Dogs Bite Blog

Flashback: Emma-Leigh Chambers-Allen Attacked by a Pit Bull

2009-07-18T00:01:00.002-06:00

Emma-Leigh Chambers-Allen
Los Chavez, NM - On June 6, 2004, Emma-Leigh Chambers-Allen was severely mauled by her neighbor's pit bull. At the time of the attack, Emma was 5-years old. A family friend created a website to share Emma's story and images of her serious injuries. The pit bull broke Emma's jaw in three places, broke her nose, tore out teeth and severed part of her tongue. She received over 200 stitches to her face and lost 66% of her blood in the attack. The website author writes:

"Emma's surgery expenses will cost over 700,000.00 that her mothers monthly salary of about 900.00 will have to cover plus, she must pay for about 800.00 in monthly bills and other stuff and that only leaves about 100.00, and, guess where that goes. Gas, clothing, ect. And that leaves about 0.00 for surgery expenses. if you would like to help you can pray or donate."

Six months after the attack, Emma's parents, Tamara Allen Chambers and Chris Allen, filed a lawsuit against the dog's owner and Valencia County. According to the lawsuit, Chris Allen was inside his ex-wife's home when he was called outside by a child yelling. He found the pit bull standing over his daughter with its jaws locked onto her neck and throat. Allen struck the dog three times with a piece of cement then ran with his daughter to a nearby fire station for help.

The lawsuit claimed that at the time of the mauling, a county ordinance was in place that makes it illegal to keep or harbor a vicious animal. Prior to the attack, numerous complaints had been made to the county's animal control department concerning the animal's vicious behavior -- including that "someday, Shelton's pit bull would attack a child." The lawsuit also targeted the Sheriff's Department as a neglectful party for failing to investigate complaints about the dog.

One year after the attack, Gov. Bill Richardson signed into law new dangerous dog legislation (SB 432). The bill allows felony charges to be applied to owners of dogs deemed "dangerous" or "potentially dangerous" that seriously injure or kill a person or an animal. (The key is that the law applies to "potentially dangerous," dogs, which have not yet committed a serious mauling.) In the instance of a human attack, 3rd degree felony charges apply and for animals, 4th degree.

Dangerous Dog Act
C. An owner of a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog that causes serious injury or death to a domestic animal, without provocation, is guilty of a fourth degree felony and shall be sentenced in accordance with the provisions of Section 31-18-15 NMSA 1978.
D. An owner of a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog that causes serious injury to a human being, without provocation, is guilty of a third degree felony and shall be sentenced in accordance with the provisions of Section 31-18-15 NMSA 1978.

The law was designed to remove "arbitrary" animal control department decisions by setting forth statewide procedures in the handling of "potentially dangerous" and "dangerous" dogs. Unsurprisingly, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and regional "Mauling" Fanciers opposed the law, demonstrating for the "nth" time that such groups do not support "Punishing the Deed" as widely claimed. Hopefully, New Mexico prosecutors have convicted offenders under this law.

July 2005 AKC Newsletter
"Under SB 432, felony charges can be applied to owners of dogs that are deemed dangerous or potentially dangerous that kill or maim another animal or person. New Mexico fanciers opposed SB 432 because although it does not target certain breeds, its vague definitions and the broad authority it grants animal control officers may leave dog owners vulnerable to prosecution."

It is important to point out that new state dangerous dog laws frequently come at the result of a serious or deadly pit bull attack. For instance, the Luna McDaniel Act - Louisiana (2009), Lillian's Law - Texas (2007), Anna's Law - Illinois (2005), Tyler's Law - California (2005), Cody's Law - California (1998) and IC 15-5-12-3 - Indiana (1993). We do not know of any state dangerous dog law that was inspired or enacted after a Cocker spaniel, Collie or Dachshund attack.

Due to the older nature of this story and potential non-access to related articles, we've placed the Emma-Leigh Chambers-Allen story into one PDF file (Download Emma's story) for easier accessibility.

Father's Pit Bull Named "Monster" Severely Mauls 5-Year Old Daughter

2009-07-16T00:15:00.005-06:00

No Endangering Charges
Hamilton, OH - After a pit bull named "Monster" broke out of its cage and attacked the 5-year old daughter of its owner, authorities will not file child endangering charges against the parents. On Monday, Payton Tunstall, was reportedly playing in the backyard of her father’s house in the 400 block of Knightsbridge Drive when the attack occurred. The pit bull inflicted serious injuries to her head, face, legs and arms. Payton was airlifted by medical helicopter to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and continues to be listed in critical condition.

Ohio state law (955.22) mandates the "secure enclosure" of pit bulls, so the father, Chris Tunstall, is being charged for failing to properly confine the dog. Animal control officials say the dog got out because of an "issue with the lock on the cage." Last year in Youngstown, a pit bull owned by Paul Richardson Sr. chewed through its cage and attacked his 6-year old son. The father then blamed the cage manufacturer. While pleading "not guilty" to charges for failure to confine the animal, he told the court the ties were not metal but aluminum, "so they snapped."

Tunstall is also being charged with failing to obtain liability insurance, a separate requirement under Ohio state law for owners of pit bulls.

Related ZUPF video

Related articles:
12/14/08: Pit Bull Breaks Through Glass Door to Attack 10-Year Old Child
08/08/08: Comment: Pit Bulls are 14 Times More Likely to Break Constraint to Attack
05/29/08: Youngstown Boy is Home from the Hospital

Pit Bulls Lead "Bite" Counts Across U.S. Cities and Counties

2009-07-14T09:30:00.006-06:00

DogsBite.org - U.S. Animal Control departments from Rhode Island to California report that pit bulls are biting more than all other dog breeds. The following areas depict this trend: Woonsocket, RI, Syracuse, NY, Lake and Broward Counties, FL, Indianapolis, IN, Dyersburg, TN, Richmond County, GA, Lincoln, NE, Wichita, KS, Ogden, UT, North Texas Cities and Ventura County, CA. The often-quoted myth by pro-pit bull groups that pit bulls "do not bite more than other breeds" is categorically false. In addition to the fact that pit bulls are the leading biters, the pit bull bite is also the most likely dog bite to end in serious and disfiguring injury.

Woonsocket, Rhode Island | (PDF)
In June 2009, Capt. Kenneth Paulhus of the Woonsocket Police Department issued a 3-year report concerning the alarming pit bull trend. "In 2006, pit bulls accounted for 32 percent of all the dog bite cases in Woonsocket," Paulhus says in the report. "The number increased to 37 percent in 2007. The year 2008 reflected half of all dog bites in the city were attributed to pit bulls." He added that "many were serious." Animal Control Officer Doris Kay says in the report that she used to think all dogs were created equal. But she says she's learned that, "In Woonsocket pit bulls bite more often, and cause more injury, than any other breed."

Russ Olivo, "Police push pit bull law," The Call, June 14, 2009 (www.woonsocketcall.com)

Lincoln, Nebraska | (PDF)
Also in June, after a pit bull attacked 10-year old Baylee Harris, Lincoln Animal Control officials said that pit bulls are the leading breed in reported attacks. Since September of 2008, there have been 38 pit bull bites in the city followed by Labs with 27. The Lincoln County Animal Control 2008 Annual Report (truncated) shows that in 2008, a licensed population of 858 pit bulls and their mixes produced 60 biting incidents. The city's substantial population of Labs and lab-mixes, 5448 dogs, produced 39 bites in the same period. The data shows that 1 out of every 14 pit bulls in Lincoln is a biter, while its takes over 142 Labs to produce a bite.

Jason Volentine, "Updated Lincoln Boy Recovering After Pit Bull Attack," KOLNKGIN, June 3, 2009 (www.kolnkgin.com)

Richmond County, Georgia | (PDF)
In the same month, it was reported that Richmond County had 139 complaints of animal bites so far this year, 26 of them involving pit bulls. This is about 19-percent and the most out of all dog breeds, according to the article. Diane Downs, the Director of Richmond County Animal Control, said that pit bulls "tend to get the most exposure because unfortunately they do the most damage." The news article came in response to a pit bull attack that left an Augusta man hospitalized. As we see in so many of these cases, the pit bulls escaped owner property (through a gap in the fence) "just to attack" a man who had been walking down the street.

Samantha Andre, "Pit bull attack sends man to hospital," WRDW.com, June 23, 2009 (www.wrdw.com)

Syracuse, New York | (PDF)
In May 2009, it was reported that the Syracuse dog control department had responded to 19 pit bull bites since the beginning of the year. According to the article, this is nearly double the amount during all of last year. "It's the beginning of dog control officer Jason Driscoll's shift," the article states, "and already he's responding to a pit bull call." In this instance, the two pit bulls (with a history of bad behavior) had also escaped owner property. Last year one of the same dog's bit a young girl. Dog control officers told WSYR TV that they run into trouble with other dog breeds as well, but pit bulls make up the "majority of reported attacks."

