Sunday, September 30, 2012

Pasco deputy trying to serve warrant kills attacking pit bull

FLORIDA -- A Pasco County deputy shot and killed a pit bull Sunday afternoon after the dog attacked him while he was attempting to serve a warrant, authorities said.

The deputy, who hasn't been identified, was walking to his car about 2:30 p.m. when the dog attacked him. He killed the dog in self defense, the Sheriff's Office said.



According to a Pasco County Sheriff's Office report Deputy Taber shot the animal dead while defending himself. Investigators say he was in the neighborhood attempted to issue an arrest warrant in a grand theft case.

The deputy's arm was severely injured in the attack, and he was transported to a Tampa hospital for treatment.

An investigation revealed the canine freed himself through a gate at 39809 Cole Ave. and charged Taber. The owner of the dog, Demetria Livingston, was issued a citation by PCSO for failing to contain her animal in a proper fashion.

(Tampabay.com - Sept 30, 2012)

Elderly Man Attacked by Neighbor's Pit Bull

TEXAS -- A man in his 70's was attacked by his neighbor's pit bull on the west side Saturday morning.

Police were called to a home on Morales Street near North Colorado Street around 9:00 a.m. after the man's family called 911.

The elderly man suffered puncture wounds to his arm and wrist area, but was not seriously injured.

According to an Animal Care Services officer, the owner of the dog was cited for animal violations.

The elderly man's family claims the owner did not keep his dogs restrained, but the owner says he did.

(FOX 29 - Sept 30, 2012)

Neighbors helpless as pit bull kills cat

PENNSYLVANIA -- The owner of a pit bull that killed a cat Friday afternoon on a porch in the 1000 block of West Montgomery Street, despite efforts by neighbors to save the feline, will be cited for allowing her dog to run at large.

The unprovoked attack scared and outraged the cat's owner and neighbors, who will have to wait until Monday for the dog to be removed from its home a block away.

Kristine Raser, 27, of 949 W. Montgomery St., Coal Township, about a block from where the attack occurred, will be cited by Patrolman Matthew Hashuga for violating a township ordinance in connection with the incident, which was reported to police at 12:05 p.m.

Richard Dilliplane, of 1033 W. Montgomery St., said a brown pit bull came onto his
porch and attacked and killed his pet cat, Smokey. Several neighbors witnessed the attack and attempted to intervene by striking the pit bull with the flat end of an ax and shooting at the dog.

However, the dog continued its attack before fleeing with the cat's remains toward a wooded area south of West Fern Street.
The cat was never found and is believed to have been eaten by the dog.

Friday evening, Raser contacted police and state dog officer Allen Fegley to inform them that she had the pit bull secured in a cage at her home, where the dog will remain until Monday when Fegley is scheduled to pick it up.

Dilliplane, who attempted to stop the dog from killing the 3-year-old male cat, was distraught about losing his pet, which he has owned since it was a kitten.
'It was horrible'

On Saturday, Dilliplane didn't care to say much about the incident except that he was glad to hear police were going to cite the dog's owner.

Dilliplane's sister, Susan Hughes, who lives with her brother and husband, William, stated, "I heard a thump and when I came outside onto the porch, I saw the dog with the cat in its mouth. I yelled for my brother to come out and he attempted to get the dog off the cat, but it was too late."

Hughes, who just got home Friday from Sunbury Community Hospital after undergoing surgery, was transported back to the hospital by ambulance after collapsing shortly after the dog attack from stress and anxiety. She was back home again Saturday.

Tim and Cathy Neary, of 1028 W. Montgomery St., who witnessed the attack, said it wasn't pretty.

"It was horrible," said Mrs. Neary. "This is a quiet neighborhood to have something like that happen. I saw it from my window and started screaming to my husband to do something."

Tim Neary said he grabbed the ax, ran across the street and hit the pit bull in the head, which stunned the dog and caused it to bleed.

"I wasn't trying to kill the dog. I was just trying to save the cat," he said. "But by the time it got off the cat, the cat was already dead. The dog ripped its guts right out. It wasn't a pretty thing to see."

The Nearys, who own a German shepherd-lab mix and a sheep dog-Great Dane mix, believe the pit bull isn't being taken care of properly and can be very imposing when its free.

"There are kids in our neighborhood and having a dog run free like that is scary," Cathy Neary said. "It already killed a cat. Thank God it didn't attack any kids."

'In fear' for weekend

Mrs. Neary said she was disturbed the dog couldn't be removed by the state dog officer until Monday.
"I don't like the way the situation was handled. We have to live in fear the whole weekend," she said.

Michelle Pauzer, of 1034 W. Montgomery St., Coal Township, who did not witness the attack, was upset by the delay as well.

"I'd love to know why the dog warden didn't take the dog because there have been reports that it is not secured in the cage and was out in the yard," he said.

Pauzer said she heard reports that the dog attacked two other cats in the past, but she couldn't confirm that information. Pauzer said she has not experienced any problems with the pit bull.

Gun confiscated

Another neighbor, who preferred not to be identified, said the dog approached her before mauling the cat.

"It was near me coming down the street, but then someone yelled and it took off, spotted the cat on the porch and killed it before running away with the remains of the cat in its mouth. I feel sorry for Mr. Dilliplane," she said.

Neighbors said Nick Graboskie, of 1025 W. Montgomery St., initially used a pellet gun in an attempt to scare the dog off, but after that didn't work, he retrieved a handgun and fired at the dog. Neighbors said they didn't know if the dog was struck.

Graboskie, who was away for the weekend, was unavailable for comment. His gun was confiscated by police.

Neighbors commended Graboskie and Neary for their efforts to save the cat.

(News Item - Sept 30, 2012)

MCSO investigates animal cruelty case in Tonopah

ARIZONA -- The Maricopa County Sheriff's Animal Cruelty Unit is investigating an animal cruelty case near 367th Avenue and Indian School Road.


Authorities say the dogs didn't have enough food and water and they were covered in ticks. In all, 27 dogs were taken from the home.




The owner of the home is a dog breeder and boarder. Sgt. Jones says 46-year-old Mark Robinson was arrested on nine counts of animal cruelty and failure to provide medical care.

Twenty dogs were seized in need of medical treatment, and seven others were surrendered by the owner. Ten dogs were allowed to stay inside the house.


The 20 dogs were treated with a tick bath, given immunizations, and will need follow up vet care.

"If we can't determine that all the dogs are mistreated we can't really seize them, there's really nothing we can do," explained Sgt. Brandon Jones.


Deputies say Robinson's roommate will help care for the 10 dogs left behind. Detectives will be sent in to check on the dogs from time to time.

(myfoxhouston - Sept 25, 2012)

Why off-leash dog parks aren't safe

CALIFORNIA -- This photo and warning to others was posted on Yelp:

"This dog attacked my dog Sun Sept 16. The dog drew blood, and the owner Kan Parthiban refuses to show any vet records rabies inc."



