Saline dog owner cited after pit bull attacks neighbor's dog
The owner of a pit bull that viciously attacked a neighbor’s dog after getting loose last week said she plans to move her pet out of the Saline city limits.
Amber Calo said she’ll move “Gringa,” a 2-year old female pit bull, to a friend’s home in Ann Arbor after Calo’s scheduled appearance in court next week. She was cited by Saline police on June 22 for having a vicious dog after it mauled a 7-year-old beagle that was on a walk with its owner in the 100 block of Burwyck Park Drive at about 7:15 p.m., reports show.
Officers who were called to the neighborhood found a chaotic scene involving several people, including a man holding Gringa by the choke collar, reports said. The man looked afraid and urged officers to grab the dog, which appeared exhausted and was covered in blood, reports said.
An officer used a capture rod to restrain the dog and talked to the owner of the other dog before she rushed it to the veterinarian. The woman said her dog was leashed and they were just starting a walk when Gringa came out of a nearby garage and “started ripping into her,” reports stated. The woman said she drove the pit bull off, picked up her dog and ran inside.
Officers said the beagle was covered in bloody towels, and there was blood on the sidewalk and driveway.
The pit bull was detained and impounded for a day, Calo said.
Police reports note the garage was open roughly 8 inches, and Calo told them she generally leaves the door open to slightly vent the garage. She said she forgot to close the entry door to the house, allowing Gringa to get out.
“I don’t know what happened and I feel really bad,” said Calo, who also owns a cat. “She’s never bitten a person, but just for the peace of mind for the community, I’ll be taking her out. I don’t want to put her down.”
The city’s municipal code prohibits any person from owning a fierce or vicious dog.
Calo said she paid for the neighbor’s veterinarian bills, and they’ve spoken since the incident. Gringa is vaccinated, and Calo said she did train her.
The owner of the beagle did not return messages Monday. Police did not have an updated condition of the injured dog.
Art Aisner is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.
Comments
Tabatha
Mon, Nov 1, 2010 : 7:31 p.m.
I feel that ANY dog that attacks a human or another animal should be put down. I hate that people target pitts with so much aggression. I owned a collie/lab mix a few years ago that had to be put to sleep because he attacked a couple. The fault lies on me and my family for lack of proper training and socialization. I now own a 2 year old American Pitt who got attacked last summer by a Chow mix. My dog is now afraid of other dogs, but we are working on resocializing him. My sister was attacked a few summer's back when she was riding her bike. The dog was a lab mix. It is not the pitt that should be frowned upon, but the owners of the dog.
krc
Sat, Jul 3, 2010 : 10:21 a.m.
There is a story about dog behavior at the dog park in the paper today that bears reading. The paragraph next to the second picture talks about something called 'predatory drift' which pretty much explains the reason dogs attack. Today is Saturday; the story is on the 2nd page.
Mary Dooley
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 4:51 p.m.
My dog was mauled by a neighbor's pit bull. I know that owners of pits often say what great dogs they are, and I believe that they well may be great dogs-- until they snap. The problem is, pits don't fight like other dogs. With them, the fight is not over until someone is dead. The attacks are incredibly gruesome things to witness (let alone the vet bills if the victim happens to survive....Ours totalled about $4000.00). It's not worth the risk. There are plenty of "great dogs" in shelters and other locations, who aren't pit bulls. I feel sorry for the pit bulls, themselves, in a way (the breed has been largely corrupted through irresponsible breeding and ownership,no doubt), but I would never, ever own one. This owner may move her dog, but that won't ensure that there won't be another victim, in another community.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 2:26 p.m.
FWIW, the only dog to ever attack me was a Jack Russell. It wasn't euthanized as everyone involved (including me) hoped it was a one time thing. It wasn't. The dog attacked someone else although fortunately without causing too much damage. He was euthanized after the second attack. It was heartbreaking for everyone but it had to be done since in this circumstance no one had the knowledge or the time to engage in the sort of training that can turn an aggressive dog into a safe dog. That being said, in some cases, putting the dog in a different situation can make a difference. The Saline owner of the pit bull might know someone in Ann Arbor who is an expert with aggressive dogs. Many dogs can be rehabilitated.
bedrog
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 1:23 p.m.
if pit bulls were 'viscous', per some here, there'd be no problem and they'd just ooze slowly toward their targets ( human or animal)... sadly, it's the 'viciousness' that seems regrettably common ( mostly via a history of selective breeding by human owners who often seem to be michael vick fans,and saw kindred spirits in this breed.
BobbyJohn
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 11:13 a.m.
@Barb You make a good point when you state that when dogs are being territorial, they don't pay attention to property lines. That is why dog owners need to be more responsible to the community and never allow their dogs off leash except in their contained area like their own fenced in property or an official dog park. Owning a dog means ALWAYS being vigilant. The Calo family may be wonderful people, but if they were momentarily inattentive when driving and hurt something, they would be responsible. You have the same responsibility when you CHOOSE to own a dog. The fact that dogs don't pay attention to property lines means that anything even near the Calo residence, or anywhere else the Calo dog nay be, is at risk of being attacked
Just_Six
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 9:52 a.m.