"Pit bull attacks in Syracuse on the rise," NewsChannel 9 WSYR, May 29, 2009 (9wsyr.com)

Dyersburg, Tennessee | (PDF)
In April 2009, after a 16-year old girl was attacked by loose pit bulls while walking down a street, the Dyersburg Police Department reported there were 21 "dog bite" reports written in 2008. The figures show that nearly half of those bites (10) were from pit bulls. In the first four months of 2009, three of the five police reports written on dog bites involved pit bulls. The article also includes information from the Dyersburg City Attorney's office. City records show there were 35 court cases involving dogs within the last year. Of the 35 cases, 29 of them involved pit bulls. There were also six dog bite cases and all of those were from pit bulls.

"Pit bull attack causes injury and outrage," State Gazette, April 4, 2009 (stategazette.com)

Ogden, Utah | (PDF)
In March 2009, the City of Ogden considered a new ordinance that would toughen requirements for pit bull owners including carrying liability insurance. Bob Geier, director of the Ogden Animal Shelter, was in support of this new ordinance. Based on the APPA national survey statistics, Geier estimated that there are about 16,000 dogs in Ogden, including 3,200 pit bulls. During the last two years, pit bulls have accounted for about 20 percent of the dog population at the city animal shelter. During that same period, according to Geier, pit bulls and their mixes have been responsible for about 40 percent of reported dog bites in the city.

Scott Schwebke, "Tougher rules for pit bulls," Standard-Examiner, March 29, 2009 (www.standard.net)

Lake County, Florida | (PDF)
Also reported in March, Marjorie Boyd, the director of Lake County Animal Services, said, "Pit bulls lead all breeds of dogs and cats in bite incidents the county has investigated in the past two years." According to Boyd, pit bulls represented 12.7 percent of bite cases in 2007, 12.5 percent in 2008 and 18 percent of cases thus far this year. The article came in response to the brutal mauling of 22-year old Tracy Lindsey. At the time, Lindsey had been jogging down Getford Road when two pit bulls escaped owner property and attacked her. Lindsay was airlifted by a Life Flight helicopter to Orlando Regional Medical Center and rushed into surgery.

Benjamin Roode, "Pit bulls maul jogger," The Daily Commercial, March 31, 2009 (www.dailycommercial.com)

Broward County, Florida | (PDF)
South of Lake County, the Broward County Dog Bite Database depicts a vivid picture of the "top biter." During the years of 2005 to 2008, Labs produced 151 biting incidents with 98 inflicted on humans and 53 on animals, while Cocker spaniels produced 16 biting incidents with 15 on humans and 1 to an animal. In the same period, the pit bull/American Staffordshire terrier community produced a whopping 618 biting incidents with 323 inflicted on humans and 296 on the county's pet and livestock population. The data shows that human-aggression is just as prevalent as animal-aggression in pit bulls produced by local breeders.

"Search Broward County animal bite reports" South Florida Sun Sentinel (www.sun-sentinel.com)

Indianapolis, Indiana | (PDF)
In February 2009, The Indianapolis Star reported that pit bull bites were at a record high -- 282 in 2008, an increase of 33 percent from the previous year and about three times the total from 2006. The Marion County Dog Bite Database shows that pit bulls produced 490 biting incidents while Labs produced 152 incidents and Cocker spaniels only produced 27. The Star also reported that out of 3,000 pit bulls in animal care last year, nearly 2,500 were euthanized. Despite these statistics, the active pit bull community and the Indianapolis Humane Society, managed to "table" a new dog ordinance designed to reduce pit bull bites and euthanizations.

Heather Gillers, "Can pit bulls be saved?" The Indianapolis Star, February 1, 2009 (www.indystar.com)

Wichita, Kansas | (PDF)
In January 2009, the Wichita Department of Environmental Services released a number of pit bull statistics. The figures are based upon the Wichita Animal Control department's investigation of 733 dog bites and attacks in 2008. Included in the data are pit bulls encountered by the Wichita Police Department. In the 1-year period, 95% of police encounters with aggressive dogs were pit bulls. The report also showed that the percentage of pit bull encounters had increased from 66% in 2004 to 95% in 2008. Subsequently, four months after the release of this data, the City of Wichita enacted a mandatory pit bull sterilization law.

55% of all dogs deemed dangerous were pit bulls (41 pit bull dogs deemed dangerous).
34% of attacks and bites involved pit bull dogs (246 pit bull attacks/bites).
28% of dogs found running at large were pit bulls (1,279 pit bulls found running loose).
25% of dogs impounded were pit bulls dogs (1,575 pit bulls impounded).
37% of all dogs euthanized were pit bull dogs (1,255 pit bulls euthanized).
23% of dog complaints involved pit bull dogs (2,523 complaints involved pit bull dogs).

"Wichita Pit Bull Dogs in 2008," Wichita Department of Environmental Services, January 2009 (www.wichitagov.org)

North Texas Cities | (PDF)
In August 2008, The Dallas Morning News reported that dog bite incidents from July 2007 to July 2008 in Duncanville, Cedar Hill and Mesquite, showed that a third (33%) of all animal attacks involved pit bulls. Each of these cities passed resolutions urging the state Legislature to allow breed-specific laws, as lawmakers were hoodwinked by the dog lobby in 1991 and passed a pre-emptive state-wide anti-BSL measure (822.047). The next closest breeds were German shepherds (9.6%) and Labs (9%). While breed population data was not available in this article, it's presumable that the pit bull population is lower than the other two.

Jon Nielsen, "North Texas cities seek breed-specific regulations as statistics show pit bulls lead in bite incidents," Dallas Morning News, August 22, 2008 (www.dallasnews.com)

Ventura County, California | (PDF)
In July 2008, Ventura County Department of Animal Regulation released a 1-year statistical report (July 2007 to June 2008). The report showed that pit bulls ranked 8th in licensing, but were still the number one biter producing 117 biting incidents in this time. Cocker spaniels, often cited by pro-pit bull groups as the leading biter, ranked 6th in licensing, but 8th in bite numbers with only 28 incidents. In September 2008, 5-year old Katya Todesco of Simi Valley suffered catastrophic face and neck injury after she reportedly "bumped into" a pit bull. She died 6 days later. The pit bull mauling death of Katya was recorded as "1 biting incident."

Ventura County Department of Animal Regulation FY 2007-2008 Statistical Report (www.countyofventura.org)

Zupf: Interested in Pit Bull Adoption?

2009-07-12T17:43:00.004-06:00

YouTube video artist Zupf recently created a piece that highlights two court rulings concerning a municipality's constitutional authority to regulate pit bulls. In the Vanater v. South Point (Ohio) and Garcia v. Village of Tijeras (New Mexico) cases, Zupf emphasizes statements made by each of the judges. For example, Judge Weber (Ohio) states, "It is clear that the unquantifiable, unpredictable aggressiveness and gameness of Pit Bulls make them uniquely dangerous."

Each of these high court rulings, in addition to others, can be found in the Legislating Dogs > Constitutionality section of DogsBite.org. Since the inception of breed-specific laws (pit bull laws) in the 1980s, U.S. courts have consistently ruled that due to the genetic traits of pit bulls -- distinctive behavioral characteristics brought about by the artificial selection for the purposes of dogfighting -- pit bulls pose a unique danger to the public and can be regulated accordingly.

Related articles:
12/22/08: Coverage of Zupf's Pit Bull Attack Victim Videos - DogsBite.org
11/20/08: Aurora, Colorado Fighting Breed Ban Goes to District Court
02/26/08: United States Supreme Court Leaves Intact Ohio Supreme Court’s Ruling...

8-State Simultaneous Dogfighting Sting; 450 Dogs Seized

2009-07-11T11:30:00.002-06:00

Middle Class Crime
UPDATE 07/11/09: As noted in comments, dogfighting is organized crime -- gambling and racketeering -- primarily carried out by middle class citizens. Participants are often valued members of the community as well. The recent Associated Press article names a registered nurse, Cris Bottcher, and a physical education teacher, Rick Hihath, as part of those arrested this past week. Both are charged with felony dogfighting crimes that occurred at Bottcher's farm.

"Karl Courtney, of the eastern Texas town of Beckville pleaded not guilty, said his attorney David Moore, who described his client as a "well-respected business owner." His brother, Chase Courtney, 26, of the nearby town of Carthage, also was arrested, but a phone number or attorney for him could not be found.
Cris Bottcher, a 48-year-old registered nurse at a community hospital in Bethany, Mo., also was arrested Wednesday in western Missouri and accused of shooting underperforming dogs and putting their carcasses in plastic containers outside a garage, according to a federal indictment.
Six others were also arrested in that raid including Rick Hihath, a 55-year-old physical education teacher at a state school for the severely disabled, the indictment said. He is accused of working and promoting fights at Bottcher's farm, it said."

