stands by the equal treatement for animals they should protest these "dog lovers" that make millions a dollars a year in slavery.
Posted by: Brian | January 12, 2009 07:28 AM
Why is Carl Jones a member of the Humane Society when she does not even care about dogs?
Posted by: Annie | January 12, 2009 08:31 AM
Two house down from me there are two chained, very large aggressive black dogs..My son was walking home the other night and one of them was loose and chased him. I am very thankful that this didnt happen to him.
Posted by: Crystal Caldwell | January 12, 2009 10:59 AM
To Brian: Peta does not support people who breed and sell dogs like objects - Peta promotes adoption, and wants to end breeders - so shows how little you know about this organization!
Posted by: Stray | January 12, 2009 11:20 AM
The only thing amazing here is that not one person has a thought of tenderness towards the girl killed. Jumping on a trampoline was probably the trigger that set the dogs off. Kids should have many chances to learn about dogs and how to act safely around them as they a growing up.
Posted by: Joanna | January 12, 2009 12:05 PM
Did anyone read the Headline to this story? A 5 Year Old Little Girl Died!! I read through some of your comments and everyone is very wrapped up in the dog... I think we need to start caring about human saftey! Some dogs need to be chained.. I don't think we should have a Free a Dog from a Chain day... this idea of dog freedom is a risk to young children and unexpecting humans!
Posted by: Brandi | January 12, 2009 02:15 PM
I own several pit bulls that are rescue dogs. They have lived on chains their entire life and require chains not to hurt each other. They are better cared for than any dogs that I know of, and require alot of time and care. I have children around them to soften them and they are entirely non aggressive now. Chains do not make them aggressive, they make themselves aggressive at the bequest of their humans. They can feel people more than you know. When they become calm and submissive consistenly they are released to be with the rest of the pack. Check out Ceasar Milians website for training and to understand more about the nature of this wonderful, compassionate animal that sometimes must be saved from itself.
Posted by: John | January 12, 2009 03:33 PM
Typical "vet" comment !
Posted by: Elaine | January 12, 2009 05:49 PM
Why do people have dogs if they do not keep them inside and let them participate in normal family life?
Posted by: Kelley | January 12, 2009 06:08 PM
My condolances go to this family for the loss of their child. We do not teach our pets to bite or kill. We teach them "Kindness, Trust Me and Manners". I would not invite an animal in my house if, they were not part of my household, inside the pack. I have 4 dogs and been bitten 4X's. Just Understand them.
Posted by: Michele | January 12, 2009 09:13 PM
So am I to believe that there are no "mean" animals? That all animals are non-aggresive and docile all the time and that humans are to blame every time an animal attacks. That is a load of crap!
I'm not saying humans don't have any influence over animals, but sometimes we need to give blame where blame is due.
In this case the dog is to blame, fair and simple.
Sometimes you have to accept the fact that animals are wild and can snap at anytime. They are territorial as well and that is proably what happened in this case.
I feel for the little girls family, this was a tragedy. The dog needs to be put down. If it can do this once, it can surely do it again.
Posted by: Kurt K | January 13, 2009 12:56 PM
I personally think that any animal can attack if they are miss treated. These poor dogs had teribble conditions, pregnant and chain. Never to feel the warmth of the fireplace. I would be very angry too, if I were that dog. I don't blaim the dog, she just desperate to get out of there!!!!!
Posted by: bailey | January 13, 2009 01:14 PM
I'm very sorry that the child died, but let's look at the wisdom of the owner: 1) A dog is chained; 2) A child is jumping up and down on a trampoline nearby, which is probably a "stimulus" for the dog; 3) The dog probably got more and more excited as the child jumped up and down; 4) The dog broke free of its chain and and ambushed the child. What were the parents thinking? That the dog would lie idly by and snooze during the excitement? This is a perfect example of why I believe that dog owners should be trained on how to properly handle and behave around a dog before they can bring it home. Anyone with common sense could tell you that this situation was just a recipe for disaster. What a pity for the family, the child and the dog. What a dreadful and avoidable situation.