Thanks for the link sbBuilder--but that "data" is just a typewritten list with no source docs and no verification via publication. My questions to the author would be what classified as a "pit bill"--a large number of people have erroneous ideas about what a pit bull even is--and was it self/police reported? And what percentage of the breed is responsible for those bites? If there are 4-5 million pit bulls and pit bull mixes euthanized in the US every year, there must be millions more, and 1100 bites over 24 years in two countries tells me a tiny percent of those dogs are doing the biting. Still, I'm not advocating for keeping dangerous dogs of any kind. The Jack Russell that mauled my daughter's hand and face was euthanized, and the Dolly's attacker should have been as well. I just do not advocate for elimination of the breed. I can guarantee you that if that happens, dog fighters will just breed even more vicious and probably larger dogs for fighting. Better to focus on penalizing the OWNERS, and rewarding owners who spay or neuter their dogs so that the cross-breeding stops.
Jared B
Thu, Jul 1, 2010 : 3:27 p.m.
and, Atticus F., Pit Bulls are not human aggressive. The American Pit Bull Terrier as a breed is not human aggressive. In fact, quite the opposite is true of the breed. They are gentle and loving dogs. Like any dog individuals can be unsound and have behavior problems Pit Bulls are great with kids. They weren't referred to as the "nanny's dog" for nothing that's for sure. Pit Bulls score an 83.4% passing rate with the American Temperament Test Society. That's better than the popular Border Collie (a breed who scores 79.6%) http://www.pitbulllovers.com/pit-bulls-ten-things-you-should-know.html check it. just because a few dogs are bad, doesnt mean they all are.
Jared B
Thu, Jul 1, 2010 : 3:23 p.m.
yeah, my "loaded gun" was attacked by a pug last year. no, my dog was not hurt, but what was her reaction to the attack? she sat there and tried to push the dog off. that must be her viscous genetics taking over.
sbbuilder
Thu, Jul 1, 2010 : 3:14 p.m.
Just_six I'd be happy to. The url is: http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/statistics.html Click on "The dogs most likely to kill" tab. Mid way down you will find a section titled "The deadliest dogs". A study is referenced in PDF for that has a lot of raw data. This is the Clifton Study that I got some of my data from. Of course, there is much to be read on the site itself, with backup references and data. It's not hard to find all kinds of studies on dog/human injuries and death. What's most remarkable is that every study is very consistent in that they name Pit Bulls as the number one dog over and over. On another note, I wanted to say how traumatizing it must have been for this womans' children to witness the attack. This is surely not something you would want your children to have to go through.
Ricebrnr
Thu, Jul 1, 2010 : 2:07 p.m.
SO TIRED of the "loaded gun" comparisons. Do guns, eat, sleep, poop or do anything else of their own volition? Why don't you people compare vicious animals to bats, hammers or cars for that matter? Is it because those would be similarly ridiculous comparisons? For firearms, the vicious animals are the ones BEHIND the gun when used unlawfully. GEEZ!
Trepang674
Thu, Jul 1, 2010 : 12:45 p.m.
Hey beagle owner...Dolly was the first victim.. This isn't anything that needs to be handled between you and the owner of the pit. I have seen even young (10wks) pitbulls (come visiting) and there is a notiable agression in their play with other dogs much older. It is genetic...in bred... You own a dog like this is having a loaded gun and you better take extra precaution or it should be taken from you.
Just_Six
Thu, Jul 1, 2010 : 12:33 p.m.
sbBuilder--please provide me with a link to the actual study, I will read it and respond. I can ignore "statistical studies" because so many of them are poorly done, and similar studies exist that refute their evidence. And right now, without an actual citation, it's just your word against mine.
sbbuilder
Thu, Jul 1, 2010 : 9:53 a.m.
Just six The stats that I referenced were very serious, requiring medical attention to the people attacked. At that point, the case would be put on file. Those files then become part of a larger data base. So, however you want to fudge the data, you can't fudge the number of serious injuries and deaths. Those are hard data points. Unfortunatly, Pit Bulls come out way ahead of every other breed in these categories. If there is a serious injury or death, you can bet it will be reported. There is no 'unreporting' going on here. Rottweillers are next in line, followed by Huskies, Akitas, wolf mixes etc. How can you ignore, or justify away statistical studies?
Just_Six
Thu, Jul 1, 2010 : 9:33 a.m.
Just one more point of reference--the studies cited are REPORTED cases; not all dog bites are reported, pit bull attacks are overly reported. Several members of my family have been bitten in the past few years--the Jack Russell attack I already mentioned, I was bitten, quite severely, by a Labrador retriever, my husband by a beagle that also chewed up my dog. We reported none of these, worked with the owners to resolve the bills. And a number of reported "pit bull" attacks often turn out to be not pit bulls at all--three BULLDOGS attacked an old man in Brighton a few years ago and killed him. Demonizing a breed leads to two things--people treat every pit bull like a killer when it isn't always so, and people also ignore aggressive behaviors in their smaller dogs because they believe they are safe. Laws must focus on the owners and not the breed to be effective.
Barb
Thu, Jul 1, 2010 : 8:49 a.m.
@jcj sauid "I'd be willing to bet you would sing a different tune if it was YOUR dog and your kids that were charged by any dog on your property!" What tune is it you think I'm singing? I'm just bringing up the point that dogs are territorial by their standards - not ours. I'm not advocating for the pit bull - just trying to get people to realize dogs don't think like people.
Atticus F.
