Am I being Unfair? (Warning: Graphic Pics)
 

On Monday afternoon my son and I were attacked by 2 5month old pittbulls. My son received 9 bites and I received 5. The puppies belong to my neighbor and his roomate and they came from the same litter. The attack was unprovoked, I called my son in and stood at the front door for a minute to see if he was coming in and then turned around and took 5 steps at the max when I heard blood curling screams. When I turned around 7 dogs were surrounding him and the 2 puppies were attacking him, I ran out the door hoping to scare them off and when I reached them the female had him by the hand. I went to knock her off when she lunged at me and knocked me to the ground and both puppies attacked. I have been very insistent that I want both dogs put down after their quareentine period. Several people have told me that this is not fair, they should be rehomed. I just don't think this is right, what if they do this to the next person. I own 2 yorkies, a Brittany Spaniel and at the time of the incident a pittbull (not from the same litter). When I was on the ground I saw my pitt growling and barking (not sure at who or what) and at that split moment I realized I could not trust him to not join in. I have since found him a good home with a person who has had pitts all of his life and am certain he is in a good home. So my question is: What is your opinion, am I being unfair to ask that these dogs be put down? According to animal control the dogs can be freed after 10 days. I should add that my neighbors have treated these animals very well and have a few other dogs, I have been in the house with these dogs, I have loved them and so has my son. Not 10 minutes before the attack he was loving on them, I just do not understand why they did what they did, but I can assure you my son will never forget and neither will I. My fear is that I am to emotional to make this decision and the neighbors have left it up to me so please give me some feedback and tell me what you think we have until the 22nd to make our decision. I attached some pics so you can see the nature of the bites. Please help me make the right decision not only for my son and I, but for these pups.

Those are serious bites and I am so sorry this has happened. I know in New York if any dog bites a person and it's reported more often than not the dog is put down. I just know for me I would not want to live near these dogs I would be frantic. Nobody can tell you what to do, you need to calm down be in a relaxing place and just think it over. Whatever you decide is the right choice.
Sending hugs and love and positive thoughts.

I have been attacked by a chow/husky mix. I was bleeding profusely after the attack and was very shaken from everything. I had no control over whether or not the dog was to be put down but I know that I wouldnt have put it down. I'm no expert on dog behavior but I think that I was probably doing something to provoke it ( i was pretty close , making quick movements and being loud ). When you say 5 months old it makes me think that they were just being puppies? I have a friend who had a litter of pitt puppies and they were VERY rough when they played with each other. I wouldnt like to see them put down as they are very young still and they can be trained to exhibit more calm attitude and to not be so rough. Just my opinion though. I agree you should calm down first and then make a decision.

These were 5 month old pitt bulls that attacked you and did that kind of damage? I think they are headed for a life of trouble if they are allowed to live. I'm on your side...they should be put down...the next time they attack it will only be worse.

Oh wow, I cannot imagine going through what you and your son did. (((hugs)))

The dogs involved should be put down ASAP. Thank God you,your Son and dog were fine. Please warn the owner that took your Pitt that he was excited by the incident and could've very easily joined in. It would be wise of him to not involve his dog in heavy dog play such as @ a Dog Park or where Children are involved @ a Park who would be screaming as they played!! I believe you're doing the right thing for the neighborhood,The Adults who have Children and Pets that live there....:thumbup: Hugs to you and your Son ,:hug::hug::hands:

Pitt attack
 

As much as I love dogs and have more compassion for them than some people I have to side with you on this one. You and your son were very lucky to get away. I spent years working in an ER and have seen many dog bites. My husband as a retired cop and dog lover agrees. When dogs that young are excited to the point of attacking and drawing blood, it will happen again, no maybe about it. My brother in law just had to put his boxer Pitt cross down for 2 unjustified attacks. He had been trained as a therapy dog and was wonderful...for awhile. My husband says his training and experience on the police force and ambulance has proven to him that once a dog draws blood unprovoked, they will do it again. It doesn't matter what breed of dog it is. I know I would not want to live next to them. As much as it would break my heart, you need to protect yourself and your child. Thank God you both are okay!