Posted by: Jo Ackman | January 13, 2009 03:17 PM
Has anyone seen a police dog and how vicious they are? Theyre trained to respond almost exclusively to their trainers, and can attack anyone that comes between them and that trainer. Should we not have police dogs, who take out the bad guys? Or keep them and others safe by chaining/caging them and allowing them to protect us? And you can't say that they do not live full lives, because I know several and they do.
Posted by: Sean Rewers | January 13, 2009 04:44 PM
Have some heart people, a 5 yr old was killed. Enough about the "poor" dog. Regardless of how the dog was treated to result in the killing, a young little girl has lost her life... Just like how a human that has grown up by unjust parents goes out and murders, must a dog be put through the same process of punishment for the same crime.... I feel for the family of the little girl.
Posted by: Octavio | January 13, 2009 04:51 PM
This makes me want to cry. For the child and the dog and the ignorant parents. Pit Bulls are not mean dogs.Dogs are what the owners train them to be.
Posted by: stephanie | January 13, 2009 06:15 PM
In response to 'shalynn | January 10, 2009 01:38 PM'
-Why do you say pitbulls should not be kept as pets? Do you have any professional experiance to say this? I am a veterinary nurse and a dog trainer and pitbulls can be the most sweet and gentle dogs. But just like any breed of dog be it a chihuahua, a shih tzu, a golden retriever or a pit bull THEY NEED TO BO BROUGHT UP PROPERLY. I would trust a pitbull not to bite before a shihtzu. The only differance is, when a large dog such as a pittie does attack they do more dammage because of their size. This is hardly their fault. Owners ned to take responsibly. AND PEOPLE PLEASE STOP LISTENING TO THE MEDIA, PITTIES CAN BE BEAUTIFUL AFFECTIONATE DOGS AS LONG AS THEY ARE BROUGHT UP PROPERLY
Posted by: Stacey | January 13, 2009 06:41 PM
It's unfortunate that a child had to die to (maybe) smarten her parents up a little. If not, I guess she died for nothing.
This tragedy is 100% the fault of those parents who kept their dogs on chains their entire lives. I lived next door to a dog who suffered the same fate and he too went insane and attacked when he got free one day. I did not for one second blame the dog in that case, nor do I blame the dog in this case.
Posted by: Antigone1000 | January 14, 2009 12:07 AM
That is easy for you to say Antigone. Had it been your relative who was attacked and killed, you may feel a bit different.
Posted by: Kurt K | January 14, 2009 11:13 AM
So first off, I love dogs, I have a wonderful black lab and shes amazing. I want to say that I had a feeling this was gonna be another pitbull story. For starters... why was a small child on a trampoline alone, surrounded by dogs who would think she was a small tasty play toy? Pitbulls ARE DANGEROUS!! Pitbulls and Children DONT MIX! As far as them being chained up, I don't think any dog should be chained up..but they do need a yard to call their own...with a fence.
Posted by: LabLover | January 14, 2009 09:58 PM
Kurt K: Since I am smart enough not to keep a dog chained for his/her entire life with little or no social contact, my dog would not attack a family member, so I would not find myself in that predicament. I am also smart enough to know that I need to have a fence around my pool and that I need to keep my guns safely away from my children. Sadly enough, many people are not that intelligent. Perhaps we should start issuing breeding licenses for humans...
Posted by: Antigone1000 | January 15, 2009 12:26 AM
Antigone,
I wasn't questioning the way you house your dogs, guns, pool, etc. I suggested that if this happened to somebody in your family, now follow me here, you might feel a bit different about the animal in question.
Hypothetically speaking, lets just say you have a 8 year old niece and she goes to a friends house who owns a pit bull and that dog attacks and kills your niece. As much as it pains you to think this, you will probably hate that animal. You can hate the owners too, that is your right. But I doubt you would want to be buddy buddy with the dog.
For the record, I would never chain my dog up either. I would, however, put them in a dog pin at night just so they didn't get into any trouble. But I would not chain them up, unless we went somewhere and it was necessary for a little while.
So on that point I agree with you.
But you can't honestly expect me to believe that there are no dangerous animals that were not created by humans. Thats just silly.