Thu, Jul 1, 2010 : 8:48 a.m.
according to this, pittbulls are the number one most dangerous breed in america...They are responsible for more bites and attacks than any other breed. here's a link: http://www.petsdo.com/blog/top-ten-10-most-dangerous-dog-breeds Pitbulls were bred to be aggressive toward other animals. it's in their genetics.
robyn
Thu, Jul 1, 2010 : 7:55 a.m.
@ Jared B: I have no doubt that Amber is a nice person, it's very honorable of you to defend her here. But that's NOT the issue, nor is the behavior of your dogs or any other dog. The bottom line is that her dog - attacked another dog. A dog that was not in Gringa's territory. According to the story the garage door was only open about 8", that means Gringa was so intent on getting to the other dog that she'd force her way though a small enough opening that would normally have prevented her from getting out. The opportunity was there and the dog did what she had to do to go after the other dog. THAT is what's bad about this and indefensible on the part of the dog. She did what she had to do to get at the other dog. A dog that does that will not be safe with other dogs. Even if they are fenced in or restrained, if they find an opportunity to cut loose - they will. I'm sorry - but no matter how loved Gringa is and how wonderful she may be with HER family - she is a dog that has proven herself to be aggressive. That dog is a ticking time bomb and no one can be sure when she will go off again or under what circumstances. All dogs have the potential to become aggressive - most do not. As much as it hurts, the dog that do become aggressive are the ones that really should be humanely euthanized.
sbbuilder
Thu, Jul 1, 2010 : 7:40 a.m.
ffej440 and a2girl7 I never had my head in the sand to begin with, so pulling it out isn't necessary. Before getting our Jack, we did a ton of research on the breed. ffe: I'm sorry you don't like hard statistics, but to me they are all important. I'll quote the pertinant stuff for you: In a study of dog attacks in the US and Canada from September 1982 to November 2006, there were found to be 1110 attacks doing bodily harm against humans by Pit Bulls, with 104 resulting deaths and 608 serious maimings. In the same study, there were 2 attacks doing bodily harm against humans by Jack Russels, with 1 death and 1 serious maiming. Those are the hard facts. No, the Pit Bull breed is not misunderstood. I think it is very well studied and understood. (BTW, the one death from a Jack was the result from a lip bite that became infected. The woman had just had her spleen removed, and died three days later.)
Jared B
Thu, Jul 1, 2010 : 12:55 a.m.
Why is it even necessary to include "Pit Bull" in the title? Why cant it be "dog attacks other dog". I think it is wrong that writers try to add to the fear of a misunderstood breed. And all the comments about suing the owner - it was a freak accident. Amber is doing what she can to make up for it, she has paid the vet bills for her neighbor. She is trying. She has worked with that dog, and it is wrong for you to attack her for this accident. And there was a comment about the breed causing this story to make the headlines and I absolutely agree. The breed is not the problem. All of your reactions to this are pitiful. You all need to grow up and learn your facts. My yorkshire terrier is far more vicious than my pitbull-rottweiler. Now I know most of you, if any, do not know Amber Calo, but she is a great person, and would never want to have anything hurt because of her.
A2girl7
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 11:12 p.m.
Dear cw48176 you are extremely honorable. You deserve much respect for handling things this way. I hope your family (beagle included) heal after this.
A2girl7
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 11:05 p.m.
Dear ffej440 u rock! Keep it coming!!
A2girl7
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 10:52 p.m.
A2 roots: your right we don't read about jacks mauling babies or other dogs bc they choose not to publish it, but it doesn't mean it doesn't happen. And builder btw I own a jack and u should pull your head out of the sand you should absolutely keep an eye on your jack both around children and other dogs, someday in the right circumstances your dog might just strike, regardless of how much training you have given him, it's inherrent in the breed. I've had many jacks And it's a fact so do some reading on your breed, they can be quite nasty, they aren't nicknamed jack Russell terrorists for no reason. I'm extremely careful bc I know exactly what DOGS are capable of, breed aside they are animals and wired for survival.
annarborgirl77
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 9:41 p.m.
JCG---you are right there is no comparison except that people are so quick to jump on the pit's back. I agree this is a terrible thing to have happened. My heart goes out for the beagle and its owners. All dogs need to be under control, that was my point.
jcj
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 9:14 p.m.
@annarborgirl177 Dah! One dog barking at another is hardly news! IF the schnauzer had actually bitten your dog it might be news. No comparison between the two incidents! @Barb "I'd being will to bet the pit thought the beagle was on his property" I'd be willing to bet you would sing a different tune if it was YOUR dog and your kids that were charged by any dog on your property!
obviouscomment
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 5:04 p.m.
Dogs are animals. No matter how much training they receive, you can never fully trust any animal to behave a certain way. We do not know all the factors about what goes through their minds and why they do the things they do, including attacking other animals and humans. I am not against having pets, but I do think that people should have to take responsibility for their animals. That includes keeping them properly restrained at all times. I'm just so happy that the dog didn't then turn on the neighbor pulling him off or the children. This could've been a lot more serious than it was. Dogs with these tendencies, no matter what breed, should be put down. I know that sounds harsh to some people but face it, what's more important, human lives or dogs lives. No one can say what could happen next with this dog. It's extremely irresponsible to keep it around people.
ffej440
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 4:53 p.m.
sbbuilder- Please note I refered to that SAME website several posts earlier.If you would care to read the ENTIRE site (Not just the charts) you will see they do NOT reccomend banning any dog breeds. This is one of the sites I gave you MY stats from.
robyn
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 4:48 p.m.
