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Young Girl Attacked by Pit Bull in Hospital Save Email Print
Reporter: Will Jones
Email Address: will.jones@wsaz.com
65 comments
A | A | A

No pet owner expects their beloved family pet to turn against them, but that's exactly what happened to a little girl from Boone County at a relative's house last night.

The three year old was brutally attacked by a pit bull. Luckily, this girl is still alive.

We're told she had to have surgery to reconstruct part of her face.

Witnesses tell us one minute the girl was petting the dog, the next minute she was being attacked.

Only three years old, her life is now changed forever and no one knows why this very calm dog suddenly turned violent.

Grabbing her by the face and not letting go until family members were able to pull the dog off, putting this young girl in the hospital.

Now the pit bull is locked up at the dog pound and will not return back to this yard again.

A family dog that was supposed to protect this little girl turned against her and the grandfather doesn't want any other family to have to shed these tears. He now believes pit bulls are not meant to be a part of the family.

The young girl lives with her grandparents. She was over a relative's house next door when the dog attacked her.

This little girl knew this dog very well and she was used to playing with it. That's what the family finds very surprising about this attack.

We're told the girl is expected to be release from the hospital today.

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Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 25, 2007 at 01:43 PM
I have had animals all my life but an animal is always an animal and an animal does not think like a human and has instincts we cannot predict even if it has been trained, their instincts take over at times and to completely trust it around young children or strangers is just asking for trouble. I read all the comments B 4 I started my comments. Most of those that respond blame the breed but it is far more than that as many saw how it was trained but instinct in an animal goes beyond all that we as humans can understand, and others say kill them all, well that is stupid also, regulate is another option and especially for suspected dope dealers,there is the need for education for the people considering buying this breed as to stats of frequency of attacks. There is no one answer but many combined that may one day wise people up because animals will always be animals
Posted by: Family Friend on Jul 30, 2007 at 05:17 AM
I understand everyone's comments - good & bad about this. But I'm a friend of the family & you need to know that the news story isn't entirely complete or correct. The dog was kept in a fence, he was treated well, exercised, fed, loved. He was never aggressive the owners never left their niece alone with the dog ,they were only inches away when this happened.She was playing with the dog as her grandparents let her do daily, he was licking her, she was laughing when it happened. I'm not defending the dog, or the owner. Just please remember that these are good people and yes they have learned their mistake in the most devastating way. Everyone in the family love Brooke above anything else but they also trusted this animal.He has already been put down upon the owners request.Daryl, who are you? I've spoken to the family & they have no idea who you are. You told them for years to get rid of the dog? He was 2 yrs old! You, LYING, are the root of the problem for this family!Does that explain?
Posted by: Brittney..Again on Jul 28, 2007 at 02:56 PM
i think its funny that there are nearly fatal dog attacks everyday..my friend spent 4 days in the hospital bc of a dog attack..IT WASNT BY A PITBULL!! shocker huh..it was by a dalmation (which are considered to be family pets) and was it all over the news..no..because people didnt want it to be..and 87% of pitbulls pass behaivor tests..when only 72% of labs do (once again..another "family" pet) my pit would protect me or anyone else in my family til death..and im glad that he is capable of doing it..he wouldnt even bark at someone unless it was completely necessary..oh yea..and my baby..oh i mean my "cold blooded/evil/killing machine/murderer" says hello and he is sorry that some people are so ignorant and stereotypical..im not saying in anyway that it was the little girls fault or anything of bad nature towards her..only that you people need to understand that NOT ALL PITS ARE BAD this little girl did nothing wrong..she trusted the dog bc she always had..
Posted by: shawn on Jul 26, 2007 at 02:52 PM
Pitbulls have a thinner muscle in their brains than that of other breeds and that muscle snaps easier as they age causing them to become vicious. you may not teach them to be mean but that doesn't mean that they won't become mean. When there are little children around just make sure you keep them away from the pitt.
Posted by: Sad on Jul 26, 2007 at 10:26 AM
Dear Frenzy, I think the child was being looked after. They pulled the dog off of her. No one meant for this to happen, people do not research animals well. Something that has been part of the family for years and has never been aggresive why not trust it. They needed to know these dogs have killer instincs and can be dangerous if left in the hands of someone who is not a pro. Everyday day people should not be allowed to own this breed. they need to be watched as close as you would watch any other wild animal that has been brought into captivity. Knowing the full danger.
