Around 11:45 am Sunday morning, Antioch Police and Emergency personnel responded to a Pitt bull attack on the 2000 block of Reseda Drive which severely injured a 10-year-old boy who had to be helicopter transported to UC Davis.
Hunter Kilbourn, 10, who was visiting family friends, was on his way to play video games when he was attacked by one dog and then by a second dog inside the residence of a neighbor’s home where the two boys were playing.
According to police, the dog attacked without provocation. The dog is quarantined in the care of Antioch Animal Services at this time. Antioch PD has made no arrests or cites at this time—a hearing is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon where a citation may be issued. Police added that the dog stopped attacking before the owner was aware of what happened.
Although two dogs attacked, only one dog was in quarantine which the boys mother believes both dogs should have been taken by Antioch Animal Control.
Injuries sustained included face, head and arms. The right side of forehead across to eye is chewed off, half of his ear is missing while on the left side of his cheek had a hole. On the back of his head on both sides, there are two holes.
According to the boy’s mother, Melody Ralls, her son Hunter went into surgery last night for about 3 ½ hours at UC Davis where they took some skin from his neck to fix some of the damage where over 100-stitches were used.
“He had surgery yesterday to repair the left side of cheek and closed it up by putting something over it,” explained Ralls. “They were able to repair both wounds on back of head, the dog bit off an eye brow, they also stitched from forehead to right side of head. The Right side of face was so damaged that they couldn’t do anything. Tomorrow they are going to try.
She added that due to some of the damage being so severe, they wanted to wait for swelling to subside. There is also a chance he may be paralyzed on the right side of his face.
Prior to the attack, she was going to have a mother and son date night as they were headed to WWE Wrestling in Oakland as part of his birthday present, but instead of attending the event, she and her son were at the hospital.
She pleaded with pit bull owners to be careful around children.
“Don’t let your dogs around kids unattended, I don’t care if you think your dog is perfect, you never know,” said Ralls. “For me, I found out yesterday, the owner’s brother got bit by one of the dogs last week and that’s sad because this didn’t have to happen.”
She thanked the community for the support and outreach as Hunter will be in the hospital for another week.
Photos provided by Melody Ralls
95 comments
Heartbreaking…
all dogs should be watched around children..
i have 2 little hairless breeds.. getting on…. so not so playfull..
but when i have the little ones running about.. they are watched..
all dogs can turn….!!
When will these idiots realize that these dogs are dangerous??!
Just because you have a small penis, doesn’t mean you can have a dangerous dog.
I hope the owners of this animal are happy with themselves. A boys life is forever changed because you had to have a “cool”dog.
I hope these vicious animals are banned!
Oh come on, man. Any breed of dog can be vicious… The only difference is pitbulls have the size and muscle to really harm someone. I’ve met chihuahuas who were worse tempered than pitts. But because of their size they’re essentially harmless. Its 90% an issue of how the animal is raised IMHO. If you raise any type of dog like shit, its going to be aggressive and standoff-ish. Not to say there aren’t times where a dog is well raised and behaved and something still goes wrong. They’re animals… These things can happen. But to demonize an entire breed because of one owners lack teaching obedience is bullshit.
Exactly!!!!!!!!!!
I was an owner of a very sweet & loving pit until she suddenly snapped and attacked an old lady & her pug! I will never ever take a chance with a pit again. Its not the always the owners lack of teaching. These dogs have been bred to fight for too long. Its sad, but the fact is, is that its in their dna now. We “HUMANS” ruined an entire breed that was once called the “Nanny” dog because they were so great with kids. The fact is, is that some Pits are a ticking time bomb and some are not. Do you really want to play russian roulette with a childs life???
Dogs don’t just “snap” they give plenty of body language signals that people do not pay attention to. People need to learn to better understand these signals. Please do not confuse dog/dog aggression with dogs that have human aggression issues, that is a completely different topic. The FACT is that ANY breed of dog can bite a human and ALL dogs give signals prior to biting. Unfortunately most people make no attempts to learn what their dogs are telling them.
That’s partially correct. Most dogs do give signals, stiffening, growling, hackles on their backs go up, etc. However, with Sudden Aggression Syndrome there are NO warnings. I’m not saying this is the case in this incident though. All I can say is, and one has to accept it, the dogs owners were at fault in this UNFORTUNATE attack, and to answer a question from someone else about “Punish the deed NOT the breed” means just that, the dogs owners have to be financially liable for the damage their dogs inflicted on the child, not own breeds such as Pitt Bulls EVER and possibly face criminal charges for child endangerment if it is appropriate.
