Last Thursday there was a two-year-old boy that was mauled to death by a group of pit bulls in his grandparents’ garage in Concord, California. The owner of the dogs was the child’s step grandfather - I am purposely leaving his name out of this. The man was arrested and taken to the Contra Costa County Jail. While in jail, he gave an interview to KTVU. According to KTVU, the man was stunned and extremely remorseful over this horrific incident. He said he gave permission to put down all of the dogs. I can only imagine what the parents of the two-year-old must be going through (link to the story).
The man’s quote that resonates within me? “I thought pit bulls had a bad rap. …I’m one of those animal lovers who thinks dogs are dogs. Now I mistrust all dogs.”
I can sure sympathize with that statement. My fear of dogs after the attack has evolved into fear of all BIG dogs. After over one month, I still can’t even go for a walk – especially not in my neighborhood. I live in a neighborhood with a lovely walking trail, because of the trail, I live in a neighborhood that has many dogs.
While this man sounds remorseful over his dogs’ behavior, and it’s underlying result, it seems to me that the attack could have been prevented. His home was residence to not ONE pit bull, but FIVE! One of the dogs had killed their pet Chihuahua just one short year ago. In the city where I live, there is the following city ordinance, ““…residential lots may have no more than two dogs and two cats without an Animal Fancier's Permit.” I find myself wondering how anyone would want five dogs of ANY kind in the first place.
What is it going to take for people to wake up?
After precious little sleuthing, I’ve discovered that many countries have banned this unpredictably vicious breed. According to Wikipedia the following countries that have banned pit bull breeds: Bermuda, Denmark, Ecuador, Germany, Great Britain, Portugal, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. The same article I read reports that many US cities have banned or restricted pit bull breeds (most noteworthy are New York City and Denver). The most profound legislation that is worth noting comes from the State of Ohio. These restrictions have been in place on “vicious dogs” since 1987. Here is a bit of the text from Wikepedia: “A ‘vicious dog’ is one ‘that, without provocation meets any of the following criteria:
· (i) Has killed or caused serious injury to any person;
· (ii) Has caused injury, other than killing or serious injury, to any person, or has killed another dog.
· (iii) Belongs to a breed that is commonly known as a pit bull dog...’
The legislation further states ”…A vicious dog must be confined on the owner's property by means of a locked fenced yard, a locked dog pen that has a top, or some other locked enclosure that has a top (such as a house). The owner must maintain at least $100,000 of liability insurance coverage on the animal.”
Links: City of Dublin Animal Control Wikipedia - Breed Specific Legislation
3 comments:
Looks like my comments are going somewhere into cyber-space. What ever happened to yesterdays? What key am I not pressing correctly here? Oh well, I shall keep trying. I also want to thank you Dorothy, for writing continuously. Many times you are taking the words right out of my mouth. I'm so grateful that Katherine is hearing what we in the family are saying...tho its not here from us...for her to read. There must be a reason for that too, huh?
Yesterday I referred to many of us oldsters who have had so many losses over the years. Some still cry with me over losses of parents, relatives, dear friends, and of course dear pets who were true family members. We talk about it in many conversations. (Is this what happens when you get old?) We refer to them vividly, almost as if each of the losses we experienced were still here with us on the planet. Its strange really, when we go on and on about each one. As if each ones' loss could possibly be any greater than the others. We listen, we sympathize, we cry together. What I've learned, and what has been so rewarding in these conversations, is that ultimately we wind up talking about the joy and strength and wisdom, we all received. What blessings they all were in our lives. Like Angels in disguise. Just like Hardy was...a true blessing and an Angel in disguise..for Katherine. Of course we didn’t dwell on the disdainful times, tho we know those occurred.(They would want us to forget those.) So, Katherine, know that our prayers continue for you... that you will remember your hero Hardy for the good times, the joys and happiness he brought. All that ...and he saved your life when your Spirit was at its lowest and again, in his last breath. Hold on tight to the precious times only YOU experienced and know about. Who knows where this experience will ultimately direct your future. Only time will tell...
And this mom prays that in time, you will come to realize that the biggest LOSS of all...would have been...if you had never experienced owning ..and caring and LOVING...your precious dog HARDY...
This is sad Kath,
It is hard to read about all the pit bulls that have killed pets and killed or harmed people. I know many people think the breed is getting a bad rap, but I blame those that continue to breed pit bulls trying to make them more aggressive and mean. One wonders how these people got so lost themselves.
The shelters here are full of these dogs that have been abandon and it is hard to find homes for them.... They are a problem of our society.
Here you see young people out with them all the time... hitch hiking or others homeless. Maybe they have them for protection.... It always worries me.
Some ladies in my Tai Chi class were witness to a situation a little like yours. An 80 year old lady walking her small pet dog. Her pet attacked by a pit bull ... the result the same as yours. She did receive several bites on her hands as well as the loss of her pet.
I do not understand how a person would want to take on a pet of this breed. Even if it seemed sweet, and you trained it well.... how could you know that it would not snap and really harm someone sometime? I could not.
I think Hardy was a little HERO..... he took out a very vicious dog and probably saved several other small pets and maybe a child as well.
It sounds to me like you may get involved in seeing to it that laws are enforced where pit bulls are concerned. Something good can always come out of tragedy if we look for it. Think about it....
Thank you for getting it! That is exactly my intent - I don't really know how to proceed or where to start, but I know that I will.
I never thought of Hardy as the winner! I believe that he not only saved my life (by remaining alive until I was out of harm's way), but also the lives of the small children who play outside - in their front yards in our quiet neighborhood. Toddlers!!!
Thanks, Aunt Dorothy!
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