Recently an eighty-two year old woman was walking her little Shih Tzu dog when a pit bull attacked. This particular pit bull was viscious enough to knock the dog’s owner to the ground when she tried to protect her small dog. She bravely positioned herself in a fetal position around her dog to prevent the pit bull from killing the smaller dog.

 

The pit bull then continued the aggressive attack, ripping parts of the woman’s hair and scalp right off her head. An eleven year old boy rushed to her aid and pulled the Shih Tzu away but couldn’t help the lady. Someone called for help and the responding police officer found the dog continuing the attack. Finally the owner of the persistent pit bull arrived and brought the beast under control by tackling him.

 

The end result of this nightmare situation that happened at 5PM well before dark was the elderly woman being taken to the hospital and the pit bull and his owner’s other dog were taken to a County Animal Shelter. What are the laws on this type of attack? If it is the first attack by any individual dog it used to be that the animal was given a second chance. What responsibility does the owner of such an animal have. The owner claimed the pit bull escaped the

fenced yard he kept him in. Does that absolve him of blame?

 

These types of attacks with innocent pets and people being attacked and even killed by trained attack dogs is increasing. In response products are being offered for sale to protect these helpless victims. There are sprays especially developed for the purpose of repelling animals rather than human attackers. For $14.99 you can buy a canine repellent small enough to be taken along as you walk your dog. The world is becoming an ever more dangerous place and such stringent measures are sadly necessary.

 

We can only hope this elderly woman and her little pet survive although recovery from the horror of that day will remain with them forever.