People need to educate children how to behave around dogs also. However, one thing is apparent here, the dogs definitely need to be euthanized because once a dog attacks a person, a person who is not a threat to the dog’s property or family (humans), there is nothing anyone can do to rehabilitate the dog. I am talking about an attack, not just a bite and let go.
I apologize if I replied to one or more, or none of the points that Doggiefoster wrote, but I just thought I’d get my two cents back in here.
From what I have read/heard the dog was kept outside and snuck into the house. The dog was not socialized. NO dog should live in a yard, why have one..they have to be socialized..if you lock a kid outside or in a closet with no human contact, they will resort to their survival instincts….
Deb, you are absolutely 100% correct. Dogs should never be just left in the backyard. I bet the dog rarely had fresh water, and probably had a bowl that was filled with food maybe one every couple of days too. When are people going to realize that dogs aren’t a boat, an old car, a trailer — I think you get my point, that can be left outside and ignored. That’s a recipe for disaster.
I have 4 … yeah 4 Rottweilers, have had the breed for over 20 years, and for those of you who are concerned — I have a kennel permit to have more than 3 dogs AND I am NOT a breeder !!
My dogs are in the house most of the time, and go outside through their dog door. I have never had a negative incident with any of my dogs. Even though my dogs are friendly and VERY socialized (KEY ASPECT HERE), BUT I still would not leave them unsupervised with children or anyone they do not know.
When are some people, not all, who get Pitts, Rotts, etc. going to realize that those breeds as well as all dogs need to be with their family aka Pack, and they also have to realize that the human is in charge of the pack — NOT the dog. These breeds — as ALL dogs, MUST be socialized, if you don’t have the time it takes to socialize them, find another animal to have as a pet or get another hobby, because looking at the them from the family room inside the house while they sit or lie outside in the backyard ain’t doing anyone any favors.
When stupid people finally come to terms with this concept, they will not have the tragic results like this one.
My thoughts go out to the child and his mother for a speedy, successful recovery.
So all you others on this blog who want to BAN the breed, get off that soapbox, and do some research which by the way is really easy to do.
All I can say again, is “Punish the deed NOT the breed” — and “Ban Stupid People NOT dogs”.
So very true!!
Well said!! If people would do some research, pitbulls are great family dog and bad “protectors” because they love people so much. There are bad apples in all groups and we should not punish the entire breed because of this.
Well said, Jamie!! Animals also need love and attention. Also, teach children how to handle animals. Some kids can be awfully cruel, and the parents do nothing about it. Sad that this happened to this little boy.
Are you reading your post before hitting the big button?
How many chihuahuas do you recall ripping a kids face off? One owner’s lack of teaching? Seriously? So how do we all miss those numerous chihuahua attacks that kill and mame kids? They must be on the news all the time. Because several of you insist they are as much, if not more dangerous than Pitts.
Some breeds are more aggressive than others. Basic fact. If you want to roll the dice with one, that’s your deal. But if an action takes place that has nothing to do with the way you raised the dog but it triggers instinct, don’t act all surprised or high and mighty. You took the risk. Own the consequences.
Stop blanket blaming the owner when you have no clue how they raised the dog. You are making assumptions making you no better than a blanket statement about a breed.
wow, you need to be educated. Have you ever heard of a golden retriever, or a beagle, or a collie chewing someones face off? No! you haven’t. That’s because certain dogs have a pre-disposition of aggression (such as pit bulls) . Even if you treated a golden retriever with violence they just won’t attack someone for doing nothing. Pit Bulls can sense fear and they prey on it. That poor kid probably showed some form of fear and was attacked. Pit Bulls are dangerous! Now not EVERY bull out there is like that but the majority of that breed have a tendency to be aggressive and therefore will at some point show it. Get educated before you make a comment about “and breed can be vicious” .
The media mostly only reports pit bull attacks. That is why you don’t “hear” about any other breeds doing this. Here’s a few on other breeds….
http://wilmette.patch.com/groups/editors-picks/p/police-toy-poodle-killed-by-golden-retriever
http://responsibledog.wordpress.com/2012/05/03/three-babies-less-than-two-weeks-mauled-by-family-dogs/ (golden retriever/ridgeback mix/jack russell)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/17/dog-kills-baby-husky-pittsburgh_n_1285099.html (husky)
http://www.clickorlando.com/news/animal-control-report-released-on-rufus-the-beagle-biting-child/-/1637132/19874230/-/hhfhye/-/index.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1288786/Familys-border-collie-leaps-car-mauls-baby.html
Simply google search any of the breeds that you say do not bite and you will find that they do bite.
