Saturday, December 20, 2008
RUBIDOUX, Calif. — A 60-year-old man was mauled to death by a pair of pit bulls Friday in the backyard of his rural Southern California home. The man was taking a cigarette break when the male and female pit bulls attacked him shortly after noon, said Sgt. Dennis Gutierrez of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. The man, who was the grandfather of the dogs' owner, died at the scene. His name was not released.
County Animal Services spokesman John Welsh said the dogs were euthanized later in the afternoon. The male dog weighed 107 pounds and was about 3 years old, while the female weighed 52 pounds and was about 6 years old.
Welsh said it was unclear why the dogs suddenly attacked the man, who was familiar with them and had played with them before. But he noted that neither dog had been spayed. "Unaltered dogs are always more aggressive," Welsh said. "We always recommend that for family pets, people spay or neuter their dogs."
Gutierrez called the incident a "vicious attack and very tragic for the family right before the holidays."
Source
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
IL: Local boy recovering after dog attack
IL: Local boy recovering after dog attack
By Chelsea McDougall
Daily Review Atlas
Thu Dec 04, 2008, 12:31 PM CST
MONMOUTH — An 11-year-old juvenile boy is on the mend after a dog attack last week on his way home from school. The boy was walking home from Lincoln Intermediate School Wednesday, Nov. 26 when a pair of eight-month-old American Bull Dogs attacked him on the sidewalk in front of the home at 1030 E. Third Ave.
The boy was transported to OSF Holy Family Medical Center to be treated for injuries, that police officials said were primarily puncture wounds on the face, neck, ear and arm.
"(The dogs) are usually very playful played with him before," said Robin Sage, Animal Control Officer for the Monmouth Police Department, repeating what the boy told her. "Something happened (to make the dogs attack) we don't know." Sage said the dogs probably went into "pack mode."
Of the two dogs, one was more aggressive and kept on attacking and wouldn't let go of the boy after the other had stopped. The more aggressive dog, a female, was put to sleep after the attack. The second dog, a male, was allowed to stay alive but has to follow state guidelines for dog bite cases. The dog will have to be examined by a vet, and must stay indoors for 10 days, only surrounded by immediate family members.
The dogs went through an underground wire fence designed to shock them if they leave the yard.
The dog owner, Michael Mortensen, was issued a citation for a dog at large. According to police reports, both dogs had their rabies inoculation.
Source
By Chelsea McDougall
Daily Review Atlas
Thu Dec 04, 2008, 12:31 PM CST
MONMOUTH — An 11-year-old juvenile boy is on the mend after a dog attack last week on his way home from school. The boy was walking home from Lincoln Intermediate School Wednesday, Nov. 26 when a pair of eight-month-old American Bull Dogs attacked him on the sidewalk in front of the home at 1030 E. Third Ave.
The boy was transported to OSF Holy Family Medical Center to be treated for injuries, that police officials said were primarily puncture wounds on the face, neck, ear and arm.
"(The dogs) are usually very playful played with him before," said Robin Sage, Animal Control Officer for the Monmouth Police Department, repeating what the boy told her. "Something happened (to make the dogs attack) we don't know." Sage said the dogs probably went into "pack mode."
Of the two dogs, one was more aggressive and kept on attacking and wouldn't let go of the boy after the other had stopped. The more aggressive dog, a female, was put to sleep after the attack. The second dog, a male, was allowed to stay alive but has to follow state guidelines for dog bite cases. The dog will have to be examined by a vet, and must stay indoors for 10 days, only surrounded by immediate family members.
The dogs went through an underground wire fence designed to shock them if they leave the yard.
The dog owner, Michael Mortensen, was issued a citation for a dog at large. According to police reports, both dogs had their rabies inoculation.
Source
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
NV: Food may have triggered fatal dog mauling
NV: Food may have triggered fatal dog mauling
The Associated Press
Posted: 12/03/2008 09:58:16 AM PST
LAS VEGAS—Authorities say food might have been the trigger for the fatal mauling of a 2-year-old boy by a family dog last week. A police spokesman, Officer Bill Cassell, says investigators might never know what triggered the Nov. 26 attack at a house in northwest Las Vegas.
But he says it happened after the boy followed his grandmother into a room where the pit bull or pit bull mixed breed dog was being fed. The boy was fatally mauled and the grandmother suffered minor injuries.
Las Vegas animal control officers impounded two dogs from the home after the attack.
