[News] Woman Strangles Rottweiler After It Attacks Her Yorkie
 

Since the Rottweiler did attack first, the woman did need to defend herself. But there's a fine line between defense and outright killing the animal, which she did do. It's pretty hard to say what you can or can't do if something like this happens, which is a bit scary. But let's just all remember to keep our Yorkies safe when outside.
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PORT ST. LUCIE, FL -- Police are investigating a woman who strangled a neighbor's Rottweiler after it attacked her Yorkshire terrier.

Shortly after 5 p.m. Wednesday, the 130-pound Rottweiler, named Rox, bolted past owner Rebecca Hartley and grabbed Candy, a Yorkie owned by Robin Bush, in her mouth in the 2900 block of Southwest Ventura Street.

Bush said she was in the kitchen talking on the phone while her son, Jacob, 10, took Candy, who weighs about eight pounds, and her Chihuahua outside.

"I heard my son screaming and heard a cry from my Yorkie," she said. "It was a God-awful screech."

According to Hartley's statement to police, Bush threw a beer bottle at Rox and chased and kicked the dog. Bush's son then took the Yorkie inside.

"Bush then allegedly grabbed the Rottweiler's collar and began choking the animal, screaming she 'would have it killed,' " the report states. "Bush continued to choke the animal, then began slamming the dog's head against the side of her house."

Hartley, 20, said she was trying to calm 1-year-old Rox, but Bush twisted the dog's collar with one hand and had her other on Rox's snout, repeatedly striking the dog.

"I told her, 'You're killing my dog, you're killing my dog, someone please dial 911,'" Hartley said. "I could not get her to let go of the dog, and within two minutes or less Rox had suffocated."

Bush, who said she weighs about the same as Rox, said her actions were justified.

"The dog was as big as me, it seemed," Bush said. "I was afraid to let go of this dog because I thought it was going to hurt me. ... Nobody was helping me.

"I was trying to defend my animal, my child and myself," she said. "I didn't intentionally kill this dog."

Prosecutors are reviewing an animal cruelty warrant application to determine whether to issue a warrant for Bush's arrest, said Officer Robert Vega, police spokesman.

"There's always two sides to every story. The officer felt ... this should be written up and forwarded to the State Attorney's Office to make a final decision," Vega said.

Hartley said Rottweilers get a "bad rap" as being "ferocious," describing her dogs as "very friendly."

"You would think that out of instinct if someone were choking you, you would resist," said Hartley, a lifelong Port St. Lucie resident. "Rox did not resist at all, she just sat there calmly and felt the woman was playing with her."

Bush denied slamming the dog's head against the wall.

"I'm not a cruel person," Bush said, noting she tried to revive Rox. "I feel wholeheartedly my dog and myself were the victims."

Hartley said Bush had a "severe overreaction," and a witness told police Bush was "flipping out."

As for Candy, an animal control supervisor said the dog had three small marks on her belly that didn't puncture the skin. Bush said Candy is "traumatized" and "not moving well."

"You can't hardly pick her up; she just lets out a terrible cry," Bush said.

Eric Bush, 34, Robin's husband, said Candy was bitten more than once and will remain under a veterinarian's observation for possible internal injuries.

"They said it could be fatal," he said.

Hartley said the incident left her "kind of numb."

"On the one hand I want retribution, but you can't bring the dog back," she said.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/loc...home-headlines

Hmmmm.....not sure what to think about this one.... :confused:

I agree - it's a very badly written article for a start LOL!! Hope the yorkie is ok. Ana xx

Poor dogs and poor humans, but -
Woah - some dog attacking MY dogs?
I don't think I would kill it, but kicking it so hard it broke something and would be terrified of me for the rest of it's life would definitely be an option!
My yorkies are my children and who ever hurts them answers to me...
In Denmark it is illegal to let dogs out without a leash - but in this small town people do it all the time. And some of them get pretty vicious too when they see the yorkies. But they only get close to us ONCE and my foot is somewhere on their body - hard. They never look in our direction again.
The alternative is to grab the other dog, take of the collar and drive it to a police station where it will be impounded - and the owner will loose it or get a big ticket.
And for the record, I have tried talking to some of the owners, they just look at me and laugh like I am some kind of idiot and says that it doesn't matter.

That is horrible. Usually I am on the side of the dog attacked but not this time. To kill it she would have to keep on strangling the poor thing even after it had no fight left in it. It is sick. She's lucky it wasn't my dog.

To strangle a rottie would take immense strength if it was still trying to attack - the way it wasr eproted over here in UK the dog licked her and was trying to be friendly to the woman who was strangling it which actually makes a lot of sense. Because the dog must have been cooperating with her and standing still or she simply couldn't have done it !