Exactly!!! I do not blame the animals. Also, any animal can cause damage. It is up to the owners to be responsible. It is a shame, that “PITBULLS” always gets made out to be the bad dogs, which they are not. If you own an animal take responsibility, also do not let children tease or abuse animals. It is a tragedy what happened here, truly sorry, but people must take responsibility also, not always just blame the dog or whatever animal. Hope this little boy makes a full recovery. What a tragedy!!
I agree. I did a research paper about pit bulls. Its not them its their owners and how they need to have their pit bull Interact with people and other animals immediately. German Shepard stats are worse then a pit bulls. So don’t assume all pit bulls are evil creatures. Why don’t all u haters do ur homework first.
Don’t you think you’re being a little harsh. These people are my parents neighbors and its absolutely terrible. I’m sure the owners I the dogs feel horrible about this. They don’t need anymore nagativity. Just pray for the little boy and all involved. Any breed of dog can be vicious. My daughter was viciously attached by a chiuaua when she was 3 and had to have stitches.
it’s NOT THE DOG!!! IT’S THE OWNER!!! I have never had a problem with my pitt or my pitt, boxer, chow mix it is the way they are brought up. I am not saying that it is the present owner.
Thank you “Pitt Lover” Well said!! It is all in the way they are brought up. These dogs can also be the most lovable dogs.
Two of my children were bitten by relatives dogs as children, one a black labrador retriever and one an English Setter. None of my children or grandchildren were ever bitten by my American Staffordshire Terrier during her 14 yrs. on earth. Ban the owner not the breed.
Exactly!!
Your an idiot! ITS THE STUPID ASS OWNERS FAULT NOT THE ANIMALS FAULT! I HATE PEOPLE JUST LIKE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BET YOU’VE NEVER HAD A PIT BULL! LAY OFF THE BULLIED BREED!
Debbie, hun.
Ripping off a post in all caps shows a lack of discipline and ability to control your own anger. If we’re keeping score on responsible dog owners who through example show ability to teach calm behavior to their dogs, I’d give that a big, fat FAIL.
Pitts and Rotts far outpace other breeds in recent years in fatal dog attacks. Statistical fact. So either all the stupid people gravitate toward those breeds or there are other factors in play that the blind defense group here doesn’t want to acknowledge.
What do you know about the owners to make the blanket statements you do about them?
thank you. very well said. check the facts Debra.
@buy a clue & Jim,
Agreed…..
@Debra..I have owned two pitts. One who was very sweet and one who attacked an old lady. Both of my dogs were raised with love. But, one turned. The facts are the facts. Pitts are a risk. A VERY dangerous risk.
Thank you, Debra, I agree with you.
I have had numerous pits. Not because they are “cool” or because I have a small penis. They are great dogs. Millions are killed every year because of media sensationalism. Dogs attack. Not just pits. You just only hear about pits. Pitbulls were America’s favorite dog for DECADES. They even named them “nanny dogs for being great with kids. Tragedies happen and I pray for this kid. It isn’t just pits that attack so get off your high horse.
Well said!! I also pray for this young boy. Where were the parents? I have also known people that have owned Pit Bulls. Not because they thought they were cool, but because they made great dogs and called “Nanny Dogs” This is a tragedy, but there was a reason why this dog attacked. Maybe the child teased the dog. No one knows for sure. Just hope a speedy recovery for this young boy. Cars kill people every day, who do we blame, the car or the owner. Yet people continue driving cars. So do not give up on our beloved dogs. Handle them with love and affection. Oh yes, and FEED them well.
Don’t blame the breed. My Rottweiler was attacked by a chihuahua that was off the leash and caused $1700 worth of damage to my dog. Chihuahua was unharmed but i am sure his owner felt the pain when court forced her to pay vet bill.
Well said, I know little dogs can be just as aggressive, not because they are mean, they try to protect their territory. I always felt safe with my wired hair terrier . He sure protected me well, and I always felt safe with him around. Everyone had a good laugh, as always sounded so ferocious, but he was all noise, and that was it.