Posted by: Beth on Jul 26, 2007 at 10:16 AM
To the family, My heart goes out to you. This is so sad. This brings chilling memories of the litle girl who was killed in Guyandotte. My father in law lives were you can see the house that she died in. I always wondered not even knowing that little girl, if my father in law just got a wierd feeling and went out and checked with his gun, he could have killed that pit bull and this little girl would have lived. I think about that often if only he would have known. Not even knowing that child exsisted and me feeling guilt, I can not imagine what this little girls family feels. Her grandfather breaks my heart. I understand the "What if's" they can haunt you. I pray you understand this was not your fault. Use what God has given you and educate, educate, educate. Anything can be turned to Gods glory, your little granddaughter just may have saved the life of another child. God Bless.
Posted by: Karen on Jul 26, 2007 at 02:41 AM
I think pit bulls should be outlawed. These dogs are beautiful dogs but they have a ugly side to them that people just don't want to see. People will say all this dog is a good dog don't be afraid it's never attacked anyone it's been in the family for years. Let me tell you pits are dangerous my daughter and i was almost attacked by 2 different pits. One jumped right up to the passenger side of my car going for my daughters throat in front of my house I had to think fast and I had to grab my daughter by the back of hair and jerk her head back as i was rolling up her window and trying to drive forward. If I had'nt grabbed and pulled her back by her hair she would'nt probley be here today. These pits lock there jaws on there victims and you just can't hardly get them to let go. And your lucky if you can get them to let go. They are like aligators they prey on there victims then attack and lock there jaws so hard that you can't hardly get them to let go. Then she was almost attacked when she was only 5 yrs old at my mamaws in Wayne County no one knew who the dog belonged to. We were remodling my mamaws house and the old bath tub was laying in the back yard. And my daughter and my nephew was playing this pit bull just popped up out of know where and growled one time and jumped at her my daughter fell back into the old bathtub and "God Rest His Soul" my grandfather had to happen a shovel in his hands were he had been digging a footer. When the pit jumped up toward her my grandfather busted the dog in the head as hard as he could knocked it back I grabbed my daughter and ran her inside the house and I grabbed my grandfathers gun. When I shot up in the air the dog took off. These dogs are dangerous. Children do not need to be around these dogs. It seems to me that these dogs are born aggressive. I'm sorry for the family and especially for the little girl. She'll never be the same bless her heart. Your Family Will Be In my Prayers!!!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 25, 2007 at 10:46 PM
i have two pits and i think that it's okay to have them in a pen. yes, they are very dangerous and that is why the owner's of this particular breed should take the responsibility of having their dogs in a pen and away from strangers and children
Posted by: Juniper on Jul 25, 2007 at 10:18 PM
My heart goes out to the little girl and her grandparents. I wish her a quick recovery-physically and emotionally. I myself grew up around my aunt's pitt and was never harmed, but was attacked by a cocker spaniel requiring many stitches and still have scars today. " stats from the American Temperament Test Society say pitts pass temperament tests 84.1% of the time, which ranks them slightly better than golden retrievers (83.8%) and cocker spaniels (81.7%), and well above miniature schnauzers (78.6%)" August 2007 Prevention magazine Just thought this was an interesting fact, I understand that a pitt's jaws will lock and can cause more damage than a cocker or a golden and so on..but I also think that the owners have a lot to do with how a dog's temperament will turn out.
Posted by: Jeannie on Jul 25, 2007 at 12:27 PM
Statistics show that Pit Bulls are responsible for the majority of serious dog bite injuries. If a small dog bites, chances are it is not going to cause serious harm or death. If a Pit Bull bites, chances are it WILL cause serious harm or death when children are the target. Children are most often the target. Common sense tells me that it is much more difficult to pull an attacking Pit Bull away from the victim than a poodle. A message for those of you who believe your Pit Bull will never attack... Would you bet your life on it? This family didn't think their Pit Bull would attack either. MJ, you should be proud of your decision; it could not have been an easy one.
Posted by: Wes on Jul 25, 2007 at 10:23 AM
Yes it's true any dog can bite, but some dogs can do more damage than others.I know I don't want this to happen to my little boy or any of the other kids in town. I don't have a problem with putting any dog down that comes on to my property and shows aggresion including my own.You really don't know what your dog will do when your not around it. So don't let them run freely,or someone might find your dog dangerous and take care of it themselves.If the dog is put up don't let people near it if you are not there. My prayers are with the little girl and her family.
Posted by: Mother in Letart WV on Jul 25, 2007 at 09:42 AM
First off, May God Bless and Heal this Beautiful Child and may he comfort her and her entire family during this road to recovery. I am a married mother of 4 children, I am a dog owner myself (lab & german shep) I always believe and live by the fact that humans should trust no animal simply for the fact that they are an animal. We should teach our children to be very cautious when around animals any of them. When someone visits my home and they most usually ask does your german shep. bite, my reply is he hasn't yet but he is an animal so you never know (regardless of the breed or how it was raised). I would not hesitate to shoot any of my animals that I feel is a threat to my family or any animal that comes on my property. Our Family will be praying for this child and her family. Thank the Lord that this child is alive!