Posted by: Kurt K | January 15, 2009 10:45 AM
Kurt K: Actually, my original comment was that the incident was 100% the fault of the humans, not the dog. Even if my child had been the one killed, I would still feel exactly the same. If my child drowned in an unfenced pool, why would I blame the pool??
Posted by: Antigone1000 | January 15, 2009 07:32 PM
stacey its not just the parents fault its also the people who bred pitbulls because they were bred to be vicious and be guard dogs even though some are nice and your remark shows no human endeverment
Posted by: john | January 16, 2009 01:23 AM
Antigone,
Well, the pool wouldn't lunge at the girl and drag her into the deep end. They can't do that because they are non-living objects.
However, the dog had a choice in the matter now didn't it.
A) Don't kill the little girl. Or B) Kill the little girl.
You are the ones that keep telling me animals have feelings and emotions. That they deserve rights. Well with rights comes responsibilities and consequences. The dog choose to kill and the dog is to blame.
Posted by: Kurt K | January 16, 2009 10:36 AM
Kurt K: An animal that is chained for his entire life goes mad, do you not get that?? An animal kept in a cage in a lab for his entire life also goes mad. The exact same thing will happen to a human. No, the dogs are not to blame, the humans are. As usual, your bigotry surfaces.
Posted by: Antigone1000 | January 16, 2009 06:13 PM
When we neglect our responsibilities there is bound to be consequences.People domesticated dogs, therefore it is our responsibility to take care of them. The parents are to blame for this, not the dogs.
Posted by: Stella | January 19, 2009 12:40 AM
Antigone,
Do you know for a fact that this animal was chained for its entire life? Have you ever thought that maybe the animal was chained up because it was dangerous when it wasn't chained?
How am I a bigot for blaming the dog for something it did?
By your logic we can't blame any criminals then. Everything comes either from the parents or some other outside influence. Nobody has to take responsibility for their actions.
By your logic, Michael Vick isn't to blame, his parents are.
Posted by: Kurt K | January 21, 2009 04:00 PM
I just want to say that it is sad the little girl is dead but it is true animals chained not socialized will be aggressive. It dosent matter if it is a pitbull or lab or sheppard, and to note pitbulls past their temperment tests higher then a collie, a cockerspaniel and a lab so figure that out people who are quick to judge the animal cause it is a pitbull. I think we people need to take responsibility for our actions not pass the blame cause we can speak. Shame on the peopele who do that. Hold us accountable for the wrongs we do to the animal kingdom.
Posted by: Pamela | January 22, 2009 01:41 PM
I would agree that this is NOT the animal's fault but the owner of the animal's ignorance! Pets are just that...Pets! They rely on us (humans) for shelter, food and love. Yes LOVE! they deserve to have attention and play times, etc. Nobody should get a pet if they are going to leave them "chained" outside or in a kennel 50 ft from a house and alone without any socialization. that is cruel! At least at shelters, they have more attention and socialize with other dogs near them! they no longer have the lonliness that they have chained up or locked up all ALONE! People need to educate themselves before making lifetime committments! And, Rescued dogs (and cats) make the best pets because they are so appreciative of their new homes and LOVE! they flourish in the attention and return it 10-fold! Adopt, Adopt, Adopt. Put these puppy mills out of business! That's nothing but animal cruelty! and it HAS TO STOP!
Posted by: Diane Thompson | January 22, 2009 01:43 PM
This is very sad and bothers me a lot. I do not understand why people get dogs if they are only going to leave them outside on a chain. I do not know how in these freezing cold months the owner do not feel guilty looking out there window from their warm house and seeing the poor dog out there, with frozen water and no way to be warm. I think how crazy they must go with nothing different day to day. Is there any way this can become a law against leaving a dog outside chained? If so I would love to help in any way.
Posted by: Michelle | January 22, 2009 03:08 PM
Some people have no heart or warmth. I don't blame the dog. Dogs will act how they are raised and treated. Enough said. :{ Anyone or thing would go mad after being changed everday. Dogs were meant to get some exercise. If you can't treat a dog how it should be treated. Please, Please, do not own one. Where were the parents??
