Woman watches in horror as pit bull kills her Shih Tzu

ILLINOIS --  A Chicago Ridge woman watched in horror as a pit bull fatally mauled her Shih Tzu outside an animal shelter.

Christine Starr with the dogs she rescued
from the shelter after her beloved
Shih Tzu was torn apart by a pit bull

Now she wants the village in stiffen its penalties for people who let dogs run free.

The attack took place in the parking lot of the Animal Welfare League in Chicago Ridge, where the pit bull named Jock was being taken because the owner was “unable to properly care for it,” police said.

Christine Starr said she never will forget the horror as she witnessed as her beloved Maddie being mauled. The Shih Tzu underwent emergency surgery but died 11 days later.

The owner of the pit bull, Melanise Loving, 25, of South Holland, was fined $50 by the village on Sept. 10, Mayor Eugene Siegel said. That’s the fine charged by Chicago Ridge for letting one’s dog run free.

Starr, 64, doesn’t think that’s enough.

“Fifty dollars? That’s an insult. My dog lost her life,” Starr said.

Starr was bringing Maddie in for a checkup because the 12-pound dog was not eating right. Starr saw the pit bull sitting near the entrance next to Loving, who told police the dog had been on a leash but slipped free.

“When I saw the dog running down the sidewalk, he came lunging forward so quickly,” Starr said. “I attempted to pick up my dog to protect her, but the dog was just too quick.”

The pit bull grabbed Maddie in its mouth and began shaking her violently for two to three minutes, Starr said.

“It was horrible. I thought she was going to die on the spot,” Starr said.

Starr tried to hit the pit bull with her purse to no avail, she said.

Shelter staffers came running out of the animal shelter, and an assistant veterinarian grabbed the pit bull’s tail and dragged it until it released Maddie, Starr said. Veterinarian Leo Paul grabbed Maddie and ran with her to the shelter, where emergency surgery was performed, Starr said.

“It was pretty bad,” Starr said, describing the dog’s injuries.

She said Maddie was a “family-oriented dog, very devoted and well-behaved, just a good dog all the way around.”

The pit bull was destroyed that day, police said.

Starr said she was not charged by the Animal Welfare League for the cost of surgery, but she’s still considering suing Loving, the village and the Animal Welfare League.

“I’m very upset with the village,” she said. “I think they should change the village code. What if a child gets injured by something like this?”

Siegel, who has talked with Starr several times, said while it’s unfortunate Starr’s dog died, the ordinance calls for a maximum fine of $50.

“That’s the fine. It’s out of my hands. But I will look into the ordinance. It could have been on the books for a few years,” Siegel said. “We don’t get too many cases like this.”

While Starr is distraught over losing her Shih Tzu, she later decided to take two Maltese dogs home from the Animal Welfare League.

“I saw them the day that Maddie died,” Starr said. “I had an instinct that bringing them home was meant to be.”

(Chicago Sun Times - September 28, 2011)

Middle-schoolers save woman, dog from mauling

NORTH CAROLINA -- A snarling German Shepherd pinned Miss Casper down with its jaws. Shirley Wright shouted for help as she watched the larger animal attack her 7-year-old dog.

Miss Casper escaped the German Shepherd’s grasp, ran and leaped into Wright’s arms.

Wright tried to scurry up the hill at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Her hands tightened around Miss Casper. The barking German Shepherd chased them.

Middle School students Winston Hendrick, left, Madison
Hendrick, second from left, and Madison Self, right helped Shirley
Wright, center, and her dog, Miss Casper escape an aggressive
 German Shepherd at a local church on a recent morning.

Wright’s car was in sight. The German Shepherd jumped around Wright, nipping at Miss Casper. She was at the church for a morning walk.

Three people heard Wright’s cry and rushed to help. They caught the German Shepherd and held it down, giving Wright and Miss Casper only seconds to take refuge in a car.

Days later, Wright is still amazed her lifesavers are students at Burns Middle School.

Madison Self and Winston and Madison Hendrick teamed up to stop the German Shepherd from mauling Wright and Miss Casper. Madison Self and Winston are in seventh grade. Madison Hendrick is in sixth grade. The students were walking near the church when they heard Wright’s screams.

“It could’ve bit us and gave us rabies,” Madison Hendrick said. “We were all scared and shaking.”

Madison Hendrick said her brother led the way to capture the dog. Wright said Winston Hendrick raced liked the wind to help her as the girls rushed close behind.

“They’re so young, but they showed no fear,” Wright said.

Wright said she doesn’t know how she and Miss Casper escaped the ordeal without scratches or bite marks. She met the children again Wednesday and told them thank you, the only words she could find to say.

