Both dogs involved in pit bull attack sustained serious injuries
Editor's note:The article has been updated to reflect new information as it became available.
The Ypsilanti Police Department is continuing to investigate an attack by a pit bull on two other dogs that took place Saturday in a parking lot near the Ypsilanti Farmers Market on the corner of Rice and Cross streets.
Contrary to prior reports, the two dogs attacked by the pit bull were very seriously injured.
Onlooker Joy Meadows said during the initial attack, "(The pit bull) grabbed the dog by the back of the neck and was shaking it around like a rag doll."
The pit bull reportedly attacked the first dog while on a leash attached to a van near the market. The owner was unpacking her van for the market when the first dog was attacked, according to Meadows.
Janet Cowling, who said she arrived immediately following the first dog escaping from the attack, said onlookers were attempting to get the pit bull in to the van when the dog became loose.
"We were attempting to get the pit bull in the van, but the dog slipped out of its harness," Cowling said. "Then it turned around and went straight for the other dog."
Cowling said she was bitten five times while she attempted to free the second dog from being attacked.
"I was lucky it wasn't the pit bull or I could have been really messed up," Cowling said.
Ypsilanti Police Department officials said at the present time, both dogs still are alive and under veterinary care and are continuing to be watched.
"They both had some lacerations and puncture wounds," said Ypsilanti police Sgt. Brent Yuchasz. "They took them in for treatment, but it's one of those things that are ever evolving."
The owner of the two dogs told police officials he did not personally sustain any injuries. Yuchasz said at this time, the owner of the pit bull has been cited for a vicious dog under the city ordinance. He also said the pit bull itself will be in quarantine for the next 14 days, to make sure it is current on its shots.
At this time there have been no additional charges filed but the investigation remains open.
Comments
jcj
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 4:58 p.m.
I'll support your right to own a pit bull and you support my right to carry a gun. Then if I meet your pit bull I won't have to worry.
ypsi 1
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 4:31 p.m.
Use of your firearm to destroy an attacking dog can leave you vulnerable to charges of reckless discharge and a lawsuit from the owner. Only police or conservation officers have the authority to do that in Michigan, so think twice. Still if my dog was under attack I might not think twice but act once. Hard to say. Also consider the danger of where the ricochet might go or possibly hitting your own dog. Under the law dogs are property so the previous reader is correct.
jcj
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 4:13 p.m.
Many will defend ownership of pit bulls. But call for guns to be banned. More than a little hypocrisy there!
Peter
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 4:43 p.m.
Many will make up straw man arguments, but few will acknowledge their own disingenuousness!
Woman in Ypsilanti
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 4:19 p.m.
Not any more hypocritical than calling for dogs to be banned while supporting gun rights. FWIW.
Jack Campbell
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 3:10 p.m.
Pit-bulls need to be banned. They were bred for fighting and killing, not for being cute and cuddly. "Ironic that MOST pit bull owners do NOT get a pit bull because they are cute cuddly companions! Most get them because they have a reputation for being a tough thug breed and it will give the owner a sense of prestige." Couldn't have said it better.
jose d
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:34 p.m.
Look at the statistics here: http://www.dogsbite.org/dog-bite-statistics-fatalities-2010.php Note other breeds are mentioned. Be sure to read the relationship of dog to victim, most were family pets. So much for "it's how they are raised defense." Pointers point, retrievers retrieve, herders herd, All breeds were developed by humans to do a job be it hunting, protection or sit on a lap. Pit bulls and their type were bred and developed to fight.
jose d
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 4:56 p.m.
excuse my typing that should be "tolerance"
jose d
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 4:54 p.m.
Okay Peter, let me rephase it. Pit bull types were bred to hunt by killing. They didn't herd or retrieve the game with a soft mouth. Then the breed was used for fighting, choosing to breed those that were "game" and had a high tollerance to pain.
Peter
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 3:48 p.m.
Pit bulls were first bred to be hunting dogs, not fighting dogs.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:33 p.m.
This is an unfortunate incident to be sure and the owner of the pit bull absolutely needs to be responsible for any damage her dog did. I don't support anti dog rules though because of this. That would be like banning all men from being outdoors after dark because some men are rapists.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 5:44 p.m.
That would be like not allowing children at the park because they might get bitten by a dog.
a2citizen
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 5:04 p.m.
Or we could just allow women to visit the park during daylight hours.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 4:18 p.m.
I would rather people have dogs than guns, yes. I make no apologies for that.
jcj
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 4:12 p.m.
Very Poor Analogy! I bet you support gun control!
Depot Townie
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 1:18 p.m.