Posted by: noname on Jul 25, 2007 at 07:57 AM
Everyone listen. It seems like every single year, there's a story about pitbull attacks...For all you people saying "well, i know this person who got atacked by this" and " dont blame the dog" blah blah blah. Get real!!! What else are you gonna blame?! the girl???? Pit bulls have the tendency to turn like this, and are naturally agressive for the most part. They are NOT a family pet at all!! Why do you all think they use them in dog fighting?! NOT A FAMILY PET. It's better if the family has the dog put to sleep, or else everytime that little girl sees the dog, she will be reminded about what has happened, and she will have flashbacks of it all. She's already going to have to go through enough. So for all you people defending the dog, and all you people complaining about your other friends not being on the news when they got attacked, get over it and start thinking realistically. Stop whining, and pray for the little girl. Stop acting like children.
Posted by: Sara on Jul 25, 2007 at 06:48 AM
I find it upsetting that Pit Bulls have such a bad reputation. It is not as though they are the only dogs that turn on people, as I have been bitten by two 'perfectly nice' dogs, neither of which was a Pit Bull. Any dog could suddenly decide to attack a person. It is not only this particular breed. The fact that Pit Bulls have been used as fighting dogs for their size and ability to be trained as such has led to these dogs have dreadful reputations. The fact of the matter is, if raised correctly, you are not at any higher risk being attacked by a Pit Bull than by any other breed of dog. It is not the nature of the Pit Bull so much as the nature of dogs in general.
Posted by: april on Jul 25, 2007 at 05:44 AM
I think that all the pit's should all be rounded all up and ship some where. where there is no body a round there.
Posted by: someone on Jul 25, 2007 at 04:33 AM
My dad was attacked by a pit bull a few years ago and it ripped his eyelid down to his cheek. He had to have surgery on his face. Since then I have not liked pit bulls very well. My mother has one and all the thing does it growl at me. So now I refuse to go over there unless he is locked up in another room. I am not going to let my mother baby sit my son when he is born because I do not want him around that dog at all. Its sad that it is going to take bonding time away from a grandmother and grandson all because of a dog. But I am not going to take any chances.
Posted by: sneak on Jul 25, 2007 at 01:03 AM
My heart goes out 2 this lil girl. And her family! You are all in my prayer's! I have 3 pitt's. My room-mate has 3 pom's, guess which dog's we have to stay between when kids r here? His pom's will bite a child in a sec. That is what cage's r 4! My pitt's protect the children from those vicious dogs until we can contain them! My son had a male pitt for 7 yrs. He rescued it from an abusive home. He loved that dog. His 13 yr old son & 10 yr old daughter loved that dog. But the day that dog took my 18 mo. old grandson's hand into his mouth (held it, did not bite it) in an attempt 2 show control of that child, he was put down at the same vet who cared 4 him 4 those 7 yrs! I have all the trust in the world with the dogs in my home. But if my room-mates pom was 1 of my dogs it would have been put down many yrs ago when it bit the 1st kid! But not a pitt, won't make the news when it bites! But b careful. My pitt's might lick you 2 death. Put this baby & her family in your prayers! Look at Va. an their new law registering vicious dogs. First 3 were a lab ret.-shep mix, pitbull MIX & a retriever. Register biting dogs just like you do sex affenders. Then America can see just which breeds really r the vicious animals! And any respectable dog owner would put a dangerous animal down at the first sign of aggresiveness! I love an trust my pitt's. I know how they will react in almost any given situation. But I never leave the house without them being on a leash. I am always aware of everything around us. Stop blaming these dogs and make owners resposible 4 the actions of their animals. Make it a law 2 register ANY dog that is vicious in a national registery.
Posted by: Tracy on Jul 24, 2007 at 11:53 PM
I hate Pit Bulls and I am sick of people defending them. This poor little child will never be the same and some people act like they care more for the Pit Bull than this precious little girl. I hope she is ok. But don't wait, just kill the dog now. I couldn't imagine someone not already killing the dog especially after what it has done to this baby girl.
Posted by: Beth on Jul 24, 2007 at 11:48 PM
My sister has raised PURE BRED pitts for years and my 13 year old niece and 9 year old nephew have always grown up around this breed of dog. Neither of them have ever been bitten by the dogs. Although, my nephew once had the muscle in his arm torn away from the bone and almost bled to death because a cocker spaniel decided to take a chunk out of him and the only thing that stopped the cocker spaniel was their pitt. How ironic is that the same dog people are calling parents worthless over is the same dog that saved my nephews life. How come we never seen this on the news. A friend of mine's little girl was attacked by a doberman and had her tear ducs torn but yet we never seen this on the news either. A friend of mine walks with a came because a chihuahua decided to tear his ankle up very massively. A dog is a dog whether big or small it can kill you. You can drown in a teaspoon of water and you are going to die when it is your time whether it is from a dog or a bird pecking you to death. Let's just outlaw everything because almost everything kills you in the end. A pitt bull is no more a loaded gun than a drunk driver behind the wheel but yet we still sell alcohol.My sympathy and prayers go out to the little girl and her family. My family will be praying for a quick recovery.
