[News] Dog kills child, owners jailed Finally a law to punish those owners that allow their animals to run wild. Sad that people have to die for others to see the danger. Dog kills child, owners jailed 15/10/2008 13:48 - (SA) Graham - A couple whose pit bulls fatally mauled their 7-year-old neighbour were sentenced to seven years in prison, the first conviction under a new Texas law that holds owners responsible if their dogs injure or kill someone. Crystal Michelle Watson, 28, and Jack Wayne Smith, 45, were convicted on Thursday of a dog attack resulting in death. The law says owners are guilty if their unsecured dogs injure or kill a person in an unprovoked attack off their property; those convicted can be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. "I compared it to someone leaving a gun out in front of children," Stephens County District Attorney Stephen Bristow told The Associated Press, recalling what he told jurors during the trial last week. Four pit bulls After the couple were sentenced on Friday, state District Judge Stephen Crawford said both defendants would be eligible for release on $150 000 bond pending appeal, which is allowed for certain crimes with sentences of less than 10 years. Watson and Smith had not posted bail and remained in custody Monday. Attorneys for the couple did not immediately return calls to the AP seeking comment. Witnesses testified that on May 18, Tanner Joshua Monk walked toward Smith and Watson's house to play with some children, Bristow said. That afternoon, his body was found in a ditch surrounded by four pit bulls, authorities have said. The law enacted last year is called Lillian's Law after Lillian Stiles, 76, who was killed by a pack of dogs as she tended to flowers in her yard in 2005. - AP Dog kills child, owners jailed: World: News: News24 |
Oh dear Lord! That poor defenceless child. The horror of it all. It's about time the law is changing. Hopefully it will spread across the country. Owner's should most definately be held accountable for their animals. Those owner's deserved what they got and it should have been more. Just the thought of what that child went through is enough for me to throw away the key! You read so many times stories on YT where a neighbor's dog killed their dog and nothing can be done about it. I could never understand how irresponsible owner's get away with their dog killing someone else's. It is a step in the right direction for sure. My heart breaks for the family. |
Laws like that are the only thing thats going to keep people from letting their aggressive dogs run loose. I hope more states enact it |
This is sad and horrible. Why can't people keep their dogs in their house or yard? I have called animal control on my neighbor about three times now because she let's her dog roam the streets chase after people and does not do anything just sits in the house. Its horrible! |
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I agree. That's such a sad story, but like you said, maybe people will start paying closer attention to their dogs. |
What a dreadful thing to happen. I can't think about it too much, as it is just too horrific to contemplate. The only way irresponsible owners can be made to keep their dogs under control is by prosecution. Why do people get away with not keeping their dogs secure in their yards or on a lead, when out in the street. Only yesterday a bull terrier ran at Tootsy and I was only just able to grab her in time. The bull terrier was not on a lead and the owner was not a bit concerned! What if it had been a child, as in this case! Owners in the UK take not the slightest bit of notice of the law that requires you to keep your dog on a lead, and nobody can be bothered to enforce it, it would seem. It makes me so angry. |
I'm glad the law stipulates that the dog(s) are OFF their property. Ivan would tear someone to pieces if they came into our yard or house and tried to hurt one of us including the little dogs. He is very protective. No dog, big or small, should ever be allowed to roam the streets. Those owners deserve what they got. |
I am glad that they are going to jail! I can't even imagine the horror that poor child went thru!!! Kay & Jaxon |
It is always heartbreaking that innocent people are losing their lives to agressive dogs! :mad: I am glad the owners are being prosecuted! This needs to happen every time a irresponsible dog owner's animal attacks and kills someone! Stricter laws need to be forced. Imangine the terrorr the little 7 yr old felt:thumbdown |
I was attacked by a Rottweiler when I was 4, and it was QUITE traumatic. I think the owners of these beasts should be punished! It's just sad it takes a child DYING to get the point across. I think once a dog BITES, it should be classified as a "danger" or a "threat". because that's what it is. These people get dogs and dont train them properly then expect to get let off easy when their dogs attack. It's their job to restrain them! I hope they do get the maximum punishment in this situation and the dogs are put to sleep. :( Poor kid! |
Sad situation I was attacked about 20 years ago and still suffer from the attack. I've had to have surgery and several procedures for my leg. It still hurts! The lady knew that her dog bit others but didn't want to put him down. She only put him down after the vet told her she had to. The dog was out loose when he attacked me. Owners have to be responsible for their animals! Pit bulls are no different than other dogs but they need extra training because when they attack it is often fatal. That is a sad situation! |
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