One of the biggest problems in this area that likely contributed to the incident (but we can't tell for sure because the so-called journalists at AnnArbor.com aren't the best at providing details) is all of the irresponsible owners that let their dogs run loose in Depot Town parks. We walk our dog down there ON A LEASH AT ALL TIMES, and have had multiple incidents where other dogs came running up to us and approached our dog aggressively. It led to fights in two incidents, both of which the loose "aggressors" were black labs if you want to get breed-specific. We've called the police and they don't do anything about it. When I read this story, it is clear that the pit bull was on a leash and it seems reasonable to assume that the other dogs weren't. If that is the case, the root cause of the incident had nothing to do with the temperment of the pit bull. If the owners of the other dogs had been responsible owners their dogs wouldn't have been near the pit bull and this incident never would have happened. Restrained dogs feel vulnerable when approached by unrestrained dogs, which also may have been a contributing factor in this incident. If the "victim" dogs weren't on leashes, their owners should be cited right along with the owner of the pit bull.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:31 p.m.
Oh, and in 20 years of dog walking in Riverside Park, I've only had another dog get aggressive with my dog once and it was settled very quickly by the owner of the other dog. It was a Jack Russel mix who was the attacker, fwiw.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:29 p.m.
I don't walk my dog off leash at Riverside park because she isn't well behaved enough. But I LOVE it that others allow their well behaved pets to romp and play. We go down there quite a lot and sit on the bench watching them play. I quite enjoy it and would be very much against using city resources to crack down on off leash dogs.
Depot Townie
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 1:39 p.m.
PS - I stand corrected...I just read in the related story on here that all dogs were on leashes. I wish they would update this story to include all of the facts!
Depot Townie
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
PS - Naturally, the "vicious black lab attacks" on us didn't make the AnnArbor news...
Dave
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 1 p.m.
If your dog attacks me...be prepared for some of the same. I had a dog run after me one morning while I was going for a jog. Now I have to carry protection just to go for a jog.
kraiford12
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 3:22 p.m.
@ Laura Jones Washtenaw County Sheriffs Dept does not respond to loose dog complaints. Unless the dog is showing signs of aggression, they don't respond (been told this once by calling dispatch to report a loose dog and another by calling back later to verify). Also, in this case, he said the dog was running after him. You suppose he should have pulled out his phone, called 911, reported his location, waiting for dispatch to get an available close car, dispatch the car, keep dispatch updated to his current location, dispatch updates the deputy, and hopefully the dog hasn't gotten him by then? Just shoot it.
Laura Jones
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:27 p.m.
It is illegal for dogs to be running free, so call the cops.
no flamers!
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 12:52 p.m.
To community leaders: please ban this dog. Existing dogs under proper permit would be "grandfathered in"; all others would be removed.
Lisa
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 11:12 a.m.
As a owner and safe harbor to all dogs listed as dangerous it is not the breed ! It is the person whom raises and rehabilitate all breeds of dogs. It is like raising a child.This owner apparently had inadequately cared and loved this Pit. Harness's unless special ordered or obtained from the shelter do not fit this bred. I would further investigate this dog's living conditions.In the 80's we had the German Shepard Great Dane Rottweilers dobermans.I find it odd the whole situation odd something just doesn't add up here!
pseudo
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 12:08 p.m.
actually, given the current medical reporting from ER/Trauma units, it IS the breed/type. Owners and breeders are responsible but the dog type and a breeding background of muscular jaws and necks for fighting and killing along with a random temperment is now fairly well documented as part of the problem. All dogs bite. The difference is that pitbulls maul in a way that does more damage, causes more death and they seem to be, as this story illustrates, more determined to kill.
Momoko
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 4:53 a.m.
Farmers Markets are not pet runs. They are places to buy food. When you buy food there you will need at least one arm to carry it. The other arm is going to be busy pulling out your money to pay for it. Where is the extra arm that is going to keep your precious pit under firm control when it decides to run off and eat someone's dachshund?
pseudo
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 12:09 p.m.
once again, for like the 30th time, this was not at the farmers market itself. It was at the entrance to a public park where many dog-walkers take their dogs every day. I get your point but its irrelevant to the story.
BeastofEngland
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 4:07 a.m.
Granted, this is a serious situation which is to be taken as such. However, if people would perhaps treat their family pets as such and not as accessories which they can bring to social events this wouldn't be such an issue. I don't bring my pets into large public gatherings because it's a situation which they may not fully understand...because they are not human beings. I completely understand the concern, but at the same time I cannot help but wonder why it is necessary to bring your dog to a farmers market. With this being said I hope everyone is okay and perhaps decides to finds someone to keep an eye on their dog while they attend large social gatherings.
Peter
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 3:23 a.m.
There's 80 million or so pit bulls in the country. They're far safer than cars, ladders, stairs, alcohol, and myriad number of other things. Of course, when the news sensationalizes them to a horrendous degree people have a hard time developing an objective view of reality... Any other breed of dog and the title would say 'dog attack' - not 'german shepherd attack' or 'west highland terrier attack.'
Richard
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 12:17 p.m.
There are 4.5 million registered pit bulls and a least that many that are not. There are about half of that number of rotts. There may be 80 million dogs in the US, not 80 million pit bulls. Pit Bulls are responsible for a large percentage of dog attacks. The breed was bred for fighting. That doesn't make it a safe dog. I have never been attacked by a ladder.
jcj
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:37 a.m.