I try to forget this memory, but when I was about 12 years old, we boarded our horses on a ranch about three miles from our house. We would go there to ride. One day my mother asked me to take our miniature poodle out of the car to go potty (my mom always sat in the car with the poodle and waited while we rode the horse) His name was Peppy.

I had him on leash and, before I knew it the ranch owner's boxer (not on a leash since he was on his own property) was nose to nose to Peppy. I thought he just wanted to play or make friends, but, without so much as a growl, he grabbed my little poodle around the top of the neck and shoulders and would not let go. I pulled on the leash and began hitting the boxer in the head and body. Peppy was screaming and I got bit twice (both by Peppy who was trying to bite the boxer) My mother came out and got my poodle free once but the boxer jumped up on her (she is 5'2") and pulled Peppy away from her again. We finally got Peppy free and in the car and I had to lay in the back seat all the way to the emergency vet (it was a sunday) while Peppy screamed in pain.

The vet said he could do surgery and save his life but he wouldn't walk well. My parents loved that dog so we agreed to the expensive surgery. Peppy made it through the surgery but died two dies later when he had a seizure. I was traumatized for life by the incident and I have a hard time warming up to boxers.

All that happened to that boxer was that he was quarantined to his home for 30 days. I think this incident had something to do with my decision to become an attorney because I wanted to be able to DO SOMETHING to wrong doers when they they do something bad. Now, granted we were on private property and you could argue that the dog was "protecting his property" but this was a business. They boarded horses and should not have had a dog that would attack other dogs left to roam freely. There was a witness who said they heard the dog's owner (a teenage son of the business owner) "sic" the dog on my dog and tell him to "get 'im".

If a dog were ever to attack my dog again I would try as hard as I could to kill it! It is just inexcusable in my opinion and cannot be tolerated. Especially, if it was on my property, as it was in this case. This yorkie owner should be suing the rottweiler owner not the other way around. She is defintely the victim" in my opinion. I used to own rottweilers so I am not prejudiced against the breed but they are enormous and can easily over power a person.

SoCalyorkiLvr what an traumatic experience to go through. Thank you for sharing. I will always be careful when another dog comes near Josie. It's true, I guess you just never know. In this story's case I agree, the wrong person is sueing. People need to take responsibility for their pet's actions. Period.

What an annoying news story. I agree with Erin. Its sad that a woman would be so cold-hearted and unsympathetic after this Rottweilier was obviously under its owner's control. The dog was carrying the Yorkie around in his mouth? Lots of female dogs do that to smaller dogs playing mommy.

I would NEVER attempt to hurt an animal, even if they were hurting Stewie. That is inexcusable. Watch your dog more closely, don't bring him/her everywhere and he/she has a better chance of being safe and happy. Don't blame others for your mistakes. If a dog jumps my fence and runs into my yard to attack, who do I blame except myself for not watching more closely or protecting my yard better?

I couldn't agree with you more. I too use to own a Rottie and even though he was my baby, he also out weighed me. Harley was 130 lbs of solid muscle. I have to wonder, if Rox would have attacked a child, would people be questioning the reasons for killing the dog? My yorkies are also my babies and I would treat them the same as I would my own child.

There are two sides to every story but even the witness said she was flipping out. I don't believe the dog was attacking her or that she thought she was in danger so she couldn't let go. Everyone knows how strong a Rottweiler is and how much damage they can do yet she was able to strangle a dog that weighed as much as she did and walk away without a scratch! She took the law into her own hands. JMO

To Kill An Animal Is Wrong
 

I am sorry but I have to say that what the woman did is wrong. To say you would kill another animal!!! that is sad. Everyone says that they think of their dogs as their children and I do to. So then why would you want to kill another persons child. I was personaly attacked by a dog, I was playing in the yard and the dog came over to me(he was a BIG dog too). I started playing with him and then he jumped on me and I got scarred wich in turn scarred him and he bit me. My mom found me on the ground with the dog on top of me. It really wasnt the dogs fault I got scarred and in turn caused him to get scarred and he didnt know what to do. The owners of the dog paid the medical bill and that was all that happened. I actually became friends with that dog, and adopted him from the woman. He never hurt another living soul.

Look at it this way. If that dog wanted to hurt the yorkie he could have done some real damage. If that dog was aggresive I can garuntee that woman would not have been able to choke a 130lb dog.

Two wrongs dont make a right.

I see it like this, if it was a human who killed another human, they would be in jail. I dont see why it should be any different when a human kills a dog, or when a dog kills a human. Of course when that happens the dog gets put to sleep.

Dont take my words wrong, if a dog does something bad they should be punnished. How they are punnished is what needs to be looked at. In some cases the dogs need to be put to sleep, they are to aggresive. If it was just an accident and the dog has never shown any signs of being aggresive than something else needs to be done.

I also fully agree that the owner needs to take responsibility for what their dog did. In some cases the owner is at fault for the way they raised the dog.