Reed Street Dog Park, 888 Reed Street (at Lafayette), Santa Clara, CA 
The Reed Street Dog Park is a 1.5 acre City park that is the only City park that allows dogs to run off-leash. All other City parks require owners to have their dogs on a six foot leash at all times.

Separate fenced areas are provided at the Reed Street Dog Park for large and small dogs (small dogs are a maximum of 18" in height at the shoulder) with each area providing grassy mounds, water, benches, trees, plastic bags, garbage cans and a shade structure. Parking areas and a portable restroom are included in the park amenities. Additional park rules and regulations are posted at the park.


(Yelp - Sept 20, 2012)

Dog that attacked young girl set to be euthanized

TENNESSEE -- The Humane Society in Union County has decided to euthanize a dog that attacked a young girl last week.


The family said they wanted the Humane Society to euthanize the dog named Jake because they worried the Union County Humane Society would re-adopt him. Now, the society says it will euthanize Jake on Tuesday.

The society's director says health officials asked to quarantine the dog for 10 days for rabies testing. Those 10 days are up on Tuesday.

The family says they're relieved by the news.

(WBIR - Sept 29, 2012)

Earlier:

Police find coward who fled with his killer dogs

AUSTRALIA -- POLICE and council officers have tracked down the owner of two dogs which allegedly attacked and killed a puppy on Moana Beach on Saturday.

The owner of the dogs left the beach with the animals, refusing to give his details, after one allegedly killed Alison Bandick's Pekingese poodle pup, Lily, and bit the Christie Downs woman.

RIP Lily
Mrs Bandick was able to provide police with the man's mobile phone number because his partner had used a witness's phone to call him to come to the beach after the incident, about noon on Saturday.

Onkaparinga Council safety officers are expected to take statements from both dog owners this week before determining what action may be taken.

Mrs Bandick needed hospital treatment and a tetanus shot for a bite to her hand sustained while she was trying to save her dog.

Her other dog, a toy poodle, Jazz, was also bitten by one of two dogs that attacked her two small pups.

The Pekingese poodle, Lily, died on the beach after the attack.

Mrs Bandick said the girl who had been walking with the two dogs that attacked hers put them on a lead and called the owner, who refused to provide his details.

(adelaidenow - Sept 24, 2012)

10-year-old Cocoa boy attacked by pit bulls

FLORIDA -- A 10-year-old Cocoa boy is back home after being attacked by two pit bulls that got out of a neighbor's house and went after him.

It happened Saturday near his home at the Sunrise Village Mobile Home Park.

The boy's mother, Katie Young, described the terrifying attack saying one of the dogs grabbed him completely by the head and dragged him.


The boy was walking down the street from his house, according to Young, and that’s when the dogs somehow got out of a neighbor's house.

“They bit his face up, his ear, the back of his head, his neck, his arms, stomach,” Young said.

A neighbor was able to get the dogs off the boy.

The pit bulls were seized by animal control officers.


“He’s going to have to get stitches in his head and his ears and his face and in his arms,” Young said.

Young said what happened to her son was heartbreaking.

But what she said is more heartbreaking is how her son is dealing with the attack.

“He said he doesn’t want to go back outside and play no more,” said Young. “It’s a bad situation all around for a mother to go through this with her son. It’s a bad situation.”

 

News 13 checked with Cocoa police to see if the dogs' owners would be charged with any wrongdoing, but we have not heard back.

(News 13 - Sept 30, 2012)

Dog Attacks Toddler at Park

PENNSYLVANIA -- A young boy continues to recover after he was attacked by a dog at a Bucks County park.

15-month-old John Heller was playing with his mother at James Memorial Park in West Rockhill Township when the attack occurred. Jacque Heller tells NBC10 she saw the dog out of the corner of her eye but wasn’t worried since they were next to a dog park.



“Next thing we know he was on top of my son,” said Jacque while fighting back tears. “My fiancé kicked the dog off of him. And I just ran to the truck and he was bleeding. It was pretty bad.”

Jacque and her fiancé rushed John to Grandview Hospital in Sellersville where he received stitches and was released. He was admitted again last night however, after Jacque says his cuts became infected.

“He doesn’t sleep well,” said Jacque. “He wakes up screaming sometimes.”

To make matters worse, John must now undergo a series of rabies shots because officials can’t find the dog, described as a black lab mix weighing about 60 pounds. Pennridge Police believe it came from the nearby woods and pounced on the boy.

“You just don’t think of something like this happening at a park,” said Jacque.

The Pennridge Police Chief tells NBC10 they canvassed the neighborhood and questioned park goers. No one seems to recognize the dog however and it’s unclear if it is a stray or belongs to someone. The boy’s family says they just want the dog found.


“I just don’t want this happening to someone else,” said Jacque.

John is expected to be released from the hospital tomorrow. His mother tells NBC10 he may need to undergo plastic surgery depending on how his bites heal. If you see the dog in question in or around James Memorial Park, please call police immediately.

(NBC10 - Sept 19, 2012)

Turnersville woman accused of neglecting horses

NEW JERSEY -- Half a dozen horses seized from a farm here are now being cared for after allegedly being neglected.

The owner of the horses, however, claims the animals are her whole world.

The New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals took custody last week of six horses belonging to Tina Dace, 44, of Turnersville, at an undisclosed farm in the township.

“I’ve done a lot of things in my life and made a lot of stupid decisions,” she said in an interview Thursday. “One thing I’ve never done, never contemplated or even fathomed was hurting any kind of animal.”

'Steel Drum' is one horse of six horses
found emaciated on a farm in Winslow.
Dace said the horses became sick after being fed laxatives by someone else who shares space on the farm where she kept them. She slept in the stable with the horses and after a few days said the horses rebounded.

NJSPCA Capt. Rick Yocum said that four charges against Dace were filed August. 22. Two of those charges were for inflicting unnecessary cruelty against an animal. The other two charges were for depriving animals of necessary sustenance.

“Water was sporadic and it was impossible for the horses to graze because they were on dirt,” Yocum said. “There was no hay there at all on final inspections.”

A picture of 7-year-old “Steel Drum” on the NJSPCA’s website shows an emaciated horse with skin virtually draped over its ribs. There was no date given when the picture was taken.

Authorities were notified in the spring of a possibly cruelty case at the farm.

“This is a long, drawn-out and ongoing investigation, monitoring the condition of the horses,” Yocum said.

Because of existing laws and protocols, because the horses are considered livestock, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture was involved.

That department had to agree that the conditions at the farm and the condition of the animals required charges.

Reports from a certified veterinarian on the conditions of the horses were not available Thursday, however Yocum noted that the horses are being cared for on-site by multiple agencies. Winslow animal control and the NJSPCA are providing hay, grain, feed and other equine necessities.

Dace turned herself in to police in Stratford and was taken to Camden County Jail. She was released early Monday morning and has a court date today in Winslow Municipal Court on the animal cruelty charges.