Ironic that MOST pit bull owners do NOT get a pit bull because they are cute cuddly companions! Most get them because they have a reputation for being a tough thug breed and it will give the owner a sense of prestige. But after getting a pit bull most owners lose respect from those around them.
CountyKate
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:36 a.m.
The thing is, dogs are bred for a variety of reasons. Some are bred to be show dogs, God help them, and whole breeds have deteriorated because of this. Some are bred as working dogs and are valued for being smart. And some are being deliberately being bred to be aggressive, a category into which pitbulls now fit. Just as purebred English Spaniels cannot help it that their breed now is prone to seizures, the pitbulls cannot help it that they are now prone to aggressiveness. It is the fault of irresponsible humans that this has happened. And even with aggressive breeds it is the owner's responsibility to keep the dog under control. Obviously, this owner failed in her duty to both her dog and the community at large. Let's put the blame where it belongs - on the human.
Laura Jones
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:23 a.m.
I agree that Pit Bulls can be dangerous. Irresponsibly raised dogs, purchased for "protection" and left untrained and undisciplined are very dangerous. Breeding is a human controlled enterprise where most all dogs are concerned and the traits being sought within breeds known for fighting ability, not for stability. It's a bad situation. However, outlawing the breed is no solution. Laws requiring insurance levels, mandatory training and breeding certification make a lot more sense. Further crackdown on sog fighting would also make a tremendous difference. It is still the diving force behind the breeds current development. It will return to the traits of stability, temperament and loyalty once the man made demand for fighters is eliminated. Fix that issue, your problems abate. Don't fix that issue, all the laws you pass will make no difference at all.
Laura Jones
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:24 p.m.
I cannot begin to fathom the depth of ignorance rooted in your comment, but suffice it to say that it hold no basis in fact, science, statistics or reality. I prefer those things to naked emotion and nonsensical overreaching generalizations.
lazyq
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:30 a.m.
Your first sentence was good. Then you spent a lot of time trying to convince yourself that you are such a good owner that when your sweet little pit pup bares its teeth, growls at you, and gets an angry look staring you down, you won't be the least bit nervous. Nah, all those other people who were attacked by their own precious pits were somehow different and this escalating situation between you and Tippy couldn't possibly result in something dreadful. Nope. Whistle in the dark, it makes it seem bright as day.
kraiford12
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:20 a.m.
@ Riceburnr Your comment struck me as odd. I seem to remember you are usually pro carry/cpl etc. I disagree the use of a firearm would not have been the right action, I think it would have been an appropriate response to the threat. I would say a large dog that is not under control and actively attacking another dog would be reason enough to use "deadly force". Plus, you say you can't use deadly force to protect property, the point here is you're not shooting at another person (deadly force applies to people not property), you're shooting at that persons property that is actively causing harm, out of control, and has the ability to cause death/harm. You have no duty to retreat, everyone had the right to be there, and people's lives WERE in danger. You cant honestly tell me that if you were there, you would not have felt threatened? Even in fear for your physical safety/life? What about people there with their children? I disagree OC would have been the proper tool. You spray the dog and hope it stops attacking the dog? Doesn't attack someone else? Obeys your verbal commands? A large, out of control dog that is already showing signs of extreme aggression, not listening to anyone, with the ability to cause eminent bodily harm would be a justifiable shoot. You have NO idea what/where that dog will go after next.
Ricebrnr
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 5:17 p.m.
Enso. In these situations, who do people call to stop the threat? Cops, i.e.People with guns How would they or anyone determine who to shoot:? The guy shooting wildly and indiscriminately into the crowd. Responsible gun owners do not fire indiscriminately but identify their targets and what is beyond. Joe Zamudio and the Gifford shooting is a great example. A concealed carrier helped subdue the shooter and did not shoot anyone until he determined WHO to target. http://www.americanhandgunner.com/the-tucson-atrocity-joe-zamudios-story/
Enso
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 4:59 p.m.
@Ricebrnr Imagine if several people people who could carry all got up at the same time and started shooting, how are they supposed to know who is the gunman, and who is working with the gunman? It's a dumb argument to say that if people were allowed to carry we'd be safer. In that situation, you'd have the gunman shooting at people, and then a bunch of other people with guns shooting at people too. How are they supposed to be able to tell apart who is there to murder people and who is there trying to help people?
Ricebrnr
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 3:02 p.m.
Enso, So the one gunman, sans a weapon would have been an equal to a room full of people? Some of which were in the Armed Forces? So if lawful concealed carriers were allowed into the theater, they would not have been the equal to the one gunman? Have you seen the news from Florida lately? About how one 71 year old man with a "mousegun" was the equal of 2 armed (one bat & one gun) perps? Who's statement is more logical?
Enso
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 12:46 p.m.
@Ricebrnr Guns are equalizers!? lol, have you seen the news in CO lately? A room full of people were no match for one guy with a gun. I'm not sure where the equality was there. It seemed quite unequal, in fact.
