May 10, 2006 – Hubert Brumant, Humane Society animal care manager, said Wednesday that the fate of three mixed breed pit bulls who attacked a woman and killed one of her dogs on Monday, is not yet decided.
The dogs have been in the shelter's custody since the attack. Police spokesman Sgt. Thomas Hanna, gave the following account of the incident.
"About noon Monday, a woman was walking her two dogs on leashes on the Estate Harmony road. Four dogs from a neighboring yard charged into the street, attacking the woman and her dogs. The woman indicated that she left off the dogs' leashes so they could protect themselves. In the process, she was attacked and bitten on her shoulders, arms and legs.
"She was transported to the hospital," Hannah said. "The owner of the dogs was present and attempted to prevent his dogs from attacking, but he was overwhelmed. A neighbor came along and attempted to assist. He hit one of the attacking dogs on the head with a stick and killed him. One of the woman's dogs, a chocolate Labrador, was killed in the attack."
Hannah said he cannot release any names in the incident, as it is under investigation.
"The dogs were removed to the shelter," he said. "They include mixed breed pit bulls. One of the woman's dogs was killed, and the other severely injured. The woman was treated and released from the hospital."
Brumant said this was the first incident with the dogs in question. "We have them here and they aren't aggressive," he said.
Brumant said the three dogs are quarantined at the shelter for 10 days. "Because of what they did, we will consult with the agriculture commissioner [Lawrence W. Lewis], and make a decision before the 10 days are up." He said it is likely the dogs will be euthanized.
"It is unfortunate," Brumant said, "the message is that people who own pit bulls need to know they are responsible. They must be confined so they cannot leave the property. If we designate them dangerous dogs, the owner must have liability insurance, and if they can't come up with that, they won't be able to get the dogs."
Brumant cited a section of the Animal Cruelty legislation, (Act 26, Title 2615 C), which became law last May. Under that legislation, dangerous dogs must be licensed and registered, and they must be spayed or neutered. The owner must carry a surety bond or liability insurance for personal injuries inflicted by his dog(s). The dogs must be confined or properly enclosed.
Hannah said, "We're trying to get pet owners to understand that if their dogs are considered to be ferocious or dangerous, they must be restrained in a proper enclosure, or on an unbreakable leash, in accordance with the law."
According to Joe Elmore, former Humane Society executive director, the society has cases of animal neglect that are now pending in the Justice Department. Elmore left his post in March to help out with the recovery effort in the flood-ravaged Mississippi gulf coast with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
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