The attack was the second recent fatal mauling of a child by a family dog in the Las Vegas area. A 4-month-old girl was killed by a family dog in September.
Source
The Associated Press
Posted: 12/03/2008 09:58:16 AM PST
LAS VEGAS—Authorities say food might have been the trigger for the fatal mauling of a 2-year-old boy by a family dog last week. A police spokesman, Officer Bill Cassell, says investigators might never know what triggered the Nov. 26 attack at a house in northwest Las Vegas.
But he says it happened after the boy followed his grandmother into a room where the pit bull or pit bull mixed breed dog was being fed. The boy was fatally mauled and the grandmother suffered minor injuries.
Las Vegas animal control officers impounded two dogs from the home after the attack.
The attack was the second recent fatal mauling of a child by a family dog in the Las Vegas area. A 4-month-old girl was killed by a family dog in September.
Source
Sunday, November 30, 2008
NY: Infant attacked by dog, left with life-threatening injuries.
NY: Infant attacked by dog, left with life-threatening injuries.
The Tonawanda News
Published: November 30, 2008 11:15PM
The mother of a 3-month-old infant called 911 Sunday after what appears to have been a vicious, sustained attack on the child by a family dog. Twin City Ambulance rushed the baby boy to Women and Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, where doctors performed emergency surgery to replace his intestines. He will then be transferred to the hospital’s intensive care unit. Officials at the hospital could not release information as to the boy’s condition Sunday.
“While on route, dispatch updated patrols ... that the dogs were being secured and further stated that the child’s stomach had been ripped open,” police reports state.
The child’s mother, 28, called authorities around 1 p.m. after hearing “some noise” and the sound of the infant crying while she was in the shower. She was confronted with a horrific scene — the baby lay screaming in a “penned off” area of the house, barricaded by about 12 feet of safety fence, bleeding profusely from his midsection.
Two dogs, a pit bull and the dog suspected of the attack, a 6-year-old Staffordshire terrier, a member of the pit bull family, reside at the Gath Terrace home. The terrier was covered in blood. “Based on our investigation, we believe the dog ripped apart a piece of either the gate or fencing and got into the area,” City of Tonawanda Police Detective Tim Toth said.
No charges have been filed in the case. Child Protective Services, however, was contacted because of the victim’s age. “It doesn’t look like we will be filing any (charges) at this time,” Toth, who deemed the child’s injuries life-threatening, said. “There hasn’t been a criminal aspect to this — it was just an unfortunate accident.”
Reports detail at least three areas of blood in the room, which investigators believe may mean the child was thrown about during the attack.
Toth said by the time police and medical technicians were on hand, an off-duty firefighter who lives around the corner from the residence was already dressing the young male’s wounds. “There was an off-duty firefighter who I would say probably saved this kid’s life,” he said. City of Tonawanda Fire Capt. Robert Hassett, 44, said he heard the initial dispatch over a scanner at his home. He was at the house within a minute of the desperate mother’s call for help.
After that, Hassett said he was able to get past the two dogs at the door with the mother’s help, as she put what is thought to be the attacking dog in the basement while Hassett closed the front door, isolating the second animal on the front porch.
“The baby was crying — which is great — if the baby is crying it’s a great day,” Hassett said. Hassett, a critical care technician, has undergone years of training, some specific to infant trauma. It paid off Sunday, as he warmed a bottle of spring water in the family’s microwave to pour over the baby’s exposed wound, described by police as running the length of his torso. Hassett had already administered a tricky I.V. The needle must be plunged into an infant’s bone because their veins are not fully developed.
“Dispatch did a great job,” he said. “She dispatched it out and she said the child had been bitten in the stomach ... I can’t imagine it was easy getting information out of the mom (who was distraught).” The 18-year veteran of the department credited his role in the matter to the city’s provision of a response vehicle equipped with first aid and paramedic supplies, which he keeps in his driveway when not at work. “I happened to get there first,” he said, adding another nearby firefighter also heard the call and responded. “But everyone did their job.”
Toth said it did not appear the dog had any reason to attack, and speculated the animal’s territorial instincts may have piqued.
He said in his 18 years on the force, he has never personally dealt with a dog attack “of this magnitude.” “I don’t know how much a 3-month-old could provoke an animal to do something like this,” Toth said.
City dog control officers and at least two SPCA personnel detained both animals, and no official word has been issued on whether or not either animal will be put down. Ultimately, officials say it is a decision to be made by police, the family or a judge.