Posted by: Shannon | January 22, 2009 03:08 PM
Some people have no heart or warmth. I don't blame the dog. Dogs will act how they are raised and treated. Enough said. :{ Anyone or thing would go mad after being changed everday. Dogs were meant to get some exercise. If you can't treat a dog how it should be treated. Please, Please, do not own one. Where were the parents??
Posted by: Shannon | January 22, 2009 03:08 PM
Peta has been the best thing that could have ever happened for animals. I love what they do for animals and how much they care. Thank you Peta.
Posted by: Shannon | January 22, 2009 03:11 PM
Peta has been the best thing that could have ever happened for animals. I love what they do for animals and how much they care. Thank you Peta.
Posted by: Shannon | January 22, 2009 03:11 PM
I bet that the owner beat to death the poor dog. It went mad being chained and all the time on its own. The owner should be prosecuted and also the City. PETA should also fight for a Law that will
forbid chaining dogs and dog-
fighting.
Posted by: Joanna | January 22, 2009 07:24 PM
pitbulls were not originally bred to be fighting dogs. During the 40's and 50's it was the #1 family dog in America. Remember "Little Rascals"? It wasn't until dog fighting was introduced by other countries that they became known as fighting dogs. Before this they were valued because they protected their family so much.
Posted by: lisa | January 23, 2009 12:06 AM
Lisa,
So you are saying that pitbulls are naturally protective of their owners?
Wouldn't that make them a dangerous breed then?
I was bit in the face by a German Sheapard once becuase I approached its owner while he was petting the dog.
Is it safe to say pitbulls have a higher chance of this happening since they are so protective?
Therefore, to protect innocent bystanders from being attacked, shouldn't pitbulls be caged, or chained up when the owners can't watch the dogs?
If you let them roam the yard, they may miscontrue a mailman, delivery person, door-to-door salesman, neighbors child,etc. as a threat and attack.
I don't like it either, but some pitbulls need to chained up, especially when children are around.
Posted by: Kurt K | January 23, 2009 09:47 AM
I am 47 yrs. old and have picked up stray and abondoned animals all my life. I have had all breeds of dogs including a pit and an Americal Bulldog. About a month ago, however, I picked up a pit mix off the median of an interstate. HE was glad to be rescued. He was well behaved, walked on a leash and did not run off when I let him out of the van to go to the bathroom. He was gruffy looking and thin so I took him home. I put him in a pen to get used to my pack of 8 dogs but he climbed the fence and they got along for about 2 weeks when all of the sudden he got pushed in a playful situation he exploded and attacked my 100 lb. malamute shredding his leg to the bone. I put him on the chain for about a week but he behaved himself so I let him off and he was o.k. for a couple of days and them my American bulldog pup started playing with him and they stated tusseling and all of a sudden he attacked him and bit him all over and it took me pulling and my daugter to pull him off (He never offered to bite us). He was again but on the chain and let off a week later for good behavior. He had never offered to bother the cats while in the house but one jumped off the counter and it was like a switch went off. He grabbed her and shook her back and forth until I got him unattached. I decided I may have to take him to the pound but I told myself I would try a couple more days to find him a home so I put him back on the chain. The very next day after the rain he lunged and pulled the whole chain out of the ground to get back after the malamute but I caught him before he hurt him and them moved him to another location. The very next day he broke his collar and attacked the bull dog again and he did not provoke him one bit because he doesn't know how to fight and it took me pulling and my daughter with a shovel tring to pry his teeth off Bruno's neck and then he finally let go and I got him in the van. He was never aggressive towards people and very loving and well behaved - it was just the animals that triggered the aggression. I don't know his background but he may have been fought in the past. I hated to take him to the shelter but I did to keep my animals safe. He is the first dog in all these years that I had to take to a shelter. He could have been free to run with my pack on 13 acres of wooded land but he just had a trigger point probably caused from his upbringing.
I love all animals and foster wild animals when needed also. I hate for anything to happen to any of the ones I bring home because they are all unique and all appreciated the love and food they get even if they have had bad pasts.