“It’s not happening,” Dace said of pleading guilty. “Never, ever.”

She flipped through an album of her animals on her camera phone, speaking lovingly of the horses, kittens and dogs she owns. She flipped to a picture taken after the NJSPCA’s initial investigation where Steel Drum appeared to be in better condition. Dace expressed concern that her animals were being cared for — that they were being given proper feed. She’s not allowed to have contact with the horses.

Yocum said donations are being accepted to help offset the costs associated with rehabilitating the horses. In the past four days more than $1,300 has been raised to provide vet care and food. As of Thursday afternoon, 13 people had donated to the effort through the NJSPCA’s website.

(Cherry Hill Courier Post - Sept  28, 2012)

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Virginia: Reston Zoo director Meghan Mogensen guilty of drowning wallaby

VIRGINIA -- The curator testified that animals had been [killed] in shocking ways at the Reston Zoo: Some were shot, rabbits were slammed into walls and chickens were fed to pythons.

But in a Fairfax County courtroom Friday, Ashley Rood said she reached her breaking point after uncovering evidence that the zoo’s director, Meghan Mogensen, had drowned an injured wallaby named Parmesan in a plastic bucket.

Rood confronted Mogensen, resigned in protest and later called police.

“I think you and your father are sick and sadistic people, and I don’t want to be part of this anymore,” Rood recalled telling Mogensen, whose father owns the zoo. “It’s one thing to euthanize an animal, but it’s another thing to drown it.”

Meghan Mogensen

Mogensen, 26, of Silver Spring, was convicted of animal cruelty and sentenced to 30 days in jail after Rood’s whistleblower complaint. A judge also found her guilty of possessing animal anesthesia without a license.

The unusual trial featured testimony about a wallaby autopsy known as a necropsy, veterinary forensics experts and fingerprint analysis as prosecutors sought to show that Mogensen cruelly killed the wallaby and then mounted an elaborate coverup.

The testimony also raised questions about the zoo’s care of its animals. Other zoos owned by Eric Mogensen have also come under scrutiny in recent years, according to media reports.

Meghan Mogensen’s attorney, Caleb Kershner, contended that his client, who didn’t testify during the trial, had humanely euthanized the wallaby using a lethal injection and was acting out of compassion for an animal in pain.

“She was concerned about this animal,” Kershner said in his closing statement. “It was suffering.”
Rood testified that Parmesan had injured its left eye while hopping about its pen at the end of January. Rood said zookeepers bandaged the wallaby’s eye and put the animal in a plastic crate but that Parmesan managed to bang its head again and punctured the eye, which started bleeding.

Rood said she then told Mogensen the animal was injured and that Mogensen consulted with her father about what to do. Eric Mogensen wanted to euthanize the wallaby, Rood testified, a decision that left her “dumbfounded” since she thought the animal could be treated by a veterinarian.

Rood said Mogensen ordered her to pick up food for the animals, but when she returned to the zoo she found Parmesan’s open crate next to a spigot and a bucket that had water in it. Rood said she suspected Parmesan had been drowned.

She testified that she jumped into a Dumpster and ripped open a trash bag, which contained the “soaking wet” wallaby. Rood said she was furious and immediately confronted the younger Mogen­sen.

Rood recalled the zoo director telling her: “These animals are Eric’s property, and we need to do what he wants with them.”

In Mogenson's trial, Ashley Rood was questioned by the defense attorney about her job description and that fact that it included euthanasia. Rood says she did not handle euthanasia because most are done by gunshot and she does not know how to handle a gun. Rood also stated that rabbits were killed by banging their heads against a hard surface or putting them in a bucket under a tractor. She said chickens were "feeder animals" and that when they were to be euthanized, they were given to the pythons.

Fairfax County animal control officer Jennifer Milburn testified that Mogensen indicated to her that she had humanely euthanized Parmesan by injecting the animal in the neck with a euthanasia drug.

But Milburn and the examiner who performed the necropsy found no sign of a needle stick. The necropsy also found no sign of the euthanasia drug in the wallaby’s system and found blood in the animal’s lungs, which the examiner testified is consistent with drowning.

Dr. Jamie Wiseman who performed the necropsy found blood in the animals lungs, which is consistent with drowning.   She said with drowning, water in the lungs is often not found because the larynx closes as part of natural instinct to stay alive.  Dr. Wiseman said the animal looked as though it had been in general good health, except for the injured eye, which would have needed to come out.

When officers searched Mogensen’s office, they found ketamine, an animal anesthetic, in Mogensen’s safe. According to testimony, she did not have the proper Drug Enforcement Administration license to possess the drug.

Officers also uncovered two versions of a euthanasia report on Mogensen’s computer and in her files. One said Parmesan had been drowned in a bucket, while the other was altered to say the wallaby had been “humanely euthanized.” The latter version was later sent to Fairfax County police by the zoo.

One of Mogensen’s fingerprints was also found on a hard copy of one of the reports, which was in her files, according to testimony.

Detectives who scoured her computer discovered she had searched on Google for whether drowning an animal constitutes cruelty in Virginia.

“We have her lying, lying and lying again,” said Michelle Welch, an assistant state attorney general, who specializes in animal cases and led the prosecution.

In June, 9News obtained documents indicating the wallaby was not the only animal that was mistreated at the Reston Zoo. A USDA February 2012 inspection report identified euthanasia, frostbite, and an injured spider monkey left in pain as major problems.

Inspectors also cited the zoo for improperly treating the spider monkey's "superficial cuts on his hands and feet," indicated the "veterinarian was not contacted" and "the pain the animal received from its injury was not relieved promptly."

Kershner said Mogensen will appeal the conviction. And Rood, who has been searching for work since she resigned from the zoo, said outside court that the outcome justified her decision to come forward.

“It made everything I did worth it,” she said.

(Washington Post - Sept 28, 2012)

Elderly man arrested for dragging dog with truck

OKLAHOMA -- An elderly McAlester man was arrested Sept. 15 for cruelty to animals.

According to the affidavit, an officer was dispatched after someone reported seeing a man dragging a dog by a leash from a truck.


Upon arrival, the officer found 77-year-old Elbert Allford standing in the street behind a white Ford pickup truck and a severely injured black dog in a ditch.

The officer said the dog had a deep laceration to its neck and its legs and paws were missing hair and bleeding.

According to the affidavit, Allford said the dog got loose and wouldn't get in the truck bed so he tied it to the hitch and was dragging it home.

A witness stopped and told the officer he saw Allford "slug the dog" and cause it to roll in front of his vehicle.  The witness said he nearly hit the dog but managed to swerve.

According to the affidavit, Allford resisted arrest initially.  He was taken to the Pittsburg County Sheriff's Department and booked on charges of cruelty to animals.

(KJRH - Sept 28, 2012)

Woman mauled by dog in critical condition

NEW YORK -- A woman who works at The Pet Camp is in critical condition after being attacked by a 13-month-old Bull Mastiff mix dog, said police.