Wright called herself lucky to have three children risk their safety for her and Miss Casper. People don’t meet real heroes every day, Wright said.

(Shelby Star - Sept 30 2011)

Dogs will be held until owner's trial

NORTH CAROLINA -- Two pit bulls that attacked two dogs and injured a woman earlier this month are quarantined at the animal shelter on Stone Quarry Road until the case of the dogs’ owner is heard in Alamance County District Court.

It will be up to a judge to decide the fate of the dogs as well as that of Jeffrey Elwood Burton, 29, of Mebane, who faces attack by dangerous dog and precautions against dangerous dog charges, which are misdemeanors.

“In general, when a dog comes in because of an attack or criminal charges, we will hold the animals until there is a court date,” said retired Burlington police Maj. Greg Seel, who currently oversees Burlington Animal Services. “It depends on the case whether a judge will order that the animals go back to the owner with restrictions or if they need to be surrendered to the animal shelter or need to be euthanized.”

The charges against Burton stem from an incident that occurred at about 9 a.m. on Sept. 14. Sandra Jarrell of Burlington was walking Buttons, a Yorkshire terrier that belongs to her mother, Blanche Cole of Carr Street in Mebane.

“I was walking him down the street and we had just got to the corner of Stagecoach (Road) and Carr (Street) when I saw two pit bulls running right towards us,” Jarrell said. “I grabbed my mom’s Yorkie, and they yanked Buttons out of my arms.”

Jarrell started screaming for help.

“They were just tearing him apart,” she said.

Two men who were driving down the street stopped their cars and got out to help. Jarrell said they began kicking the dogs.

“If they had not stopped, the pit bulls would have torn my mom’s dog in half,” Jarrell said. “I am so thankful they stopped.”

Jarrell was bit in the hand and was treated and released at Alamance Regional Medical Center. Buttons had 17 puncture wounds and needed emergency surgery, which had to be stopped midway through because the dog was losing so much blood.

“He needs more surgery done,” Jarrell said. “He suffered liver and muscle damage.”

Prior to the attack on Buttons, the pit bulls had attacked Kirk Wilkerson’s dog. Wilkerson kicked the dogs, and they went away. He was calling Mebane police and reporting the incident when Jarrell encountered the pit bulls.

Mebane police responded to the incident and charged Burton, who has a court date on Oct. 7. He also faces abandonment of animal and cruelty to animal charges for an incident in January when he allegedly put a pit bull “puppy in a trash can and left it for dead,” according to warrants. He has a court date on Oct. 27 for those charges.

Mebane police Assistant Chief T.A. Byrd said that police were able to catch the dogs with the help of animal control, and they were brought to the shelter at that time. Burton has another dog that was not involved in the incident that he has tied up in his fenced-in yard.

Mebane residents are only allowed to have three dogs within the city limits and dogs much be kept inside a fenced area or on a leash.

Jarrell said she’s experienced several sleepless nights since the incident.

“I’ve never in my life been attacked by dogs before,” she said. “I just froze. I could not believe those dogs came after us like that. … It gave me great anxiety. I keep hearing myself screaming. It still bothers me.”

(Times-News - September 30, 2011)

Horses attacked by loose pit bull on Fiesta Beach

CALIFORNIA -- Two horses are recovering after being injured in a vicious dog attack Friday on Fiesta Island.

The horses were in the water when the riders say a pit bull came up and bit them.

In this News 8 video story, Jeff Zevely has details of the attack, and the latest on the condition of the horses.

[Not much text to the story. I paraphrased some of it below after watching the video clip...]

It happened this afternoon. The horses were in the water when a pit bull came up and attacked.

They said they had just taken a wonderful ride with their horses along the beach here on Fiesta Island - which is legal - and had just taken the horses into the water to cool down when they say this pit bull came charging out of nowhere at them.

"It was just terrifying. and it seemed to go on for so long. There was no one around."

"My first reaction was that the dogs were coming after us... I've never had a dog lock eyes on me like that before... I've had dog all my life and I've never experienced anything like that..."

After one of the riders kicked the dog away from her, the dog re-directed onto one of the horses. The dog sank its teeth into the mare's neck and was hanging off the horse. It also tore into the horses' chest.

Animal Control officer says the owner is Cody Becker of Pacific Beach. In the video clip, he won't talk on camera but goes over and shakes the hand of the husband of one of the horse owners.  He apparently said he was sorry and told them "he had no inkling that his dog was violent."

Fiesta Island is a leash-free area and Animal Control officers say horses and dogs can make for a dangerous mix. [Hmm, I'd say pit bulls and horses don't mix...]

