Pit Bull Mix Attack Puts Spotlight On Leash Law and Misconceptions

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Posted: 10:32 PM Jan 5, 2009
Last Updated: 1:42 AM Jan 6, 2009
Reporter: Sam Provenzano
Email Address: sam.provenzano@wbko.com

35 comments

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Last weeks pit bull mix attack on two Bowling Green children has put the spotlight on leash laws in the area.

"The leash law states the animals need to be confined to their property, whether it be by fence, electrical fence or by leash. It must be confined to the property," said Bowling Green Animal Control Officer Bill Gruszczyk.

If not...

"They could face a civil citation for the animal running large, where the penalty is a fine. We will also speak to them and tell them why the animal needs to be kept on their property," added Officer Gruszczyk.

But the attacks also brings about an important question:

Are pit bulls dangerous animals?

We talked with Lorri Hare from the Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society.

"Unfortunately, we hear a lot of times that pit bulls are bad dogs or pit bulls need to be banned. Pit bulls are not the leading biting dog in the U.S. Cocker spaniels, Chihuahuas bite also, but we just don't hear about those because they are not as strong or as vicious of a bite," said Hare.

The attacks have been on the mind of Hare-- and she says the dogs poor upbringing likely played a role in the attacks.

"This situation could have been avoided by raising that dog differently and housing the dog differently. I look at it as part of the owners responsibility," said Hare.

And as far as pit bulls being good pets...

"I've never agreed with the saying 'it's a pit bull so it is going to be vicious'-- I think if they are raised properly they can be amazing dogs," added Hare.

More Info about Bowling Green's Leash Law:

Dogs and cats allowed to roam the streets are not only a nuisance and dangerous to the public, but are in constant danger from cars, people, and even other animals.

For these reasons, all dogs and cats must be on a leash or confined on the owner's premises at all times.

Dogs and cats in violation of the leash law may be detained by Animal Control and impounded at the Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society.

In addition to impoundment fees, owners may be issued a summons for a violation of the City Ordinance.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Keith Location: Bowling Green on Jan 14, 2009 at 08:34 PM
Our neighborhood has, at any given time, 20 cats running around. Pooping, fighting, etc etc. And animal control won't do squat. So what use are the laws if they won't enforce them?

Posted by: Marie Location: Bowling Green on Jan 13, 2009 at 05:01 PM
I have 4 pit bulls in my family. They have been raised IN MY HOME right along with my children. It's so obvious that the owners who throw their dogs in their backyards to live their lives on a chain are the ones to blame--not the dogs! I really don't think that takes a college degree to figure that one out. Instead of banning this wonderful breed, why don't we start punishing the people who neglect their animals? Other parts of the country are passing laws against leaving your animal chained up all day. Hopefully, Bowling Green will wake up and do the same.

Posted by: s Location: Bowling Green on Jan 9, 2009 at 09:34 AM
Wow, Ruth sounds like you may be the one who needs to be educated. Especially since you are googling all day long to educate yourself on pitbulls. I am a very educated woman and have had pit bulls since I was a small girl. I currently have 3 and will continue to have them even when these pass. I do not breed them they are a part of my family. I am not mad at you just feel really sorry for you. You are the kind of person who makes an opinion on something you have never owned or experienced. I guess daddy from Ceaser Milans Dog Whispherer who trains aggressive dogs which have been small dogs to big dogs is a fighter. Yeah right! I am at a loss for words for you and keep googling you will find loads of useful information, ha I think theres even a cure for Lupus on the web which my dog currently has. According to the web African American men are more likely to commit a crime so lets just throw them in a pot with pit bulls. So you keep on believing without seeing you might learn.