Ricebrnr
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 3:21 a.m.
Also to your point of what if OC had failed. As you can see from the above that you were responding to, there is a back up plan. If the dog was clearly showing more interest in mauling people than other dogs, yes staple it to the ground with a near contact shot. More power to you. Up until that point you are asking for trouble. Self defense does not begin or end with the confrontation. The tools in your defensive arsenal are not limited to ones you can hold. Best in you travels and hope we will never have o use our preparations.
Ricebrnr
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 3:13 a.m.
Kraiford. Yes I advocate self defense and the tools of such. Guns are equalizers but I have never indicated they are or should be the only solution. If you should ever have to employe your opinion here I hope you will keep my advice and that of mcrgo.org below Under Michigan law, any use of a firearm is an application of deadly force. Deadly force is legally permissible when it is proportional to the threat. Meaning, that deadly force may be used to prevent death, great bodily harm that could lead to death, or rape. It is entirely possible that an animal could do great bodily harm that could lead to death. So, it is possible that the use of a pistol against an attacking dog would be a justifiable use of force. Keep in mind that the circumstances would have to be such that you are in a place where you have a legal right to be, and that there is sufficient indication that your life is in danger when you fire. If you were to fire when the dog is too far away, or running away, or if you hit something other than the dog, or the dog is a toy poodle, you might face serious legal consequences. The key is that any use of force must be reasonable under the circumstances. I admire your restraint and think that the policy of not using our pistols unless we absolutely have to is the wise course of action. While the answer contains statements of law and practical advice that are essentially correct, it is worth noting that dogs are covered by different laws than human beings. Under Michigan law, a dog is an item of personal property. Please visit mcrgo.org and review the FAQ there for more
kraiford12
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:37 a.m.
I wouldn't wait for a dog to attack someone after it had already been attacking another dog to shoot it. An out of control dog is attacking another dog, can't be contained, won't listen to owner, keeps breaking loose and attacking, and people are around? Those people are in danger, and that dog needs to be stopped, period.
kraiford12
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:34 a.m.
It's not as if someone would be shooting from 50ft away. You can't use the "he wasn't actively going after a person" as an excuse. No one, I promise, had ANY idea where the dog would have gone next, or who it would have bitten. It was an out of control aggressive dog ACTIVELY attacking. The dog's owner could not control it, a small crowd of people could not control it, no one knew its intentions. Also, one would hope a responsible gun owner would present the gun, voice their intent to use it, and discharge it with backdrop in mind. Those steps would take 5 seconds to complete. I also think the people who put their hands on those dogs while the pit was attacking were completely in the wrong. Why, O why, would you put your hands on an unknown dog that is actively attacking something? You're fooling yourself if you think no one there was in danger. Just because the dog didn't attacking anyone doesn't mean it would not have or could not have. Sure you can't just shoot a pit because you think it might harm you, but one that's out of control and aggressively attacking?
kraiford12
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:27 a.m.
Point being, Ricebrnr, I don't think your opinion was completely off, was just giving my 2cents as a concealed carry supporter.
Laura Jones
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:27 a.m.
The key would be attack towards a human instead of a dog. Dog on dog violence does not constitute a reasonable threat. Fear itself of the future does likewise not constitute a reasonable threat when weighed against the discharge of a firearm in close proximity to so many people. The potential for a person being wounded by the shot is too great. I doubt you will find many CCP holders who will disagree.
lazyq
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:14 a.m.
The world's best pets are pit bulls. Until the day when they inexplicably freak out, flip out, turn evil, snap like a dry twig, or whatever. Then they eat babies and dine on people's faces and chew on other pets. People don't like it when their pit bulls do stuff like that. Not one pit bull owner likes that sort of behavior. Not one of them ever thought it would happen. Their dog was special, it was cute and nice and cuddly and friendly and great with kids. So much so that the warnings could be ignored, right? Have a look at the humane society web page for the dozens of pit bull mix dogs that they are irresponsibly peddling while asking for donations to help their mission! Ridiculous. How about donations to put those beasts down? Now there is a fundraiser smart people could support.
jose d
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 1:57 a.m.
Mystery1727, you say other breed bites don't make the news but then you post incidents that you found on the internet. Isn't that "the News?" Everyone check out the 10 myths here: http://www.dogsbite.org/dangerous-dogs-pit-bull-myths.php Idiocracy see myth #2 Mystery see myth #5
LA
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 3:48 p.m.
Whoa HKA2! Very interesting! I have bookmarked it for further study. Very good link. Thanks.
HKA2
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 3:07 p.m.
The dogsbite.org website is not considered accurate by most research standards. I'll probably be voted down for sharing, but some readers may be interested to find more info here: http://bslnews.org/2012/01/24/the-real-dog-bite-statistics-plus-media-myths-colleen-lynn-exposed/
LA
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:47 p.m.
interesting site. i got sidetracked reading the whole thing. will have to look up some of the links. I'm basically a defender of the breed, and believe in many of those myths. the truth is probably in more of the gray areas. Nature and nurture.