The Pet Camp

She was exercising the dog at the dog camp on Bart Bull Road Friday morning when it attacked her.

She was taken to Orange Regional Medical Center with “massive lacerations” to her arms and head, said town police.

Newsday reports that the victim may lose her left arm.

(Record Online - Sept 28, 2012)

Pleasantville family disputes police account of pit bull shooting

NEW JERSEY -- Christina Salcedo said she has questions about why her father’s pit bull, which attacked a small Yorkshire terrier last week, was fatally shot by responding officers.

Jose Salcedo, 56, was issued three complaints: for letting a dog run at large, for a dog biting, and obstructing the administration of  law by refusing lawful commands by two officers, according to police reports.

The police report stated the dog threatened the responding officers in the Sept. 20 incident and that police attempted to separate the dogs.

An officer “attempted to break the pit bull’s bite by placing my baton in between his jaw (and) throat area, but he wouldn’t release,” the report stated.

After more attempts, the dog was finally shot three times before it ran away to the rear deck of the house where it died, police said.

But Christina Salcedo, 29, is upset with that account of how the pit bull, Mamita, was killed.

"They didn't do anything," she said of the responding officers.

The incident began when Christina Salcedo was in the kitchen with her father, while the pit bull was outside running around the yard. Both suddenly heard "Stop! Stop!" and ran outside to find that Mamita had a grip on Pauline McKinley’s terrier just outside the fence.

Police officers arrived after being flagged down by McKinley, 80, according to the police report.

At first, Christina Salcedo said, they tried to calm McKinley, who was screaming, “He’s killing my dog!”

Salcedo said they explained that she was clearly trying to separate the dogs.

The police report said one witness said the pit bull jumped the fence and attacked McKinley’s terrier.
“The gate wasn’t locked, that dog did not jump over a fence,” McKinley said.

Christina Salcedo said officers tried to coax her away from the dog as she was on the ground trying to pull the terrier away from Mamita. She told her father in Spanish, "I don't want to let go because they will shoot her.”

The police kept yelling orders to let go, and Jose Salcedo screamed out, "Ay, no lamate!" which means don't kill her, Christina Salcedo said.

Eventually, Salcedo’s father convinced her to let go, she said.

“As soon as I let go, he shot her,” Salcedo said.

The police report stated: “The pit bull was pulled slightly away from the smaller dog for a split second and then unprovoked went after the injured small dog and the female holding the dog.”

Neighbor Reynaldo Soto heard four shots and watched the pit bull run back into the house. Moments earlier, while Salcedo was still struggling with the dog, he screamed out to the officers to use pepper spray.

[Pepper spray will not work.]

McKinley said when her dog was released from Red Bank Veterinary Hospital this week, she was told he had one leg that would never function fully again.

Based on the report, the officer felt threatened by the dog, and in such situations it is standard for the officer to fire a shot, said Randall Lockwood, senior vice president of ASPCA Forensic Sciences and Anti-Cruelty Project.

Typically though, using pepper spray, a baton or physically grabbing the dog to try and separate it are encouraged methods, Lockwood said in a phone interview.

The Salcedos grew up with pit bulls from when she was at least 12 years old, she said, and they have always been normal, friendly and loving dogs.

“They are not vicious. I know sometimes people train them, and those are the wrong ones,” Salcedo said.

No one knows what instigated [the pit bull] to attack the small terrier, but McKinley said she is now afraid to walk by the area with either of her dogs.

[Seriously? No one knows what instigated the pit bull to attack the Yorkie? GMAB.]

(Press of Atlantic City - Sept 28, 2012)

Woman charged with cruelty to animals after authorities confiscate emaciated dogs

MICHIGAN -- Authorities in southwestern Michigan have charged a woman with cruelty to animals after they confiscated a pair of emaciated dogs found chained up outside an apparently vacant home.

The Van Buren County sheriff’s department says the dogs’ owner 33-year-old Brandi Espinosa pleaded not guilty at her arraignment Thursday in District Court in Paw Paw.
Brandi Espinosa

She was released.

Her next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 26.

A message seeking comment was left Friday by The Associated Press at a telephone listing for Espinosa.

The court said it didn’t know whether she had a lawyer.


The sheriff’s department says the mixed breed dogs found Wednesday in Paw Paw Township, about 50 miles southwest of Grand Rapids, are part pit bull.

The dogs are being cared for by Van Buren County Animal Control.

(app.com - Sept 28, 2012)

Dog that savaged puppy has killed before

UNITED KINGDOM -- A dog that mauled a puppy to death in front of its terrified owner has killed before, it has emerged.

Esther Shortt , of Allerton Road, Borehamwood, was left horrified when the Staffordshire bull terrier bit into her Cavalier King Charles spaniel ‘Ruby’ on a walk through Oak Hill Park, East Barnet, on Tuesday morning.

The 47-year-old fought to get the large mutt, which was not on a lead, off her beloved puppy but the injuries inflicted were so severe that the six-month-old had to be put down by a vet a short time later.

RIP Ruby
It has since emerged that the same dog killed another puppy in similar circumstances at the Church Hill Road park in November.

Police are powerless to take action because there is currently no legislation for police to deal with dog-on-dog incidents.

Grandmother-of-two Mrs Shortt stopped to read a text message on Tuesday in the middle of the walk when she heard Ruby squeal.

The personal trainer said: “It was like a nightmare. He had her in his mouth and wouldn’t let go. People ran over to help but we could do nothing. I was worried it would attack me – I was fearful for my life.”

When the aggressive canine eventually let go of little Ruby, he had inflicted fatal wounds and left Mrs Shortt in a state of shock.

She said: “I tried to ring my husband but I couldn’t speak. You just feel like you have let your dog down so much – I was totally helpless. Nothing would have stopped that dog.”

Mrs Shortt has been unable to return to the area to walk her other dog, German Shepherd ‘Lady’, and has cancelled fitness classes she runs in the park because of the trauma.

The Staffie’s owner, a man called Dale, regularly walks the brindle-coloured mutt in the park and once chillingly joked that his dog “could have Ruby for breakfast” as the puppy was so small.

He apologised to Mrs Shortt and swapped contact details in the aftermath of the horrifying ordeal. Mrs Shortt added: “He’s a nice man really but there’s no way that dog should have been off the lead.”

Theresa Sands’ puppy Bertie was killed by the same dog in chillingly similar circumstances on November 15, also at 6.30am.

Hearing Mrs Shortt’s story has brought back horrifying memories of her own experience and the retired council administrator has been left in a state of depression for the past few days.

The 64-year-old said: “It is just unbelievable. I’m sure the police told him to keep the dog on a leash after my attack but he obviously hasn’t. I blame the owner, not the dog.


Esther Shortt with Theresa Sands

“I remember thinking at the time I had to report it as it could happen again. But now it has.”