Posted by: Ruth Location: ND on Jan 8, 2009 at 07:07 PM
Another clueless Animal Control Officer. A pit bull, just like any other breed of dog, is not solely the product of how you raise it but primaraly the dog's inherited traits and instincts. Pit bulls are dog aggressive, often give little to no warning of an attack, and do not stop attacking despite physical pain to themselves. These were traits bred into them to fight. Every pit bull expert knows this - its all over the internet for everyone to read. Why AC officers and pit bull owners continue to be uneducated about these dogs and spread misinformation about them just ensures continued maulings and their eventual ban. Those of you that own these dogs - LEARN ABOUT THEM! It may save you from being the next statistic. Pit Bull Rescue Central, RealPitBull.com, WorkingPitBull.com all good sites to learn a thing or two. And for the scope of the problem check out DogsBite.org - only pit bull owners can turn the tide - GET EDUCATED and GET TRUTHFUL!

Posted by: Amy Location: Smiths Grove on Jan 8, 2009 at 12:22 PM
I posted my annoyance at the comments on pit bulls on the other story. My dogs are wonderful companions. They also live a wonderful life. Lots of farmland to roam, plenty of food, and a nice soft place to lay their heads. Repsonsible pets owners create responsible pets. I have posted a picture of my "killer" on the capture Kentucky picture area under pets/dogs. You will find him with my five year old daughter under the title "Vicious Killer...Really?". And yes, Bill from Smiths Grove I DO HAVE PLENTY OF BRAIN CELLS LEFT. Also, to address the out of state comments regarding breed characteristics...my pit does give the warning barks to other males who venture too close to his territory (ie. our farm). He avoids the conflict and plays with the neighbors dogs next door. I'm afraid your education would be better suited in "real life" situation over the book you read.

Posted by: perriann Location: texas on Jan 7, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Rob, you mentioned that your friend had two dogs that all of a sudden went berserk. I must say, two dogs, according to any animal expert, are a pack. Were they intact? A breeding pair, perhaps? Any breed of dog is dangerous with these details. It is true that a third of all deaths are from pit bull TYPE dogs, according to the CDC, but if you read their entire study, they no longer publish these stats because they are inherently flawed. They took their information from news reports which are known for misinformed, biased views. It seems that people for pit bulls seem to have a lot of experience with them, and also have proof of their own. According to many vets and animal behaviorists, if bred and raised properly, they are no more likely to attack than any other breed. In fact, compared to their population, only 0.000002 percent of them have ever taken a life. They also happen to be the number two most popular dog according to the UKC right now. Just food for thought.

Posted by: Sandra Location: Tompkinsville on Jan 7, 2009 at 02:22 PM
I have 4 pit bulls and have owned them my whole life. I am a 42 year old mother of 3 and all of my children were raised with pit bulls. They are and have always been a part of my family. They get alone well with other animals and with people who come to my house. I feel so sad for most of the people making these comments bc they are people who have never owned a pit and make comments on the basis of what??? Please please educate yourself Lori Hare has dedicated her life to helping animals I would say her opinion is based on facts. Robert from Bowling Green I totally agree with you. Maybe some of you should take a look at Dog Town on National Geographic. This is were Micheal Vicks dogs were taken. A dog is like a child they are a direct mold of their parents and deserve a chance to live even if their owner has felled them. They can be helped. Did anyone notice this is a pit bull MIX. I guess no one thinks what the mix of this dog is, narrow minded people just saw pit bull.

Posted by: S Location: Bowling Green on Jan 7, 2009 at 01:59 PM
Rob I have a Bachelors in Psychology and an Associate in Social Work from Western. I am very educated and own 3 pit bulls and will always have them. Maybe you should brush up on your education.

Posted by: candie Location: san diego on Jan 7, 2009 at 12:50 PM
To Barry in BG, you are entitled to your opinion & that is exactly what it is. No dog attacks just to kill. There is always a reason. The people making comments about how bad pitbulls are should really do their research. Their are no statistics about more pitbulls/more injuries. Places have banned pitbulls & still have the same. Also to Ted, are you telling me a kid that has a parent as a murderer or drug dealer has the psycological make up and will be those things. What, you think we should just kill them so they don't become murderers. This all goes back to it must be true that people who do not properly care for their pets & socialize them are the reason for dogs that may attack or become aggressive. Log chains are not dog chains, any animal would be aggressive if chained. Lorri said it "If you want a dog, make them part of your family. If you want a yard ornament, get a statue. If you want something that will make noise when someone comes around, get an alarm!" Kudos to you!