Pits are not vicious animals. It’s ignorant, pig headed people like you that continue to give them a bad name. If it was a golden retriever the news would have just said ” a neighbors dog” and not specified the breed. Pit bulls are wonderful dogs, and if they are properly trained and taken care of and loved then they won’t behave aggressively. Pits react with aggression when they feel they or someone they love are in danger. I have a pit and I have never felt safer in my life than when she’s with me, and she has protected me countless times. People need to get the giant stick put of their butts about these dogs and stop making generalizations about them. Stop being ignorant!
you’re the ignorant one. There is lots of websites that track ALL dog attacks including fatalities. And guess what? Yep you got it!! 38 U.S. fatal dog attacks occurred in 2012 pit bulls contributed to 61% (23) of these deaths. Pit bulls make up less than 5% of the total U.S. dog population.. wow !! how about that!!! get your head out of your ass and check the facts …idiot
Just so you know these statistics are mostly based off of news reports… In order to actually have an accurate dog bite report, every single dog bite incident should be taken into consideration. Not to mention that most breeds are mixes and labeled incorrectly.
Q: Is there a national recording system for tracking dog bites?
No. There is no national system in the United States that tallies dog bite reports. State and local public health agencies collect data on animal exposures, including dog bites. They do not report data to the Federal government, or to any national humane agency or research institution.
The annual estimate for dog bites that is repeated in news reports is derived from telephone surveys, the first of which was conducted in 1994. From among the 5,328 persons who responded to this survey, interviewers obtained reports of 196 dog bites believed to have occurred within the 12 months prior to the interview. (Only 38 of those sought medical attention). The survey estimate is not corroborated by reports from state and local public health agencies.
– See more at: http://www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/dogbites/dog-bites-faq/#sthash.oLrMzAy5.dpuf
Loved your response, Lola P. Very well said.
It’s not the breed, 99.9% of the time it is the owner, there are very few cases where the animal is just born to be mean, the same goes for humans. Any breed of dog can be “vicious”, stop singling breeds out. Every decade or so the “vicious breed” changes, German Shepards, Rottweilers, and Dobermans have all been treated the way Pit Bulls are being treated currently, it will change again as well. Be a responsible owner.
That is what I say. Don’t just get an animal as a novelty toy. They have feelings, need love and attention. Also to be fed. Do not chain dogs, which I find extremely cruel. So many innocent animals gets blamed, when in reality it is ALL THE OWNER’S FAULT!!
Be kind to all animals, they deserve it, and you the owner will benefit out of it. Don’t just get a dog, and forget they exist. They need to be well taken care of, and it will pay off in great rewards. Your BEST FRIEND FOREVER!!
It’s not the dogs it the owners, dogs am don’t teach themselves how to act that way the owners teach them! And until people like you open their eyes these animals will continue to be talked down upon! Do your research! They were the nanny dog in the 1800s until people made them mean!
I know exactly what you are going through. My daughter was one years old when she was attacked literally ripped her face open she had two plastic surgeries. It was a horrible experience but all I can say is at least you still have your baby. It wont be easy my daughter is now 9 and all the time people and kids ask her what happened to her face and she says ” nothing this is me.” I hope the best for you and your son this year will be the hardest but you guys will get tthrough it I promise. Our family will keep you in our thoughts.
In all honesty ANY animal can do this. It doesn’t matter the breed. It is how the animal is taught. We as humans are the same result. I pray for Hunter and his family in Jesus name!!
any animal?? wow, that’s a blanket statement. How about a tortoise? can a tortoise rip someones face off? Or how about a parakeet?
I am truly sorry. I will keep your family in my thoughts. The owner should pay for this, aggression and violence is a learned behavior.
Seriously? Any dog can bite, true. But not all will go for the head, face or throat and clamp on with the intent to kill.
You comparing a pit bull to a chihuahua just shows the intelligence level of the people who own these dogs.
And this was a “family dog” who was “raised right” yet still attacked unprovoked.
And it’s not just one owner. These dogs do this a lot. For you to act like this is an isolated incident again, shows the lack of intelligence of the people who own these things.
Years ago at Motel 6 in Pittsburg, a woman who had raised her “family pet” a pit bull from puppyhood, was lying on the bed with her dog and she moved and her pony tail hit the dog in the face and he pretty much tore the top of her scalp off.
Yeah. Lovely family dogs.
Dog owner! I wasn’t COMPARING the dogs. I was simply making a point that any dog breed can and will attack! So what you’re saying is pretty much all pitbull owners are stupid? I’m not gonna waste anymore time on you. Please pray for little man. I pray that the good Lord gives him strength, courage, and healing.
So sad Po rayers to the family eventhough his injuries are secere im very happy to hear he is alive. SHAME on the owners for allowing a dog who had recently bit, around people let alone a child. SHAME on them for not disclosing this to the parents of this poor boy. I hooe they go to jail.