Police are looking into the latest incident but are yet to confirm whether any action is taken.

New legislation giving police powers to deal with owners whose pets attack other animals is expected to come in early next year.

Mrs Shortt said: “There needs to be a law to stop this. People can’t bring their dogs into the park out of fear. He’s ruling the park with his dog.”

(Borehamwood Times - Sept 28, 2012)

Maryland: Owner cited after pit bulls attack teens

MARYLAND -- A Great Mills man faced a deadline this week to pay $2,600 in fines or face possible court proceedings and a civil judgment on 12 citations issued by St. Mary’s animal control officers in connection with dogs attacking two teenagers last month in his neighborhood.

Brian Keith Stapleton picked up an adult dog quarantined in a regional animal shelter after the Aug. 26 incident, but three puppies not picked up at the facility in Hughesville have been euthanized, St. Mary’s Animal Control Supervisor Tony Malaspina said Thursday at his office in Leonardtown.

A 13-year-old St. Mary’s boy received stitches at a hospital after he suffered bite wounds from the four pit bulls that got out of their owner’s fenced-in yard, county authorities reported after the incident, and an older teenager also was injured. 

A gate became open along the 6-foot wooden fence at the Great Mills residence, while the owner of the 2-year-old female dog and her three 8-month-old puppies was away.

The civil citations issued by an animal control officer charge Stapleton with four offenses each of failing to provide a dog with a rabies shot, having a dog running at large and for a dog attacking a person, unprovoked and causing injury.

None of the four dogs seized after the incident exhibited any signs of having rabies during a 10-day quarantine period, Malaspina said, and the owner was notified that they could be picked up. “He reclaimed the adult dog, and paid his fees. He said he would come back,” the animal control supervisor said. “The other three were put to sleep because he failed to go back and get them within the alloted amount of time ... the alloted 72 hours.”

Animal warden John Miedzinski said after the incident that the dogs were running around the townhouses at the St. George’s Hundred neighborhood, and that the two teenagers went to the owner’s home on St. Leonard’s Circle to let him know the dogs were out. No one answered the door, and the teenagers were going back to the older one’s home that afternoon when they were attacked.

The older teenager, 18, reported that he was attacked by the mother dog and one of the puppies, leaving him with a single bite wound to his buttocks. The 13-year-old boy reported that he was attacked by all four dogs, and he was taken to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, where he was treated and released.

The younger teenager’s mother said after the incident that her son needed seven stitches in the top of his left hand, and suffered puncture wounds and bruising on both arms and legs.

(So Md News - Sept 28, 2012)

Akron Details Changes to Dog Attack Policy

OHIO -- Authorities have announced changes to the City of Akron’s policy when it comes to the handling of vicious dog attacks.

In the past, animal control officers only responded to a reported dog attack if there was still a threat to the public. If the dog was already contained at the time of the call, animal control officers did not report to the scene.

From now on, Akron city officials said animal control officers will respond to any vicious dog attack as soon as they are notified.

The change comes in the wake of a pit bull attack on Sept. 19 near the intersection of Dietz Ave. and Stanton Ave. in Akron.

An adult and two children suffered injuries in the attack.

Akron city officials met with police captains and an animal control officer on Friday to address the necessary procedure changes.

“Upon review of the incident, I really feel we needed a change of policy so our residents do not feel like the city didn’t respond because it occurred at night and was inconvenient,” said John Valle, Akron’s Director of Neighborhood Assistance. “Nothing is further from the truth.  We do care and we are changing our policy immediately to address this concern.”

In another change to the city’s vicious dog attack policy, Akron Police will now notify animal control officials about the attack directly.

According to city officials, in the past, police on the scene would notify Safety Services, who would then contact animal control.

“A direct conversation between the animal control officer and a police supervisor who is at the scene of the attack is the best method to communicate the seriousness of the incident,” said Valle.  “It seems that the gravity of the attack, or the immediacy of action, may get lost in translation when the message is delivered to a call taker, and then relayed to the animal control officer.”

(Fox8 - Sept 28, 2012)

Earlier:

Deadly Pit Bull Attack in Mamaroneck Causes Death of Dog, Owner's Severed Fingertip

NEW YORK -- An elderly Mamaroneck resident is recovering at home after a vicious pit bull attack on Wednesday that killed her dog and left her with only part of her finger remaining.



The 75-year-old woman was walking her dog (a Coton de Tulear) on Florence Street on Wednesday, Sept. 26 at approximately 9 a.m., when the unleashed pit bull—whose owner lives on Jensen Avenue—began to attack her dog, according to Village of Mamaroneck (VOM) Police Spokesperson Det. Sandra DiRuzza.


As the woman attempted to separate the two dogs, she suffered several puncture wounds on her hands and the loss of one of her fingertips, said DiRuzza.

The pit bull’s owner has been charged under the Agriculture and Market Law with one count of a dangerous dog attack on a domestic animal, a violation. He is due back in VOM court on Oct. 2, said DiRuzza.

He was not charged in connection to the attack on the woman because the woman was bit while attempting to rescue her dog.


Kim Stein, who also lives on Florence Street, told Larchmont Patch that she ran outside after hearing piercing screams.

“I witnessed the owner pulling his pit bull off of the victim who was on the ground with her dog, while he was kicking and punching his pit bull. Another neighbor had also been out there. I was in full panic mode and ran back into my house to call 911,” she said.


According to Stein, the pit bull owner’s residence borders both Florence Park and is within walking distance of Daniel Warren Elementary School.

“This could have been us. We are petrified to walk our dog now. I really want to know why this dangerous pit bull is still at its residence and not impounded or taken away.  I feel violated in my own neighborhood—I no longer have the freedom to feel safe on my own street,” she said.

(Larchmont Patch - September 28, 2012)

Llama accidentally kills woman

OHIO -- An Ohio sheriff's department says a woman has been struck by a pet llama that was trying to greet her and has died.

A report by the Delaware County Sheriff's Office says former coroner Florence Lenahan apparently had a heart attack as she was being taken to a hospital.

The report says the 74-year-old Lenahan called for help Tuesday after a llama named Baby Doll slipped on wet grass while running to greet her and knocked her down, causing her to hit her head on concrete. It says there's no evidence the llama was acting maliciously.

Lenahan's family is working with the Delaware County Humane Society to find homes for the animals on her property.

(Huffington Post - Sept 27, 2012)

Alleged dog attack kills two llamas

CALIFORNIA -- "The dogs were there and were covered in blood."

This is Melissa Schuster's account of what her husband Cliff saw in neighbor Jerry Watts' house, after two of her llamas were killed by three dogs.

It started with a phone call from a neighbor at about 7:30 a.m. Sunday morning. A neighbor getting the morning paper saw the attack and ran inside to call the Schusters. Another neighbor walking by saw one of the llamas injured at the intersection of Wayland Road and Inspiration Lane and jumped the fence to knock on their door.