07/09/09: Largest Dogfighting Raid in U.S. History
In what must have spiked heart rates in "gamedoggers" across the U.S. (dogfighters and breeders of fighting dogs), it was announced Wednesday that as many as 450 dogs were seized during simultaneous raids in eight states: Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. What is important for readers to understand is that the industry of dogfighting is directly tied to the ongoing proliferation of pit bulls with explosive aggression.

States and Arrests:

Missouri Arrests: Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri Michael Reap said that four kennel operators were arrested in the sting: Robert Hackman, 55, Foley (Lincoln County) of "Shake Rattle and Roll Kennel"; Jack Ruppel, 35 Eldon (Miller County) of "Ozark Hillbillys Kennel"; Michael Morgan AKA "Missouri Mike," 38, Hannibal (Marion and Ralls Counties) of "Cannibal Kennel"; and Ronald Creach, 34, Leslie (Franklin County) of "Hard Goodbye Kennel."

Texas Arrests: John M. Bales, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, announced that eight people were arrested in a multi-state dogfighting ring that reached into two Texas counties. Individuals named in the indictment include: Harold D. Stewart, 41, Karl "Shane" Courtney, 34 and Devin L. Pelzl, 29, of Beckville (Panola County); Jerry "Scotty" Chism, 34, of Longview (Gregg County); Chase M. Courtney, 26, and Chad A. Courtney, 30, of Carthage (Panola County).

Iowa Arrests: Don Ledford, a spokesman for federal prosecutors, said that four Iowans in adjacent counties were arrested yesterday that allegedly participated in a Missouri dogfighting ring: Jill D. Makstaller, 32, of Perry (Dallas County); Zachary R. Connelly, 32, of Ogden (Boone County); Kevin P. Tasler, 51, of Jefferson (Greene County); and Ryan J. Tasler, 32, of Woodward (Dallas County). Most of the 35 dogs seized in Iowa were taken from Makstaller according to Ledford.

Illinois Arrests: U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois announced Wednesday that William Berry, 34, of Lebanon (St. Clair County); Derrick Courtland, 42, of Cahokia (St. Clair County); and John Bacon, 36, Julius Jackson, 40, Joseph Addison, 40, all of East St. Louis, Ill., were taken into custody and charged with conspiracy to commit unlawful activities of dogfighting. The violation is alleged to have taken place in St. Clair and Madison Counties of Illinois.

Oklahoma Arrests: U.S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling of the Eastern District of Oklahoma said that Jerry Matlock, 57, of Stilwell (Adair County) was arrested near Welling (Cherokee County). Matlock was charged with three felony counts of dogfighting. Sterling called the seized pit bulls "canine combatant gladiators," which refers to the undeniable genetic heritage of pit bulls: The artificial selection for the purposes of dogfighting (unpredictability, tenacity, and the killer bite).

Nebraska Arrest: Julio Reyes, 28, of Tecumseh (Johnson County) turned himself into authorities Wednesday. Judge Richard Kopf granted Reyes supervised release and allowed him to keep the dogs. After a second search warrant was issued, however, along with the help of local law enforcement and the Humane Society of the United States, four pit bulls were seized from two homes in Tecumseh the next day. Reyes is the only Nebraskan indicted so far in the multi-state sting.

DogsBite.org has not listed all of the arrests. No immediate information could be found regarding arrests or seizures in Mississippi and Arkansas.

Related articles:
03/06/09: Dog Aggression Equals Human Injury, Bullets and Dead Family Dogs
02/23/09: Pit Bull Dog-Aggression Results in Serious Human Injury
02/19/09: Elkhart Pit Bull Owner May Suffer Amputation After "Redirected" Attack
01/15/09: Explanation: The Policy of Not Adopting Out Fighting Dogs
12/07/08: NYT: Dogfighting Subculture is Taking Hold in Texas

See all: Dogfighting

Owner of Pit Bulls that Attacked Brenda Hill Sentenced to Two Years

2009-07-11T08:00:00.002-06:00

From left: Lee Carroll, Brenda Hill, Greg Gilbert and Marion County prosecutor.

Owner Gets Max
Indianapolis, IN - Back in December, 68-year old Brenda Hill stepped onto her porch with a trash bag in her hand. Instead of reaching the nearby trashcan, she was blindsided by two pit bulls owned by her neighbor Lee Carroll. The dogs tore into her legs so violently that one was later partially amputated. On Tuesday, Brenda left the nursing home where she continues to undergo therapy since the attack to attend the court hearing of Carroll with her family.

Carroll pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of criminal dog bite liability. Before his sentencing, Carroll apologized to Hill and told the judge that he had suffered too, that he couldn't "eat or sleep" after the attack. Greg Gilbert, Hill's son, was quick to say, "I don't see how he suffered. Suffering is what my mom has been going through for the past six, seven, eight months." Gilbert added that Carroll has suffered "a little guilt" since the attack, but that's about it.

Also attending the hearing was the woman that made the two-year penalty possible. In 1992, Caress Garten was walking in Fall Creek Park park when she was brutally attacked by two loose pit bulls. The dogs tore her calf muscle away from her leg bone; her face was slashed open and her hand injured. The owner of the pit bulls pulled the dogs off of her, told her, "You won't die," then left her. Amazingly, Garten walked a hundred yards to the street and was able to flag down help.

In 1993, and due to Garten's courageous efforts, the State of Indiana passed a law (IC 15-5-12-3) that allows for criminal action after a serious dog attack. Garten tells her powerful story of survival and successful mission to change the law in her book, "On Behalf of Innocents: A True Story of a Mission, Faith, and a Promise Fulfilled." Seventeen years later, she continues to assist victims of violent dog attacks and to educate for the prevention of these attacks.

Renewed Push for Ordinance

In the wake of the attack on Brenda Hill, City-County Council Member Mike Speedy proposed a mandatory pit bull sterilization law to reduce the growing number of pit bulls and pit bull attacks in the city. Due to opposition from the Indianapolis Humane Society, the proposal was tabled in May. After Carroll's sentencing, Speedy spoke to WTHR and reminded viewers that his proposal "will help separate the responsible owners from the irresponsible owners."

Related articles:
04/24/09: Indianapolis Councillor Files "At Risk" Dog Proposal Today
03/07/09: Coverage of Indianapolis Serious Pit Bull Attacks and Controversy
02/10/09: Brenda Hill, 68, Attacked by Pit Bulls While Taking Out the Trash
02/12/09: Indianapolis Must Enact a Pit Bull Law or Serious Maulings Will Continue
11/09/08: Indiana Attack Victim Responds to Recent Pit Bull Attacks

8-Year Old May Lose Arm After Trying to Save Dog from Pit Bull Attack

2009-07-07T08:00:00.006-06:00

From left: Faith at T.C. Thompson Children's Hospital and now back at home.

Faith Returns Home
UPDATE 07/07/09: Faith's mother, Heather Keehn, said the bone in her shoulder will "not stay in it's socket" and her "growth bone is broken" which means her arm might not grow anymore. (This likely refers to a "growth plate" injury). As other mothers have told us, Keehn added, "I thought it would be a lot easier when she got home but actually it's kind of harder." Faith has so far undergone seven surgeries. We pray that future surgeries will fully heal her injured arm.

Related ZUPF video

06/18/09: Young Girl Suffers "Redirected" Attack
Lookout Mountain, GA - An 8-year old girl continues to fight for her life and may suffer an arm amputation after being attacked by a pit bull. So far, 8-year old Faith Guelde has endured 40 hours of surgery and more is expected. On Friday, June 12, Faith's dog escaped her property. When she found her dog, it was fighting with a pit bull in her neighbor's yard. When Faith tried to pick up her dog, the pit bull launched a violent "redirected" attack onto the young girl.

In 2007, Mary Bernal picked up her dachshund to stop a scuffle with her sister's pit bull. The pit bull attacked Mary, ripping off her entire scalp killing her.

Faith sustained critical injuries and had to be flown by LifeForce helicopter to T.C. Thompson Children's Hospital in Chattanooga. Her grandmother, Jodi Copus, says she's conscious but "very, very critical." She says right now they're just hoping to save her right arm and then plan for a long recovery. A fund has been set up to help pay Faith's costly medical bills. Donations can be made at any SunTrust Bank in the Tennessee Valley under the "Faith Guelde Benefit Fund."

It was also reported that there is no leash law in Lookout Mountain, GA. Just across state lines and only two miles away, Lookout Mountain, TN, has a strict, breed-specific ordinance. Pit bull owners in this neighboring town are required to register their animals as "vicious," carry a $500,000 liability insurance policy, and adhere to special confinement rules. Each of these requirements would have gone a long way in preventing this attack upon Faith Guelde.

Related ZUPF video

Faith Guelde Benefit Fund
To make a donation, please visit any SunTrust Bank in the Tennessee Valley and donate under the name, "Faith Guelde Benefit Fund."