I just want to add food for thought here as I know what probably will happen to these dogs BUT what about the Vick dogs that went to Best Friends? They have been rehabilitated and now are being adopted into new homes. These were all dogs that were trained to fight. You might want to read about them...

Sanctuary Stories | It?s official! | Best Friends News & Top Stories

Best Friends Animal Society Home Page

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thum bup:

I think That The Pups should be evaluated by a trainer to see what they feel is best. A animal behavorist will know if they could do this again..
I am really sorry for what happened but I don't think I could just come out and say PTS.. I hope this helps..

I understand compasion, but when a dog does that much damage I could never trust that dog again. I don't trust many dogs, not even my Yorkie, not because they are mean or not loving, but because they are animals and do not reason like humans, don't play like humans, etc. I am with the side to put them down. There are too many people being mauled by pitts, don't give another person a chance to get hurt. My cousin is lucky to have an eye because of a bite from his loving St. Bernard. The dog was not attacking, he was playing with my cousin, but his mouth and the face of a 2 y/o were not compatable. So, whatever the breed, dogs can be dangerous, whether they are loving or not.

I am so very sorry this has happened to you, and I hope you will be better soon, as for what to do, I am sure you will reach the right decision.

Those are serious bites and I am so sorry .....is the owner of the dog going to pay for the doctor bill's .....hope your son get better soon

I just don't think this is a decision the average person could make, it shouldn't be based upon emotions, and I agree with the others who say an expert should evaluate the dogs. They definitely need to be rehomed; this person is not taking training seriously. I'm so sorry you and your son had to go through such a horrible experience. I'm tired of reading it's not the dog's fault it's the owner's fault, yeah, no kidding, but we can't kill the owner.

Very good suggestion and I could never say on a forum board PTS the dogs...to many questions to make a blanket statement.

Thank you for your well wishes. The owners have stepped up to the plate and taken full responsibility for what their dogs have done.

I'm sorry but I just don't think it's something that you or the owners can take a chance with. What if they kill a child next time? I do feel sorry for the puppies in a way but don't think it's a risk I would be willing to take.:(

i agree with these posters. this is not a question to ask a forum. some people might be biased just because the dogs are "PIT BULLS". we do not know exactly what happened, and either do you. who knows what exactly was happening with your son and the dogs when they first started. i agree that the dogs need to be taken from teh owner and evaluated by a expert trainer who is used to dealing with pit bulls.

Boy that is a tough one.

At 5 months, my guess is that they started out just playing, but when your son started screaming they got excited and then the other dogs got them riledtoo. I just cannot imagine a 5 month old puppy being vicious.

I also think they should be evaluated.

Pit Bulls are illegal in our city. the ones that were registered before the law was passed can remain but no new ones. And I think there is a one bite policy. they are not given a second chance.

They must be leashed at all times and be with an adult. And back yard fences have to be foot high and they have to have special insurance.

since that law has been passed. There have been very few pit bull attacks.

so sorry
 

I am sorry this happened tp you and your Son. I know all to well your upset. 3 years ago I had to watch a pit bull kill my cat in my yard. I tried everything to get that dog off my cat, I was screaming for help finally 2 neighborhood men heard me screaming two blocks away came to help me. It was too late lil jingles was gasping for air and pronounced dead 3 hrs later at the vet. Not only was I heart broken but I was yrs by it. seeing it over and over in my mind. To this day when I see a pit bull my heart sinks to my toes and I think about how awful jingles died.
So I understand a lil what you are going through, I can't imagine if one bit my child. I would be so angry.
It is a shame but it is how these dogs are bred and raised. Pray about what you should do and God will give you peace.
As for us we wrote a letter and petition to the state of CT bc back then it was illegal to protect your pet in a case like that. The dog warden told e that if I had killed the dog trying to protect my cat I would of gone to jail.
Happily to say they changed that law so now if that happens on your property in CT you have the right to kill.
I love animals but my pets are my family and we have a right!
hugs to you and your Son

i think those dogs should be put down. i'm sorry this happened to you and your son and i'm glad you two are ok. i've heard and read too many stories about pitbulls injuring and killing people. personally, i'm not a fan of the breed.