I love animals, but once a dog attacks another dog it should be euthanized. It will NEVER be absolutely safe to have around other animals. I feel so bad for the owner of the Beagle, having something like that happen is traumatizing. Not to mention that her dog may end up with health and becoming 'fear aggressive' with other dogs. I feel bad for the owner of the pitbull also - people love their pets, she has removed the dog for the safety of her neighbors - BUT that dog is also taking it's issues with it. The owner's neighborhood may be safe from her dog now - but what about the neighborhood the dog has been moved to? As much as it may hurt her, she needs to do what's right and have her dog put down before it causes more problems and possibly 'put down' in a manner that would be cruel. There are many people that would shoot a dog that is attacking their pet, and I can't say I'd blame someone who would do it. I think I would.
annarborgirl77
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 4:27 p.m.
As I waited to pay my bill in the vet's office last week a schnauzer charged my pit bull. It's owner didn't even have it on a leash. The schnauzer charged, teeth bared and snapping three times! My pit bull sat quietly but did become curious as to why the yappy and ill behaved schnauzer (who had an owner that thought that was cute) continued to charge and attack him. On my way out of the door I said, "Sir, if that had been my pit bull attacking your schnauzer you'd be all over it! Put your dog on a leash and control it!" Why didn't that make the Ann Arbor News?
sbbuilder
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 4:08 p.m.
One more nail in the Pit Bull coffin: http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/statistics.html Mid way down in the section titled "The deadliest dogs" is a reference to a PDF of a comprehensive study done on many breeds of dogs. Pit Bulls once again come out on top in terms of serious injuries and death. If you can't see the light after reading these studies, then I give up.
sbbuilder
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 3:58 p.m.
ffej440 Obviously you didn't read the article I referenced in my last post. Just to spare you the effort, the number one most dangerous dog is....the Pit Bull. Sorry, but you are wrong. "After in depth research and analyzing the studies performed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the CDC, and the Humane Society of the United States, we have compiled the top ten most dangerous dog breeds. By: admin Posted: October 15, 2007" I keep referencing reputable sites and statistics, yet you counter with shaky unsupported stuff. Where is your hard data? By definition, a breed has cerain traits, characteristics. Training can have a positive influence on certain types of behavior, but in the end, you still have a dog that is wired a certain way.
Ricebrnr
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 3:57 p.m.
@CountyKate, Now there is a reasonable and logical argument not a knee jerk fear response. Kudos to you! 1*
Barb
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 3:28 p.m.
Not to be argumentative but this comment, "The dog attacked NOT on her own property, but left her territory to attack the other dog..." implies that the dog wasn't being territorial but simply vicious. Dogs aren't aware of property lines - I'd being will to bet the pit thought the beagle was on his property and was still being territorial. Who knows what a dog considers its territory. Probably anything within sight. I don't know enough to advocate for the dog either way but I certainly know that territory is a biggie for any dog. Ones with big strong chompers notwithstanding.
CountyKate
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 3:16 p.m.
Fascinating debate about dogs and owners, but here's the bottom line: the attacking dog - regardless of breed - is vicious. The dog attacked NOT on her own property, but left her territory to attack the other dog. That puts it in an entirely different light than if the dog was protecting her own turf. To take the dog to another location, where its propensities are unknown, is MORE irresponsible than the original negligence of the open door. The owner is inflicting a known menace on an unsuspecting community. Again, I don't care what the breed of the dog is. This is unconscionable. Saline police should insist the dog be turned over for euthanization.
bedrog
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 3:01 p.m.
"dog whisperer" cesar milan had a pitbull..the late 'daddy...that was used as a role model to calm down other problem dogs.... clearly its not entirely the breed per se, although anatomically pit bulls do have incredibly strong jaws and historically seem to have alot of bloodlines that are unarguably connected to dog-fighting, 'gangsta' canine-'bling' equivalents and vicarious machismo (" fear my pet, fear me"). i question why anyone would get one when there are less volatile, law suit prone and unpredictable breeds available.. dito rottweilers, doberman pinschers and gran canario cattle dogs like the ones that practically ate a woman outside her own door inside an apt house several years ago ( i think the owners were rightly charged with murder)...oh yeah, and wolf-dog hybrids p.s i owned northern malamute type dogs for years....cats are easier and can be trained!!
bunnyabbot
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 2:57 p.m.
I hate pit bulls.
treetowncartel
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 2:32 p.m.
There are no bad dogs, just bad owners. As Dirty Harry once said, "[A] man has got to know his limitations." That goes for his best friend too.
Ricebrnr
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 2:15 p.m.
@emu2009 I totally agree with you. I just like to take the argument to it's logical conclusion to point out how ridiculous the premise of the argument is in the first place. :) @ffej440. Fantastic reference! More UK laws that effectively do nothing except restrict freedom.
ffej440
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 1:52 p.m.
sbbuilder- After the UK banned pits in the 1990s the number of dog bites remain the same, even though the number of pits steeply declined.You have proven my point- You knowingly got a breed with a bad temperment, but because you feel "Jack" was properly trained its OK. I almost got a Jack rather than my pit,but I perfer bigger dogs. My pit is well trained and every bit as safe as your dog.
sbbuilder
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 1:35 p.m.
