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Updated: 11:02 PM May 9, 2010
Preventing Vicious Dog Attacks
Multiple attacks by two Bancroft pit bulls leaves community on edge but the Putnam County dog ordinance has left residents breathing a sigh of relief.
Posted: 10:43 PM May 9, 2010Reporter: Brooks Jarosz Email Address: brooks.jarosz@wsaz.com |
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13 Comments 
BANCROFT, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Protecting communities from vicious dogs has been the goal of Putnam County's dog ordinance.
Some people are still concerned after yet another attack by the same two dogs that caused the ordinance in the first place.
The once-quiet neighborhood of Bancroft, feels quiet once again.
"The two pit bulls have kind of held everybody hostage," Bancroft resident Glenn Bowles said. "There is always a fear of are they going to jump the fence? Are they out or are they loose?"
Those two pit bulls sparked a debate in Putnam County back in December after they attacked two teenagers in the local park, setting into motion a vicious dog ordinance.
"It's been an effective ordinance," Chief Humane Officer Jon Davis said. "We've issued about 10 citations and we've only had one that's actually been a multiple offender so it seems to be very effective for us."
That ordinance originally singled out pit bulls but some resident said it wasn't fair.
Last week the commissions agreed with those residents, making the rules apply to all dogs.
One day after the changes were made, the pit bulls attacked again.
"Once a dog starts doing this it's hard to break him," humane officer Greg Sydenstricker said. "it's the same thing as when you chase livestock, once they get that drive, it's hard to stop them."
Now, these dogs will get put down, which is peace of mind, for people trying to mind their own business.
"I carry my mace that the post office issues us," Bowles said. "I've given one to my wife, and to my mother in law and when they're out down here with our son or with our dogs they can carry that mace with them."
As a mail carrier, Bowles knows dogs are a part of the job but now at home most of the worry is finally gone.
"People need to be vigilant and if they see aggression out of their animals they need to take the proper precautions," Sydenstricker said.
The Putnam County Humane officers say this is a responsibility that can keep an entire neighborhood safe.
One of the dogs' owners, Terry Harmon, tells WSAZ.com she has never had any problems with the dogs at her home.
"I apologize for what happened," Harmon said. "I don't understand why they attacked the people. I believe something was done to the dogs."
Harmon says the dogs have been teased by other people in her neighborhood when she would allow them to run out in the yard.
The ordinance requires owners of such dogs to keep their animals inside their property or on a four-foot leash.
Violators face a thousand dollar fine for the first offense and up to 2-thousand dollars for a repeat offense.
Latest Comments
the owners of these dogs in bancroft,terrie and alfie knew these dogs were aggresive because they have bitten people before, so they should be held responsible for all doctor bills and pain and suffering and they should have some criminal charges against them, but do u think they will have charges against them..no...make an example to let people know if their pet does damage to something/someone they can be held responsible for all damages.these dogs in bancroft have bitten before but the owners still choose to let them run loose. owners fault
It IS fair these dogs are being put down, they have had several offenses and me having a 2 year old that loves being outside at the park, I don't feel it right to fear 2 aggressive pit bulls everyday. If they attack they deserve it. NO ONE has provoked these dogs, trust me!! The mace that is carried is special dog mace and it will make their eyes bleed so I think we are safe with that one. But thanks for the advice. not looking for a law suit, just enforced laws to protect my family and the families of others who live in this neighborhood. I must say that Pit bulls get a bad name b/c they are very aggressive, it is their nature, but all and any dog can attack from even a person falling or making a move they feel they are in need to protect themselves. I trust NO dog around my son, not even our ankle biter, they can all turn in an act of protection. God bless all!
It doesn't matter if it is a Pit Bull, German Shepherd, or mix breed. An aggressive dog is just that - a danger to everyone. People that own these dogs can't understand what the fuss is about since the dogs are "just big babies" (at least around them). I had to stop walking my dog in my neighborhood in Charleston because I was knocked to the ground by two dogs running loose that jumped on my dog. Animal control told me to use mace. I think I prefer to use a bullet...bet I could walk my dog then..
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