(CBS 8 - Sept 30, 2011)

Pit Bulls Wreak Havoc In Lincoln

NEBRASKA -- The Pit Bull Mixes sit in a Capital Humane Society holding cell, rather calm now, it was a different story Thursday evening.

Prior to their capture, witnesses say the dogs nipped at one child's foot, preliminary reports suggests they charged one man, knocked him down, while one bit his dog.

In the video, a witness says a man ran over and hit one of the dogs with an axe handle, in an attempt to get them away from the elderly man and his dog.

Soon, Animal Control got a handle on the situation, but not before people scrambled inside for safety.

The owners haven't been located.

(1011Now - Sept 30, 2011)

Texas: Kim Sheppard and Mike Hanes get to walk away after their Pit Bulls nearly kill ten-year-old boy

CROSBY, TEXAS -- This summer, 10-year-old Mario Lopez was nearly killed by two pit bulls. Months later, he is slowly recovering and there's been an unexpected development in the case against the pit bulls' owners.

Lopez's mother testified earlier this week before a grand jury. Kimberly Sheppard and Michael Hanes were accused of failing to properly secure those dogs.

The two dogs that attacked him were put down, and just this week their owners, Sheppard and Hanes, found out that they are not responsible criminally for the attack.

Free to go and get some more pit bull mixes.

A grand jury 'no billed' them on charges of felony dog attack, meaning they will not spend a single night in jail, they will not spend a single day on probation and are free to go and get more Pit Bulls.

Even though the dogs got loose, the couple had previously taken measures to secure the dogs by building a new kennel, so the grand jury claimed they could could not find enough evidence to return a criminal indictment.

Now, the wounded 10-year-old is opening up for the first time about that terrifying ordeal and talking exclusively to Eyewitness News.

"They haven't been hurting a lot lately," Lopez said.

 At 10 years old, Lopez has endured more pain than most people will experience in a lifetime. And he's got the scars to prove it.

 "I tried to run. They came at me too fast," he said.

 Nearly three months ago, Lopez was viciously attacked by two pit bull mixes while riding his bike.

 "When the two dogs were right here, I grabbed my bike and I pushed them away," Lopez said.

 He remembers every detail.

"First the pit bull bit the back of my legs and then the two dogs started fighting each other. I don't know. I think they were fighting over who gets to kill me," Lopez said.

 They might have killed him had it not been for two women in the neighborhood who heard his screams for help and fought them off.

"I just want to say thank you because if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't even be here," Lopez said.

After six surgeries and two months of physical therapy, Lopez is out of the hospital, back in school but not quite himself.

All Lopez can think about is getting back to the way things used to be.

"I really want to go out and play instead of sitting around the house doing nothing," he said.

(KTRK - Sept 30, 2011)

Earlier:

• Moms Save Boy From Dog Attack
• Mom of boy mauled by pit bulls speaks out
• Crosby residents charged in boy's dog mauling

Authorities suspiciously quiet about whether they're going to charge the owner of these horses with cruelty

UTAH -- Weber County Animal Services is investigating a case of neglect of horses on a property in West Warren.

Weber County Animal Services Director Lt. Chad Ferrin said Weber-Morgan Health Department and Weber County Planning Department are also involved in the case.

"This has been an ongoing problem for several months," Ferrin said, "We've been trying to work through it."

The horses were allegedly malnourished and living in poor conditions. The agencies are working with the owners to improve the condition of the horses.

 

A resident in the area, who wished not to be identified, said a number of horses on a West Warren property have died and have been left to rot. The resident submitted photos to the Standard-Examiner.

Ferrin would not identify the location of the property under investigation and would not confirm whether the photos supplied by the resident were those of the property in question.

"When we went out there today we found they were mostly compliant," Ferrin said.
 

The owners have 48 hours to be completely compliant. However, if the owners are found not to be compliant, Animals Services can send the case to court.

Horse ownership is common in Weber County.

"It seems like half of the county owns a horse," Ferrin said.

Animal Services receives a couple of calls a month, because people believe a horse does not have enough water, feed or room, Ferrin said, but for the most part people take care of their animals.

"Most of the cruelty cases are completely unfounded," Ferrin said.

(The Standard - Sept 28, 2011)

No justice for woman murdered by dogs in New Mexico

NEW MEXICO -- No criminal charges will be filed against the owner of pit bulls who mauled a Truth or Consequences, N.M. woman to death.

On Wednesday, the district attorney announced that owner James Hardiman won’t be criminally charged unless someone has first-hand information to show he knew his dogs were dangerous.