Posted by: Jamie Location: Bowling Green on Jan 7, 2009 at 11:55 AM
As an owner of 2 pitbulls I appreciate what Lorri had to say! Any breed of dog can be aggressive. Our dogs are constantly around small children and strange people and they have never tried or acted like they were going to attack anyone. It amazes me that when people are attacked by anyother breed that it never gets the pubicity the pitbull gets.I think that there are to many narrow minded poeple that comment about a situation they have no clue about, alot of them have never been around a pitbull. instead of going by what other people have to say try coming up with your own conclusion. I HAVE BEEN AROUND THESE DOGS MY WHOLE LIFE AND NEVER HAD ONE SHOW AGGRESSION TOWARDS ME . aND I WILL ONLY HAVE THISS BREED OF DOG .

Posted by: Rob Location: BG on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:43 AM
Maddrox, I wish I was banned from BG so that I would not have to be around some of these uneducated people. We have a university in this town, please take advantage of this resource.

Posted by: Barry Location: BG on Jan 7, 2009 at 05:40 AM
Whether or not a community adopts protective legislation depends on the level of risk and the standard of care. In the case of the pit bull the statistics unfortunately are against them. Whether true or not, pit bull owners who claim there are no bad pit bulls, just bad owners, cannot change the fact that there are bad pit bull owners. Statistics don't lie: more pit bulls/more devastating injuries & deaths. As far as the standard of care, more and more communities & countries are banning pit bulls. Lori Hare of the Humane Society stated Cocker Spaniels and Chihuahuas bite more than pit bulls but she doesn't mention that they primarily bite out of fear or limited agression. Pit bulls attack to kill.

Posted by: ted Location: bowlinggreen on Jan 7, 2009 at 04:54 AM
Dogs have been bred for certain physical and behavioral characteristics for thousands of years. Pit bulls have been bred for fighting and have the physical & psychological makeup to back it up. It comes down to the age old argument of nature vs nurture, however with the pit bull if you're wrong someone elses kid can end up crippled or killed.

Posted by: robert Location: bowling green on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:34 PM
I'm so glad that there are decent people still out there that understand pit bulls make wonderful pets. I have a pit bull that was a neglect case at the humane society and he is the best dog anyone could ever ask for. I wasn't going to post until i read Janes comment below. I will give her credit that pits now are a mixed breed. Jane you are pretty much saying that if you own a pit that you are a drug dealer,gang member, or a drug user. Thats called profiling. You know pits are towards the bottom of the list when it comes to actual bites. Labs, and cocker spaniels are on the top, and i have a website to look at if you don't believe me. Don't let polls fool you. Majority of polls are titled "dogs that due the most bodily harm" and of course a pit or a rotti will be on top. But if you actually look at one that is just dog bites alone you will see the pit is no where near the top. The people are responsible for this not the dog breed. Jane keep your so called facts in boston.

Posted by: Natalie Location: CT on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:03 PM
As a pitbull owner and someone involved in pitbull rescue I know these dogs to be wonerful and loving pets that just need a responsible adult to care for them. I adopted my first pitbull when she was 3 for a shelter. Even though she was abused and force bred by her previous owner all she asked of me was to love her, give her clear rules and training, socialize her, and care for her responsibly. By doing that she is the most wonderful happy and freindly dog I have ever had. She snores by my side as I write this and for her sake I hope the public sees this for what it really is. An irresponsible owner who needs to be held accountable for her lack of care for her dog that has caused this unforunate event to occure. Its not the dogs fault but the owners.

Posted by: sheila Location: bowling green on Jan 6, 2009 at 07:32 PM
I have had dogs and been around many different breeds of dogs. My daughter has a pit bull and she is about the sweetest dog I've ever seen. She accepted and plays with a wirehair fox terrier which my daughter brought into her home to live. The pit bull tolerates much pestering from the little. The dog is very, very loving. My granddaughter plays with her when we visit my daughter (her Aunt). The dog wants to cuddle and snuggle with just about anyone. I love her. I've been around other pit bulls that were also sweet and not aggressive. I truly believe they are born with very sweet personalities. I think any dog could become dangerous if not treated appropriatedly or actually abused.