I'm sorry I know we all agree to disagree on somethings..But I have to agree with SoCalyorkiLvr on this one..The woman was probably so scared and yes she probably did flip out...and you don't know what you would do if you were in this position ..until you are. Me I would have done the same thing the woman did. She was protect her dog, her child, and herself. And if you have ahold of a dog that big you would be afraid to let it go. IMO any dog that attacks another animal will usually attack again and the next time it maybe a child.

It is so hard to say what would happen when you find yourself in a panic situation.

I'am guessing that if I see my Schatzie in another dogs mouth, I will be doing anything in my power to free her, this might include harming the other dog or if need be killing it.

I would do the same if I myself, child, husband, or friend is personally being attacked by another dog or even a human!!

Murderers are someone's child. All criminals have parents and they are someone's child. This is no excuse for not "stopping the crime" being committed and trying to save the victim.

The law allows us to defend ourselves and others when necessary. If your 6 year old child were being stabbed by a 15 year old child would you not do everything in your power to get the 15 year old to stop, including hurting him if you had to?

Conversely, if your yorkie puppy is being attacked by a 4 year old pit bull, would you not do anything in your power to save the puppy even it meant hurting the pit bull?

I wouldn't actually kill the dog attacking Buddy, I don't think - but if Buddy was in danger, I would probably do something. But as the woman did kill the dog - i'm not sure, really. If someone was attacking your child, I reckon some people wuld kill the attacker, just in defence, not to be evil. Not sure on this one, really, so many varied opinions...

It has happened before. Stewie has also attacked a Doberman; the Dobe's owner could have killed Stewie according to this logic, but he didn't. Instead, he restrained my dog for me by picking him up and then handed him to me. Completely my fault. I should have been more careful. I would not blame it on anyone else and I would be extremely angry if this other owner (and neighbor of mine) would have harmed Stewie. I did not have control over the situation at all and I admit that. This is NOT any different than if it were the other way around with my 6lb Yorkie being attacked by the Doberman.I just never thought that instance would have taken place, but I misjudged Stewie's temperment and obedience. My morality would definitely cause me to NOT hurt an animal or person under any circumstance. An eye for an eye is inexcusable and this woman is completely out of line if you ask me - according to this story the Rottweiler didn't have the Yorkie in its mouth and was just sitting there.

If you kill a dog or another person, that makes you a murderer, too. What's the difference? You say you'll attack someone who is provoking you (by "attacking" or merely holding the smaller dog in its mouth), but there are two sides to every story. What if the Yorkie was attacking the Rottweiler first? Killing or injuring something because it is injuring you does not make you a HERO to me. I think it is a major flaw in much of society's mentality.

The child example is a difficult call. I mean, of course, I would try to pull my child away, but to say that I would worsen the situation by hurting the 15 year old? No I wouldn't. And I wouldn't KILL him either.

I would try to pull the puppy away from the other dog, but I wouldn't KILL it. My dad carries a stick around when he walks Stewie and when he used to walk our Lab (RIP). He never used the stick to hurt the other dog who comes out of nowhere, but he taps it sharply on the ground to scare the other dog away. If the dog had a hold of my old Lab or Stewie, my dad would strike the other dog, but not repeatedly and not forcefully enough to kill it. Most dogs, when afraid, run away after being startled or even slightly injured. BTW I have spoken w/ my dad about this and that's why I am speaking for him.

I sort of feel like someone is playing a sick joke on me. I cannot believe that you really believe this or that you have thought this through to it's logical conclusions.

NO, this is not what the law says. If you kill someone in self defense or defense of another you are not a murderer, you are a hero! A murderer is someone who has premeditatedky planned a killing with malice aforethought. It is a very complicated criminal law definition. Our soldiers in war are not "murderers" just because they kill other people. Our police officers are not "murderers" just because they kill other human beings.

You say you would "pull your child away" but you would not hurt the 15 year old in my analogy. What if the 15 year old did not stop but continued to stab your child and you. When do you feel it would be okay to inflict harm on the attacker? Is there no point where it is okay to defend yourself or someone else?

You say most dogs run off when they are confronted. This has not been my experience and I know it is not the case with pit pulls. They will come back again and again and that is even if you can get their jaws open after they have loccked down! That boxer ripped my Peppy back out of my mother'r arms after she rescued him. You can bet I was trying with all my might to get that boxer to let my poodle go!

A joke? I am not laughing. Believe it.

I thought we were talking about morality. Killing is killing is killing is killing. I do not believe in the death penalty either, or any form of corporal punishment no matter how many of my loved ones get murdered or hurt by a "murderer". My 14-year-old cousin got murdered last night by a hit and run driver in front of his house. If my uncle, his father would have found the guy and murdered him, he would be a murdered and a cold blooded killer to me. I am not touching the police officer/military comment because I am sure I am going to talk myself into a hole. Rodney King ring a bell? No probable cause. How about the 15-year old African American who was beat to death on the south side of Chicago by a bunch of good ol' white cops because he was dating one of their daughters. Specific instances of course and definitely not wide spread.

mur·der ( P ) Pronunciation Key (mûrdr)
n.
The unlawful killing of one human by another, especially with premeditated malice.