I fully agree with you!!!! and NOTICE it didn’t say what kind of dog their second dog is. I don’t know if it is or isn’t a pitbull but it probably isn’t and thats why only ONE DOG (The pit) is in quaranteen.
PUNISH THE DEED NOT THE BREED PEOPLE!!!!
Mom of 2, I know I’m sure sick and tired of hearing about all of the vicious chihuahua attacks. Most fatal/maiming attacks are done by these sweet gentle pit bulls. Other dogs are surely capable of biting and injuring, but they don’t kill.
I think there should be a law that if you own a pit bull and have children in the same home, you get a visit from CPS.
If you’re aware of what these dogs are capable of but you still choose to own one, you should suffer the consequences.
My daughter grew up with my moms Pit Bull. She is the nicest dog ever! Her other dog on the other hand a mixed collie breed is such a meanie she doesnt like the kids bothering her at all!! The Pit Bull on the other hand loves kids and my daughter grew up with her putting stickers all over her face, riding her like a horse, laying in bed next to each other, sharing food, hugs and kisses! She was brought up in a loving and caring home and she is the nicest dog I have ever known. My wiener dog is meaner then her. It’s not the breed its the owners of the breed
Just like everything else, you can thank the media for making a lot of people think negatively about Pit Bulls. Down the street from my house, a small child was attacked by THREE German Shepards and the owner told the mother that he was going to put the dogs in the car and return to handle everything appropriately. He put the dogs in the car, jumped in the driver seat and took off. If that’s the kind of owner some dogs were cursed having, people need to realize that its NOT THEIR FAULTS. Pit Bulls were bred back in the day for what? Yes, thats right. NANNY DOGS! But because of their build, muscle tone and incredible strength scum of the earth decided cock fighting was too boring and made dog fighting the new trend which then resulted in all the OTHER scum to think they can get a Pit Bull and make it seem vicious. I got my Pit Bull from the pound at 1 year old. The worst he’s done is chew on a few shoes and rip my other dogs stuffed animals up. He is the most amazing dog! My son who doesn’t know his own strength just yet like to body slam him as he hugs him and all he does is lay there… then ATTACK! With what you might ask? Kisses. A bunch of nasty slobbery kisses. Its the owners people! I live in Antioch too. My wife and I took our dogs on a walk where two unleashed Pit Bulls at the park ran up to my dogs. They did not growl, they did not attack. They wagged their tails with excitement. The owners casually walked up and said sorry. For what? The fact they trained their dogs right and not viciously? This story is unfortunate. But this should be an issue of dog owners, not the dogs themselves. My wife and I make a point to ask people on walks if they want to say hi to our boy so one by one, we can prove that again, ITS NOT THE BREED, ITS THE OWNER. Don’t believe me? I’ll meet anybody anywhere so you can meet him. Open your minds people. This world needs more OPEN MINDS.
It’s the owners not the breed =) STOP BULLYING THE BREED!!!!
Thank you for your comment, “PitsProtector” Very well said! I agree with everything you stated, and it isso very true!! Blame the owners, not the dogs. it is heartbreaking when PEOPLE get an animal, and give it no love, affection or food. Also, tie them up outside. These people should not own any kind of animal. Cold blooded and heartless. It is sad the Pitbulls always seems to be condemned. They have been so abused by the human race. Wish everyone treated their animals with love and affection like you do.
Just like everything else, you can thank the media for making a lot of people think negatively about Pit Bulls. Down the street from my house, a small child was attacked by THREE German Shepards and the owner told the mother that he was going to put the dogs in the car and return to handle everything appropriately. He put the dogs in the car, jumped in the driver seat and took off. If that’s the kind of owner some dogs were cursed having, people need to realize that its NOT THEIR FAULTS. Pit Bulls were bred back in the day for what? Yes, thats right. NANNY DOGS! But because of their build, muscle tone and incredible strength scum of the earth decided cock fighting was too boring and made dog fighting the new trend which then resulted in all the OTHER scum to think they can get a Pit Bull and make it seem vicious. I got my Pit Bull from the pound at 1 year old. The worst he’s done is chew on a few shoes and rip my other dogs stuffed animals up. He is the most amazing dog! My son who doesn’t know his own strength just yet like to body slam him as he hugs him and all he does is lay there… then ATTACK! With what you might ask? Kisses. A bunch of nasty slobbery kisses. Its the owners people! I live in Antioch too. My wife and I took our dogs on a walk where two unleashed Pit Bulls at the park ran up to my dogs. They did not growl, they did not attack. They wagged their tails with excitement. The owners casually walked up and said sorry. For what? The fact they trained their dogs right and not viciously? This story is unfortunate. But this should be an issue of dog owners, not the dogs themselves. My wife and I make a point to ask people on walks if they want to say hi to our boy so one by one, we can prove that again, ITS NOT THE BREED, ITS THE OWNER. Don’t believe me? I’ll meet anybody anywhere so you can meet him. Open your minds people. This world needs more OPEN MINDS.