Posted by: dog owner on Jul 24, 2007 at 11:40 PM
I would like for those blaming the pit bull for every bite to stop and consider this one story. We had a walker coonhound who decided that he wanted to tear into every male dog around. He then turned on us. I didn't need approval from anyone and put the dog to sleep myself. I didn't care how much I paid for him or how much time I had vested. Had this dog attacked my boys, I would have never forgiven myself. I have owned many dogs including dogs that we use for bear hunting. These dogs, even though trained to chase bears, have never offered to bite any person. My children can go to their food dish while they are eating and they would never offer to harm them. We people train them and if for some reason they are not capable of being good at all times they go to a new owner with complete details of their behavior. You can tell more about a dog when they are around other dogs and around small children. Many dogs get nervous around children. I train all of my dogs to allow anyone to touch them, mess with their food, open their mouths, pull their tails, or whatever I deem important. My children are aroung them from the time they are born. don't blame the grandfather. He was deeply hurt and never once felt sorry for the stupid dog.
Posted by: selina on Jul 24, 2007 at 11:14 PM
My 3 year old boy was attacked last year and the law did nothing he was flown to the hospital and had to have 22 staples in his head.The cop that responded cared more for the stupid dog(which was an air dale)than my son.The officer said and I quote he is to pretty to be put down.He did nothing to try to soothe my little boy who was in his daddy's arm screaming and crying the doggy got me mommy.I couldnt hold him cause he was bleeding so bad from his head and I was afraid of hurting him more.The cop did nothing so I am glad that they are putting this dog down.The dog that done this to mine just recently died due to getting into something and drinking it.Good.My son now has no feeling in his head and never will cause the doctor said the dog destroyed the nerves beyond repair and he even got a few pieces of his skull thats how deep it shredded it.He had to have 22 staples in his head and also has the scars on his hand where he tried to cover his face.The dog held him on the ground with its paws and left the scratches on the side of his face.Thank God that the mutt didnt get the front of my sons face he probably would have hurt him more.We still have to watch him cause he is scared of big dogs now.All my son was doing was runnig to the porch at our friend's house and the dog came around the corner and attacked him.It took 3 full grown men to get him off of my son by then it was to late.We almost lost him several times so I think God he is still here.I will keep the little girl and her family in my prayers cause they have a long road ahead of them.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 24, 2007 at 10:45 PM
we will pray for the girl and her family and Dont wait the 10 days kill the dog now once it gets the taste of blood they will do again and again.
Posted by: Cindy on Jul 24, 2007 at 10:23 PM
I know of more people who have be bitten by small breed dogs than large breeds BUT a large breed will do more damage with a bite than a small breed and that is why we hear more about it. Just like a fender bender vs car wrecks where someone dies. It makes headlines. It is up to the owner of any dog to raise them right and if it is an agressive dog- large or small -to keep it up. I have 2 Rotts and they are both wonderful gentle dogs but I am still responsible when it comes to company visiting. They are my responsiblity as their owner.
Posted by: becky on Jul 24, 2007 at 10:21 PM
yes i belive all larg dogs are dangurs their are 8 larg dogs on my street ware i live they have the mang and have killed several kittens they get into trach and have tryed to attact my 8year old nabhor i am affard for my 2year old neace to come to my home and play in the yard she may get sick with mang or attaced i have called the dog catcher severl times about this problum they have never come to check it out if i tell u this maby they will come and get rid of all the sick and mean dogs ware i live thank you rebekah clary
Posted by: No Name on Jul 24, 2007 at 09:12 PM
Hey Brutus! You may want to correct your spelling and grammar before you attempt to call someone else ignorant or idiot. You don't seem very smart yourself. My prayers are with the little girl AND the dog.
Posted by: DJ on Jul 24, 2007 at 09:04 PM
To all of you that are defending these vicious dogs, I bet anything that if you would have interviewed this family a week ago, they would have said the same thing you all are saying, "He's loving, gentle, we raised him right etc." Pit Bulls were bred to fight, they're unpredictable, and their instinct is to kill. I have a Brother-in-Law that has one and when I tell him he needs to get rid of it before it attacks someone, he laughs and tells me how gentle his is around my nephews and nieces. I'm just waiting for the day when I'm told one of them has been mauled by this good for nothing beast! I feel sorry for the child and I just shake my head and wonder why the parents would have such a dog that is repeatedly in the news for attacking not only strangers, but family members as well! They need to be outlawed!