Also, for more definitive research on the matter of dog bites, see: http://www.petsdo.com/blog/top-ten-10-most-dangerous-dog-breeds I think the article speaks for itself. Also, some countries have banned ownership of Pit Bulls, such as Australia. Now why would an entire country ban one silly little breed?
cw48176
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 1:35 p.m.
sbbuilder- thank you.
ffej440
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 1:32 p.m.
Actually Ed I was refering to the Mlive story regarding the low number of dogs liscensed vs the number of dogs in the county. There is a large number of dogs out there that may not have thier shots.ALL dogs in the county are to be liscensed.
cw48176
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 1:28 p.m.
My 11 year old daughter was holding the dog's leash. This is nothing new in our neighborhood. We are not on a main street and this type of thing, kids out with their dogs is not uncommon. As I stated I was putting on my shoes, this all happened within the blink of an eye. From where I was standing to where the dogs were is approximately 15 feet.
emu2009
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 1:27 p.m.
Ricebrnr----Its not about banning all dogs. Its about educating owners and training the dogs. As for what Cash says, there are many responsible owners who are working hard to change the reputation of pits. They are very loyal dogs who can be great family pets if they are taken care of properly. Mistakes happen people, this owner left her door open. It could have happened to any dog owner and more than likely it has happened to every dog owner at one time or another. When pits aren't socialized they tend to be more aggressive, perhaps that is a reason this one went after the smaller dog. To stereotype all pits and their owners is nothing short of prejudice. There are responsible owners out there and not all pits are bad.
sbbuilder
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 1:25 p.m.
ffej440 Please do not assume that we are making assumptions! Actually, before getting our Jack Russell, we did a ton of 'Fact Finding'. We knew about his territorial nature, his abundant energy, his giant ego, etc. But we also knew that this breed was designed to go into fox holes to root out the fox, not to kill it. This fact is apparently what gives them such a high number on the Temperance Test. So, before you tee of on Jacks, perhaps you could do a little research. We also got him as a puppy, which allowed us to train him from an early age. But please, do not even try to put a Jack Russel in the same category as a Pit Bull. A dog attack is a dog attack, and I'm sure that if some other dog was mauled, that would make headlines too, regarless of the breed of the aggressor. cw84176 I am so very glad to hear that your Beagle will be OK. As a dog owner, I can't imagine what it would be like to have our pet mangled by another dog.
Ricebrnr
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 1:20 p.m.
OK I give, clearly all dogs can be dangerous, for various reasons including size and/or temperment some more than others. Ban all dogs and there will be no more dog problems! Right?
Cash
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 1:15 p.m.
I don't care what kind of dog it is...it ATTACKED another living thing. It needs to be euthanized. Would it have attacked a youngster on a trike? If that was your child on the trike would you assume that same dog wouldn't attack your child and let them ride by the dog? Ask any police officer who has seen a child mauled by a dog. Do not take that chance. And for those who don't think that pit bulls are used by thugs and gang members for attacks and as a symbol of their "toughness"...Google "pit bulls and gangs" and read the multiple pages in this regard, especially those advocating for pit bulls! I thought this was common knowledge but I guess not. Ignatz is correct in the earlier post.
Yogi
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 1:08 p.m.
Dogs are dogs no one really knows what set them off. You can be the greatest and most attentive owner on the planet and your dog may do something like this at anytime. They are animals! Unfortunately the attacking dog should be euthanized and it is a terrible lesson. One thing I don't understand is who was holding the Dolly's leash while the owner was closing the door and putting on her shoes? Because that's unclear and that shows how fast things like this happen.
ffej440
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 1:03 p.m.
Since 1975 fatal dog attacks have been attributed to dogs from at least 30 breeds. The most horrifying example of breed predictability is the Oct 2000 death of a 6 week old baby by a 4 pound pomeranian dog.The babies Uncle was preparing a bottle in the kitchen and returned to find the baby mauled.("Baby Girl killed by Family Dog" LA Times 10/9/00) So tell me again how your little dog is so safe! -- Also very important ALL dogs have a current liscense and shots- Prehaps the editor can share the link to the recent story about how few dogs are liscensed in Wash county.
emu2009
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 12:36 p.m.
Not everyone who owns a pit or pit mix is looking to have a "thug" symbol. All those who are quoting how vicious and terrible this breed is needs to do their due diligence and research the breed. ALL dogs require training, socialization and exercise regardless of breed. You can't compare a chihuahua bite to a pit bite, of course the chihuahua bite will be smaller, you can throw a chihuahua. I will proudly walk my pit/mix anywhere in any city without a problem. I am a responsible owner who has properly trained and registered my dog. I don't require any additional training as an owner to own this type of breed. I live next door to a owner who has retrievers and twice their dog has gone after children but not once has my dog done the same, much less go after these dogs who are often off their tie outs. Its not the BREED, its the OWNER!
cw48176
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 12:32 p.m.