All dogs should be on leashes though sorry. Doesnt matter the size, breed or any of that.. My mini wiener dog has almost been eatten alive by another dog that wasnt on a leash. And she is the instigater too.
People you can’t argue with ignorants. People are making pitbulls mean with their machismo. The important issue here is don’t debate with ignoramus nuckle heads. Prayers for this little guy & his family.
Any dog can do this. ANY DOG. Dogs are still animals, not human and should always be supervised when around kids.
Please lets focus on how these families can be helped in this grievous situation and not become a judges.
I hope the owners have homeowners insurance!
My neighbors P/B killed my dog a few years ago on my property. Their jaw lock and they don’t let go. I can imagine what this kid has gone through after watching this happen at my house. He is lucky to be alive. Many states out-law P/b’s now and so do countries. WE should too. How many more children have to be killed by these dogs. This happens to the best of owners no matter how careful they are. Out-law them.
The deed is done by the BREED. This BREED is notorious for killing children, even children they are raised with! Do a little Google search and up date your responsible brain.
Does that mean we should outlaw black people too? I mean statistically, they kill more people than pit bulls do. Again, how they are raised is the issue.
EXACTLY!!!
for the record yes, we should ban blacks along with those people killing dogs
Pit attacks make up over 80% of attacks that cause injury or death. I agree its a beautiful breed, but its should be regulated. I adopted a chihuahua from the pound, she was 10 weeks old. Within the first month at my home, she tried to bite my kid in the face. She went right back to the pound. This dog had already bit someone and it was still in the house. I dont care what breed it is, the fact they did NOTHING about it and allowed children into the home is a big fat NO NO. They had a warning sign and did nothing about it and as a result, this kid will suffer for a very long time.
People don’t want to be ‘racist’ yet they’ll jump to point fingers when it comes to animals. Praying for Hunter and his family.
If there was no adult supervising the children with the dogs , that could be where the problem was. You are never suppose to leave children alone with dogs. Any dogs…
“”Every dog starts life with a blank canvas. His destiny etched by the hands of the painter, and each one an artist’s original. The portrait painted depends on how the brush is held. Paint with hostility, and a dog learns to fight. Paint with cruelty, and a dog learns fear. Paint with anger, and a dog learns aggression. Paint with praise, and a dog learns confidence. Paint with boundaries, and a dog learns respect. Paint with tenderness, and dog learns to bond. Paint with affection, and a dog learns to love. Every dog is a product of its environment. Bad dogs are not born, they are created. If the portrait is flawed, look to the artist. Stop blaming the dogs!”
To: ” Owner Responsibility”Oh how I love your comment. Truly an eye opener, and I hope it helps others see the true picture. Could not have said it any better myself. LOVED IT!!!! will have to copy and paste it, as a reminder to people who do not know the truth, or see the truth . It was so well put! Thank you for your Response!! Truly great. God Bless you and your animals.
Prayers to him and his family. I hope he recovers quick poor little guy
Breaks my heart to see this happen to a family, the owners should of definitely done something when they saw the red flag. Being a pittbull owner opened my eyes to the nature of these animals and I agree if you raise them right they are gentle creatures and just because the owners claim they were raised right doesn’t mean its true.
Questions: Who answered the door? Was an adult present with the children & dogs? Was the dog ever teased or abused? Did the boy properly meet the dog? Was there any rough housing going on? Did the owner properly socialize the dog? Did the dog respect the owner? Did the boy ever tease the animal? So many questions before you media lovers jump to conclusion. I wouldn’t want any of you on my jury. Scary…
Yes, “Ban backyard breeders” you are absolutely correct!! If you give love, attention and food, teach them from the start, none of this would have happened. I consider it negligence on the owner’s part, It is so sad when people get an animal, and give it no attention, left outside, no food, no water, no love, no attention. The list goes on and on. They don’t seem to realize these animals want be loved, and need attention, affection, and are not just a TOY!! Backyard breeders should be the ones to be banned, not the animals.