Source
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NY: UPDATE: Infant recovering following dog attack (2:13 p.m.)
By Dave Hill, The Tonawanda News
The parents of a City of Tonawanda infant who was attacked by a family dog Sunday afternoon are breathing an enormous sigh of relief. After undergoing surgery in the intensive care unit at Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo to treat what emergency responders considered life-threatening injuries, the three-month-old boy is “resting comfortably,” Tonawanda Police Detective Tim Toth said Monday afternoon after speaking with the child’s parents.
The Tonawanda News is not identifying the boy or his parents, at the request of the family. “I think they’re still trying to comprehend and decompress from this whole thing,” Toth said.
“Molson,” the Gath Terrace family’s six-year-old Staffordshire terrier, ripped apart a portion of the gate to the room where the infant was and attacked the baby, police said. The baby’s mother was in the shower and his father wasn’t home at the time of the incident.
Source
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Published: December 01, 2008 11:53 pm
DOG ATTACK: Infant “resting comfortably” after ordeal
By Dave Hill, The Tonawanda News
The parents of a City of Tonawanda infant who was attacked by the family dog Sunday afternoon are breathing an enormous sigh of relief. After undergoing emergency surgery in the intensive care unit at Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo the three-month-old boy is “resting comfortably,” Tonawanda Police Detective Tim Toth said Monday afternoon after speaking with the child’s parents. Emergency responders had considered the injuries to be life-threatening.
The Tonawanda News is not identifying the boy or his parents, at the request of the family. “I think they’re still trying to comprehend and decompress from this whole thing,” Toth said. The infant was on the floor in a penned-in area when “Molson,” the Gath Terrace family’s six-year-old Staffordshire terrier — which is part of the pit bull family — ripped apart a portion of the gate and attacked the baby, causing serious injuries, police said.
The baby’s mother was in the shower and had a baby monitor set up; the boy’s father wasn’t home at the time of the incident. Emergency responders credit the mother’s quick actions, plus those of off-duty Tonawanda Fire Captain Robert Hassett, with saving the boy’s life. Hassett, who lives near the home where the attack occurred, scrambled to the house after hearing the call on his home scanner and began treating the boy’s wounds before medical personnel arrived.
Toth said he doesn’t believe police will file criminal charges in the incident. “Just a tragic accident is really all this was,” he said. “I don’t think there’s anything the family could have done that could have prevented something like this.”
West Virginia-based canine expert Karen Delise said people need to understand that while such attacks are rare, they do happen and that pet owners should always supervise infants. “Dogs don’t really understand what infants are,” said Delise, a veterinary technician who has authored two books on dogs and founded the National Canine Research Council to counter what she says is misguided information being presented in the media.
“An infant never should be left alone with a dog,” she said. Delise said it is unusual for a dog to attack an infant after three months. Such attacks typically occur within the first month. “Usually after three months the dog has pretty much come to accept this little critter is here and belongs here,” she said.
Toth believes the dog became jealous and reacted viciously to its lowered status in the family’s pecking order, despite the fact that the family took steps to make the transition for the dog as comfortable as possible. The family has another pit bull, but police said it wasn’t involved in the incident. Both dogs were secured by the city’s dog control officer and remain at the SPCA in the Town of Tonawanda. Toth said the fate of the attacking dog likely will be decided today. “Ultimately, the family can make that decision on their own. We would like to leave it up to them.”
However, if police and the SPCA determine that the dog still poses a significant threat, police can file a dangerous dog petition and ask that a judge decide whether the animal is put down.
Contact reporter David J. Hill at 693-1000, ext. 115.
Source
The Tonawanda News
Published: November 30, 2008 11:15PM
The mother of a 3-month-old infant called 911 Sunday after what appears to have been a vicious, sustained attack on the child by a family dog. Twin City Ambulance rushed the baby boy to Women and Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, where doctors performed emergency surgery to replace his intestines. He will then be transferred to the hospital’s intensive care unit. Officials at the hospital could not release information as to the boy’s condition Sunday.
“While on route, dispatch updated patrols ... that the dogs were being secured and further stated that the child’s stomach had been ripped open,” police reports state.
The child’s mother, 28, called authorities around 1 p.m. after hearing “some noise” and the sound of the infant crying while she was in the shower. She was confronted with a horrific scene — the baby lay screaming in a “penned off” area of the house, barricaded by about 12 feet of safety fence, bleeding profusely from his midsection.