As the beagle's owner I would like to comment. First I would like to thank everyone for their well wishes. Dolly is recovering thanks to the great people at the Ann Arbor Animal Hospital on Liberty and Stadium. They were absolutely wonderful when it came to the treatment of Dolly. I also want to thank the neighbors who came to our help while Dolly was being attacked. What happened that evening is as follows, my two daughters (ages 7 and 11 years old) and I were getting reading to take Dolly out for a walk. My oldest daughter was ready first I instructed her to take Dolly out and wait for us in our driveway, Dolly was on her leash. I shut the entry door from the garage to the house because it was hot and I had the ac running while I was putting on my shoes. Next thing I heard was my daughter screaming, and I mean screaming for help. She and the two dogs were in OUR driveway less than 18 inches from OUR garage, not in the other dogs territory. I ran out and started to pull the other dog off of mine. I did not chase the dog off, there was no "chasing" to be had in the middle of the attack. My oldest daughter ran to other neighbor's houses ringing on door bells and pleading for help, while my 7 year old called 911. After I was able to get the other dog off of mine, Dolly ran into the house and collapsed, she lost a lot of blood to the point that she was in shock. The police were here within in minutes of the call, thank you Saline PD. They took the important information that was needed and we were off to the animal hospital where Dolly had to stay overnight due to the extent of the injuries. Dolly is a beagle mix, she is a small dog, only about 26 pounds, we adopted her from the Humane Society here in Ann Arbor last October. She is a wonderful addition to our family. Amber and I have spoken a few times since the attack and I know that she is very sorry. The only reason why I did not speak with the reporter is because I wanted this situation to be handled between she and I, two neighbors.
ffej440
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 12:21 p.m.
Ontario is poorly informed and so are you.Pits don't have locking jaws, they DO feel pain and the ATTS tests show that pits are less aggressive when faced with confrontational situations than a poodle or a beagle. Thats why Saline code is worded fierce or vicious dog- not by breed. Dog fighters use pits because they are strong,agile and desire to please thir owners- They were not bred for fighting. In fact early in the 20th century pits were the #1 family dog.
City Confidential
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 12:09 p.m.
My friend's dog was recently killed by neighbor's pit. I am disgusted by the people that said that the beagle did something to provoke by marking or going in the territory. What if a child went into the territory - blame that victim too? Media mentions pit attacks because they are so often deadly and severe. Being bitten by a chihuahua is an annoyance; being bitten by a pit bull is a tragedy. Having a pit is like having a loaded gun. Even "responsible" owners can accidentally drop a leash or leave a door open 8 inches.
debling
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 12:01 p.m.
I'll say this again, vicious dogs should not be allowed within city limits. Any vicious dog should pass a yearly behavior exam that includes tests such as attitute among other animals and response to having a bone or meat taken from his mouth. If they fail, they are not allowed in public. Similarily, owners of such dogs should have to pass yearly exams to proof they are capable of handling them. Much like firearms safety, owning such a dog comes with responsibilities. They can be dangerous weapons.
nimbus123
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 11:37 a.m.
I feel sorry for the new neighbors of this already proven vicious dog. When was the last time you heard of a golden retriever or a chocolate lab KILLING a human? It seems to almost ALWAYS be one or two breeds. These breeds simply should not be allowed. Ontario has banned pit bulls. In answer to those defending the pitts, sure, other dogs can be provoked too, but once pits start attacking, due to the strength of their jaws and their vicious nature, once they start they often don't stop until their victim is DEAD.
Ricebrnr
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 11:28 a.m.
"thug symbol" LOVE IT!!! How many said this about pagers and then cell phones back in the day when these were not as ubiquitous as today? "If you have a cell/pager you must be a drug dealer!" was not an uncommon thought. It's always you versus THEM (insert any topic) at least until YOU are THEM too. Smoker vs non smokers, drinkers vs not, pedestrians vs autos, tea party vs "normal" people. Easy to dismiss what you don't understand if you demonize it. Easy to take freedoms away from all because a few can't be responsible or trusted. Hilarious.
ffej440
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 11:28 a.m.
Unfortunatly this dog should be put down, it would be very hard to train this dog at this point. a2roots- You miss the point, you only read about pits because they sell papers. Plenty of dog bites are from other breeds, but the news doesn't report it. As proof- I live in Saline and once had a lab that bit a large part of a friends face(No news story on that!)- Note the friend put his face near the dog while it was eating.I also had a mutt (Bassett hound &?) that lived in my backyard with beware signs. People would ignore the signs and cut through my yard anyways- Twice that dog sent people to the ER for stitches..Did you read either of those in the news?? If you really think little dogs can't maul- You are wrong!
a2roots
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 11:13 a.m.
@ffej440...Give me a break. When was last time you read about a Jack Russell mauling a baby, an adult or another dog. Seems to be quite common for pit bulls. Maybe pit bull owners should be tested prior to ownership for brains and common sense. I do not know where you live but I would use stronger language than "thug" as a symbol. Maybe years ago prior to our thugs training these animals they may have been ok. Bottom line, regardless of breed and lack of owner control, an unprovoked attack on a human or another animal should be enough for any owner to voluntarily put down the animal. Enough said.....
Life in Ypsi
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 11:12 a.m.
I pity the neighbors in A2 who will now live near the dog, but thank goodness it's not coming to Ypsi! I'm so sick of hearing it's the owners and not the breed. Try living in my neighborhood where just about everyone has a pittbull. It's frightening. Ypsi Township only cares about the upper middle class on the other side of Ford Lake. I have complained and made suggestions about pittbull problems to no avail.
emu2009
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 10:59 a.m.