Dog Guy
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:46 p.m.
Thank you for the informative link. But, from reading A2.comments, I think our local pit bull owners are not open-minded, honest, or of good will enough to read it.
OLDTIMER3
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 12:26 p.m.
Very eye opening website.
Mona N
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 12:50 a.m.
We had to have our pit put down last Nov she was old... I have to say she was one of the best dogs we have owned... The problem with pits now days is inter breeding and owners that are NOT responsible. Our next door neighbor had 2 pits that got into a fight and the one tried to kill the other .. There 15 year old son was out side beating the dog with everything he had and could not get the dog to let go of the other one.. They are never home the dogs are locked up all the time... They had both dogs put down .. The one she said was bleeding all night they couldn't get it to stop she was tore up so bad... Well they ran right out to the Humane Society AND adopted another Pit bull ... Which I am NOT to happy about as they are NOT responsible pet owners... They were told to take the dog to training school they said they were going to that was 6 months ago and to this day they have done NOTHING ,.,.. So this could be another ACCIDENT waiting to happen ...
grimmk
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 3:27 a.m.
Watch and report if need be to the Humane Society.
Idiocracy
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 11:48 p.m.
It is always unfortunate when things like this happen with any type of dogs especially when it involves a dog that is reportedly a pit bull. More than likely it is a mix breed dog but due to ignorance of the breed many people think every big muscular dog is a pit bull. Most people couldn't even pick one out of a lineup. If you think you can identify them check out www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html When people hear the breed name they always overlook the many other factors that lead to dog fights. Bad socialization, mistreatment and bad training are a couple factors that could have led to this among other things. Please don't use this incident to spread more ignorance about this wonderful breed.
localgirl
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 5:44 a.m.
When I looked at that page I couldn't guess which dog was the pit, and I spend a certain amount of time around dogs, including pits. I thought I had a better visual grasp of the breeds than I do. A lot of people think my dog is part pit, but she is mostly mastiff with a lot of other breeds mixed in.
Idiocracy
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 3:17 a.m.
So I guess all of you who put a thumbs down got the test right??? Spend a little time learning about something before spreading such hatred and ignorance.
lazyq
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:18 a.m.
Whoops, you were wrong! It's not a wonderful breed. It's a loaded gun with big eyes and cute little ears. BANG! Wake up already. Spend some of your intelligent prose on something worth fighting for instead of beating this stupid drum.
Themadcatter
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 11:04 p.m.
Dog bite statistics: http://www.dogsbite.org/dog-bite-statistics-study-dog-attacks-and-maimings-merritt-clifton.php Pit bull tops the list. Breed DOES matter.
HKA2
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 3:05 p.m.
The dogsbite.org website is not considered accurate by most research standards. Readers may be interested to find more info here: http://bslnews.org/2012/01/24/the-real-dog-bite-statistics-plus-media-myths-colleen-lynn-exposed/
Idiocracy
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 12:08 a.m.
Most dogs reported as pit bulls are not. Most people can not even identify a real pit bull. Check out www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html
Themadcatter
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 11:57 p.m.
And why do you suppose the other dog bites reports didn't make the news? Because they were not newsworthy. Meaning...they did not cause great bodily harm or death.
Mystery1727
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 11:34 p.m.
Press accounts means waht was reported on the news btw. Anything other than pits don't make the news. you people are ignorant
Jaloney Caldwell
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 10:57 p.m.
The it's the owner not the breed mantra is illogical..Other dog breeds owned in much greater numbers have equal chances of getting neglectful and abusive owners, yet they adapt to human shortcomings and don't maul people or pets at anywhere near the rate that pitbulls do.Most dog bites are nothing more than a minor annoyance, as they rarely break the skin. This is why you don't hear about them on the news. If a normal dog is in a fight it will fight until the opponent submits and then stop. Pitbulls don't bite, They maul. They do not stop when the victim submits, they keep on mauling until the pet or human is left in parts.Mortality, Maiming and Mauling by Vicious Dogs, Annals of Surgery, April 2011, found that you have a more than 2500 times higher chance of dying if attacked by a pitbull. In addition it found that pitbulls caused the highest hospital charges, and the most deaths, dismemberments, permanent disability, and disfigurement of all breeds. The study also found that pitbulls attack children, and owners much more often than other breeds AND IT IS FAMILY LOVED AND UNABUSED PITBULLS THAT ARE MAULING PEOPLE. Despite be given all the love and care that other dogs enjoy, pitbulls turn suddenly and the owners are always shocked by the sudden change in behavior. Alexandra Semyonova, a world reknown animal researcher and author of the book, The 100 Silliest Things People say About Dogs, says pitbulls have a disconnect in the impulse control centers in the brain and a different chemical make up in the brain. You can't see the gene that is suddenly activated in a pitbull making them violent. . You can't love out genes or untrain genes. If you believe that ptbulls are just like any other dog, and regurgitate the false "its the owner not the breed mantra" you would of believed the world was flat, too Just because something sounds good doesn't make it true. http://walkforvictimsofpitbulls.blogspot.com/ http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pitbulldangers
dwcwork
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:04 p.m.