"I jumped on my golf cart and ran down and found Mama Llama lying down on Wayland Road. Her injuries were so horrific there was nothing I could do," Melissa Schuster said.



The attack was devastating. An animal's teeth had punctured deep into vital organs. Mama Llama died in her arms. Mama Llama's son Reno was found standing nearby with deep wounds in his hindquarters, deep enough to expose more than muscle. Reno had to be put down soon afterward.

The daughter of Mama Llama, Cheyenne, escaped somehow and was not harmed. Melissa imagines that Reno, the "protector" of the three-llama herd, did what he could to protect Mama Llama while Cheyenne ran to safety.

Jerry Watts, the neighbor Melissa Schuster accuses of owning at least one of the dogs and taking care of the other two, declined to comment beyond saying, "they weren't my dogs."

Paradise Police Department records related to the incident have been sealed pending ongoing investigation, according to an email from Lt. Al Billington to The Post.

Melissa Schuster wants to see the dogs out of the neighborhood and possibly put down since they have tasted blood, she said. Her primary concern about the dogs is for human safety, especially for children such as her 2-year-old grandchild who lives on the property.

"We have lots of walkers and bicyclists on Wayland Road, and it's just no place for dogs like this," she said.

The Schusters own and operate Chapelle de L'Artiste, a bed and breakfast just off Wayland Road that also functions as their home. While Melissa tended to the wounded llamas, Cliff ran to visit Watts.

Watts told Cliff that he didn't think his dog attacked the llamas, despite its being covered in blood as well, Melissa said. The dogs were of medium size, but it wasn't their bulk that made them dangerous.

"In this case, it doesn't matter what the breed is," she said. "It's the pack mentality that generates from that."

The llamas suffered an attack from the dogs before but the wounds were superficial, Melissa said.

That wasn't the first conflict between the Schusters and Watts.

"It was definitely not a good relationship."

Cheyenne is the only surviving llama

As for Cheyenne, she now is without a family and without protection, Melissa said.

"I am beginning the process of replacing her herd, essentially," she said. "I need to find llamas to be with her."

The incident still causes Melissa pain to recall, a traumatic experience that reduces her ability to operate her business.

"My cognizance of time on that day stopped at 7:45," she said.

(Paradise Post - Sept 29, 2012)

Owner surrenders wolf hybrid after it escapes, kills neighbor's pet




VIRGINIA -- Henrico police cars streamed through a Highland Springs neighborhood Wednesday morning following a report that a wolf had attacked a small dog.

In the end, the wolf was identified as pet, a much-loved wolfdog that had his own Facebook site, a creature well-known to visitors to Belle Island.

Achilles the Wolf, as he’s known, will now pay with his life for the fatal attack on a distant neighbor’s dog. Achilles’ owner says it was his canine’s first and only act of violence.

It all started before 9 a.m. when the high-percentage wolf hybrid clawed out of his 10-foot-high fence ran down the road and attacked a much-smaller dog, about 7 pounds.


That led to the chase.

Antoinette “Boo” Robertson was inside her home when her son-in-law came rushing to tell her he had seen the wolf and all the police cars.

They jumped in her car and joined the search for the dog, filming cell phone video of the canine that aired on CBS-6.

Roberston said it sure looked like a wolf to her, taller than her hip with a wolf’s long snout and tail.

Neighbors down the road have regularly heard howling, like a wolf.

“A wonderful howling,” said Vicky Nicoletti. “Like a wolf in the wild.”

Nicoletti said she wasn’t concerned that there may be a wolf in the neighborhood.

Neither was Sharon Talley, who had seen Achilles being walked through the quiet streets by his owner.

“Nothing eerie about it,” Talley said. “He’s got a black hybrid. It’s pretty . . . never had any problems before.”

The owner, Guy (pronounced Gee), is a young man of French decent. He didn’t want to provide his last name.

He said he got a call at work at about 9 am that Achilles had somehow gotten out of his enclosure and 10-foot-high fence.

He’s heartbroken Achilles escaped.

“I actually caught him in my back yard. After me and the police officers chased him for two-and-a-half hours, he came home.”

Guy said Achilles is a high-percentage hybrid. “Mostly wolf, yes,” he said. “He’s mixed with a malamute, but he looks exactly like a wolf. You can’t tell the difference. . . I’ve had him for five years. I’ve had him since he was five weeks old. He’s never been mean, aggressive . . . I’ve taken him to Belle Island all the time. He’s pretty much famous up there. I mean, everybody comes up and knows his name, doesn’t even know my name.”

He said Achilles somehow clawed a tiny hole in his reinforced enclosure. He believe his wolfdog was powerfully motivated, perhaps by a nearby dog in heat.


As soon as he learned his dog had injured the distant neighbor’s dog, “I went to their house and offered restitution, pay for the vet bills.”

He said it was decided to euthanize the injured dog.

That broke his heart, he said.

Lt. Toney with Henrico Police said that they captured a large grey dog that weighed about 100 to 125 pounds. The animal is now in the custody of Henrico Animal Control. He said the owner surrendered the animal and no charges will be pressed against the owner.

“I willingly, I did not have to, but I willingly signed him over to the Henrico Police Department for euthanization,” Guy said. “You know, that’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, to have to put my dog in a truck for the last time I’m ever going to see him. That’s my best friend. It’s the first dog I ever had, raised him from a pup.”

(WTVR - September 27, 2012)

Mid-Michigan Dog Survives Vicious Attack

MICHIGAN -- A Mid-Michigan dog is in the running for a very unique award, given to the pet with America's weirdest insurance claim at the Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) company.

VPI reviews more than a million claims nationwide for the VPI Hambone Award, and then narrows the field to just 12 nominees - all with quirky claims that ended well.

The Hambone Award is named in honor of a VPI-insured dog that got stuck in a refrigerator, and ate an entire Thanksgiving ham while waiting for someone to find him. The dog was eventually found, with a licked-clean ham bone and a mild case of hypothermia.

This year's winner could be a miniature dachshund from Charlotte, who miraculously survived a backyard brawl with a wild animal.


Seven-year-old Nathan is one of Bob Bashore's five dachshunds. Nicknamed "Little Big Man," he holds a special place in Bashore's heart.

"It's nice to come home after work and someone wants to see you, lick your face," Bashore said. "It takes a lot of stress out of daily life. Even though we have so many, each one is very unique and loves you in a little different way."

But back in march, Bashore and his wife almost lost their beloved pet after a backyard brawl with a vicious muskrat, a large rodent Bashore says was about the size of the dachshund.

"There was a bunch of screaming and yelping and my wife thought something was wrong," Bashore said. "She went running and found the poor dogs trying to attack the muskrat. She came back into the house, and he was lying on the carpet with a pool of blood starting to surround him."

The canine's confrontation left Nathan with a severe bite dangerously close to his jugular. Bashore's wife immediately took the dog to the Michigan State University veterinary hospital, where a surgeon operated on his injured neck.