@ffej440-- I couldn't agree with you more! All dogs need to have responsible owners, regardless of the breed.
ffej440
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 10:52 a.m.
Dogs temperment are measured by the "American Temperment Test Society" by breed. Your Jack Russell scores in at 83.1% vs a pit at 83.4%. Get the REAL FACTS ABOUT PITS BEFORE YOU SPEAK. This is a poor owner problem that could happen with ANY breed.If your not with your dog it should be secured, regardless of breed! For all you uninformed pit haters check this website www.pitbulllovers.com.Please also note this breed was our countries mascot during WWI and WWII, we have a long love for pits, they are not a "Thug" symbol. Stories like this just spread fear and myth- Lock jaws, please get real!
REALtownie
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 10:32 a.m.
The safety of the community surrounding this dog cannot be ensured, nor can the judgement of the owner be trusted. The animal needs to be put down and the owner needs to face prosecution or civil litigation. Where, in A2, is this dog?
a2roots
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 9:55 a.m.
I do not care one bit about the pit bull owner or the dog. The owner sounds irresponsible and the dog certainly is viscous and should be put down. Please keep your dog out of Ann Arbor and put it down before it causes more damage.
a2nurse99
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 9:53 a.m.
I am an owner of a pit bull mix, that was abandoned in the winter of 2008 and eventually gave birth to seven still born puppies. My pit bull is the sweetest dog and is incredibly loyal to my 15 year old son and my 3 year old niece. The problem is the owners and the positions they put themselves in. Knowing that my dog has the potential to be aggressive towards other dogs, I avoid putting my dog in any situation that could be potential dangerous, both to me and others. I always use caution with my dog, whether it be around humans or other dogs. Yes the breed has innate tendencies to be aggressive, however it is those who own the dog who have to be smart about their decisions and the situations they put their dogs in. And regardless, any dog has the potential to be aggressive. I feel horrible for the beagle. I hope for a fully recovery.
Rasputin
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 9:52 a.m.
I agree with krc, this dog needs to be put down immediately. I started carrying pepper spray when ever I go cycling or running now and have been forced to spray three dogs already. Why? Well, people still seem to think leash laws don't apply to their dogs and some have frightened mine and neighborhood children so badly that they go screaming home. Dogs need to be kept on leads no matter what within city limits. If not, we'll I consider that an invite to spray them.
AlwaysLate
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 9:40 a.m.
I'm curious as to why the Pit Bull wasn't immediately put down. Can annarbor.com get us an answer? Is the owner "connected" within the Saline community? (Saline is infamous for protecting it's own.) I'm also note that this owner is typical of all Pit Bull owners who all think that their dogs are sweet and harmless. Is it ignorance...or denial?
uresgoddess
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 9:38 a.m.
I find it odd to say that because you don't want your dog put down because it attacked another creature, that this Pit Bull owner decided that sending the dog to another city (larger by far, denser population of dogs), paying for all the "hurt" it had caused, and still maintaining a friendly rapport(sp?) with the beagle's owner will be the best solution. Is this owner going to move with the dog? If not, will the new pit bull's caretaker be MORE capable of controlling this clearly aggressive behavior of the pit bull? What if the new caretaker also has a "forgetful moment" and someone else ends up hurt by this dog? Sometimes I feel like I'm sharing this world with a lot of nutty people, you know?!
lumdum15
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 9:22 a.m.
Exactly where in A2 did Gringa move?
emu2009
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 9:21 a.m.
As an owner of a pit/shepherd mix I can only speak for my dog, he is a loyal, loving animal who is great with kids. He loves to play with other dogs but his excitement is intimidating for other dog owners. The key is training, as it is with any breed. Pits are very protective of their property and their families, so perhaps when the other dog ventured on to its territory this set the pit off. The scenario could very well be reversed but like someone else said you will never read a story of another dog attacking a pit. All dogs need proper training but even the most training in the world won't prevent dogs from behaving like animals when they feel threatened. Those who show prejudice toward pits should educate themselves on the breed. I was a skeptic before owning one and it was only after extensive research and a commitment to training him properly would I consent to having one as a family pet. Would he attack? Only if he felt threatened or felt one of his "kids" were threatened. After all, isn't that why many dog owners have dogs, to protect their property and family? Moving the dog to another property shouldn't be the only measure taken, this dog needs more training and socialization with other dogs and humans. That is key to owning a pit, socialization. Any website or research will tell you that.
Cash
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 9:20 a.m.
AAJoker, As you read the story, I believe the question is "Where is the dog now being moved to in Ann Arbor?"
AAJoker
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 9:15 a.m.
My oversite, I reread krc's comment and now understand the concern is around where the dog is being move to. I share this concern. This dog at minimum needs to be classified as vicious and thus only allowed a a pen covered on all side. Unfortunately the law typically softens attacked on other dogs and won't put the dog down until it attacks a human.
Just_Six
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 9:09 a.m.
sbBuilder, don't be too sure about your Jack Russell, my daughter's hand was mauled by a "friendly" one a few years ago and required quite a bit of repair work. ANY dog can become aggressive in the right circumstances. We have a pitbull mix and she has issues with other dogs; it is inherent in her nature. We own her by taking excruciating care to keep her controlled at all times. That is the price one pays for owning such an animal. On the other hand, something like 4 million of these dogs are euthanized every year. Euthanization is not eliminating the problem, in fact, numbers are increasing as the economy suffers. There must be harder penalties for the PEOPLE who own and breed them. Targeting the breed is not the answer. Pitbulls have some wonderful qualities that the press never wants to highlight.
john
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 8:53 a.m.
