First came the news no charges will be filed in the aftermath of the killing of Ryan Maxwell. The 7-year-old Galesburg resident was attacked by a pit bull March 2 and died as a result of his injuries.
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| Ryan Maxwell |
Since the decision was made, police and prosecutors have expressed frustration that the state lacks a statute that would apply to the situation.
“There was nothing really we could work with,” said Galesburg Police Sgt. Bob Schwartz. “Find us a statute we could charge under, and we would probably charge someone.”
Then a cat named Bob was killed in a pit bull attack Saturday on the porch of the home Lissa Mings and Bobby Landon share in Abingdon.
In the wake of the news, The Register-Mail took to Facebook and asked followers if the owners of dogs who attack pets and people should be held responsible for their dogs’ actions.
The overwhelming majority of respondents said “Yes.” Here’s a sample:
Karen S. Lynch: Yes! They own them, should train them and be responsible pet owners in every way. Fines should be more than simply allowing a pet at large. Raise the fines so they are effective! If homeowners insurance doesn’t cover damages then ordinances could be stiffened, the animal is ruled dangerous on its first attack and seized on a second and put down. No exceptions! If that fails there is always the option to sue the homeowner for damages caused by their pets.
Tommy Wagher: Doesn’t an animal owner get in trouble when their pet dies of neglect? If your pet kills someone or something... You should absolutely have some accountability for that action.
Pat Westerdale: Farmers are liable for the actions of their livestock. If the cows get out and cause an accident on the highway, the farmer must pay.
So people with pets should be liable for their pets.
Matt Young: Yes. This might be the dumbest question I’ve heard in a long while.
Jeanne Harland: I assumed they were responsible. If my cows trample someone’s cornfield, I am liable for that damage. Why would dogs be different?
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| Bob, right, and Nemo share a moment. Bob was attacked, mauled and killed by a pit bull. |
A few departed from the basic question and stressed pit bulls bear the brunt of public anger over the issue of dog attacks. Here’s a sample:
Aly Blevins: Hate how they degrade a breed because of what the hear. It’s all in how you treat the dog.
LindsAy Lappin: Well I have 2 pits they are amazing love people if they are introduced to them properly, love kitties as well they think they are there babies. If you try to come in my home or yard they will bark and growl that’s how I want any dog and all dogs I’ve had since I was a kid. The protect us. They kept burglers out of my house in Peoria! But I keep mine on a leash or in a fenced in area.
Kristy Nichols: The problem isn’t the dog its the owner. Humans are the ones who should be training treating and socializing their dogs properly. If you want the rewards of being an animals human then you need to accept the responsibility of their physical AND mental care. And if as a pet owner you fail to properly take care of your pet — feeding, watering, cleaning, medicating, and socializing — then yes you should be held responsible for any adverse situations that arise because of your lack of care.
One Facebook follower — Olivia Stewart — said owners should be held responsible, but expressed frustration with the issue “being discussed over and over.”
It’s completely understandable that some Register-Mail readers and Facebook followers are fatigued by the ongoing story of dog attacks and the community’s attempt to grapple with finding a workable response.
The details of those attacks are horrifying and overwhelming. But our discomfort can be turned to action.
The city formed an Animal Control Working Group to look into what can be done to prevent further tragedy.
Perhaps there are multiple questions to asked in the effort to at least try and safeguard children and small pets from dog attacks.
Can the city require licenses and evaluations before a person can own a dog over a certain weight?
Can the city keep track of dogs that escape from owners? Can the city respond after a first attack and require owners to provide a plan of how they will prevent further attacks?
Moreover, can dog owners and the city form a partnership aimed at preventing attacks and maximizing the care and health of pets?
Not all accidents are preventable. Part of the human condition is tragedy.
Yet many residents in the city and county want to do whatever they can to mitigate the chance of another accident and another tragedy. Common sense tells us there is no easy answer — but that doesn’t mean we should stop asking questions.
(The Register-Mail - June 14, 2013)
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