Posted by: Kevin Location: Edmonson on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:11 PM
American Pit Bull Terriers are awesome dogs!!! I have had 5 of them , and all were really good dogs. I have been to many APBT kennels and all of them had dogs with nice temperments. ATTS.org (american temperment test society) has test results for all of the different breed of dogs, and the pit bull passes even with the Golden Retriever. I know there is a lot of Breed specific legislation going on....such as banning pit bulls from certain cities, countries....but like the Netherlands proved, after banning pit bulls....it was an ineffective move, that didn't reduce dog bites or fatalities by dogs. So the Netherlands cancelled the ban.

Posted by: jen Location: bowlinggreen on Jan 6, 2009 at 02:33 PM
I feel that pit bulls have gotten a really bad rap.I grew up in fear of these animals, because I had never been around any,only knowing the bad & scary things you hear.Only untill I was around my mother-in-laws dog,who,is a total baby,did I understand,that they can be extremly gentle.I have 2 pit bulls, in a 10 year period now,both of my dogs are very welbehaved,loving, frindly,outgoing,gentle animals.They are apart of our family, our children love them,they sleep with us.They are great pets.If you love and respect them, they will love and respect you back.I love pit bulls,nothing will ever change that! Dont judge them till youve owned one,all they want is love.

Posted by: M Location: BG on Jan 6, 2009 at 02:23 PM
I know the children being bit by a dog is the issue here, but has anyone asked why two young children were around a convicted sex offender? Were they left unattended with him?

Posted by: Jennifer Location: Russellville Ky on Jan 6, 2009 at 01:55 PM
My daughter is 6 and was bit by a pit earlier this year in the face. We were at some friends and the dog was tied up. She went into its domain. Though her and this dog had played together once before. I don't agree with a dog (any breed) being put on a chain fed and waterd once a day and forgotten about. That was the problem with this dog. It hadn't been socialized. Though I am now terrified for my daughter to be around any dog now. Our dogs at home are watched around our children closely even before this incident happend. Pits do have a rep. and so do rotts. and dobys. If your going to be a pet owner be a loving and responsible pet owner. If not don't get the pet. My daughter will have a scar on her face for the rest of her life. Yes as a parent I feel responsible but I have tried so many times to tell her "If u don't know the dog don't go around it" in our circumstance she did know the dog in a way. Just use extra cause with kids and animals. Remember they are the animals!!!!

Posted by: Connie Location: Bowling Green on Jan 6, 2009 at 01:51 PM
In response to dogparkuser: "As for leash laws I wish they had those out in the county because it isn't fun being aproached by unleased dog you don't know." We were told by animal control when we had problems with neighborhood dogs that if they came on our property we had the right to shoot them. Guess they told our neighbors that as well since the dogs are now kept on their own property.

Posted by: tech Location: seatle on Jan 6, 2009 at 01:22 PM
Genetics play a role but it is not the end all be all. The dogs are truly the product of there environment. I have a pit who was abused and neglected for the 1st year of her life. I have had her for 8 years now. She comes everywhere with me. Well socialized with humans of all ages she has never show any signs of aggression. My friends and I often joke she help the buglers load the car. I know this from being a renter and having landlords come and go from the house with out me home. They all say the same thing. She is a sweet dog who is well trained. This dog is what it is and what I have trained her to be. A well socialized dog who has never had to be aggressive or fearful I am her protector not the other way around. Oh and about the guys comment about his neighbors pits. I have a neighbor who says her dogs(not pits)are family pets. They live in the yard never are allowed in the house. I have never seen them play with the dog, it has gotten out and bit a woman. family pet? I think noT!