Two dogs, a pit bull and the dog suspected of the attack, a 6-year-old Staffordshire terrier, a member of the pit bull family, reside at the Gath Terrace home. The terrier was covered in blood. “Based on our investigation, we believe the dog ripped apart a piece of either the gate or fencing and got into the area,” City of Tonawanda Police Detective Tim Toth said.
No charges have been filed in the case. Child Protective Services, however, was contacted because of the victim’s age. “It doesn’t look like we will be filing any (charges) at this time,” Toth, who deemed the child’s injuries life-threatening, said. “There hasn’t been a criminal aspect to this — it was just an unfortunate accident.”
Reports detail at least three areas of blood in the room, which investigators believe may mean the child was thrown about during the attack.
Toth said by the time police and medical technicians were on hand, an off-duty firefighter who lives around the corner from the residence was already dressing the young male’s wounds. “There was an off-duty firefighter who I would say probably saved this kid’s life,” he said. City of Tonawanda Fire Capt. Robert Hassett, 44, said he heard the initial dispatch over a scanner at his home. He was at the house within a minute of the desperate mother’s call for help.
After that, Hassett said he was able to get past the two dogs at the door with the mother’s help, as she put what is thought to be the attacking dog in the basement while Hassett closed the front door, isolating the second animal on the front porch.
“The baby was crying — which is great — if the baby is crying it’s a great day,” Hassett said. Hassett, a critical care technician, has undergone years of training, some specific to infant trauma. It paid off Sunday, as he warmed a bottle of spring water in the family’s microwave to pour over the baby’s exposed wound, described by police as running the length of his torso. Hassett had already administered a tricky I.V. The needle must be plunged into an infant’s bone because their veins are not fully developed.
“Dispatch did a great job,” he said. “She dispatched it out and she said the child had been bitten in the stomach ... I can’t imagine it was easy getting information out of the mom (who was distraught).” The 18-year veteran of the department credited his role in the matter to the city’s provision of a response vehicle equipped with first aid and paramedic supplies, which he keeps in his driveway when not at work. “I happened to get there first,” he said, adding another nearby firefighter also heard the call and responded. “But everyone did their job.”
Toth said it did not appear the dog had any reason to attack, and speculated the animal’s territorial instincts may have piqued.
He said in his 18 years on the force, he has never personally dealt with a dog attack “of this magnitude.” “I don’t know how much a 3-month-old could provoke an animal to do something like this,” Toth said.
City dog control officers and at least two SPCA personnel detained both animals, and no official word has been issued on whether or not either animal will be put down. Ultimately, officials say it is a decision to be made by police, the family or a judge.
Source
NY: UPDATE: Infant recovering following dog attack (2:13 p.m.)
By Dave Hill, The Tonawanda News
The parents of a City of Tonawanda infant who was attacked by a family dog Sunday afternoon are breathing an enormous sigh of relief. After undergoing surgery in the intensive care unit at Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo to treat what emergency responders considered life-threatening injuries, the three-month-old boy is “resting comfortably,” Tonawanda Police Detective Tim Toth said Monday afternoon after speaking with the child’s parents.
The Tonawanda News is not identifying the boy or his parents, at the request of the family. “I think they’re still trying to comprehend and decompress from this whole thing,” Toth said.
“Molson,” the Gath Terrace family’s six-year-old Staffordshire terrier, ripped apart a portion of the gate to the room where the infant was and attacked the baby, police said. The baby’s mother was in the shower and his father wasn’t home at the time of the incident.
Source
Published: December 01, 2008 11:53 pm
DOG ATTACK: Infant “resting comfortably” after ordeal
By Dave Hill, The Tonawanda News
The parents of a City of Tonawanda infant who was attacked by the family dog Sunday afternoon are breathing an enormous sigh of relief. After undergoing emergency surgery in the intensive care unit at Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo the three-month-old boy is “resting comfortably,” Tonawanda Police Detective Tim Toth said Monday afternoon after speaking with the child’s parents. Emergency responders had considered the injuries to be life-threatening.
The Tonawanda News is not identifying the boy or his parents, at the request of the family. “I think they’re still trying to comprehend and decompress from this whole thing,” Toth said. The infant was on the floor in a penned-in area when “Molson,” the Gath Terrace family’s six-year-old Staffordshire terrier — which is part of the pit bull family — ripped apart a portion of the gate and attacked the baby, causing serious injuries, police said.