I agree.
5 Mos is just puppies. Ive never seen a 5 mos pup ever attack,I know all our 5 month pitts were rough and would play chew very roughly until we taught them not to. wow Im wondering why? anyways I'm so sorry you and your son went trough this. If me I wouldn't have them PT but I would have to make sure that they be evaluated by a trainer.

Some Pitties are born with more tendency toward aggression than others. I think I would have the owners bring in Cesar Milan and have him evaluate them. Most trainers don't have his track record in "knowing" that breed so well.

How is your son doing? Is he fearful of dogs now?

I think you have to just do what you feel is right, there is no "right" answer in this situation. On one hand you put down a young puppy and protect others from future bites, and on the other hand you re-home them in hopes that they are properly trained and this doesn't happen again, but there is no guarantee. It's a lose-lose situation. It's great that the owners are being so responsible. On a side note, have you seen how they train their dogs? That might offer some insight as to why they behaved the way they did.

So sorry for this situation and good luck:confused:

I am wondering why there are 7 dogs loose in your front yard? That alone is a recipe for disaster :eek: It sounds like there is some irresponsible pet owners that live in your neighborhood. As for putting the dogs down, I would have to say they need to be evaluated and removed from that home.

First, I feel for anyone to have had this kind of experience with "any" breed, let alone a PB...but, I was just curious (& maybe you have a good explanation) why you would pose this predicament to a breed specific site such as Yorkie Talk...:rolleyes:...it just struck me odd, that's all.

Well I haven't been a member long but I have read many discussions here and I feel like there are alot of people with good heads on there shoulders and most seem to have love for more than just the yorkie breed. My question wasn't posed to start a disagreement, it was something that my son and I went through and as a person who loves dogs (no matter which breed), I thought that maybe I could get feed back from people who share the same interest as me.

normally all dogs would not be out together, to tell you the truth I am not sure why this particular day they were. We live on 11 acres and there are 3 families here, 2 of the 7 were mine. My Brittany Spaniel is 10 years old and has lived outside her entire life and never been restrained. My Pittbull is a year old and he has also lived outside unrestrained. The other 5 dogs belong to the neighbor and they live inside, normally those dogs are let out 1 or 2 at a time to go to the bathroom. Anyway explanations aside there is no excuse. We all have learned a big lesson from this and have a schedule for the dogs now (There is never going to be more than 1 out at a time).

I am with you they sound like they are very dangerous dogs.....down:thumbdown


tina

Let me start by saying that my heart goes out to you and your son. This is a terrible thing that happend and I worry that you and your son might be both physically and emotionally scarred for a long time because of this.

I hope that you both understand that it is your neighbors that are dangerous, as bad and neglectful dog owners, and not just the dogs themselves. I recommend litigation as a solution to your problems. You should demand full compensation for any medical and/or therapy costs that this dog attack causes you. In addition, you should not rule out punitive damages against your neighbors as this is their fault.

I hope that you do not press for the killing of the dogs. I personally do not condone capital punishment, for dogs or humans. I think it's a barbaric act and that society has passed the point where we should be doing things like this. Instead, I think that you should demand that the dogs be rehomed and retrained; perhaps someplace where you and your son could meet them again in the future. This way your son could witness first hand that dogs can in fact be redeemed and that it was, in fact, the fault of your careless neighbors and not some bestial instinct of a mad beast that needed to be put down.

I understand your anger and fury at this happening to your child. I'd be furious too and when we're this angry many things that we'd never condone we often wish for. If your Christian, ask yourself "what would Jesus do?" and realize that murder (of even dogs) is not what he'd proscribe. If you're not Christian, then just look in your heart and I think you'll see that the mother was probably protecting her pups and the pups protecting their mother; I'd hate to see an animal killed over a misunderstanding even if a person was injured.

Again, you have my full sympathy and empathy (as a person who has been given many stitches due to a dog attack), and I wish a speedy recovery for you and your son.