"The doctors didn't think he was going to make it with the amount of blood they figured he had lost," Bashore said. "But miraculously he did."

So now Nathan can continue to chase backyard critters at home in Charlotte.

"He's basically fearless," said Bashore. "This won't slow him down. These guys always seem to be getting into some sort of trouble. I'm just glad it didn't end his life."

And as for that attacking rodent?

"We went hunting for the muskrat, and never found him," Bashore said with a smile.

The winner will be announced today - visit www.vpihamboneaward.com for more information on the contest.

Nathan is up against a cat that survived an 11-story fall from an apartment building, and a pot-bellied pig that accidentally overdosed on human medication, among others.

(WILX - Sept 26, 2012)

NW Suburban Couple Accused Of Mistreating 17 Great Danes

ILLINOIS -- A northwest suburban couple faces animal cruelty charges after police found 17 Great Danes living in their filthy home, many malnourished and suffering from parasites.

Sal C. Messina, 40, and his wife Patricia C. Messina, 43, face numerous violations of the Humane Care for Animals Act after the dogs were found during a Thursday search of their home in the 7200 block of South Solon Road in Spring Grove, a release from the McHenry County Sheriff’s office said.


Officers executed a search warrant after McHenry County Animal Control Officers found that several Great Danes in the residence were not being cared for properly, according to the sheriff’s office. A Great Dane averages 100-120 pounds in weight and can be nearly 4 feet tall

While searching the residence, police and animal control personnel were forced to wear protective suits, glasses, masks and gloves because of the large amount of animal excrement found all over the home, the release said.

Animal control officers had previously taken nine of the dogs and found they tested positive for Giardia, a parasite that can be passed to humans, according to police. A total of 17 dogs were eventually removed, and several remain in veterinary care suffering from Giardia and malnutrition.

The Messinas were arrested on outstanding warrants from DuPage County, and later charged with 17 misdemeanor counts each of ignoring animal owner’s duties, according to the release. Bond was set at $1,500 each and they will return to court in Woodstock on Oct. 16.

(cbslocal - Sept 28, 2012)

Judge orders dogs put down in alpaca attack

VIRGINIA -- A judge ordered a pair of dogs euthanized for their role in the deaths of 13 alpacas in August.

The Essex County dog owner maintains his pit bulls weren't responsible for the attacks, however the judge ruled there was enough evidence to prove the dogs were to blame. The dog owner, Alonzo Norman, now has ten days to file an appeal.


Farm owners from the "Upright Alpaca Farm" lost 13 of their 15 alpacas in the mauling. Donors have helped raising thousands of dollars to help cover Abbey and Wes Gauvin's medical expenses.

The dogs were taken into the custody of Animal Control. Their owner says he feels badly for the Gauvins, but doesn't believe his dogs were responsible for the deaths. He says the dogs only came over because they "smelled the animals."


Norman says the dogs have never shown any signs of violence and he always felt they were gentle creatures, even around his 5-month-old son.

Abbey Gauvin found the injured and dead alpacas along with two of Norman's pit bulls in her yard.



Gauvin said the attack has cost her well over $100,000 in hospital bills and damages. She plans on filing a civil suit.

Farmers in Essex have pushed for a county dog ordinance that would hold owners criminally liable if their dogs are running at large.

(NBC12 - Sept 27, 2012)

Starving dogs in Huron County attack miniature horses

MICHIGAN -- After seeing some starving dogs attack miniature horses, Huron County Sheriff's deputies are pursuing cruelty and neglect charges against the animals' owner.

The sheriff's office on Wednesday afternoon received a call that a goat had been killed by a dog on property on Dutcher Road in Fairhaven Township. Responding Deputy Steve Bismarck located the dead goat, which had apparently been killed by a Siberian husky and a Springer spaniel.

Bismarck also located a second husky, two miniature horses, six live puppies and one dead puppy. One of the horses had wounds on its neck, possibly the result of a dog attack. All of the animals appeared to be suffering from malnutrition and neglect, deputies report.

As Bismarck was speaking with fellow Deputy Ward Carter, the first husky and the spaniel cornered the horses and commenced what the deputies believed was another attack. The deputies had to physically pull the dogs from the horses, they report.

The deputies determined the dogs had killed the goat because they did not have food. They secured the canines and Bismarck quickly purchased food for the animals.

The homeowners were not present at the time and witnesses told deputies no one had been there for several days.

Thursday morning, Bismark and Lt. Brian Wisenbaugh returned to the property with a veterinarian from the Bad Axe Animal Clinic. The deputies decided to remove the animals due to their conditions. 

While they were still at the scene, the 30-year-old female resident and her family arrived. The woman was upset and told deputies the house is not always occupied, deputies report.

The woman cooperated with the deputies and surrendered the animals.

The dogs were taken to the Thumb Animal Shelter near Elkton, while the horses were taken in by a volunteer near Filion.

Deputies are continuing to investigate and they expect charges are forthcoming.

Huron County Sheriff Kelly Hanson said he could not provide photos of the animals, as they were too graphic.

(The Saginaw News - Sept 29, 2012)

Friday, September 28, 2012

Kentucky: Officials say starved dog improving. Warrants issued for Donna Golden and her husband Edward Golden on cruelty charges after they fail to appear in court

KENTUCKY -- All indications are that the couple wanted on the cruelty to animal charges for allegedly starving a border collie mix dog have skipped town.

Sgt. Wilbur Gross of the Cynthiana Police Department said that warrants were signed last week after the dog was rescued from an abandoned residence at 203 W. Penn St.

Donna Golden and Edward Golden are wanted on charges of cruelty to animals, abandonment of animals and criminal mischief.




Gross said the Goldens were no-shows in Harrison District Court on Monday where they were to appear on unrelated charges.

After leaving the Penn Street property nearly two weeks ago, the couple was staying with friends in the area. However, at one point they left Harrison County and moved in with friends in Morehead, Ky., according to Gross.

Gross said authorities have been contacted and the warrants are on record.


Gross said his investigation has also led to information that Edward Golden rescued the border collie mix dog about five years ago in Lexington while he was working with a heating and air conditioning firm.

“He got it back to good health and then this is what happened,” Gross said of the alleged neglect. “This is the second time that dog has gone through this.”

Animal Control Officer Paul Colson said Monday the dog has been showing some improvements.

“We put out food morning, noon and night, and each time it’s all gone,” Colson said.


The dog weighed 33 pounds when it was rescued from the house. During a follow-up vet assessment Tuesday, the dog weighed in at 39.5 pounds.

Officer Alan Fryman, Animal Control, said the dog should gain another 30 to 50 pounds to be at proper weight.

Fryman said the dog is starting to grow some of its hair back as well. It has tested negative for mange and heartworm.

He said there has been an out-pouring of concern for the animal since its rescue last week.