The baby’s mother was in the shower and had a baby monitor set up; the boy’s father wasn’t home at the time of the incident. Emergency responders credit the mother’s quick actions, plus those of off-duty Tonawanda Fire Captain Robert Hassett, with saving the boy’s life. Hassett, who lives near the home where the attack occurred, scrambled to the house after hearing the call on his home scanner and began treating the boy’s wounds before medical personnel arrived.
Toth said he doesn’t believe police will file criminal charges in the incident. “Just a tragic accident is really all this was,” he said. “I don’t think there’s anything the family could have done that could have prevented something like this.”
West Virginia-based canine expert Karen Delise said people need to understand that while such attacks are rare, they do happen and that pet owners should always supervise infants. “Dogs don’t really understand what infants are,” said Delise, a veterinary technician who has authored two books on dogs and founded the National Canine Research Council to counter what she says is misguided information being presented in the media.
“An infant never should be left alone with a dog,” she said. Delise said it is unusual for a dog to attack an infant after three months. Such attacks typically occur within the first month. “Usually after three months the dog has pretty much come to accept this little critter is here and belongs here,” she said.
Toth believes the dog became jealous and reacted viciously to its lowered status in the family’s pecking order, despite the fact that the family took steps to make the transition for the dog as comfortable as possible. The family has another pit bull, but police said it wasn’t involved in the incident. Both dogs were secured by the city’s dog control officer and remain at the SPCA in the Town of Tonawanda. Toth said the fate of the attacking dog likely will be decided today. “Ultimately, the family can make that decision on their own. We would like to leave it up to them.”
However, if police and the SPCA determine that the dog still poses a significant threat, police can file a dangerous dog petition and ask that a judge decide whether the animal is put down.
Contact reporter David J. Hill at 693-1000, ext. 115.
Source
Thursday, November 27, 2008
NV: Two-year-old killed in dog attack
Updated: Nov 27, 2008 03:37 AM
Anita Roman reporting
A Thanksgiving eve tragedy hits a family in the northwest part of the Valley. The attack occurred in front of the boy's grandmother. There was little she could do to save him.
Police were called to the home on Warm River Road, near Jones and Washington, just after 4:30 pm Wednesday. Police say they never had trouble with the dogs before. In addition, Metro stresses this involves a very stable family with no previous calls about the dogs.
"This is obviously a tremendous tragedy," Metro's Bill Cassell said. "This afternoon we received a report that a child had been bitten by a dog." By the time officers and medical personnel arrived, the two-year-old was already deceased, leaving family members and friends in shock.
Metro says the family had two pet dogs, both terrier mixes that weigh between 40 lbs and 45 lbs. Both were familiar with the little boy. The grandmother was babysitting the victim and his younger brother when the attack occurred. The younger sibling was not harmed. The grandmother suffered minor wounds attempting to save her grandson. When police arrived the two dogs were contained to two different rooms. Police are investigating if both dogs attacked or just one.
Metro says animal control has custody of the dogs and will decide what happens to them.
Source
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NV: Toddler killed by dog in Las Vegas home
The Associated Press
Posted: 11/27/2008 09:46:28 AM PST
LAS VEGAS—Las Vegas police say a toddler has been fatally bitten in a dog attack at his home.
Police say the 2-year-old boy was attacked Wednesday afternoon by one, or perhaps both, of the family's mix-breed terriers. Police spokesman Bill Cassell says the dog weighed about 45 pounds and might be a type of pit bull.
The boy and his younger brother were in their grandmother's care at the time of the attack. The younger child was unhurt, and the grandmother suffered superficial injuries.
The boy was not immediately identified.
Source
Anita Roman reporting
A Thanksgiving eve tragedy hits a family in the northwest part of the Valley. The attack occurred in front of the boy's grandmother. There was little she could do to save him.
Police were called to the home on Warm River Road, near Jones and Washington, just after 4:30 pm Wednesday. Police say they never had trouble with the dogs before. In addition, Metro stresses this involves a very stable family with no previous calls about the dogs.
"This is obviously a tremendous tragedy," Metro's Bill Cassell said. "This afternoon we received a report that a child had been bitten by a dog." By the time officers and medical personnel arrived, the two-year-old was already deceased, leaving family members and friends in shock.
Metro says the family had two pet dogs, both terrier mixes that weigh between 40 lbs and 45 lbs. Both were familiar with the little boy. The grandmother was babysitting the victim and his younger brother when the attack occurred. The younger sibling was not harmed. The grandmother suffered minor wounds attempting to save her grandson. When police arrived the two dogs were contained to two different rooms. Police are investigating if both dogs attacked or just one.