Related articles:
03/06/09: Dog Aggression Equals Human Injury, Bullets and Dead Family Dogs
02/19/09: Elkhart Pit Bull Owner May Suffer Amputation After "Redirected" Attack
07/29/08: 10-Year Old's Arm Amputated After Family Pit Bull Attack
07/14/08: Comment: The Anatomy of a Whitewash, James Crosby
06/14/08: 2007 Fatality: Mary Diana Bernal Killed by In-Law's Pit Bull

Announcement: DogsBite.org Donations

2009-07-06T10:00:00.000-06:00

DogsBite.org - From time-to-time we will run a donation announcement on the blog page. We are a volunteer organization currently seeking nonprofit status. Donations go toward recording U.S. fatal dog attacks, U.S. pit bull attacks, U.S. police and citizen shootings of pit bulls and U.S. cities with pit bull laws. Funds also go toward researching state and city dog bite laws in regards to human and animal attacks, developing a dog bite victim support group and website hosting costs.

Donate to DogsBite.org

Donations can be given online through PayPal but are not tax-deductible at this time.

Announcement: Mid Year Statistical Review Week

2009-07-06T09:00:00.000-06:00

DogsBite.org - The first 6-months of 2009 have passed. Over the course of the next week, we will be reviewing statistics that we have gathered since January 1, 2009, including: 1.) U.S. police and citizen shootings of dangerous pit bulls 2.) U.S. pit bull attacks and 3.) U.S. fatal dog attacks. We do not anticipate producing new blog posts during this time except for those regarding new fatal dog attacks.

In the meanwhile, please share your thoughts on our post concerning national pit bull legislation. Continued conversation can also be found in the DogsBite.org user forum.

Related articles:
02/20/09: 1,500 Blog Posts by DogsBite.org
07/30/08: 1,000 Blog Posts by DogsBite.org

Discussion: Ban Pit Bulls on a National Level Along with Pythons and Chimpanzees

2009-07-03T15:30:00.004-06:00

Pet Python Kills Child
DogsBite.org - Many policymakers and the public do not tolerate wild animals as pets. In the days following the vicious chimpanzee attack on Charla Nash, many groups called for a federal ban on exotic pets. It was reported then that in the past 10 years, chimps had attacked 29 children. Yet in the last 3 years, pit bulls killed 24 children (52 including adults). The number of people that suffered severe injury by pit bulls in this same period can be assumed as exponential.

It is time for policymakers and the public to stop tolerating pit bull attacks. We must create laws designed to prevent these attacks.

Just recently, a 12-foot pet python broke out of an aquarium and strangled a 2-year-old girl in her Florida home. The Humane Society of the United States reported that pet pythons have killed at least 5 children since 1980. Due to the dangerous nature of these snakes many municipalities outright ban them. The question is: Why don't more policymakers regulate pit bulls, a single dog breed with a documented 30-year record of horrific maulings and killings?

In light of the recent U.S. Army's adoption of a national policy that prohibits pit bulls in RCI privatized housing, as well as the recent initiative in Texas urging the state Legislature and U.S. Congress to ban pit bulls, DogsBite.org would like to hear your ideas on the topic of national pit bull legislation. While such legislation may be impossible, countless U.S. cities suffer the grim consequences of the pit bull problem: new victims of debilitating injury and death.

The pit bull problem, which directly coincides with illegal dogfighting, is a national problem and U.S. Congress members should recognize it as such.

Please share your many thoughts about these issues in the comments section.

Justin Clinton's Family Starts Campaign: "Justice for Justin: Outlaw Pit Bulls"

2009-07-01T10:54:00.005-06:00

Justin Clinton supporters and his parents, Serena and Kevin Clinton (view news video).

Going National
Henderson, TX - In a highly emotionally charged event, nearly 70 people gathered on the steps of the Rusk County Courthouse this morning calling for the banning of pit bull dogs. The protest comes about two weeks after 10-year old Justin Clinton was mauled to death by two family pit bulls across from Leverett’s Chapel School. Among those attending the protest was Cynthia Kent, a Tyler attorney who served for several years as a district judge in Tyler.

Kent and others vowed to take the fight to ban pit bulls to the national level.

Kent said she would speak with U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert of Tyler about the prospect of national legislation. This is undoubtedly due to the fact that the pit bull problem -- as well as the issue of dogfighting -- is a national problem, which has been inflicting traumatic injury and death upon American citizens for nearly 30 years. Please see DogsBite.org's recent video to the President: DogsBite.org Asks if the President's Plan Would Cover Victims of Violent Dog Attacks.

DogsBite.org praises Justin Clinton's family and all of his supporters for their brave efforts. The family has also started the "Justice for Justin: Outlaw Pit Bulls" campaign. The goal is to get as many Texas citizens as possible to sign a petition to outlaw pit bulls in Texas. Justin's Aunt, Pam Ford told reporters, "People need to be aware what's going on with this breed of dog." She then references the pit bull's "killer bite" that was artificially selected for the purposes of dogfighting.

The "killer bite" does exactly what it was designed to do: Maims and kills.

Pack of Wild Dogs May Have Killed Elderly Man in Alabama

2009-07-01T09:00:00.002-06:00

Israel Pope Jr.
Pickensville, AL - Deputies in Pickens County shot a pack of seven dogs that may have killed a 96-year old man and strewn his remains over property near his home. The dogs lived under an abandoned mobile home off Gore Road, about a half mile from where the victim lived. Pickens County Sheriff David Abston said the man who owned the dogs lived in a mobile home next to the one where the dogs were living. He apparently fed the dogs every day at 5:30 p.m.

The remains of Israel Pope Jr. were discovered on Monday and sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for examination, but Coroner Chad Harless said authorities may never know what actually killed Pope. "I feel it's not likely we're going to be able to make a decision on (the cause of death) because of a lack of evidence." According to relatives, Pope had been missing for three days prior to Monday, which places his time of death into question as well.

In the instance of Cora Lee Suehead, it took authorities nearly 9 months to determine the cause of death. It was ultimately ruled that she suffered death by four pit bulls.

Related articles:
04/14/09: 2009 Fatality: Winterhaven Man Killed by Pack of Dogs
07/18/08: 2007 Fatality: Cora Lee Suehead Attacked by Pit Bulls

2009 Fatality: 3-Year Old Gabrial Mandrell-Sauerhage Killed by Family Dogs

2009-06-30T08:00:00.004-06:00

From left: Gabrial Mandrell, views of the front of the home and yard.

Dogs Euthanized
UPDATE 06/30/09: The three dogs involved in Gabrial's death have been euthanized: two pit bull-mixes and a collie-mix. Police said in a previous statement it is believed the collie-mix was tied up during the incident while the pit bulls were loose. In a press release issued Tuesday by the Williamson County Sheriff's Department, it stated that "Gabrial suffered at least one bite that would have made 'yelling impossible,'" whereby eliminating possible child neglect charges.

The release also stated the attack "might have been triggered by a stuffed animal that was found in the yard," which is perhaps the most alarming distortion DogsBite.org has ever run across. "Normal" family dogs do not attack and kill children because the child may be holding a stuffed animal. Pit bulls, on the other hand, will attack and kill unpredictably and unprovoked as documented by multiple fatality studies (See also: Triggers: What Prompts a Pit Bull to Attack?).

To highlight the questionable issues raised by the press release, we have included part of the article below. The tragic death of Gabrial and subsequent investigation also demonstrates two important issues often seen in serious and fatal attacks: 1) The possible protection of parents after the attack because the parents have already suffered a terrible loss. 2) And, at what point will, "Our pit bull never showed aggression before" become an inexcusable legal defense?

"The couple had three dogs, two pit bull mixes and a collie mix. Police said in a previous statement it is believed the collie mix was tied up during the incident while the pit bulls were loose.
Cundiff said the child was attacked about 200 feet from the home and crawled from the window, which was at the opposite side of the house as the adults' bedroom. The release went on to state that Gabrial suffered at least one bite that would have made "yelling impossible."
"The residence didn't have air conditioning," Cundiff said in a news release issued Tuesday. "Numerous box fans running at the same time of the incident would have made it very hard for the adults in the house to hear anything outside."
Sweeney and Robinson requested all three dogs be euthanized the night of the attack, but the lead detectives called for the animals to be held at Williamson County Animal Control shelter until the investigation was complete.
In a release Tuesday, Cundiff said the attack might have been triggered by a stuffed animal that was found in the yard.
"It appears Gabrial brought the stuffed animal out with him when he left his bedroom through his open window," the release stated.
Cundiff said the family told detectives no aggression "had ever been shown to any family member from any of the three dogs."
However, Amy Fowler, a neighbor, said the pit bulls were often loose and were a nuisance, threatening members of her family in their yard. Fowler said she witnessed Gabrial playing with the collie several times, outside and unsupervised. She said the collie mix didn't seem to cause any problems."

06/29/09: DCFS Opens Investigation
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has launched an investigation into Gabrial's death. Spokesperson Kendall Marlow said it isn’t the first time the state has been in contact with the boy's mother, although prior investigations were not related to animals and involved another child. Back in January, the DCFS was criticized after placing Alex Angul into a home with "known" dangerous rottweilers that subsequently killed the child.