[This is the problem with the laws. The owner only has to insist he had 'no idea' his dogs were aggressive or would ever hurt anyone. Many animal control agencies are either overworked or are lazy and don't implement the dangerous dog ordinances in their region. Bite reports and having a dog deemed dangerous sets the groundwork for when this dog AGAIN does something, the owner CAN be held responsible b/c in the eyes of the law, the owner can't claim ignorance of the dog's aggression.

Many times the owners will simply surrender the dog to be put down rather than have to deal with the restrictions placed on them by animal control.  In my opinion, that's a better outcome b/c we don't have to deal with this aggressive dog possibly getting loose again.  Unfortunately, most agencies have bad employees or they are so short-handed they simply don't have the manpower to deal with the paperwork, effort and time that involves getting a dog declared dangerous.]

The victim’s family hopes that someone will come forward and speak with authorities.

“Please come forward, a message to anybody that can help us steer this case in the other direction with another set of eyes, by God's will come forward,” the victim’s brother, Gary Salcedo, said.

The district attorney’s office said the case is not closed and the statute of limitations is five years.

(KOAT - Sept 29, 2011)

Earlier:

• Family of woman killed by pit bulls protests handling of case
• Charges undecided in fatal T or C mauling

Pit Bull Attacks Teen At Bus Stop

FLORIDA -- The walk home from the bus stop for a group of teens on the Southside of Jacksonville Wednesday ended painfully for one teenager.

A pit bull attacked the 14-year-old, who was walking home. The boy's bus driver Jennifer Goldi told Channel 4 that the dog has been a problem in the neighborhood for a while.

"My leg was just slit open, my leg was just slit open," the teen said.

The middle school student who did not want to be identified, has bandages from his thigh down to his ankle and underneath the bandages are deep bite wounds from the 60 lb pit bull.

"He just came charging at us and attacked us," the teen said.

"I laid on my horn to get somebody's attention to come out about the dog," said Goldi. "I called rescue and finally he came out and put him behind the gate."

Kids in the neighborhood said they have been chased by the dog several times after they get off the bus. Even Goldi, who witnessed the attack, said it happens all the time.

"Every day when I drop them off, they have to run from them. They shouldn't have to be scared like that," Goldi said.

David Stoner is caring for his friend's dog and admitted to leaving the gate open Wednesday afternoon. The pit bull's fate is now in the hands of animal control, who will determine if the dog should be euthanized.

"It's going to hurt me. I love that dog to death," said Stoner.

[In the video clip, the guy tells the reporter that the belongs to a 'buddy' of his who's in JAIL. I almost missed him saying it b/c I was so mesmerized by his jacked up, missing teeth.]

(News4Jax - Sept 29, 2011)

Pit bull owners face cruelty charges

WASHINGTON -- A dog owner is facing animal cruelty charges after bringing his emaciated, starving pit bull to the vet.

The Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service filed a charging request against Randy Jensen for first-degree animal cruelty and second-degree animal cruelty. Charging requests were also filed for his sister, Talina Jensen, also faces of first-degree animal cruelty and confinement in an unsafe manner.

Randy Jensen took the dog, Jackson, in for veterinary care Sept. 9 after he lost about 20 pounds and stopped eating, according to a SCRAPS news release. However, Jensen did not have the money for the recommended exam but did not want to euthanize the dog.

He brought Jackson to his sister Talina Jensen for care, but Jackson continued to suffer “substantial and unjustifiable pain,” the news release said.

On Sept. 26, SCRAPS animal protection officers rushed Jackson in for veterinary care after they began an investigation. Tests showed Jackson’s intestines had burst and he was septic, the news release said.

Jackson was euthanized.

“Jackson suffered for several weeks and the charges reflect the serious nature of the crimes committed against him,” said Nicole Montano, lead animal protection officer. “SCRAPS takes the issue of animal cruelty and neglect very seriously and this was an extreme case of cruelty and neglect.”

SCRAPs urges anyone who sees an animal being mistreated to call (509) 477-2532

(Spokesman - Sept 29, 2011)

Disabled Man Fears Neighbor's Pit Bull

FLORIDA -- A disabled Lake Shore man said he fears for his life because of his neighbor's pit bull and he won't go into his own yard unless he's armed with a gun.

"This dog's not barking and wagging its tail to come over and lick my face," Robbie Davis said. "He's barking to come over and eat me."

Davis, who uses a motorized wheelchair after he lost a leg, says one of his neighbor's dog seems irritated by his scooter.

That neighbor wouldn't give her name, but told WJXT her dogs are not a threat to Davis.