People who claim pit bulls aren't aggressive by nature are being foolish. These dogs are bred to fight or are the descendants of dogs who were bred to fight. Sure other breeds of dogs attack, but its no coincidence pit bulls are disproportionally implicated.
sbbuilder
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 8:44 a.m.
A2girl7: May I suggest you read the FAQ's on the web site I referenced. Pit Bulls are in a class by themselves. As Greyhounds are to racing, as Bloodhounds are to sniffing, as Collies as to herding, Pitt Bulls are to fighting. There is no comparison to other breeds. And, we have a Jack Russel. He is incredibly territorial, and thinks he is King Kong, but we are unconcerned about potential overt aggression towards other people or animals. That is because of 1) his traits as a breed and 2) his training that he has received.
A2girl7
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 8:27 a.m.
I wonder if it were the other way around, if the beagle attacked the pitbull or if it was another breed of dog (say a jack) that attacked the beagle if this story would have even made it to annarbor.com. Shame on annarbor.com for perpetuating the fear of pitbulls. Dogs attack other dogs every single day. Why is it a headline when it's a pitbull? It's a horribly sad situation, but hardly front page news. My heart goes out to both dog owners.
Barb
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 8:22 a.m.
"Pittbulls aren't aggressive automatically." So, how does a dog get this way and why are pit bulls often the aggressors in situations like this? Most dogs are territorial by nature. But most dogs don't have the jaws of pit bulls.
krc
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 8:21 a.m.
I still say that all dogs that maul other dogs (or worse, humans) should automatically be put down, regardless.
sbbuilder
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 8:13 a.m.
Here's something from the APBT web site: "When you decide to buy an APBT, you must be clear that there is a possibility that your dog may eventually need to be isolated from other dogs, no matter how diligently you socialize her." Also: "For your own safety, the safety of your neighbors, and for the sake of the breed, you should not hesitate to euthanize such a dog if necessary." http://www.nyx.net/~mbur/apbtfaqmisc.html There's much more, but the point is that these dogs have an inate, instinctual tendency towards aggression. That is their raison de etre. I think it also a huge mistake to transplant this animal to another location. My condolences to the owner, but this dog needs to be put down immediately.
Forever27
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 7:53 a.m.
@john, there are plenty of examples of other breeds doing the same thing. Pittbulls aren't aggressive automatically. People need to learn to train their dogs and keep them under control. I do have one question about this situation though. If the dog already attacked another dog, why move it to a place with more condensed population? Seems like the dog should be moved to the country, not the city.
survivor
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 7:38 a.m.
It's not the breed that is so vicious. These breeds just bite very hard. Pitbull attacks seem to get the most press. I have been attacked by various dogs, never by a pitbull. My thirty pound Irish Terrier is the most friendly dog there is, but when it comes to defending, protecting, or a show of dominence, he will attemp to chew on a St. Bernard. Dogs will be dogs. Maybee the Beagle marked in the other dogs territory. I feel sorry for both parties. I am glad to see the Pittbull's owner do the right things. Please don't condemn all Pittbulls for there overpopulizeds-(?) attacks. It's good to see neighbors talk civily after a bad event between them.
krc
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 7:12 a.m.
Just exactly where in Ann Arbor? That neighborhood needs to know.
Rasputin
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 7:07 a.m.
@ Cash, I agree. It is about time that we, regular folks, get a bit more information as to where these dangerous animals live.
jcj
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 7:07 a.m.
Shes never bitten a person, but just for the peace of mind for the community, Ill be taking her out. I dont want to put her down. What about the peace of mind of the community the mongrel is moving to? What if it is a child walking a dog the next time it attacks? I hope somebody finds out where it is going and post it for all to see!
Rasputin
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 7:05 a.m.
"The owner of a pit bull that viciously attacked a neighbors dog after getting loose last week said she plans to move her pet out of the Saline city limits." Yeah, how about euthanized for being a dangerous animal that clearly cannot be controlled? Put the dog down!
john
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 6:49 a.m.
...But these are the sweetest most loving dogs in the world.
Ignatz
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 6:48 a.m.
I don't know why people are allowed to have such powerful animals as pets. I'm sure some think that they have theirs under control, but given the number of times this breed has caused major damage, should they be bred out of existence? An attack by a beagle causes far less damage than one by one of a pit bull. Then there are those who have these dogs as some thug status symbol. That's a more tragic scenario all together.
Cash
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 6:24 a.m.
Wow. So now maybe we need a "Canine Predators List" so we can find the address of vicious dogs to avoid. Good luck Ann Arbor.
Tom Joad
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 6:14 a.m.
I hope the victim sues the dog owner into submission. Sure she doesn't want to put her dog down, but she should be denied the right to own a proven vicious killer.
J. Sorensen
Wed, Jun 30, 2010 : 5:48 a.m.
This story is so sad for all concerned. I hope the Beagle is OK, I used to own one and they are awesome dogs. I have a dog now that is part pit-bull, and has never shown aggression, but all my pets are always secured safely in my fenced back yard anyhow. A partially open garage for ventilation (???) sounds fishy, but I don't know the facts. So sad any way you look at it.