06/29/09: Death Ruled "Accidental"
Johnston City, IL - Williamson County authorities say that on Saturday, June 27, 3-year old Gabrial Reese Mandrell was asleep, then woke up and "pushed out the screen" in his bedroom window. The child then "crawled out the window," and was attacked by at least one of the family's 3 dogs. The injured boy was found 200 feet away from his home and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. An autopsy confirmed that Gabrial died due to multiple dog bites.

A collie-mix and two pit bull-mixes, which had been loose outside, were taken from the home.

Related articles:
01/14/09: 2009 Fatality: Alex Angulo, 4-Years Old Mauled to Death by Family Rottweiler
12/03/08: 2008 Fatality: 2-Year Old Boy Killed in Clark County, Nevada
09/18/08: 2008 Fatality: Pit Bulls Fatally Maul 4-Month Old in Las Vegas
08/04/08: Triggers: What Prompts a Pit Bull to Attack?

I'm Tired of "Pit Bulls Before People," A Response to Carrie Pollare

2009-06-29T09:00:00.001-06:00

People Must Come First

DogsBite.org - Carrie Pollare recently wrote an article titled, "Getting Bullish Against BSL," that was published by the Huffington Post. In the article, Pollare repeats the many pit bull distortions voiced by pro-pit bull groups. For instance, the real problem is "individual" vicious dogs and the "criminals" who create them. Pollare neglects to mention the many "nice" family pit bulls that violently attack, most recently, the two pit bulls that killed 10-year old Justin Clinton in Texas.

Pollare also neglects to mention the array of studies that show pit bulls as the primary instigators of severe and fatal attacks. She conveniently leaves out the U.S. justice system as well. Numerous State Supreme and Appeals Courts, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court have declared Breed-Specific Laws (BSL) as constitutional. These rulings are based on the "genetic" attack traits of pit bulls and the danger they pose to the public.

These attack traits are inborn due to centuries of selecting for these traits, specifically for the purposes of dogfighting.

Pollare is also the creator of the, "I'm Tired of" campaign. She recently added the "I'm Tired of BSL" bracelet to the collection. Half of the sales of this bracelet go to Best Friends Animal Society's Stop BSL program. Best Friends hardly stops at opposing BSL, however. In the wake of Michael Vick, Best Friends has launched a nationwide campaign to "rehabilitate" pit bulls seized in dogfighting raids -- the most unstable pit bulls of all -- and turn them into household pets.

In response to Pollare's reckless campaign designed to stop municipalities from enacting Pit Bull Laws,1 whereby causing more innocent citizens and beloved pets to be at risk of a violent pit bull attack, DogsBite.org would like to share what we are tired of. The pit bull problem is nearly 30 years old. In this time, countless people and pets have suffered disfiguring injury and death by these dogs. Due to Pollare and groups like Best Friends, these maulings will only continue.

What DogsBite.org is Tired of :

We are tired of innocent children suffering catastrophic injury or death after a "nice" family pit bull attacks.
We are tired of LifeFlight emergency responders airlifting pit bull attack victims to major trauma centers and specialized burn units.
We are tired of these victims forced to pay six figure medical bills because the pit bull owner was "judgment proof" (asset less).
We are tired of policymakers that "shrink and wither" in the face of pit bull lobbying groups instead of standing up for victims.
We are tired of animal welfare groups that continue to distort the truth about pit bulls, which directly leads to new attacks.
We are tired of major humane societies that do not support pit bull sterilization laws, despite the fact that 750,000 pit bulls are euthanized annually.2
We are tired of "No Kill" groups like Best Friends that refuse to acknowledge the thousands of innocent animals killed by pit bulls.
We are tired of all animal groups that "mislabel" pit bulls during the adoption process or after a serious or deadly attack.
We are tired of pit bulls so tightly wired with "dog-aggression" that they break into people's homes to attack their pets.
We are tired of pit bulls with so much jaw power that it takes a crow bar or the claw end of a hammer to pry them open during an attack.
We are tired of pit bull owners, supporters and experts that consistently blame victims after serious and deadly attacks.
We are tired of pit bull owners that refuse to euthanize their dog after a 1st, 2nd or 3rd violent, unprovoked attack on a person.
We are tired of pit bull owners getting off "scott free" after a devastating attack, even when they knew their dog was dangerous.
Finally, we are tired of the grossly archaic state and local laws that make the last two bullet points possible!

Readers, please leave what you are "tired of" in the comments section.

Victims in the DogsBite.org web card, "I'm tired of Pit Bulls Before People," include: Justin Clinton, 10 yrs, (Leverett's Chapel, TX), Bianca Zangar-Darcey, 1 yrs, (Haverhill, MA), Larry Pullen, 5 yrs, (Ty Ty, GA) and Amaya Hess, 4 yrs, (Indianapolis, IN)

1As demonstrated by Pollare's bracelets, the term "BSL" is mainly used by pro-pit bull groups to confuse the public. Breed-Specific Laws were invented in the 1980s to address the "pit bull problem," and 99.9% of these laws target pit bulls. To call these laws what they really are, "Pit Bull Laws," would lower public support of pro-pit bull groups.
2It was reported in 2007 that U.S. shelters killed about 1.4 million dogs per year. 750,000 of these dogs were pit bulls and their mixes.

Shaylee Crosson, 3, Loses Scalp in Pit Bull Attack

2009-06-29T05:00:00.002-06:00

From left: Shaylee Crosson before the pit bull attack and after (view news video).

Miracles in the Making
UPDATE 06/29/09: A family member or friend of Shaylee Crosson has developed a prayer website for the little girl along with other children. The website states: "This blog has been created so that we can pray as a body of believers for the tiny miracles of this world." The site also shows critical injury (graphic) photographs taken of Shaylee after the attack. We urge parents to look at these images and become aware of the serious injuries inflicted by pit bulls.

Several days after posting the Miracles update, we received word that Shaylee's hospital stay is expected be to another 4 to 6 months.

06/26/09: "Boyfriend's" Pit Bull Attacks
More information regarding the arrest of Shaylee's grandmother, Charlie Walker, has come forth. She said the pit bull had never been vicious in the past and that the dog belonged to her "boyfriend." He was arrested on June 22 by the Fannin County's Sheriff’s Department along with Walker, but on an unrelated warrant. Walker is charged with 2nd degree Felony, punishable by no less than 2 and no more than 20 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

A "boyfriend's pit bull" is a common denominator in many of these attacks. A quick search on DogsBite.org shows the term "boyfriend, pit bull" appearing nearly 100 times.

06/23/09: Grandmother Arrested, Charged
CBS 7 reports that Shaylee's grandmother has been arrested in the pit bull attack that left her granddaughter severely injured. The grandmother, who remains unnamed, was taken into custody yesterday morning in Bonham, Texas and was later released on bail. According to Shaylee's mother, the grandmother has been charged with Injury to a Child. Little Shaylee remains hospitalized in Dallas, and family members say she continues to make progress.

06/20/09: Dog Belonged to Grandmother
Clarification about the pit bull involved in this attack has finally been made. North Texas e-News reports that the pit bull was restrained on a dog run in the grandmother's backyard. This pit bull did not belong to a neighbor; it belonged to the grandmother or someone who was keeping the pit bull on her property. To add to the horror of the Shaylee Bug tragedy, the pit bull reportedly had a known history of aggression including killing two dogs prior to attacking Shaylee.

"Indications are the dog was known to be aggressive and had killed two dogs previously. The dog was killed by people at the scene before law enforcement arrived and Bonham Police Department Animal Control Officer Jimmy Gilbert was called the retrieve the dead pit bull.
Bonham Police Chief Mike Bankston said this latest attack should reinforce the danger of owning aggressive animals and pit bulls are involved in a high percentage of incidents in the city.
"We have had more vicious attacks by pit bulls than by any other breed," Chief Bankston remarked.
Lieutenant Parker backed up that assessment and added that in a rural area such as Fannin County, there seems to be more pit bull owners breeding territorial, aggressive animals than in urban settings."

06/18/09: Infection Sets In; Fundraiser
CBS 7 has reported an update on Shaylee Bug. She is still in a Dallas hospital were she goes through surgery every two days to clean out the open wound on the side of her head. According to relatives, she also has an infection in her face, but they are hoping this is not too much of a setback or that it will require additional cosmetic surgery. The article reminds readers about the upcoming fundraiser at Barbwire N Lace this Saturday in Odessa (please see details below).

They also note that the emergency care flight alone cost $18,000.

06/15/09: Pit Bull Attack Victim Out of ICU
After 12 days in the Intensive Care Unit at Dallas Children's Hospital, it was reported that Shaylee was released and now resides in a regular room. Shaylee's mother told CBS 7 reporters that she does remember the June 4 attack which brings bouts of depression. Family members say that prayers are helping. As documented in the Zupf video, Shaylee now faces many rounds of plastic surgery, and medical bills that will undoubtedly stretch into half a million dollars.