Some dog breeds can be more vicious than others if not trained. My Golden was a pushover - was a friend of all, but one time I walked up to the house at dusk from the back area, and she didn't know who I was (wind in wrong direction and I had my hooded sweatshirt on). She got between me and my kids with tail between her legs, but wasn't going to let me near then, until I called to her and she knew who I was. She was socialized, and would get along with other dogs. She did get attacked once by another dog while we were walking, but I picked her up in my arms and kicked the other dog away. Dogs are not humans, they don't think like humans - you can reason with them like humans - you have to understand dogs pack instincts and work with them from there. It isn't the dog that needs the most training, it is the human that needs to understand how to work with the dog.
OLDTIMER3
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 11:51 a.m.
We used to have an Australian Sheppard that everytime the vet visited our farm would run next door and round up their horses. When my father yelled at the dog the vet told him the dog was doing what it was bred to to so leave it alone. She was never trained as a herd dog.The same with pitbulls. Any dog can turn mean,just most don't. It is true the little heel biters do most of the biting but don't do hardly any damage.
barn gurl
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 10:54 p.m.
folks- this did not happen at the farmers' market. It happened at the entrance to park from the parking lot. Dog central and many do not attend the market. Please, stop the blurs.
kraiford12
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:17 a.m.
Doesn't matter, if it was not IN the market, it wasn't int he market.
jcj
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 1:17 a.m.
The owner was unloading for the Market! Quit dodging that FACT!
djacks24
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 10:46 p.m.
It's getting to the point where concealed carry and intense target practice should be a must to protect your pet and yourself anymore. No denying a trained individual with a firearm could have ended this situation much sooner and possibly saved those dogs and the victim owners. If six individuals as one commenter that was there stated couldn't pry the dog away, one bullet could have.
JC
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 4:18 a.m.
While some of you think djacks comments seem so absurd, I doubt many of you have ever been in a situation like this before and so choose to live in a box of wild assumptions. Just over a year ago friends and family of mine had a similar situation happen. A large Airedale attacked a Pitbull and killed it. The owner of the Pitbull quickly pulled his firearm off his hip and shot the Airedale one time, in a crowded space of people, downward and safetly, ending the entire situation instantly. No one else was hurt and a previously unmentioned 2nd Pitbull hiding in the corner in fear of the Airedale, went unhurt. So from MY OWN experience compared to this story, I would say that a firearm would have been VERY useful and the safer option in the situation. I disagree that it should have been accompanied by the concealed carry, I think OC is the way to go and would come with less trouble then what you could expect while practicing the 'privilege' of using your CPL.
CountyKate
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:27 a.m.
I can just see the chaos that would have ensued had someone pulled a gun in the middle of this mess. The gun owner could have been tackled and the gun could have gone off. To pull a gun in such a place with a bunch of already adrenalin -fueled people is asking for catastrophe to strike. Guns are not always the answer.
Ricebrnr
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 12:48 a.m.
Djacks, if you have your CPL I would highly recommend you review the rules of engagement. You are not allowed in MI to use deadly force to protect property. Pets are considered property and therefore the use of a firearm in their defense will get you in deep trouble. OC/pepper spray would have been the more appropriate tool. As for Seldon, knowing your target and what is beyond should be a primary concern of all firearms owners. Firing downward and at close proximity at the animal's head and using the ground as a backstop would endanger only the animal.
seldon
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 11:54 p.m.
Are you kidding me? You think the right answer to this would have been to have someone firing a pistol into a dog fight next to a crowded farmers' market? How would that have made people safer?
J R
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 10:41 p.m.
Aren't there rules about NO DOGS at the farmer's market? I know NO DOGs are allowed at the Ann Arbor farmer's market. I'm not 100% sure, but I thought I saw a sign at the Ypsi Farmer's Market that said NO DOGS were allowed. If...I'll leave the window open a little since I'm not 100% sure on the rules at Ypsi Farmer's Market...NO DOGS are allowed......all involved need to be issued a ticket! AA.Com needs to report the actual rules at the Ypsi Market and the so called "Authorities" need to make sure they are enforced.
OLDTIMER3
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 11:37 a.m.
I don't think the 2 dogs were going to the farmers market they were going into the park from the parking lot.
localgirl
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 4:34 a.m.
The parking lot where the dogfight happened is a municipal lot. It sits between the Farmer's Market and the Frog Island Park. Dogs are frequent visitors at most Ypsilanti parks, and people park in the muni lot to access the park. One commenter noted that the Farmer's Market is dog friendly, but I do not know this for certain.
Mystery1727
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 10:27 p.m.
maybe you all should do some homework and look up actual studies on aggressive breeds, like.. lists of the most aggressive...they've done studies... i think you'll be suprised.
jcj
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 1:15 a.m.