Those of you who believe a dog is born tabula rasa ( a blank slate) are mistaken. Please remember dogs are born with instinct. Herding dogs are born with a strong urge to herd, pointers—point out game, retrievers retrieve anything. Raising does matter, but you cannot change instinct except by watering it down by breeding only the ones with the least instinct for a certain behavior. Boxers (i have one) used to be pit dogs, as did English Bulldogs,yet now these are most all gentle souls. It was bred out of them. I am not for abolishing the bully breed, but careful breeding programs that will erase the disservice humans have done them with irresponsibly breeding (in many cases the most aggresive of the breed) . I might add that I feel other breeds also suffer from our irresponsible breeding for certain characteristics that are not beneficial to the dog.
Thank you Tanya. That was the most rational reply I have so far.
The dog was known for agression toward known family members????…owners should have surrendered it immediately.
Owning a pit bull is a damn good way to let everyone know you’re trash.
Having a pit bull is like playing Russian roulette! You just never know! Yes there are many breads that bite but the damage and death these dog can cause is a good enough reason not to have around kids!!! Why would you even take that chance with your own flesh and blood seriously!! Such ignorant idiots out there it makes me sick!
The breed is bad. You can’t domesticate a tiger or bear with real certainty. The same goes for certain breeds of other animals. The owners should be charged as if they did it themselves. Only then will people be more cautious with the animals they choose. Jail time for the owners along with a huge fine will not reverse the damage that has been done. I hope this child overcomes the trauma he is suffering. Pit bulls should be banned from ownership without a special license. They have proven over and over again that they are as dangerous as wild animals.
I agree that the dog owners should be the ones responsible and liable, both civilly and criminally, for what happened. My heart goes out to this youngster and his mother for what they are now going through.
I’m am so sorry… I will keep you and your son in my prayers… Hugs to you both!
I have pits. I have a really small penis….. for a woman! Yes it’s the owners fault. You DO NOT leave a child unattended with a dog, epecially if they have a bite history. ANY dog. A caretaker learned that over the weekend when a Pomeranian killed a 6 week old child. Not a Chihuahua but pretty damn close. If you can’t be a responsible pet owner then don’t have one. I don’t even let my dogs have unsupervised play. All my dogs are great around kids. Would I leave them alone with one? Absolutely not. Would I allow a stranger to come into my yard without be accompanied by me. Absolutely Not. Why? Because this is my yard and my dogs know that and they protect it.
hey deb. that was September 21, 2001
LOS ANGELES (AP) – A small Pomeranian dog killed a 6-week-old baby while the infant’s caretaker briefly left the child unattended to warm a bottle of milk, authorities said. not over the weekend. and that is a first and the six week old was very tiny. Don’t compare apples and oranges. One Pomeranian attack as opposed to thousands of pit bulls.
Thank you Deb, well said!!!
Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and yours.
Dear “Dog Owner”
Any dog can be dangerous. Period. End. Of. Story. If you own a dog, and believe your dog isn’t dangerous; then you are sadly mistaken. A dog is an animal. It has a mind of it’s own. One that doesn’t rationalize like the human mind does. It functions on a more primal level. Saying that a particular breed is more dangerous than another is simply saying that one human is more dangerous than another based on ethinicity- which simply isn’t true either. Please, don’t be close minded. Reach out to your local PitBull rescue group. Educate yourself. These dogs are not any more vicious than any other dog. I know this. Your careless and strictly emotional reply does only more harm than good. It is because of people like you that so many of us have to stand up for our dogs. I am a PitBull owner, I am PitBull Proud, I am PitBull Strong. I will educate bigoted people. I will take my dog out in public to let her win over the hearts of those that hate her because of her breed. I will stand with the other PitBull owners who practice GOOD OWNERSHIP of ANY DOG and prove you wrong. But don’t you dare judge a dog you have never met. And, maybe, just maybe, I won’t judge you.
In your rush to educate “bigots” maybe you should start with the Center for Disease Control. They are the ones who compile statistics for fatal dog attacks. Stats which show Pitts as the most problematic breed in the last 20 years.
If you want to walk out on a limb and suggest they have an agenda against Pitts, knock yourself out.
I’m also scratching my head on some of this commentary. This “punish the deed, not the breed” line while mentioning the dog may have had a bite history. How exactly are you going to punish the deed? Beat the owners?
Much like wild animals who instinctively act out and kill humans, your only option would appear to be putting the animal down based on the history. That or you separate it from all human contact and what have you sentenced it to in that case?