He said a dog bed, toys and food have been dropped off at the shelter for him.
As far as his disposition, Fryman said he let the dog ride in the front seat with him to the veterinarian on Tuesday.

“It’s amazing the difference in last week and this week,” Colson said.

“What he needs now is time, love and food,” Fryman said.

(Cynthiana Democrat - Sept 27, 2012)

Earlier:

Corning woman charged with aggravated animal cruelty

NEW YORK -- A Corning woman has been charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, a class E felony, after police charge that she stabbed her dog to death following a heated domestic dispute.

Gaylynn Taylor
Corning police arrested Gaylynn Taylor, 32, of Steuben Street, and charged her with killing an adult pit bull by cutting its throat and stabbing it repeatedly.

Taylor owned the dog with her husband, who was not home at the time of the incident and is not believed to be involved in the animal’s death, police said.

Police believe Taylor killed the dog in the city and then transported it to a residence in Painted Post for disposal.

Taylor was arraigned Thursday morning in City of Corning Court and released on her own recognizance. She will reappear in court Oct. 23.

The Painted Post police and public works departments assisted in the investigation.

(Star Gazette - Sep 27, 2012)

Pit bulls attack horses, killing 1 in Alcorn County

MISSISSIPPI -- An Alcorn County couple says pit bulls have killed one of its miniature ponies.

Jerry "Bud" Mitchell and wife Bonnie tells the Daily Corinthian that the horse was killed Sunday
night in a barn.

Bud Mitchell said he found the dead horse with a pit bull still in the stall. He said the dog was gone when he returned with a gun. He said he found a second pit bull dead in the barn

Bonnie Mitchell said two four-month old stud colts were being kept in the barn after being weaned from their mothers. The other horse in the stall wasn't harmed.

Bonnie Mitchell said evidently the "pony kicked hard enough to kill one of the pit bulls."

"My concern is for the one (dog) still loose," she said. "I'm afraid to go in the backyard now."

The Mitchells have been raising miniature ponies for six years. The barn where the attack took place is 110 feet from the couple's home.

Mitchell said the pit bull that escaped was brown and had a white face.

"I want the public to be aware there is a dog that killed and is now on the loose," said Mitchell. "It could be a child next time . you never know what those kind of dogs will do."

The Alcorn County Sheriff's Department is investigating the incident.

(djournal.com - Sept 27, 2012)

Woman Dies After Dog Attack

OKLAHOMA -- A 60-year-old Oklahoma woman has been mauled to death by a family pit bull.

The vicious animal attack took place Wednesday night at an apartment complex near N.W. 122nd St. and Penn. Ave.

 
The victim’s granddaughter came home to the absolutely horrific scene.

Nellie Davis recently moved in with her granddaughter following a heart transplant and subsequent illness.

“She had a long illness, from Mother’s Day until a month ago, and finally she had a chance to come home,” the victim’s husband, Cleveland Davis, Sr., said.

Wednesday night’s thunder storm apparently sparked a family Pit bull to turn violent and maul Davis to death.

“You know, I have a heavy heart. She’s always been there for me,” Cleveland Davis said.

“You have to understand, the scene was quite gruesome, OKC Police Capt. Dexter Nelson said. “The lady died a horrific death.”

When police officers first arrived at the apartment complex, they struggled to contain the Pit bull.

“The dog had broke the door so they couldn’t contain him to the kennel. They tried to wedge things in the door to keep the dog in,” Nelson said.
 
(KFOR - Sept 27, 2012)

California: Firefighters excavate Graton pipe to rescue trapped dog

CALIFORNIA -- Veronica's owners aren't sure how long she spent wedged in the 18-inch culvert that runs under their rural Graton road, nor what she endured as the hours passed and help did not arrive.

As day turned to night turned to day again, the 4-year-old hound must have heard them call her name, if not Diane Albracht's quiet nighttime sobs while she wondered what had become of her beloved dog.



By Wednesday morning, a day after Veronica escaped through an open gate, Albrecht and her husband, David, were becoming increasingly worried by the distant, occasional barking that echoed through their valley.

“I said, ‘David, she's fading. She's fading,'” Diane Albracht recalled.

But that evening, Veronica and her owners would be reunited after the Albrechts pinpointed her underground location and Graton firefighters answered their call for help, digging into the rocky hillside to free the exhausted hound.



“I don't think she would have survived another night,” Albracht said Thursday, as Veronica lay nearby, still recovering from her ordeal.

Veronica, a rescued walker hound who has lived with the Albrachts for three years, gets long walks every day but otherwise lives inside the fencing on the Albrachts' three-acre property off Bone Road.

Diane Albracht let her out into the yard around 7 a.m. Tuesday but, busy preparing for a family reunion at the house this weekend, didn't think about her again until her granddaughter, Chloe, arrived for her usual 9:30 a.m. playtime.

It was then Albracht discovered the open gate and began searching the wooded neighborhood off Green Valley Road.

Albracht heard barking Tuesday afternoon from her home in a bowl-shaped valley that she thought might be Veronica, but still isn't sure.

But she could find no sign of her dog after driving the neighborhood and then hiking through the area with a friend and alerting neighbors that the dog was missing.

At some point Wednesday, Albracht decided Veronica must be trapped somewhere — perhaps confined in a barn or shed, behind a fence or maybe even tied up.

But contours of the valley allowed the periodic barks to bounce around, making it almost impossible to determine from which direction they were coming, she said.

Finally, as she listened to the barking from her driveway Wednesday afternoon, Albracht traced the sound to the southwest, and she and her husband began combing the creek behind their house.


David Albracht, wading through thigh-high water and then crawling through patches of poison oak, finally heard a whimper from above and, looking up, saw the outlet of a heavy plastic culvert emerging from a rocky cliff.

He climbed up, looked inside and saw Veronica's eyes gleaming back at him in the dark.

Perhaps chasing a squirrel or another critter into the culvert from the other end, the 60-plus-pound hound had managed to scoot about 40 feet along the corrugated culvert before getting pinned at a turn in the pipe, where both the top and bottom were partially collapsed.

Graton firefighters were called to help get her out. They cut away about 15 feet of exposed culvert, but still had to move about five feet of earth and boulders weighing several hundred pounds each to get to her, Deputy Chief Bill Bullard said.

Talking soothingly and using handtools they hoped would neither harm nor alarm the dog, they carefully cut away bits of plastic from the top of the pipe until Veronica's head emerged and, ultimately, her whole body.

“She was perfectly quiet,” Bullard said. “She didn't make a sound, the whole time we worked around her.”

Veronica walked the half-mile or so back home but had moved very little by Thursday and hadn't eaten much either, Diane Albracht said.


She was shivering some, but took a biscuit here and there and mostly chose to lie out in the sun, on a cushy bed.

Albracht, who caught Veronica's tail wagging a time or two, is giving her time to rest up after such a trying experience.

“I'm just so happy to have her back,” she said.

(Press Democrat - September 27, 2012)