Posted by: Teresa Location: Hardyville on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:52 PM
All pit bull dogs ar not viscious animals. It is a matter of love and attention that they get from their owners. I rescued a pit bull mix about three years ago from the pound when she was only four months old. I keep her in the house and she thinks she is one of the family. She adores my 8 year old granddaughter and my 7 month old granddaughter. She is very smart and loves attention. That's all it takes is a little time and a lot of love to make these dogs as great as any other. I wouldn't trade mine for anything. She is like a child to me. I know I will be sad when she is gone. Just give your animals some tlc. Teresa

Posted by: Kay Location: Bowling Green on Jan 6, 2009 at 11:17 AM
It makes me so ill to see some of these comments and I feel sorry for the way some people feel. Pit Bulls are very good, loyal, family dogs. I am 27 years old and have had pit bulls as a pet since I was a child. I currently own 3 and my parents own 4. Not once in 27 years have I ever been bitten by anything other than a Chiwawa. In fact I was babysitting a poodle that attacked my pit bull and he ran off scared. Of course it looks like more pit bulls attack, that is bc those are the ones that make it to the news. I have also attended the puppy paddle in Warren County for the last 3 years and every year it has been a pit bull that is running loose and playing well with others, while other dogs had to be escorted out. The year before last I saw a rescue dog from the humane society "pit bull" get attacked by a Golden Retriever and do nothing. I do agree that the wrong people breed and buy pit bulls and that is sad, but don't hate the breed bc of ignorance of people. Thank you Lori.

Posted by: maddrox Location: bowling green on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:39 AM
people in this area never cease to amaze me! If they fear something or if itdoesnt fit into thier"christian" belief system they are quick to rush to Ban something thinking its going to make the problem go away. History shows that if you ban something it dosent go away it just becomes more of a unregulated problem. So to those individuals that are saying we should ban pit bulls in bowling green I say wake up! One day YOU could be banned from bowling green...

Posted by: JPT on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:10 AM
"Jane" is clearly not a breeder, or she would realize that our god complex about genetics is just that. If we could breed behaviors into dogs, why aren't we breeding them to perform simple tasks like "sit" and "stay"? Dogs are not robots. Behavior relies on environment and training as much as genetics (oh look, I took some college classes too). Jane, you claim your info can be quantified. You claim it is undisputed. I dispute it. Please quantify it. Scientific studies only, please--not junk science or anecdotes. The dogs you are describing are extreme cases. Those involved in animal control and rescue, dog trainers and behaviorists, and pet owners can confirm as much. There are very few "pit bulls" (whatever those are) that exhibit the extreme aggression you are describing. How many dogs of any breed have you ever worked with? Volunteered at a shelter ever? I'd say you are the naive one. But, good job boosting dog fighters' self esteem.

Posted by: Rob Location: BG on Jan 6, 2009 at 08:31 AM
Pit Bulls are Pit Bulls. In fact one-third of all fatal dog attacks were caused by Pit Bull type dogs. The highest number of attacks (118) were by Pit Bull type dogs also. Sure it does help to have a good and responsible owner to care for these dogs and any other dog or cat for that matter, but they still have that "attack instinct". Case and point my good friend have a couple pits raised them good and everything one day they become out of control and attack a neighbor, lucky it was not a kid and he was able to escape with non life threaten injuries. Thankful those animals are no longer a threat to the community. Good homes are great for animals but not all animals need to be in homes. Even if you raised a tiger cub and took care of it, trained it, and was a great owner somewhere down the road it will turn on you or a friend or neighbor. Let's help keep our children safe and community safe and keep these animals on a leash or better yet banned from Bowling Green!

Posted by: APBT OWNER Location: Glasgow on Jan 6, 2009 at 08:29 AM
FINALLY!!! someone has taken up for this breed. I am an owner and my APBT is very socialized and loved. I just have to shake my head when stories like this make headlines. I have to ask myself; if the attack had come from another breed, would it have made the news? Like the lady from the humane society said...... he is an amazing pet! A BIG THANK YOU TO LORRI HARE for the insight concerning the breed.