"My dogs don't go out of the house without a muzzle on and leashes on," she told Channel 4's Hailey Winslow. "They never run around. They're in-house dogs, and they never cause any problems and they've never done anything to anybody."

Davis says one of the dogs is vicious.

"I got to carry a weapon with me when I'm out pulling weeds in my own front yard," Davis said. "Now that ain't right."

Davis says he tried calling the police, who told him to contact animal control. He says animal control told him it can't do anything until someone is attacked.

He said he's also tried confronting his neighbor, and when he did on Thursday, it turned into a shouting match.

"Why should I have to play target practice with your mean dog?," Davis asked to his neighbor.

"My dog is not mean. My dog is in the house," she shouted back.

"Chain him up and bring him out here," Davis said. "Let these people take a picture of him."

The neighbor did bring one dog out to be petted, but kept the other inside.

[In the video, the reporter says they repeatedly asked the owner to bring the other dog - the one the neighbor says is aggressive - outside. She refused repeatedly. Now why do you think she would refuse to bring the dog outside? After all, she says it's a big baby who just wants to give you doggie kisses!]

Davis says his neighbor need to build a fence or get rid of the dog before someone gets hurt, and other neighbors also expressed concern.

"He's got a big old rope leash, but one day he's going to snatch it out of their hands," Davis said.

"Something ought to be done before I have to lay in an emergency room with my arms ripped off."

(News4Jax - Sept 29, 2011)

New York: Police Continue Search For Pit Bull In North Merrick Attack; Surveillance Photo Released

NEW YORK -- Police are scouring North Merrick using helicopters and patrol cars to find a vicious pit bull that attacked a 62-year-old woman.

Shashi Sharma was mauled by two 90-pound pit bulls Thursday after finishing up her daily walk.

Victim Shashi Sharma, who made the mistake of
taking a walk. Now it might cost her an arm.

The dogs bit her face and head and tore at her arms and legs. Doctors are now trying to save her left arm. She is listed in serious condition in an induced coma at Nassau University Medical Center.

Sharma made a frantic call to 911 during the attack and when police arrived they shot both dogs – killing one of them. Friday afternoon, Nassau County Police released a surveillance photo of the two pit bulls.

The other escaped into nearby woods and is still on the loose.

Det. Lt. Kevin Smith said if police hadn’t stopped the attack Sharma could’ve been killed.

Police are warning residents to stay indoors and call 911 if they see the animal — which is considered to be vicious and dangerous.

Surveillance photo of the two Pit Bulls

One woman told WCBS 880′s Sophia Hall that she called 911 after spotting a dog fitting the description of the pit bull police are searching for.

She said the brown and white dog was clawing at a bag of garbage at a curb on Meadowbrook Road but was gone by the time officers arrived on the scene.

Police said there have been at least three sightings of the dog.

The pit bulls are believed to be the same ones responsible for an attack on a 67-year-old man on Wednesday.

(CBS New York - Sept 30, 2011)

Earlier:

• One Pit Bull Shot, Another On The Loose After Mauling L.I. Woman

Ardmore couple convicted in dog mauling death

OKLAHOMA --  An Ardmore couple whose pit bull mauled and killed a man has been convicted of owning a dangerous dog that caused a person's death.

The Daily Ardmoreite reports that a Carter County jury deliberated three hours before returning the verdict. Formal sentencing is scheduled for next month for Rickey Lynn Grant and Lisa Kay Bloxham-Grant, both age 40.

The jury recommended Grant and his wife each pay a $5,000 fine.

[The hell with the $10,000 in fines! How are these idiots, who don't appear to have two nickels to rub together, supposed to come up with 10,000 dollars?

Here are some better ideas:  Ban them from EVER owning another dog for the rest of their lives. Order them to visit the grave of Virgil Cantrell every year on the date of his death for the rest of their lives.]

Virgil A. Cantrell

The April 22 attack occurred when the couple wasn't home and with the dog chained to the porch of their home. Virgil A. Cantrell suffered severed arteries and broken bones, including a vertebra in his neck.

Deputies had to shoot the dog because it wouldn't let rescuers near Cantrell.

• (Tulsa World - Sept 30, 2011)

Earlier:

• Carter Co. man killed in dog attack

Hawaii: Vicious pit bull deemed dangerous attacks again

HAWAII -- A pit bull mix dog that had been deemed dangerous was surrendered to the Maui Humane Society and euthanized this month, after it was found unrestrained following an Aug. 23 attack on another dog at Waiehu Kou Park.

