Pit Bull attacks man on bike

KENTUCKY -- About six months ago Joel Hardin took his bike riding to a whole new level. He bought a more expensive bike and has worked his way up to riding about 20 miles a day. During his longer rides he learned something about his neighbors.

"I didn't know this many people had pit bulls in the county," he said. He got familiar with most of the dogs along his route. Then on Tuesday, an unfamiliar pit bull attacked.

 

"He came around and got me real good on my leg there, twice," he said. "I could feel the teeth go into the skin."

He kicked and fought and by the time the homeowner came out, he was able to get away. He doesn't want to press charges because he knows the neighbor well and it isn't her dog. It's her boyfriend's. But he does think the county's ordinance requiring residents to register their dogs is a good idea.

"Something needs to be done with those kinda of dogs. Those (pit bulls) are the only types of dogs that give me any trouble," Hardin said. He added that he's been chased by other types, but never bitten.

County Commissioner Terry Stringer told Local 6 when he checked the list recently there were about a dozen names on it. While he's disappointed in the number, he's pleased with the results.

"I think there's a lot out there that hasn't registered, but our complaints are down, way down," he said.
He said he credits that to dog owners being more careful about letting their dogs roam freely. He said he thinks the ordinance is a good one and is working.

"They've got to realize that if something happens and their dog gets out and causes a problem then they're going to be liable," he said.

The dog that attacked Hardin was not registered, but also doesn't belong to a resident. It has been taken back to Indiana where is came from.

Hardin said he hopes sharing his experience helps raise awareness about both dogs in the area and the ordinance.

Opponents to the ordinance argue it's discriminating to call out certain breeds and punishes all dog owners rather than the ones who allow their dogs to be a problem.

(WPSD - ‎Oct 11, 2013‎)