Posted by: Karen on Jul 24, 2007 at 08:59 PM
The only good Pit Is a dead Pit
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 24, 2007 at 08:03 PM
I hope the little girl has a speedy recovery & everyone is praying for her. But atleast the owner blantly told Sheriff Miller to euthanize it. I mean, he coulda acted like an idiot & threw his life on the line to save that dog.
Posted by: Oh My Gosh... on Jul 24, 2007 at 07:32 PM
The ignorance is simply astounding!!!!!! What is wrong with people who are saying that there is more to this story?!!!!!! The story is that this family, who is probably just like the other pit bull owners, felt their dog would never turn on the little girl. It is not anyone's place to say it was raised improperly? There are no rulebooks that come with pets. However, the guidelines with children are clear cut....we are to keep them safe. These kids are innocent and beautiful creatures who look to us for guidance and safety. Shame on people for making comments about this particular family who is already going through so much. To those of you who allow your children to mix and mingle with your pitbulls...CPS should be called. I certainly would imagine they would be called if someone left their baby with a loaded gun on the table daily. That is exactly what you are doing. To the family, my prayers go out to you. To the sweet beautiful child who was attacked, my prayers. To all of the astounding ignorance around us, my prayers. Kudos to the comment below by MJ. The fact that you got rid of your dogs for your children, is a true testament of your committment as a mother and as a person. It is very commendable. You are to be respected for this as I am sure it was a difficult decision for you. It is a shame that others choose to put these dogs ahead of our beautiful children. If you live in the country with no children, you should go and buy yourself a pitbull. After all, then you would only be putting yourself at risk. There is no breed of dog that is more important than the life of a child. To those of you who think so, then like I said, move away from us humans and raise your barbaric beasts!!!!!!
Posted by: Scott on Jul 24, 2007 at 06:52 PM
I just want to comment on the person who said you never here of a poodle killing anyone. No but a pomeranian did kill a six week old baby. There are vicious dog attacks everyday but you never herte of the ones that are not pitbulls. I have owned pitbulls my whole life and know what a full blooded pit looks like. These muts that are shown on the news, I'm yet too see a full blooded pitbull or one that does not look as if it were inbred.
Posted by: Samantha on Jul 24, 2007 at 06:45 PM
Pits Bulls are a nuisance to society and as far as I am concerned they should all be euthanized. I have been terrorized by Pit Bulls while (being chased into my home)the owners and the police looked on (Flatwoods KY's finest). And just last week a pit bull rushed into a Florida home and almost killed an 18th month old. I am so tired of hearing my pit bull is just a sweety and they wouldn't hurt a flea, they are a sweety until they take the face off a 3 yr old
Posted by: Pitt raiser on Jul 24, 2007 at 06:35 PM
I have raised staffordshire pitts for years and had multiple of them. I also have two older children that have been around them since a young age. My children have never gotten bit by their dogs however, my son had part of the muscle in his arm tore from the bone by a cocker spaniel and the only way the dog stopped was because our pit got ahold of the dog. Sounds to me like our pit may have saved my sons arm. From someone who has raised children as well as pits I can say that it is the dog as an individual, not the breed. Oh yeah, why didn't my sons story ever make the news...maybe because it was rescued by a pit and not brutally attacked by one. My heart goes out to the family of the little girl and we will keep her in our prayers. Think with reason....
Posted by: ananymous on Jul 24, 2007 at 05:37 PM
i had i pitbull and he was like a baby but he could turn on us any minute but i hope that baby is ok and i hope she does not get around no more pitts because the r mean but i hope she will get better and i will pray for her and the family
Posted by: TO Brittney on Jul 24, 2007 at 04:42 PM
These people also trusted thier dog. You must know about inbreading because you comment was about the stupidest thing I have ever heard. It has NOTHING to do with being a redneck or trying to look cool. I have raised many dogs Including pitts and Rotts, as well as others. Some dogs do not make good family pets, no matter the breed. Some people do not make good owners (not the dogs fault) sometimes we just never know what happened. These people seem like responsible owners to place the blame on them is uncalled for!
Posted by: Obvious on Jul 24, 2007 at 04:03 PM
In response to the idea that other dogs also bite but only pit bulls get a bad rap... Well... think about the fact that these dogs were bred for fighting...it's in them to be aggressive. Now, consider the fact that the dog is raised in a loving household with all the love, attention, food, water fluffy pillows and everything else an animal can want, we all know that even content animals get upset and have bad days, I have them too. The difference is that these dogs can and do cause a great deal of harm and sometimes even death when they get upset. It's in their genes to fight. It's not the dogs fault, it's just doing what it's instinct and breeding tells it to do no matter how well it is raised. EVERY PERSON IN CHARGE OF CHILDREN OR DOGS MUST BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. We must be better stewards of our children. We must not leave our kids(and pets) unsupervised even for a minute. Because as we have seen, it only takes a minute for a life to be forever changed.