The attack last month followed an earlier report of an attack and bite by the same dog, leading to the dangerous dog designation, said Jocelyn Bouchard, chief executive officer of the Maui Humane Society.

Glynn Akina holds her dog Laka, a
miniature pinscher mix, who was attacked
by an already declared Dangerous pit bull
mix during a morning walk Aug. 23.

Within a week of being deemed dangerous, the dog was found loose when animal control officers checked on it, Bouchard said. The dangerous dog designation carries requirements including immediate confinement in a fully enclosed area.

After the violation, Bouchard said the owner agreed to surrender the intact 2-year-old male, and it was euthanized this month.

[Why did their dangerous dog ordinance NOT require neutering and spaying of a dog declared dangerous???!]

A Tuesday date is set in Wailuku District Court for the dog owner, Ginger Kapaku, who was cited for a leash law violation and dog attack.

In another dog attack that injured a woman hiking with her puppy Aug. 2 at Waihou Springs State Forest Reserve at the top of Olinda Road, dog owner Nadia Toraman was cited for a leash law violation and dog attack. Her court date is set for Oct. 11.

On Wednesday, Toraman said she was sorry the incident happened.

"Did I wish that? No," she said. "It was a freak accident.

"I'm sorry," she said. "I'm trying to do the right thing from here on."

Toraman's pit bull Kona, a 1-year-old female, was deemed dangerous after the hiker reported the unleashed dog chewed on her arms as she held up her 5-pound Pomeranian puppy to keep the smaller dog from being attacked. After a visiting nurse helped the injured woman out of the forest, an ambulance transported her to Maui Memorial Medical Center, where she was treated with multiple stitches on both arms.

Toraman's appeal of the dangerous dog designation is on the Maui County Animal Control Board's Oct. 12 agenda.

Toraman is appealing a specific requirement, not the entire designation, Bouchard said. Toraman has complied with other requirements including obedience classes for the dog, and the dog has been confined when animal control officers have made checks.

"She's been very cooperative, very responsible," Bou-chard said. "The dog has been fine. It's been very friendly."

She said that's often the case with dogs. "They're going to get worked up and riled up in a situation, where they may not be in another situation," Bou-chard said. "That's just why we need people to keep dogs on leashes."

In the Aug. 23 attack, Waiehu Kou resident Glynn Akina was walking her two leashed dogs, Laka and Buddy, at Waiehu Kou Park in the morning when the unleashed pit bull ran up from behind and attacked Laka, a miniature pinscher mix.

She said the pit bull mix had bitten Laka on his shoulder and was holding on when a boy from the family that owned the dog showed up.

The boy grabbed and straddled the dog and pounded it with a beer bottle until it finally let go of her dog, Akina said. "He helped me. If it wasn't for him, my dog wouldn't be alive today," she said. "I know that there was no way the dog was going to give up without a fight.

"I don't know what made the dog let go. I think the man upstairs had something to do with it."

She estimated that the red pit bull mix weighed about 60 pounds, compared to 15-pound Laka. Her other dog, Buddy, a terrier who also weighs about 15 pounds, wasn't attacked.

"I was so traumatized," Akina said, recalling the attack. "I was hyperventilating."

She said a man called 911 and told her it wasn't the first time the dog had gotten loose and attacked. Later, Akina said she learned there was a big hole in the fence where the dog had been tied up in the yard.

"If my dog attacked someone, I would not have that dog be able to get loose," Akina said. "You cannot take it lightly. You have to take the proper steps to make sure your dog doesn't get loose. It could have been a child. And it could have been their ohana.

"We all should be educated on what to do and what are the steps to make sure this dog is not able to attack again."

In addition to reporting the attack to police, Akina said she called the Maui Humane Society to report it. When no one showed up to investigate, she said she went to the agency to make a report.

Akina said Laka's veterinarian bill totaled $117, much of it for antibiotics and pain medication. "I'm very blessed it didn't turn out worse," she said.

Bouchard encouraged people to call the Maui Humane Society as well as police to report dog bites.

She said the agency doesn't get police reports of such incidents right away, and in some cases may not get the reports at all.

"That is really critical that people call us, even if the police have responded," she said. "At the very least, we will get the police report faster."

(Maui News - September 30, 2011)

Pit bull owner convicted of animal at large

VIRGINIA -- A press release issued Wednesday by Williamsburg Police appears to justify an officer's shooting of a pit bull three weeks ago on Richmond Road.

The release notes that Robert Asbury was found guilty Wednesday morning in General District Court of having a dog at large. Asbury was the owner of the pit bull that was shot as it approached a police officer patroling on foot early the morning of Sept. 8. Asbury was not fined and court costs were waived.