Posted by: Jane Location: Boston on Jan 6, 2009 at 07:43 AM
I suggest that the many naive posters before me take a basic college course in genetics. This is a simple animal husbandry issue. Pit bulls have been selectively bred for certain traits to make them effective in the fighting pit...self-preservation has been bred out of them, so that they wil continue an attack despite pain and mortal wounds. They do not respond to normal canine body language, including submission signals, like normal dogs. They often attack without warning, unlike normal dogs (growling, hackling, etc), because signaling intent is a liability in the pit. The majority of pit bulls in the U.S. today are bred by criminals, dogfighters, drug dealers, gang members, and losers looking to make a quick buck for drug or beer money. This is an undisbuted fact, and can be quantified. Todays pit bull is a junk breed, deliberately bred for high levels of dog and or human aggression by MANY breeders. Its fantasy to think that "training" and "love" can alter a dog genetic makeup.

Posted by: Lorri Location: Bowling Green on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:41 AM
As Director of the BGWCHS, we see many bite cases. The worst part of this particular case is that these two children were injured due to an owner's negligence. These children will not only be scarred physically, but emotionally for the rest of their lives! Another sad part, after the dog is held for his 10 day quarantine period, if the judge rules the way I suspect him/her to do, the dog will have to be humanely euthanized, paying the price once again for the owner's negligence. This dog was on a log chain in a back yard, terrible conditions, not altered, and probably VERY rarely socialized. It is proven that dogs kept on chains are more likely to become aggressive than dogs that are allowed to live among their owners. Also, it tends to be pit bulls that are the ones put on log chains! If you want a dog, make them part of your family. If you want a yard ornament, get a statue. If you want something that will make noise when someone comes around, get an alarm!

Posted by: Beverly Location: Rockfield on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:59 AM
A teenager in one of my classes wore a tee shirt with these words printed on it. PUNISH THE DEED - NOT THE BREED Pit Bulls, like most animals, are habit-driven. Their home environment contributes to their disposition. If left outdoors, on a chain, with little or no loving interaction from humans, they can become agressive and act-out. (Much like teenagers) Please don't punish the dog . . it is the owners responsibility to provide a "good" home.

Posted by: B Location: Bowling Green on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:45 AM
I wish more people would take these laws to heart, regardless of whether they're laws or not. I'm a person who can't leave a seemingly stray cat alone outside in the cold. I don't care if it belongs to someone; if the owner is not keeping the cat inside where it belongs, especially in the city, it's fair to call Animal Control. I recently took in a cat in my neighborhood and gave it a nice home--my next door neighbor. The cat may have belonged to someone, but it wasn't being cared for properly so I did what I believe is right. Keep your pets inside or in your yard if you live in the city!!!

Posted by: Brittany Location: Bowling Green on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:42 AM
I believe the way a dog acts is how the dog is treated. If the owner knows the dog is dangerous, then it's the owner's fault if the dog attacks.

Posted by: dogparkuser Location: Bowling Green on Jan 5, 2009 at 11:35 PM
If you love your dog keep it in the house or behind a fence. Like the story says there is alot that can happen to your dog when it is out. It can attack another dog. Another dog can attack it. It can attack a person. It can get hit by a car. It can eat posion. Like Lorri Hare said pitbulls can be great dogs. It all comes down to socialization. And the earlier you expose your dog to stuff the better. As for leash laws I wish they had those out in the county because it isn't fun being aproached by unleased dog you don't know. I have called about one particular dog twice and it is still free to run loose and menace people and their dogs.

Posted by: Sharlee Location: Bowling Green on Jan 5, 2009 at 10:56 PM
This is yet another example of animal cruelty being exposed. A life-long dog owner and lover, I agree with the humane society worker. It is not the animal, but the environment in which it is raised. Animals of this variety are many times the kind sought by those involved in the dispicable act of dog-fighting; however, I have had large dogs and know that they do not have to be aggressive, and certainly vicious. In my opinion, this has exposed people who should be investigated. If they have raised animals to be fighting or behave aggressively,they don't deserve to have mans' best friend. They have no respect for living things that feel. I wish they would never again be allowed to have any animal.

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