Posted by: Frenzy on Jul 24, 2007 at 03:43 PM
Where are the parents?! Too often in these cases, parent were not monitoring their child.
Posted by: Brittney on Jul 24, 2007 at 03:17 PM
i could almost guarentee that there is more to the story than that..but i have a pitbull and its the best pet i have ever had my entire life..just becuase some dogs are inbred or have been abused does not mean that all of them are owned by rednecks or people trying to look cool..i trust my dog with my life and its a shame that innocent little girl had to be punished for others ignorance
Posted by: Jeannie on Jul 24, 2007 at 03:13 PM
Obviously, this family felt the dog was safe for children to play with. This tells me that the dog behaved unpredictably because, of course, they would not have let the little girl play with the dog if they thought it would bite her. That said, dogs that have the ability to do major harm, like the pit bull, should not be allowed to roam free outside a dog pen or without a leash. I can't believe those of you defending the right to own a dog that can and does kill people. I've never heard of anyone being killed by a poodle.
Posted by: MJ on Jul 24, 2007 at 03:11 PM
I used to raise pit bulls. I had a male and a female where my male was a lot more aggressive than my female. You couldn't ask for a more smart,loving and loyal pet..But they should not be around children. Once I had my children, I did keep my dogs and everything was fine having my kids and the dogs around each other but one day, my male pit bull growled at my nephew and then at me..I took him straight to the vet and had him put to sleep. That was like keeping a loaded gun for my children to play with. He was getting old and before anything that happened that I would have to live with for the rest of my life, I had to make one of the hardest decisions in my life. And for my female pit, I gave her to a nice older gentleman that had a farm with lots of room for her which is what she needed. That was the hardest thing for me to do was to put my baby to sleep and give the other one away, but my children come first. I firmly agree these dogs have no place around children. And for the little girl and her family, you're in my prayers. These dogs are very unpredictable and too powerful to trust around children.
Posted by: Sharon on Jul 24, 2007 at 02:27 PM
I agree with Sarah and Joseph, I have a pit bull, she is the most gentlest dog in the world. She loves people a little too much. It depends on how you raise the animal on whether they should be classified as a bad sead. Any breed of dog can be vicious. Raise them, love them, take care of them, that is all they want.
Posted by: mother of two on Jul 24, 2007 at 02:19 PM
I am sure that it is easy for some of you who are making comments about the fact that not all of these dogs are viscious, have not had to experience first hand your beautiful child having their face reconstructed. It is just not necessary to have these animals, who are capable of such destruction, around our beautiful children. As for the comment about the outlawing of all eight year olds because of what recently happened, I think that is a very rediculous comparison. Possibly you should consider the fact that the children are rehabilitative with upper brain function. These dogs, however, do not experience any upper brain functioning. To those of you who choose to have these "pets," so you shall be allowed, out in the country with no children around, so that in the event that it decides to "turn" on someone, it shall be you and you alone. It is amazing to me the insensitivity of people who choose to make a comment so soon after a child is attacked. I am sure that you have never had to experience this type of pain. And as for the poodle story listed previously, I think all of us would agree that is a rare and bizarre occurrence. If it is true and common, then perhaps those animals should be away from our babies too. It is our job to protect our children, not put them in harm's way. My heart goes out to this poor family. Your little girl is in my prayers. To those of you who have put pets ahead of children, my prayers go out to you as well.
Posted by: CONCERNED on Jul 24, 2007 at 02:17 PM
I WAS BITTEN BY A GERMAN SHEPPARD AS A CHILD NO ONE EVER SAID TO KILL ALL GERMAN SHEPPARDS. I KNOW OF A PITBULL THAT A FRIEND OF MINE HAS AND HAS NEVER BIT ANYONE OF EVEN TRIED. SHE IS A WONDERFUL DOG. I WOULD HATE TO SEE THIS DOG PUT TO DEATH FOR WHAT OTHERS DOGS OF THE SAME BREED DOES. YOU HAVE TO BE CAREFUL OF ANY DOG AROUND CHILDREN IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT THE BREED IS.
Posted by: Human Advocate on Jul 24, 2007 at 02:13 PM
When is any breed of DOG worth more than one little innocent CHILD, the reason we hear about these attacks..duh because they are true..if poodles were KNOWN for ripping faces and limbs from little children..I would be all for outlawing their breed as well. It should be illegal to own a pit bull without them being confined, and the owner should be held fully responible for any and all damages that might occur....do you trust your pit bull..that far...I doubt it.