Posted by: Donna Barham | January 23, 2009 04:40 PM
Kurt K: By your logic, the abused woman who finally kills her husband should be fully prosecuted without regard to circumstances. The fact is that the people are to blame, they caused the dog to be chained and to go mad. The animal is not to blame. Unfortunately, any moron in this country can have an animal and a child. In this case, the morons' animal killed their child. Unfortunate, but their fault.
Posted by: Antigone1000 | January 24, 2009 08:06 PM
Why have animals?? If your going to keep them chained up..Do you really think they feel love with very little interaction from humans?? To raise a healthy and gentle animal you must spend time with it as you would a human.We are the ones who create such aggressive animals.Its always very sad to hear such sad stories..
Posted by: mary | January 25, 2009 09:15 AM
Antigone, you actually make a good point by comparing a beaten wife to an abused dog. They may seem the same, but there are a few key differences.
Just to be clear, I never said the parents are totally innocent in this matter. They should have known better than to let their child near a dangerous dog. Especially by herself.
Back to my point.
In regards to a beaten wife, of course she has to bear some blame it she kills her husband. Though I'm sure a jury would consider the abuse in the deliberation. The only time I will condone that type of killing is if her life was in immediate danger. Here is the key difference as I see it.
A woman that kills her husband knows killing is wrong and she more than likely isn't a danger to other people and can be rehabilitated.
However, a dog that kills doesn't know what it did was wrong and it has a high probability of repeating over and over. That is why the dog must be put down, to protect unsuspecting people. Like the lady above said, one minute they can seem harmless and the next they can be tearing into a person or animal.
This is an unfortunate case, but the authorities have to protect the public from future attacks like this.
Posted by: Kurt K | January 26, 2009 10:32 AM
Donna Barham, I totally admire what you do and I feel that you did all that you could with the stray pit bull, and that you needed to protect your other animals. Kurt and Antigone - please exchange phone numbers. I personally see all animals as equal to humans. They are inhabiting earth just as we are, should they be downgraded because they are not as intelligent as us? I find it truly discusting that we(not all, but a lot of us) deliberatly breed them to make money, raise them irresponsibly and treat them with little respect. Animals give love unconditionally and dont ask much. I love animals and have alot of admiration for them. I think a lot of humans are selfish and greedy and have forgotten what really matters in life. Well, I wonder what the personality of a child would be like if it was chained outside with a kennel for the majority of its life. Go figure.
Overall, I believe dogs should not be chained no matter what breed, at homes or on utes with long chains(where they are at risk of hanging themselves). Yes, it should be illegal.
Posted by: Hayley | February 1, 2009 02:18 AM
I have a pitbull and 3 kids. Yes I do monoter the dog and his behavior. You are suppose to so u can teach the pit for any wrong doing. I will tell u he loves my kids to death. He gets mad at me when I scold the kids or give them lectures. You need to teach and be patient. That girl jumping on the trampoline and got attacked was sad. The dog probably wanted attention and instead was leashed up. The owners need to be charged with neglect. n3glect from watching there child and her saftey. ALso neglect and animal cruilty. I worked with all types of dogs and u know what I got bitten more times from a lab and a shitzu and zero times from a pitbull. Pitbulls are nanny dogs tthey are out to please there owners. Treat them right.
Posted by: Jennifer Malone | February 14, 2009 06:07 AM
my father in law lives next to a woman who has 2 pitt bulls. They have a pretty new wooden fance that is about 5-6 feet tall. They had their dogs out in the backyard one day and one of them heard the postman across the street delivering mail. Well the dog ended up breaking down the fence and mauling the poor postman. Is it just the breed because this dog was not chained up.
Posted by: Nicole | October 28, 2009 11:11 AM
my father in law lives next to a woman who has 2 pitt bulls. They have a pretty new wooden fance that is about 5-6 feet tall. They had their dogs out in the backyard one day and one of them heard the postman across the street delivering mail. Well the dog ended up breaking down the fence and mauling the poor postman. Is it just the breed because this dog was not chained up.
Posted by: Nicole | October 28, 2009 11:11 AM