06/11/09: 3-Year Old Suffers Devastating Injury
Odessa, TX - On June 4, 3-year-old Shaylee Crosson, known as "Shaylee bug," was playing at her grandmother's house near Dallas, Texas. Moments later she was brutally attacked by a neighbor's pit bull. The little girl was rushed to the Dallas Children's Hospital where a team of doctors worked to repair extensive injuries that she suffered. It was reported that 80% percent of her scalp was ripped away in the attack and her little face suffered deep lacerations as well.

One week later, West Texas friends and relatives held a prayer circle at a park about 350 miles away from Dallas. Patrick Goldston, who has not met Shaylee, led the group. He said, "We're going to do our best to project healing powers for her tonight. Heal the scars so they may fade in time and heal her heart and soul." With their heads bowed, and a little piece of Shaylee over their hearts, the group prayed for her to heal. Afterward, they sent blue balloons into the sky.

Related ZUPF video

Upcoming Fundraiser
A fundraiser will be held for Shaylee on Saturday, June 20th from Noon to 5pm. The Motorcycle Wash is located at Barbwire N Lace, 2001 W 16th Street, Odessa, TX. For more information, please call: 432-349-4531 or 432-889-7818.

Shaylee Medical Fund
To make a donation, please visit a Wells Fargo bank and donate under the name, "Shaylee Bug Fund."

Related articles:
06/09/09: 3 Pit Bulls Attack 6-Year Old Henry County Boy in Driveway
04/22/09: Wappingers Boy Suffers Life Altering Injures in Pit Bull Attack
12/22/08: Coverage of Zupf's Pit Bull Attack Victim Videos - DogsBite.org

Pit Bull and Owner Perform "Synchronized Fence Scaling" in Neighborhood

2009-06-28T13:00:00.002-06:00

DogsBite.org - Pit bulls are classic escape artists.1 This is why cities with pit bull regulations often mandate a four-sided enclosure with cement flooring and a secure top for the dogs.2 This particular video shows the pit bull owner teaching his dog to perform "synchronized fence scaling" in an urban environment.3 While most dog owners would frown upon their dog climbing a fence to escape owner property, pit bull owners frequently teach it and revel in it.

Who wants to live next door to a pit bull?

There are many YouTube videos that depict pit bull owners advancing the pit bull's athletic ability to scale fences and trees. Here are just two: Pit Bull Vertical Jump and Pit Bull Climbs Tree at Park. Competitive events, as seen in "Flying Pitbulls," show 10 foot scaling and beyond.

1Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit Bulls (Bad Rap), was a recipient of several Michael Vick's dogs. In a photo displayed on their website, two people "gaze" at a pit bull climbing a fence.
2In July 2008, a dangerous pit bull escaped a 9 foot cage at the Leflore County Humane Society. The county subsequently passed a pit bull law that mandated a four-sided pen, 6-feet high with a top and concrete floors.
3This fence is visibly not 10 feet high as the video author claims.

Toledo Firefighters Delayed by Loose, Dangerous Pit Bull

2009-06-27T14:02:00.000-06:00

Can't Enter Home
Toledo, OH - It was recently reported that a pit bull running loose in a Central Toledo yard delayed firefighters from entering a burning home Friday morning. When firefighters arrived on scene, they immediately called for the dog warden as they "improvised" to corner the dog. Firefighters had to use tools to get the dog away from the front door, and, eventually, they had to spray the pit bull with a fire extinguisher to keep it from charging at emergency workers.

As DogsBite.org has reported before, dangerous pit bulls "suspend" firefighters and emergency workers from rescuing victims at emergency scenes, as these vital workers are often not equipped to deal with the animal. Such responders may be forced to wait in their vehicles until authorities arrive to contain the dog. Meanwhile, critical moments of a victim's life tick away. One of the most poignant examples of this occurred in the death of Tina Marie Canterbury.

Summary: After two family pit bulls owned by Canterbury severely attacked her, the dogs attacked her 21-year old son Cody Canterbury, who had tried to help her. In the 911 phone call, a second son told the dispatcher regarding the arriving ambulance: "We can't get to my mom and my brother just went out there and they attacked him too. They don't need to get out of the ambulance or the dogs will try to get them, too." A family friend at the home then shot at the dogs with a 9mm handgun, but the dogs survived. When a Clay County officer arrived on the scene, the dogs attempted to attack him too before the officer shot one of the pit bulls killing it. By the time authorities reached Canterbury she was dead.

Minutes and moments count when it comes to saving people's lives. Back in October, the Omaha Fire Department developed a new training program to help firefighters deal with dangerous dogs at rescue scenes. Four months later, they were called to a pit bull attack in progress. In the end, it took three firefighters to place a catch pole loop around the dog's neck. The struggle was so intense, the metal pole was bent and the pit bull strangled itself to death in the noose.

Related articles:
03/25/09: Pit Bulls Continue to Interfere with Firefighting Efforts
02/18/09: Pit Bull Bends Metal Catch Pole Before Strangling Self to Death in Noose
10/31/08: Omaha Firefighters Receive Dangerous Pit Bull Training
10/15/07: 2007 Fatality: Tina Marie Canterbury Killed by Her Two Red Nosed Pit Bulls

Louisiana State Dog Attack Law (HB 155) Wins Final Legislative Approval

2009-06-24T21:20:00.000-06:00

Unanimous Vote
Louisiana - In a bill that will broaden state laws on negligent homicide and make it easier to prosecute dog attacks that result in human death, House Bill 155 passed the Louisiana House 89-0. Earlier in the month, the Senate passed the proposal 31-0. The bill is dedicated to 83-year old Luna McDaniel of Ville Platte who was killed by three loose pit bulls in 2008 and to 4-year old Michael Blaise Landry of Morganza, who was killed by three loose boxers in April.

HB 155, which began as the Luna McDaniel Act, says negligent homicide is the killing of a human being by a dog or other animal when the owner is criminally negligent in confining or restraining the animal. Violators would face fines of up to $5,000 and five years in prison. Tony Clayton, who was the prosecutor in the case of the attack on the 4-year old boy, said that the bill would have ensured the conviction of the dogs' owner, Candace Wells of Morganza.

In the case of Luna McDaniel, the City of Ville Platte had a pit bull ordinance in place, which increased the charges that could be brought against the owner of the dogs, Theo Doucet.1 These charges immediately advanced to Negligent Homicide after Luna later died from the severe injuries she suffered. HB 155 now allows prosecutors statewide to more harshly charge all dog owners who fail to properly confine their animal and the result ends in human death.

It is important to note that attacks that end in death are very rare. Unlike Lillian's Law in Texas, HB 155 does not address attacks that end in serious injury, which are exponentially more frequent.

1It was reported in a May article that Theo Doucet was scheduled to go on trial June 4, 2009.

Texans Killed by Pit Bulls in 3.5 Year Period (2006-2009)

2009-06-23T16:51:00.010-06:00

DogsBite.org - Between January 1, 2006 to June 15, 2009, 19 Texans were killed in a fatal dog attack. Pit bulls are responsible for 15 (79%) of these deaths. Rottweilers, the second leading killers, accounted for 3 (16%) of them. It is painfully clear that the statewide Texas anti-BSL measure, which forbids municipalities from enacting breed-specific laws, has been a disaster. There has also been no initiative from the Texas pit bull community to "breed safer dogs."

Last November, former state Rep. Tony Goolsby asked the state attorney general to issue an opinion on whether local officials have the authority to supersede the state's anti-BSL measure. In March, however, pit bull lobbying groups reported that Attorney General Greg Abbott dropped Goolsby's request after their urging. Until such an opinion is issued, or the anti-BSL measure is lifted, we can expect to see more Texas children seriously injured and killed by pit bulls.

Texans Killed by Pit Bulls in last 3.5 years

Tyson Miller - 18 mth
Luling, TX
March 26, 2009
Death by pit bull

Izaiah Gregory Cox - 7 mth
San Antonio, TX
March 31, 2009
Death by pit bulls (2)

Justin Clinton - 10 yrs
Leverett's Chapel, TX
June 15, 2009
Death by pit bulls (2)

Tanner Joshua Monk - 7 yrs
Breckenridge, TX
May 18, 2008
Death by pit bulls (4)

Pablo Lopez (Hernandez) - 5 yrs
Weslaco, TX
June 18, 2008
Death by family pit bull

Amber Jones -10 yrs
San Antonio, TX
January 12, 2007
Death by pit bull

Pamela Rushing - 50 yrs
Friendswood, TX
March 16, 2007
Death by family pit bull-mix

Carolina Sotello - 2 yrs
Combine, TX
March 23, 2007
Death by family pit bull

Celestino Rangel - 90 yrs
San Antonio, TX
May 13, 2007
Death by pit bulls (2)

Scott Warren - 6 yrs
Dallas, TX
August 31, 2007
Death by family pit bull

Seth Lovitt - 11 yrs
Killeen, TX
November 7, 2007
Death by family pit bull

Mireya Puga Davila - 3 yrs
Hargill, TX
July 25, 2006
Death by family pit bull and lab-mix

Frank Campbell Baber - 49 yrs
Spur, TX
August 29, 2006
Death by pit bulls (2)

David "Ted" McCurry - 41 yrs
Willis, TX
October 29, 2006
Death by pit bull

Pedro Rios - 4 yrs
Harris County, TX
November 21, 2006
Death by pit bulls (2)

View the DogsBite.org Google Map, Fatal Pit Bull Attacks in Texas (2006-2009), to see the city and county location of each fatal pit bull attack.