Posted by: nikki on Jul 24, 2007 at 01:45 PM
I dont thank anybody should have a pitt bull i dont like pitts i know i wouldnt have one around my kids.. this is for the litte girl i hope your ok and i know you will get better i hope the best for you and your family
Posted by: Lynn on Jul 24, 2007 at 01:23 PM
What is going on in this world?!? Just because one dog bites a child, the entire breed should be held responsible? That is like saying because an 8 year old rapes a 3 year old (that happened recently), all 8 year olds should be eliminated. Outrageous. It is obvious people have a prejudice against the breed. Poodles, chows, terriers, german shepards, all bite people. I'm sure it happens every day. It only makes the news when it's a pit bull. It's terrible that a 3 year old was hurt. It isn't the dogs' fault. It is the owner of the dog's fault and the guardian of the child's fault. Both should have been watching their charge. Knives are not illegal and have many good uses, but you don't let a 3 year old play with one! No child should ever be left unsupervised or allowed to play at will with ANY dog, no matter what breed. A dog is not a toy!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 24, 2007 at 01:16 PM
Pit Bulls are not the only dogs that are known to attack. I have seen a poodle rip a portion of man's face almost completely off.
Posted by: Missy on Jul 24, 2007 at 12:43 PM
I think that all pit bull dogs should be outlawed. They are known to attack while not being provoked. I think parents need to watch their kids better because all kids are going to play with any animal they can.
Posted by: James on Jul 24, 2007 at 12:37 PM
I don't understand why anyone needs a large dog like this around children. These animals are legally "dangerous and deadly" according to the law. Why have an animal that is known to turn on the individual. We have too many dogs running loose or tied up with no beneficial purpose. Why not just give your child a loaded gun to play with? The end result will be about the same.
Posted by: Brutus on Jul 24, 2007 at 12:25 PM
The whole species of pit bulls need to be eliminated. I dont care how well you ignorant people train your dogs they are still animals and will still attack no matter if someone pulls on there ears or whatever. I know one thing if I ever see one in my yard it wont last to long around my children period. The thing of it is if you have such great pit bulls and train them so well even if a child does rough house with them if they are sotrained and well taught as most of you fools on here say the nthey wouldnt attack no one period no matter what happens to them. They are a vicious breed of dog and I would care less if they killed every pit bull out there. And for yoou idiots on here complaining about the pit bulls getting a bad rap maybe you ought to go to prison when these well trained dogs attack someone or a child no matter what. Put down all the pit bulls and eliminate the problems whick is the violent dogs.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 24, 2007 at 12:23 PM
Joseph, I agree with you. I have worked around dogs for many years. This type of attack by this breed just seems to make the news more often. People should know that other large breeds (and some smaller ones!) also have the potential and do attack small children as well. In some communities... in some states... Rottweilers, German Shepards and wolf-hybrids are banned. Also...some insurance companies will not write a new policy if you own certain breeds (both large and small) because of the breeds potential to cause harm. This breed is not by nature aggressive. They are trained to be that way because of their strength. Neglect/Abuse also plays a large part.
Posted by: Mike on Jul 24, 2007 at 12:07 PM
Pit bulls for some people make great pets if raised up the right way and taught about how to obey. Most of these attacks occur when people miss treat there dog or any other animal. But people have to remember these are animals it doesnt matter how well you teach your pets there is always a possibility that they will attack or bite someone, but the better trained dogs who are taught are more often not to attack but there are times I have seen good trained dogs bite people also. The pit bull has always got a bad rap right along with the rotwiller also but if taught you decrease the risk of attacks but with all animals there is always the chance no matter how they are raised. I pray for this little girl to get well and heal but this dog needs to be put down. Once they taste blood they have attack mode on the mind.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 24, 2007 at 11:52 AM
I have 2 pits and I think that there has to be a reason for these dogs to keep attacking these children. Are you watching your children while they play with these animals. Do you know that they weren't pulling on the dog. I don't care who you are, but if your child bites you or grabs your face are you not going to tell them "no, your not suppose to bite or hit?" Would you let your child treat his sister or brother like that? I wouldn't That is the problem with the world today, people want to blame there wrong doings on someone else. These people should watch there children and not let them pull the dogs ears or tail or pinch or bite. We can talk, dogs cannot. I let my dogs play with all the children, because I trust them. BUT I do watch the children to make sure that they are not being mean to my dogs, which I consider my children.