The incident took place in the parking lot of the Williamsburg Travel Inn in the 1800 block of Richmond Road around 12:30 a.m. the morning. According to police, as the officer returned to his vehicle a brown and black pit bull that was not on a leash charged at the officer.

When the dog came within an arm's length, the officer fired his gun once, striking the dog in the jaw. The animal survived, and was treated by a veterinarian.

The owners disputed the police account, saying the animal was friendly toward police, which had prior interaction with the dog. They claimed the dog was trotting toward the officer, with its tail wagging.

[Stupid owners. I don't care what they THINK the dog was doing and its intentions -- the media is full of stories of owners who lament "I can't believe he attacked that person! He's never acted like this before. My kids climb all over him. He sleeps with the cat!" As Judge Judy would say, "But for your actions (of letting your pit bull run loose), your dog would not have been shot."]

(Virginia Gazette - Sept 30, 2011)

Earlier:

• Williamsburg police officer on foot patrol shoots pit bull
• Another pit bull shot by police

Florida: St. Petersburg police officers cleared in dog shootings

FLORIDA -- Three police officers who fired their weapons at dogs in three different incidents this summer were cleared of any wrongdoing by a shooting review board on Thursday.

The incidents in which the dogs were shot:

*Three officers were investigating a domestic incident on July 25 when they entered a home at 843½ 16th Ave. N, according to police. They were met by an aggressive pit bull terrier, police said, which the residents could not control.

The dog charged Officer Jereme Hayes and kept him from leaving the house. Fearing officer injury, he shot and killed the dog.

*A report of a vicious dog brought two officers to 1733 29th Ave. N on Aug. 1. But when a neighbor tried to help police corral the dog, the agency said it charged him and Officer Matthew Kirchgraber.

 Kirchgraber drew his weapon and fired twice. The pit bull terrier was wounded but ran away and wasn't found.

*Officer Curtis Wright was answering an Aug. 19 animal complaint at 2165 Country Club Court N, according to police, when two pit bull terrier mixes attacked a county animal control worker.

 Wright killed one of the animals and the other ran away but was later captured. The worker suffered "significant injury" to both arms.

(St Petersburg Times - Sept 30, 2011)

Earlier:

• St. Petersburg police officer shoots, kills attacking pit bull
• 2 dogs shot after attacking Florida officer
• Animal Control Officer Attacked by Pit Bull

Dead Starved Horse Found Tied in Road

TEXAS -- On September 8, 2011, the Polk County Sheriff Office was dispatched to Stallion Station Road which is South of the city of Livingston. The caller advised there was a horse lying across Stallion Station Rd.

Corporal Rogers arrived on scene and found a severely emaciated sorrel horse lying across Stallion Station Rd. Corporal Rogers advised there was a rope tied to the back feet of the horse which had been used to tie to a tree on the side of the road. The horse had been dragged out of a trailer and left lying in the center of Stallion Station Rd. Corporal Rogers states it was apparent the horse had been starved, because of the condition the horse was found in.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is asking for assistance from the public for information leading to the arrest and prosecution for the person or persons responsible for this act of Animal Cruelty.

This is one of many Animal Cruelty cases the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has investigated over the past nine months. Sheriff Hammack advised the Polk County Sheriff’s Office will aggressively pursue cases of Animal Cruelty and file charges on owners or the care givers which ever appropriate.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is actively pursing the owner of this. If you have any information regarding this case please call the local Crime Stoppers @ (936) 327-STOP (7867).

Animal Control Officer Crystal Rogers advised these types of cases or increasing and it appears the economy and the severe drought has placed hardships on animal owners like never before. With the low yielding hay fields locally, owners or having to have the hay shipped in for their animals, and the cost of feed has gone up.

Officer Rogers said young and new owners did not foresee or take into account that caring for a horse or livestock goes far beyond the initial purchase cost. Officer Rogers says it’s our duty to care for the animal we have committed ourselves to because the animals can not care for themselves.

Animal Control Officer Crystal Rogers advised the Polk County Sheriff’s office has responded to 82 animal cruelty calls so for this year. This does not include the stray livestock that people have turned loose and never claim. Officer Rogers said she wants the public to know if they get into a bind there are rescue groups out there willing to help with fostering or adopting animals the owners are no longer able to care for.

Officer Roger’s said the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division will aggressively investigate all case of Animal Cruelty and file charges where appropriate, as well as the owner could also be responsible for any expenses incurred from seizing, impounding and Veterinarian fees.