Troy, Missouri Bans Pit Bulls; 60 Days to Register Current Dogs

2009-06-22T18:50:00.009-06:00

Unanimous Vote
Troy, MO - In a unanimous vote, Troy Board of Aldermen passed an ordinance prohibiting new pit bulls within the city. This followed several complaints of these dogs running loose and a fatal attack on a pet dog by two pit bulls. Troy now joins at least 15 other Missouri cities that regulate pit bulls, and appears to have done so prior to an attack that resulted in severe human injury. Thumbs up to Troy policymakers, who also did not mince words in their ordinance.

"The board of aldermen 'finds that pit bull dogs are dangerous and potentially hazardous to the community because the breed possesses characteristics of aggression, strength, gameness, viciousness, predaceousness, unpredictability and savageness not possessed by other breeds of dog.'
The ordinance further defines the "pit bull dog" the Staffordshire bull terrier, American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier breed and any mixed breed of dog which contains an element of these breeds.
Current owners of these breeds residing in Troy may be kept but must registered with the city within 60 days and outline specific measures of how the dogs must be leashed, housed and muzzled when they are outside the animal's enclosure or pen. All structures erected to house pit bull dogs must comply with Section 205.060 of the city code. Within 60 days, owners must display in a prominent place on their premises a sign using the words "Beware of Dog-Pit Bull" and a similar sign on their pen of the animal. Proof of public liability insurance in the amount of $100,000 for bodily injury or death also must be presented to the city. Owners must also provide city with photos of the dog and must microchip the animal prior to registration. Any offspring of registered dogs must be removed from the city within eight weeks of the birth of such animal.
Penalties for violation would be not less than $200 and no more than $1,000 and/or 30-day jail sentence."

Fayette, Alabama Passes Pit Bull Ban in City Limits

2009-06-22T08:15:00.002-06:00

Ban Passes 5-1
Fayette, AL - Back in March, Christina Selman was terribly mauled by three of her neighbor's pit bulls. She had stepped between her daughter and one of the pit bulls after her daughter tried to pet it. The dogs immediately bit into her leg and pulled her to the ground. Fayette Police Chief Danny Jenkins said her injuries were unlike anything he had ever seen. This debilitating attack was the driving force behind Fayette's new ordinance to ban pit bulls.

The ordinance, passed 5-1, bans new pit bulls or dangerous dogs from living in the city limits and will require current owners to fulfill strict requirements, including structures to contain the dogs, liability insurance and registration for the animals before July 3. It also expands the dangerous dog rules already in place. "The ordinance we had in place was kind of toothless," Jenkins said. Jenkins also reiterated in the article a very important point:

"After this attack we had down in Cotton Mill Village, I think that was the tipping point for something else to come along as far as ordinances go," Jenkins said. "I'd seen dog bites before, but I'd never seen a mauling. A lot of people, if they had seen [Selman's injuries], they would have been like me, and their opinion would have softened if not completely changed."

Councilman Cedric Wilson was the lone opposition vote to the ordinance. He voiced several 25-year old themes about the pit bull debate. As Jenkins points out, however, the real issue is what victims like Christina Selman suffer in these terrible attacks. They do not suffer "dog bites," they suffer life-altering injuries. Following these injuries, they frequently must bear the weight of the medical bills as well. Attaining civil recourse in these attacks is often impossible.

Related articles:
04/30/09: NYC Housing Authorities Ban Pit Bulls, Rottweilers and Dobermans
04/18/09: Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Bans Dangerous Dog Breeds
04/10/09: Animal Control: "This is Not Just a Bite. This is a Mauling."
03/18/09: Ridgeland, Mississippi Passes Pit Bull and Wolf-Hybrid Ban
03/17/09: U.S. Army Adopts Breed Restriction Policy for RCI Privatized Housing

James Harrison's Pit Bull "Patron" is Up for Adoption Under New Breed Name

2009-06-20T19:03:00.002-06:00

From left: MK (Mary Kay) Kain, Patron the "rehabilitated" triple mauler.

Breed Mislabeling
Pittsburgh, PA - The Post-Gazette published a "glowing" article about James Harrison's pit bull named Patron. Last month, the dog attacked Harrison's 2-year old son, his wife and another woman sending all three to the hospital. After the multiple assaults, Harrison chose to "rehome" the dog instead of euthanizing it. As DogsBite.org stated back then, the dog would likely be renamed and show up in a new community with its violent past record essentially hidden.

The dog once named Patron, is now named Duke (allegedly falsified to keep bad adopters away) and is listed on Petfinder. The dog is not described as a pit bull, but as an "American Bandogge Mastiff," which is by definition a pit bull-mix, yet hides the "pit bull" name from potential adopters. The dog was listed by Furkid Rescue and specifically references "mkkain@aol.com" as the contact; the same Mary Kay Kain email address provided by the Post-Gazette.

More About Duke - Pet Finder.com | View original listing
"Duke is a gorgeous, 3 yr young, American Bandogge Mastiff. His big head and muscles will amaze you. But it's not the good looks that Duke has that will win you over, it's his loving, laid back personality. He is a lover. Despite his size, he is a lap dog! He loves to sit back in your lap and get belly rubs and kisses on his head. He also knows all of his basic commands, and he is willing to learn anything, if you have treats waiting for him as a reward! Duke passed his behavior evaluation with flying colors. Duke's other perks are, he is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, heart worm negative, parasite free, house trained, and crate trained. Duke still needs a little socialization, so if you have young children, you will NOT be considered for adoption. Duke needs an active caretaker, he loves walks and jogs. You may also be asked to take training classes as part of the agreement for adoption. Home check applies, as well as back round check. Open adoption agreement will be part of the contract- meaning rescue can stop by at any point in future to check up on Duke, so please, only responsible people, serious inquiries. We prefer a fenced in yard. Invisible fence is NOT accepted, nor will he be permitted on a tie out. For more information, please contact- mkkain@aol.com"

Somehow between May 30 and June 20 (about 20 days), the triple mauling dog now named Duke has been magically "rehabilitated" by Mary Kay Kain. The animal has gone from being a pit bull to an "American Bandogge Mastiff" and from being a triple mauler to a dog that "loves to sit back in your lap and get belly rubs and kisses on his head." In the Petfinder description, the author does not even demand a fenced yard for the dog, the author simply "prefers" one.

The story of Patron perfectly depicts one of several ways in which dangerous dogs are shuffled around communities every day in the United States.

Related articles:
05/30/09: Steelers Linebacker James Harrison's Pit Bull Attacks His Son
05/30/09: Sports Columnist Michael Felger Blasts Pit Bull Owners and "Nutty Dog Crowd"
05/25/09: Professional Athletes and Pit Bulls: Dogfighting, Abuse and Violent Attacks

Pit Bull Attacks Owner 24 Hours After Adoption from Humane Group

2009-06-19T13:08:00.004-06:00

"Hydraulic Press" Grip
Coer D'Alene, ID - It was recently reported that a pit bull adopted from the Kootenai Humane Society severely attacked its new owner 24 hours after the adoption. The unlucky new owner, Kip Legaard, lost two pints of blood in the attack. He's now angry because the humane group told him that the pit bull named Mojo would make a good family dog. "The lady's like he's so sweet, so sweet, so sweet," Kip said. That is until the dog suddenly attacked him.

"All of a sudden BOOM the dog had my arm," he said. "It felt like someone put my arm in a hydraulic press."

As Legaard's arm was bleeding, the dog attacked again. He managed to free himself and run into the bathroom. He then called 9-1-1 and waited until the dog went downstairs before he bolted from his house into the ambulance. "The dog followed me out to the ambulance ... the guys are like run, run," Leggard said. In the aftermath of the incident, Legaard still can't believe what happened, and he can't believe the Kootenai Humane Society let someone adopt that dog.

Eric Hess is the behavioral specialist for the Kootenai Humane Society. He told reporters that he did assess Mojo prior to adoption. Hess says the behavior assessment is 15 pages long and the pit bull passed it. Hess then blamed the attack on Legaard. He said that Leggard lied on his application form to adopt the dog. Legaard said he didn't have other dogs in the house when in fact he does. Those other animals, the humane group said, "could've triggered the attack."

As we have stated before, many pit bull "assessment tests" are not to be trusted -- your arm and face are on the line.