Posted by: Joseph on Jul 24, 2007 at 11:28 AM
First, please read the true facts about pit bulls before making a decision. As with all dogs, pit bulls can be a great breed...or can be deadly if raised in the wrong environment. The problem is some people who get pit bulls get them as a status symbol, and want them because they look tough. The truth is pit bulls are actually a gentle, loving breed. It's sad what happens when a pit bull does not get the exercise and love it should, and when it attacks...you all act surprised. Any dog would do this! We need to come up with a registry for these dogs so stupid people are not allowed to have them. I have two pit bulls and have no fears that they will turn on me. I raised them to be loving dogs, and that's exactly how they act. Start reading up on the facts, and STOP BEING IGNORANT!
Posted by: Allision on Jul 24, 2007 at 11:20 AM
I will be praying for this little girl and her family. I know I a have a 2 year old and am frightened of pit bulls. We have new neighbors who I believe do drugs and they have a pit bull. Their dogs run loose and come in our yard. We do not have dogs. My daughter is scared to death of them. What is it about pit bulls that these people like. THis is about a different issue but DO most drug dealers have several dogs and why if so? I just hope that this little girl heals well and she is okay. God Bless you!
Posted by: susan on Jul 24, 2007 at 11:20 AM
You rarely hear of a beagle or just your everyday mutt doing something like this. Pit bulls are banned in a lot of countries and in a lot of American municipalites. Gee, I wonder why? These dogs are unpredictable and just plain evil! Anyone who would own one of these dogs is an idiot. You heard the little girls grandpa, "get rid of your pit bull"!!
Posted by: Olivia on Jul 24, 2007 at 11:15 AM
Where was the Grandfather at the time of the attack? Where was the dogs Owners? I find it very distrurbing that an adult would let a young girl play around a dog of ANY breeed without supervision at all times. Unfortunatley the Pit Bull has to take the blame for this most tragic event. Every animal is capable of attacking and that's why you should never let your young child play with a dog without an adult present. A responsible parent shouldn't allow thier child around the dog and a responsible pet owner shouldn't allow kids around his dog. Killing the dog isn't the answer, if we want this to stop then we should do everything we can to promote proper pet ownership. Punish the deed not the Breed.
Posted by: ron on Jul 24, 2007 at 11:11 AM
First off, I truly hope the little girl a speedy recovery and I feel for the family for this terrible attact. The breed (pit bulls) should be aniliated, how many times have we heard about these dogs (pit bulls) attacting, not only children but adults. I think in todays society we should not have this breed.
Posted by: Sarah on Jul 24, 2007 at 10:28 AM
Scott and every other skeptic: Make it illegal to have pits around children? COME ON! Not all pit bulls are bad. I have two pit bulls and they are the best behaved dogs I've EVER had. Of course--we raised them right. They have never even bitten another dog (we have dogsat on many occasions). I do agree that dogs who attack should be euthanized, but don't punish all pit bulls and their owners because someone didn't raise one with enough discipline.
Posted by: Daryl on Jul 24, 2007 at 09:56 AM
The people that owned this dog lives next door and for years we have tried to make him get rid of those dogs and they all ways stated that these were our family's pets and would not hurt anybody, now idiot, explain this to that little girls family as well as the people who tried to get you to get rid of those animals!
Posted by: Tiffany on Jul 24, 2007 at 09:36 AM
Don't single-out the breed....All dogs have the potential to do harm.
Posted by: NO NAME on Jul 24, 2007 at 08:34 AM
I am extremely sorry for this precious child, but let me say that we don't know the conditions in which the dog was kept, if the dog had been ever fought, if people and children had teased the dog, etc. it is very easy for the public to go after the "dog" when we really need to seek some very important answers about the care that was given or not given to the dog that attacked. i think pits get a bad rep. there are bad ones and good ones. feed, water, walk, and love your dogs. if you do they, I BELIEVE, WILL NOT ATTACK.
Posted by: concerned on Jul 24, 2007 at 08:13 AM
Pit Bulls are the most dangerous dogs.. my son 7yrs at the time was attacked by his aunts pit bull he was flown to cabel hospital and had surgery on his leg he lost alot of the muscle in his upper front and back thigh his leg will never be normal again.. I do not understand why people want to own something that they know has a history of attacks I say kill all pit bulls there is no good reason to have them. God bless that little girl and her family and watch close for staph infection do bites are famous for that
Posted by: Michelle on Jul 23, 2007 at 10:44 PM
I feel so sorry for this little girl and her grandpa. I will be praying for them.
Posted by: Scott on Jul 23, 2007 at 10:13 PM
Pit Bulls have done this before. Even if they have been gentle the potential seems to be there to do harm to children. Unlike some dogs who bite pit bulls at times just will not let go. Laws should be made that makes it illegal to put children around pit bulls because of the dangers.
Posted by: No Name on Jul 23, 2007 at 09:32 PM
Kill The dog!!!!!!Why in this world would anyone left a little girl around a dog like this. And why would they let her play with a dog like this. I pray the little girl will be fine and yes shewill be changed forever...
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