1727 Get you head out of the sand! 'they've done studies" "STUDIES" have indicated the following Global warming does not exist! Global warming does exist! vaccines cause autism, vaccines do not cause autism. So you can take your "study" and pedal it in a third world country where they might believe it!
stevek
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 11:50 p.m.
It is real easy to search the internet and find some isolated incident like you did from England or a West Coast state or another state hundreds of miles away. We are talking about the large number of pit bull attacks right here. Everybody who defends pitbulls goes to great lengths to find studies (not done here) and posts links to some obscure site detailing facts to help further their point of view.
whatsupwithMI
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 9:36 p.m.
I honestly forget, and I do not with to paint the blog with the color of biased reporting inaccurately. Did the dog killing attack at the Ann Arbor dog park last year get a post on the blog here? I don't think it did, but then, when I encounter too many fox-news-type-stories with totally based presentation, I don't read here for the next month, refusing to provide clicks.
PhillyCheeseSteak
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 3:38 p.m.
What are the facts about the dog killing attack at the Ann Arbor dog park (Olson or Swift Run)?
Kim
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 9:23 p.m.
Folks, I was there...it was the scariest, saddest moment, I can remember, the shrill screaming of the terrorized dogs is still in my ears, I'll never forget it. There was like eight of us trying to pry that dogs mouth off that poor poodle...I heard it passed. So,so sorry...may the good "Lord" help you victim owners remember the best of times with your little one and my prayers go out to the other dog owner, I'd be more than willing to donate to the medical expenses. The pit was 150lbs. of pure adrenaline muscle, we couldn't hold him off. And the poor conditions he lived in was pathetic, that owner of him should never ever own another dog as how it had to live his life. And yes, its sad to say but it would be a blessing for that animal to be put down. They'll never get money for the damages as it appeared the animal and woman lived out of the vehicle. I will always carry mace with me from now on. It's not the breed in my opinion, its how you raise your animal, love or abuse and neglect is what made this dog like that,teaching them manners and commands, playtime, exercise and above all your love. If you don't do those key items especially with the pit these unfortunate events happen. People love, teach, play and exercise your dogs those are the keys.
kraiford12
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:08 a.m.
To add, I've seen what mace/spray can do to a determined attacker (human/dog). To an extremely determined attacker it does little (of course they're are exceptions).
kraiford12
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 2:06 a.m.
@seldon I'm sure the 150lbs guess was just that, a guess. And I can say for certain I have seen 110+lbs pits.
seldon
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 11:53 p.m.
If it weighed 150 lbs, then it wasn't a pit bull. They're much smaller than that.
djacks24
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 10:41 p.m.
I say criminal charges on several counts to the pit bull owner based on this. No leniency.
justcurious
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 10:38 p.m.
Good post. It is so sad on all accounts.
Mystery1727
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 9:32 p.m.
ahh... so there are some people with open minds still left in ann arbor- "It's not the breed in my opinion, its how you raise your animal, love or abuse and neglect is what made this dog like that,teaching them manners and commands, playtime, exercise and above all your love. If you don't do those key items especially with the pit these unfortunate events happen. People love, teach, play and exercise your dogs those are the keys." This is all I was trying to get at as well. I just dont want people to shun my dogs because they heard a story like this. They doesn't deserve that, they're good boys.
Nancy Corfman
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 9:21 p.m.
O.k. Let me get this straight...the dog was on a leash, attached to the owner's van, while SHE was unpacking her van to set up for the Farmer's Market. Where did she plan to keep the dog while she was selling her wares at the market? In the van? Lord, I hope not; and besides, the Farmer's Market has an ordinance there are not to be any dogs in the market anyway. (It's actually not a Market law/ordinance, it's the City's ordinance/law)>
barn gurl
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 10:50 p.m.
There are no market rules banning dogs. This market is dog friendly, and I hope we can keep it that way.
justcurious
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 10:36 p.m.
Good point. I recently confronted a woman at Macy's who had a huge amount of stuff. She asked to be checked out before me and I said "sure". Then she said her dog was out in her sweltering car. I let her know how I felt about that. She just kept saying "she's fine. She's fine in a haughty way. I reminded her the temperature can go up to 180 degrees on a hot day like that. When we went to our car the parking lot temp was 96 degrees.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 8:38 p.m.
Dogs don't kill. Pitbulls and their owners do. Oh, wait....that's guns. Yeah, guns don't kill, people with guns do. I'm confused.
Jaloney Caldwell
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 10:28 p.m.
Never saw a gun break out of it's harness and run down the street and attack anybody...
Candy
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 8:10 p.m.
Well, quite frankly, I hate the breed, and I am a big time lover of most every other animal! There are too many negative incidents involving pit bulls. What's worse are their owners! I hope the owner of the attack dog is charged to the fullest extent of the law!
Life in Ypsi
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 3:43 p.m.
I agree. I can only wonder if the owner was one of the people falsely believing her pet was so gentle and loving. People get these dogs to boost their egos. Of course that will never be admitted.