It's certainly possible that the presence of additional dogs could have triggered a dog-on-dog attack, particularly in the case of a new pit bull in the household. But this was not a dog-on-dog attack, this was a dog-on-human attack. The Kootenai Humane Society had better come up with stronger reasoning than that to head off the 6-figure lawsuit that is surely coming their way. As a final note to this story, the attacking dog was never caught. It's reportedly still on the loose!

Related ZUPF video

Related articles:
04/22/09: Wappingers Boy Suffers Life Altering Injures in Pit Bull Attack
12/21/08: Another Distortionist: Rhonda Velie, Oshkosh Humane Society
01/15/09: Explanation: The Policy of Not Adopting Out Fighting Dogs
06/17/08: Comment: High Marks on the ATTS Test is Pit Bull Propaganda
06/02/08: ASPCA Pushing Pit Bull Adoption: Adopt-A-Bull Contest

2009 Fatality: 2 Pit Bulls Kill 10-Year Old Boy in Rusk County, Texas

2009-06-18T12:20:00.007-06:00

From left: Justin Clinton, family members, attack scene, County Road 133 sign.

Investigation Continues
UPDATE 06/18/09: Rusk County sheriff's officials said they plan to submit findings from their investigation of the deadly dog attack to the district attorney next week. District Attorney Micheal Jimerson will then determine whether to file charges against pit bull owners Christy and Ricky George. Lieutenant Charles Helton would not release specifics of the investigation, but it was once again noted in the article that the boy was attacked on the George's property.

06/17/09: KLTV Pities Owners; Mislabels Breed
KLTV 7 News dedicated a segment to the owners of the pit bulls that fatally attacked Justin Clinton. The segment appears to be a pit bull apology piece designed to paint the pit bull owners, Christy and Ricky George, as "victims." The story can best be described as deplorable in the wake of a young boy torn apart by the powerful jaws of these dogs. The piece also emphasizes that the dogs were not loose. In other words, the "victim" dog owners are not liable under Lillian's Law.

The segment also confuses1 viewers by calling the dogs American bulldogs2 instead of pit bulls or pit bull-mixes. This is a common tactic taken by pro-pit bull groups to try to lower the staggering number of serious and fatal attacks that have been attributed to pit bulls over the last 30-years. KLTV's attempt to mislabel the dogs (or attempt to confuse viewers) also contradicts Rusk County Sheriff Deputies which stated that there is "no doubt" that the dogs are pit bulls.

1Attempts to mislabel the pit bull as a bulldog stretches back for decades as the two breeds share a common gene pool and are often crossbred. Pit bull experts, such as Diane Jessup, commonly refer to pit bulls as "bulldogs" as well. Jessup even states on her website that the "original working bulldog" is the pit bull.
2The modern American bulldog was not established until the 1970's. The AKC does not recognize the breed, and the UKC only began to in 1999. There are two major lines of the breed: the Johnson type (1st left photo) and Scott type (2nd left). The Scott type was directly developed by crossing early Johnson lines with the American pit bull terrier and has become the breed standard. Without question, the Scott type is a pit bull type dog.

06/17/09: Owners Recently Purchased Dogs
The Kilgore News Herald reports that both dogs had formerly been owned by someone else in Kilgore. It is unknown if prior complaints were filed against them. Authorities said the dogs, a 3-year old male and a 2-year old female, had puppies in mid-February but none remained at the home now. The Georges got both dogs, who have always been together, in February. The Georges' homeowners insurance had also reportedly lapsed because Ricky George lost his job.

06/16/09: Owners of Deadly Pit Bulls Named
Rusk County Sheriff investigators released the names of the owners whose pit bulls mauled a boy to death. Lieutenant Charles Helton said the owners were identified as Christi and Ricky George of Leverett's Chapel. The article also states that the attack occurred on the dog owner's property. Lillian's Law only applies to "loose" dogs that attack off the dog owner's property. While the investigation is still unfolding, there may be no charges that can be brought.

06/16/09: Full Scale Investigation Planned
News sources report that a Rusk County pit bull attack on Friday preceded the fatal pit bull mauling of Justin Clinton on Monday. Justice of the Peace Bob Richardson said a 4-year old girl was seriously attacked by a leashed pit bull in Henderson. During the attack, the dog's owner was walking the pit bull on a leash when it broke free and attacked. Officials were determining what to do with that pit bull when they were notified of the attack that left Justin Clinton dead.

Currently, Rusk County does not have a leash law. Yet as one can see, a leashed pit bull can still pose a significant threat.

TylerPaper.com, which covered the serious pit bull attack on Kristi Langston back in March, also reports that a "full scale investigation" is planned in the aftermath of Justin Clinton's death. Rusk County Sheriff Danny Pirtle said that the owners of the dogs could face felony charges under Lillian's Law. He also said the two pit bulls were put down about 30 minutes after they were confiscated from a home on County Road 133. The owners of the dogs remain unnamed.

As noted in the comments section below, the death of Justin Clinton is a near re-enactment of the death of a 7-year old boy in Breckenridge last year. On May 18, 2008, Tanner Monk was found on a road just outside his home after being killed by four pit bulls. The owners of the dogs, Crystal Watson and Jack Smith were tried and convicted under Lillian's Law and ordered to serve 7 years in jail. Both cases also involved breeding pit bulls (puppies reported as present).

06/15/09: Victim: 10-Year Old Justin Clinton
Leverett's Chapel, TX - In a developing story, authorities say two pit bulls fatally mauled a 10-year old boy in East Texas. The Rusk County Sheriff's Office said witnesses reported seeing the dogs drag Justin Clinton down the side of the road in the small community of Leverett's Chapel. A Tyler television station reported that a passing motorist pulled the dogs off the boy. The fourth-grader was later pronounced dead at Good Shepherd Hospital in Longview.

The Rev. Edwin Findley, acting on behalf of the dogs' owners, said "both families" have been hurt, even though only one family has a dead son.

The newest Texas fatal pit bull mauling (Rusk county) lies on the other side of Dallas (Stephens county), where 7-old Tanner Joshua Monk was killed by his neighbors four pit bulls in May of 2008. On March 26, 2009, 18-month old Tyson Miller was killed by a chained pit bull outside of his home in Luling (Caldwell county) and on March 31, 2009, 7-month old Izaiah Gregory Cox was mauled to death by his grandmother's two pit bulls in San Antonio (Bexar county).

Related ZUPF video

Justin Clinton Memorial Fund
Donations can be made to the Justin Clinton Memorial Fund at any Regions Bank in East Texas to help Justin's family pay for funeral expenses.

Related articles:
04/21/09: Attack Victim's Husband: Pit Bull Regulation Sorely Needed
04/01/09: 2009 Fatality: 7-Month Old Boy Killed by Grandmother's Pit Bulls
03/31/09: 2009 Fatality: 18-Month Old Killed by Pit Bull in Luling, TX
10/11/08: Fatal Dog Mauling Trial of Tanner Joshua Monk, 7 Years Old
08/20/08: Dog Attacks, Trends and Dog Law Coverage of Texas
05/19/08: 2008 Fatality: Boy Killed by Pit Bulls in Breckenridge, Texas
05/19/08: Roll Call: Texans Killed by Pit Bulls in 2007
05/23/08: Roll Call: Texans Killed by Pit Bulls in 2006
01/08/08: Lillian's Law - Texas State Dangerous Dog Law

Canada Supreme Court Upholds Ontario's Pit Bull Ban: Rules Ban is Constitutional

2009-06-15T08:45:00.005-06:00

Law Not "Arbitrary"
Ottowa, CA - It was announced last week that the Canada Supreme Court refused the appeal against the Ontario pit bull ban brought by Catherine Cochrane of Toronto, which leaves the Ontario law untouched and constitutionally sound. In October of 2008, the Ontario Court of Appeal overwhelmingly upheld the law, known as the Dog Owners' Liability Act of 2005, that bans the breeding, sale and ownership of pit bulls in the province of Ontario.

The high court refuted that the law was vague and could be used to include half-breeds and mutts. The court stated, "The total ban on pit bulls is not 'arbitrary' or 'grossly disproportionate' in light of the evidence that pit bulls have a tendency to be unpredictable and that even apparently docile pit bulls may attack without warning or provocation." Though Ontario is the only province in Canada to ban the breed, various Canadian cities have done so as well.

In February of 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear the appeal of the Toledo v. Tellings ruling, whereby leaving the State of Ohio's pit bull law intact. The court rejected the appeal on the following grounds: Procedural due process; Substantive due process; Equal protection and Void for vagueness. The Canada Supreme Court now joins an unprecedented number of U.S. courts in ruling that breed-specific law (BSL) is, indeed, constitutional when properly written.

Related articles:
10/24/08: Ontario Court Of Appeals Upholds Province's Pit Bull Ban
03/02/08: Ontario Pit Bull Ban Greatly Reduces Bite Count
02/26/08: U.S. Supreme Court Leaves Intact Ohio Supreme Court’s Ruling that Breed-Specific Legislation is Constitutional