There is some knee jerk commentary alright. But it’s not coming from just one side.
As for the closing line about not judging, buddy, that’s hysterical. That ship sailed several posts back.
It seems to be a neverending debate but as a hopefully last response from me, statistics might show pits are the majority of attacks. About 80% I believe. But close to, if not the entire 100% of attacking dogs have OWNERS… Just sayin.
Yes it does seem to be a never ending debate.. BUT how about we agree on a couple on topics
1st All dog breeds are capable of biting and causing harm – even a Pomeranian has killed a child http://amarillo.com/stories/100900/usn_pet.shtml
2nd Visual dog breed identification is RARELY correct http://nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/breed-identification-1/
3rd and MOST IMPORTANT – Humans need to do a better job at learning dog body language and teaching dog safety to children. If we simply make one breed of dog the “enemy” we completely discount the other victims of non pit bull attacks.. I challenge you and everyone else to think on a bigger scale and how we can work towards decreasing dog bites from ALL breeds of dogs.
Agree with you, “Pitbull Proud” It is unfair to judge all PitBulls. I blame the owners, not the PitBulls. Loved your comment. Thank you for trying to educate the ignorant!! I stand with you, “Good ownership of any dog will always pay off!!
BE KIND TO ALL ANIMALS.
This dog already had a history. That should’ve been enough to take him out … to the shelter. All dogs should be watched around children. Do NOT leave them alone. So sad.
Punish the deed NOT the breed … People who embrace the knee jerk reaction of “banning a breed” need to do their research into Sudden Rage Syndrome, they will find it is more common than one wants to admit in spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Labs and is beginning to show in Dobermans. It is a form of epilepsy, in that the dog will attack and just walk away like nothing happened. Unfortunately the only cure for the syndrome is euthanasia. Unfortunately in this case the owners apparently knew the dog(s) had a bite history, and didn’t do anything about it — ultimately the one with the reasoning mind (the human) is at fault. It does not make any difference what breed the dogs are.
I have been involved with a dog rescue for over 7 years now, as well as a dog trainer- and the group I work with saves hundreds of pitbulls every year. Never in the history of doing this work, have we ever had a pitbull come into rescue and show human aggression. These are also not the perfect pitbulls we get – they may fail there temperament tests at the shelter for being stressed or shy.
We do often see pitbulls who are not good with other dogs – but def not human aggression.
Like I said, 7 years and hundreds of rescued pitbulls.
This is a very sad story … I feel terrible for this little boy. In this case, these dogs should be euthanized and the owners should be in serious trouble. This was not this dog’s first time showing aggression I am sure.
If someone has a pitbull showing human aggression, that needs to be addressed right away. It is not part of the breed to be aggressive towards humans (they are nanny dogs) so that is terrible breeding for a pitbull.
I’ve been attacked by many breeds large small and “unsuspecting” in my life but never a pit just putting that out there.
BUT ANYWAYS how about we stop going back and fourth and pray or if you don’t believe in god (wish) this boy a speedy recovery!
I was attacked by a lab once…. my son got his nose bit off by a dalmation. Both mostly gentle breeds… I know some very sweet pits… Never underestamate a dog, you don’t know what is going on in their minds… They can get spooked by something and will defend themselves…I was shocked when the lab charged me, but, hey I was on his property, no bad feeling toward the dog..
I am sorry this little boy was so hurt.. You need to watch any animal around visitors to your home…
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/east_bay&id=9203537
I myself own a pitt…….. Best dog i have ever owned. Ive had her since 2wewks and she is now 31/2 She is the sweetest lap dog you could ever meet. She is huge beatufuil well mannered and a grest companion gor my 11 yr old son however we give her plenty of love and affection a well as plenty of outdoor tome and walks to burn off energy, plenty of food and water plenty of love but still nobody comes in my home unsupervised due to she is extremley protective of my family and im well aware of that. She is trained and people friendly outdoors but indoors she is protctive and she is an indoor dog. She is mot unsupervised with my son even though she was raised with him she sleeps in my toom and my sons door stayes closed at night. Bottom line I do sgree with the fact that it is sll about the owner and how threre raised. This is my first pitt but it wont be my last i love the breed for love and affection towards family when there brought ip right. I used to own dobermans and rotts and by far my pitt has been the best family fog i have ever owned. I am a true pitt lovet to the breed of (nanny) make dure they get plenty of attention mine lives her toys like no other.Thx pitt lover
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