Billy
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 8:07 p.m.
Based on the description of the manner of attack...the pitbull needs to be euthanized. That is a vicious animal.
johnnya2
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 3:18 p.m.
Actually, the owner should be euthanized. The dog did what dogs do. The owner failed in keeping control of their dog. This is the problem I have with people. If a person goes hiking in the woods and gets attacked by a bear, they kill the bear. Why? That is the risk you choose to take walking in the woods. The bear is doing exactly what every HUMAN animal would do, protecting his home. The animal deserves a stand your ground defense.
Mystery1727
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.
If we take these here and there stories and hate the breed... well, my friends that is the exact same thing as racism. These are not the only kind of dogs acting this way, they're just the ones that make the news. We all know this, and it's very much the owners issue leaving a dog unattended. It is unfortuanate and I'm very sorry to ALL the owners of the animals in this story, for they have all suffered.
jcj
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 1:03 a.m.
1727 You call it what you want. I will admit with no apologize. I am prejudiced against pit bulls and rottweilers. And as of today I can not be locked up for that! But the way things are going I would not be surprised if in the future it is a crime to hate a dog breed! I also hate peas, broccoli and squash. But you can't arrest me yet.
mike gatti
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 10:58 p.m.
I read that in the some states they are trying to purge the voter roles and it will disparately impact pit bulls. That is terrible.
Mystery1727
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 10:20 p.m.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/09/20/2624202/golden-retriever-attacks-child.html heres a golden retriever attack http://www.shortnews.com/start.cfm?id=46922 this ones a lab http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1288786/Familys-border-collie-leaps-car-mauls-baby.html -border collie http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010-06-18/news/os-shih-tzu-faces-death-attacking-boy20100618_1_shih-tzu-boy-pound -Shih Tzu Maybe not around here, but my goodness, it happens. And again, yes racism, the belief that another person is less than human -- because of skin color, language, customs, place of birth ***or any factor that supposedly reveals the basic nature of that person.*** How is a dog breed any different from a race. All Im saying is dont jusdge a book by its cover, there are a lot of sweet pits out there.
Mystery1727
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 9:48 p.m.
http://saveabull.com/pitbull-heroes/ Just think some good coverage might be nice :) they aren't all bad
Mystery1727
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 9:47 p.m.
Not tryin to fight, lol.. I just dont think a whole group of anyone or anything should be labeled as bad when there are a lot of examples to the other end of the spectrum. And I own a pitbull because that was the other kind of dog we owned at the time. Charlie was his name, and he was a great dog. He died shortly after (of a broken heart from losing his best friend if you ask me)
Candy
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 9:24 p.m.
Well, I am glad to hear that you and your sister have some socialized, well-behaved pit bulls. And I commend you for training them well! But I have heard too many stories of them turning on people all of a sudden, including their owners, and on other animals. I hope it doesn't happen to you. And I'm sorry about your chihuahua.
Mystery1727
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 8:52 p.m.
Well, lets see... it IS racism, do you condemn a whole race just because MOST of the bad news stories are about that race? No. I own 2 pitbulls and they were trained properly and socialized. They are best friends with a cat and the neighbor dogs which are Dachshunds. My sister also has a pit, besties with a Manchester Terrier. And yes, there are a lot of other breeds that would do this. A poodle shook my chihuahua to death right in front of me when I was a kid, but that didn't make the news.
stevek
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 8:46 p.m.
Mystery1727--What world do you live in? It is the same thing as racism? Please let us know of all the instances around here where a Lab, Pekingese, Basset hound, Poodle, Schnauzer, Collie, Spaniel, or most other dog breeds have mauled something or someone. Maybe you should complain to AA.com and the rest of the press about all the non-pitbull breeds violently biting people/other dogs but the story is being supressed just to make pitbulls look bad.
Candy
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 8:32 p.m.
"Racism, racism!" So sick of that response to everything these days! Who'd have thought it would now apply to dogs?
a2citizen
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 8:08 p.m.
Here and there stories? The same thing as racism? "These are not the only kind of dogs acting this way." By that do you mean there are a lot of other dog breeds that grab smaller dogs and shake them around like rag dolls? A pit bull is nothing more than a weapon, plain and simple.
Themadcatter
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 7:36 p.m.
So are the two dogs that were attached dead or alive?
jcj
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 12:56 a.m.
read it! Ypsilanti Police Department officials said at the present time, both dogs still are alive and under veterinary care and are continuing to be watched
Mystery1727
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 7:44 p.m.
All it says is seriously injured... sounds like they're alive
Themadcatter
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 7:36 p.m.
"attacked" not "attached"
dading dont delete me bro
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 7:30 p.m.
don't hate the breed....
Enso
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 12:36 p.m.
Judging by your comment rating, I think a lot of people hate the breed...
RJA
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 7:19 p.m.
I don't see the purpose for any of the dogs out (in this heat) in the parking lot of the farmer's market. What ever happened to owners having full control?