(Polk County Today - Sept 30, 2011)

Pit bull attack on dog results in gun threat

CALIFORNIA -- People used a screwdriver to try to pry open the mouth of a pit bull as it attacked a Labrador retriever in San Clemente, a witness said, while the Lab's owner got out a shotgun with intent to shoot the pit bull, according to a report from the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

Ultimately, the Lab owner did not use the weapon and the dogs were separated, the witness said. An argument broke out when the pit bull's owner tried to drive away, officials said.

The incident was reported at 7:14 p.m. Tuesday on the 2900 block of Estancia.

(Orange County Register - Sept. 29, 2011)

One Pit Bull Shot, Another On The Loose After Mauling L.I. Woman

NEW YORK -- A Long Island woman is in the hospital after being attacked by two pit bulls Thursday morning in North Merrick, police said.

The woman, identified by neighbors as  62-year-old Shasahi Sharma had just finished walking the track behind the former Brookside Junior High School just after 11 a.m. when the two 90-pound dogs attacked her.

Victim Shasahi Sharma

As she got to the parking lot, the attack escalated. According to Det. Lt. Kevin Smith, the dogs bit her around the face and head and tore at her arms and legs.

“These dogs launched into full fledged attack,” Smith said.

On Thursday night the victim’s lone child, son Suraj Sharma, spoke to CBS 2′s Sean Hennessey.

“Her left arm is severely damaged and that she’s going to require a lot of physical therapy and surgery in the long run,” Suraj Sharma said. “Why do people have dogs that do this? She’s always been a little afraid of dogs, but usually when people are [at the track] they have them on a leash.”


The woman managed to call 911 and officers arrived at the scene while the attack was in progress. The dogs then turned on the officers, reports Hennessey. Police opened fire and one pit bull was shot in the back and killed. The other managed to escape into nearby woods and is still on the loose. Police said the second dog may also have been shot.

The woman was rushed to Nassau University Medical Center, where surgery was performed. She is listed in serious condition.

Smith said, “It’s very likely if the officers didn’t arrive and put a stop to this that this woman could have lost her life.”

 
 “We should say to the community at this time, stay inside. If they see these dogs they should let us know, call 911,” Smith told CBS 2′s Jennifer McLogan.

A neighbor told 1010 WINS’ Mona Rivera that the woman walks the track daily to lose weight and get herself back into shape. Another told CBS 2′s McLogan the victim is actually a doctor.

“I just saw her laying down there. She wasn’t really moving too much. Cops just had gloves on,” witness Fred Rinzler told McLogan.

The search for the other dog in the attack continued Thursday night.

“The woods back right up into our back yard. They still have no idea where that dog is. That dog could be in our backyard for all we know hiding,” neighbor Amanda Hertzka said.

On Wednesday night, police believe the same pit bulls were responsible for the attack of a 67-year-old man on a bicycle three blocks from the site. He managed to escape thanks to a quick-think neighbor who fought the dogs off.

Middle class neighborhoods are full of dogs like these

So just how vicious are these animals?

“They were so relentless in trying to get to this guy. I can’t imagine. They didn’t look like junkyard dogs. They looked healthy,” witness John Fiedel told CBS 2′s Hennessey.

(CBS2 - Sept 29, 2011)

Pit bull attack victim battles back

OHIO -- The road to recovery for the survivor of a dog attack is slow, but Sandra Getzendiner says her faith is pulling her through.

Getzendiner is staying with her daughters, still unable to completely care for herself. She was critically injured during a September 11th attack, but in just a few weeks has already made some great strides toward recovery.

"I feel really great for what happened to me. I feel really blessed to get through it," said Getzendiner.

Sandra was riding her bike on the North Main Street Bridge on that fateful day when two loose pit bulls attacked. Sandra was so badly injured, she was rushed by Careflight to Miami Valley Hospital where she underwent a series of surgeries.

Doctors had to reconstruct Sandra's finger, face and arm. They also had to reattach her ear.

"I just thank God cause I'm feeling really good and everything like I said I never felt really the pain that I should have."

Sandra's daughter, Charla, is now helping to take care for her, but mounting medical bills are going to be a challenge for the Getzendiners.

And that's why a Piqua man is organizing a charity poker run.

Sandra says the support from the community has been a huge help and given her the faith to get better.

The benefit is going to be held on October 22nd. The motorcycle ride starts at One More Bar located on Wood Street in Piqua. Registration starts at 10:30 and it costs $15.00 per rider, $20.00 if you have a passenger.

Meals and entertainment are included. All the proceeds go to Getzendiner.

(WDTN - Sept 30, 2011)

Earlier:

• Woman attacked by pit bulls recovering