I disagree with calling someone who kills a hero.

he·ro ( P ) Pronunciation Key (hîr)
n. pl. he·roes
In mythology and legend, a man, often of divine ancestry, who is endowed with great courage and strength, celebrated for his bold exploits, and favored by the gods.
A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life.

The analogy has suddenly changed and now this particular 15-year old has a knife and he's stabbing me, too. If I had a gun, I wouldn't use it. Maybe that answers your question.

You know its not the case with Pit Bulls? Firstly, let's make sure that we both know that there is NO SUCH breed as a Pit Bull. Secondly, sorry if this sound rude, but there is NO WAY that you know every Bull Terrier in the world. Studies have been conducted and there is no "short" in the brain of a Bull Terrier and violence and aggression are not widespread within any breed. There are "crazy" dogs of all breeds and just because some are larger, they should not be discriminated against in my opinion. Stewie comes again and again when I tap his nose when he is biting me. Because of his temperment should every Yorkie be banned in Chicago? NOPE! Owners should be more respectful of others and keep a closer eye on those specific dogs and warn others about their behavior.

I'm sorry about the incident with your Poodle, but I don't think it is a good universal example of all Boxers or all dog owners and the way they act.

Violence is accepted too often in America and it saddens me.

Wow this woman killed a Rot with her bare hands! Impressive! I maintain control of my babies at all times and I expect others to show the same respect, if your dog gets loose and attacks my restrained dogs, I'd have no problem defending my dogs, good for her :thumbup:

Whoa :eek:

Oh and I forgot to say that I am a bit offended by your statement of me playing a joke. I wouldn't waste my time trying to "rile" a YT member up. This is NOT funny to me at all.

I am so sorry about your cousin.

Thank You. It made national news actually. They turned it into a sad story of the city vs. the suburbs. He was an awesome kid who was set to start HS this Fall.

I think we can agree to disagree here, but I would be interested in reading your response. I'm not mad or upset but I dont like sweeping generalizations about breeds and their temperments.

That is what makes it a completely different story to me. We aren't talking about a dog that attacked a human or that was attacking the yorkie at the time. She started to strangle the Rottweiler after her child and dog were in the house. She may not have realized right away where they were but they obviously weren't being attacked. I guess it depends on whether or not you believe she thought she was in danger. I don't. She was completely unharmed killing this dog with her bare hands.
And for anyone who thinks it is alright to strangle (and I think you need to really think about what that word means and how long it takes) a dog for the mere fact that it attacked your pet I just don't understand that and never will.

Kristy, I am so sorry about your cousin. I don't even know what to say.

I was going to just leave it at what I said and "agree to disagree" but you asked to hear my response and I respect that.

I apologize for my comment about someone playing a joke. I just find some of the things you said so incredible that I was having a real hard time "wrapping my head around them" so to speak.

I think we are closer in our beliefs than we think. I hate broad generalizations too and I changed the breed of dog in my analogy three times before posting it with "pit bull". I almost used "lab". I used the "slang shortened pit bull" because that is what the general public knows them as. I have known some very nice American Pit Bull Terriers in my life, but they have killed more children than any other breed of dog in America if I am not mistaken.

I agree that a hero is someone who has "risked his or her life" in a feat of courage. This describes a person who defends someone else from an attack.

I agree that the "legal" definition of "murder" is the act of one human killing another with premeditated malice. This is the definition I gave earlier. A person cannot therefore, legally, ever be guilty of "murdering" a dog.

My analogy never changed, the 15 year old was always stabbing the child so he had to have some object he was using for stabbing, I made the assumption we would all think it was a knife. I added on to the analogy after you said you would pull your child away because I wanted to see if there was a point where you would feel justified in attacking the perpetrator in self defense.

I never said my experience with the boxer was indicative of every dog of that breed. I was merely citing a real life example of something that can happen and does everyday.

I am also opposed to violence if any kind and would never use it unless necessary to defend myself or others. I do not own any guns, I do not spank or hit my children or my animals and I am opposed to war.

I think you were accepting the side of the story where the yorkie owner was really not defending anything and was really not in fear such that she was defending herself or anyone, I was coming from the other side where i believed the woamn was defending herself and her child and her dog and that she had to kill the animal to keep from being severely injured or killed herself.

I think this is where our sides got off differently on the morality issue and I really think we both agree that killing and violence are wrong in most instances.

This woman is not a hero. I hope she get slapped with some animal cruelty charge. That dog could have overtaken the woman if it wanted to. Sad story.