Metro says animal control has custody of the dogs and will decide what happens to them.
Source
NV: Toddler killed by dog in Las Vegas home
The Associated Press
Posted: 11/27/2008 09:46:28 AM PST
LAS VEGAS—Las Vegas police say a toddler has been fatally bitten in a dog attack at his home.
Police say the 2-year-old boy was attacked Wednesday afternoon by one, or perhaps both, of the family's mix-breed terriers. Police spokesman Bill Cassell says the dog weighed about 45 pounds and might be a type of pit bull.
The boy and his younger brother were in their grandmother's care at the time of the attack. The younger child was unhurt, and the grandmother suffered superficial injuries.
The boy was not immediately identified.
Source
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
MI: Oceana County toddler severely injured by St. Bernard
MI: Oceana County toddler severely injured by St. Bernard
by Local reports | The Muskegon Chronicle
Tuesday November 25, 2008, 11:03 PM
OCEANA COUNTY -- A Sunday dog-mauling that resulted in severe head injuries to a 13-month-old Hart-area boy remains under investigation by the Oceana County Sheriff's Department. Lt. Tim Priese identified the victim as Gabriel Hambright, the son of Bradley and Tabitha Hambright. He said the baby was mauled by a St. Bernard that once belonged to his family.
Priese said the baby "has a broken jaw, a fractured skull and obvious puncture and tear wounds to the head." The boy was transferred to Grand Rapids' DeVos Children's Hospital from Mercy Health Partners Lakeshore Campus in Shelby. The Grand Rapids hospital would not release information about the child's condition Tuesday evening.
Priese said the incident occurred Sunday evening. The baby had been taken to visit a hunting camp in Crystal Township, he said. After the mauling, the baby was driven to the hospital in Shelby by private vehicle. The Department of Human Services notified the sheriff's department of the incident on Monday.
Source
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MI: Dog-mauling case heads to prosecutor's office
by Lisa Medendorp | The Muskegon Chronicle
Wednesday December 03, 2008, 11:30 PM
OCEANA COUNTY -- A police report of the Nov. 23 dog-mauling of a 13-month-old Hart-area boy will be reviewed by the Oceana County Prosecutor's Office. Prosecutor Terry Shaw said a copy of the report already has been forwarded to the Department of Human Services. DHS is continuing to work with the family of Gabriel Hambright, who was injured when he was attacked by a St. Bernard, according to Sheriff's Lt. Tim Priese.
The son of Bradley and Tabitha Hamright was injured inside a "shack" at a hunting camp, 2222 E. Jackson, in Crystal Township, police said. His parents and the dog owner were present at the time of the attack. They heard a noise and then saw the dog with the child's head in its mouth, Priese said. They grabbed the dog and forced it to release the boy.
The dog had once belonged to the Hambrights, but had been given to its present owner because it previously snapped at the child, Priese said. The current dog owner lives at the camp.
The victim was driven to Mercy Health Partners Lakeshore Campus in Shelby by a private vehicle. He then was transferred to DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids and was released last weekend to his parents.
Police said the boy suffered a broken jaw and a skull fracture, along with puncture and tear wounds. In addition to determining whether criminal charges could be appropriate, the prosecutor also will be deciding what to do with the dog. The animal remains quarantined at the Oceana County Animal Shelter.
It could be returned to the animal's owner, who is only identified as "P.J." in a police report. Or, the owner could be asked to consent to the destruction of the dog. If consent is not given, the next step would be a hearing in 78th District Court.
Source
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No criminal charges filed in dog mauling case
Thursday, January 15, 2009
By Lisa Medendorp
lmedendorp@muskegonchronicle.com
OCEANA COUNTY -- The Oceana County Prosecutor's Office said Wednesday that no criminal charges will be filed in connection with the mauling of a Hart-area toddler by a St. Bernard dog. Gabriel Hambright, then 13 months, was seriously injured during the Nov. 23 incident at a hunting camp at 2222 E. Jackson in Crystal Township.
The son of Bradley and Tabitha Hambright suffered injuries that included a broken jaw and a fractured skull as well as puncture wounds, according to the Oceana County Sheriff's Department. He was transferred from the hospital in Shelby to DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids. He spent several days in the hospital before being released to his parents.
The sheriff's department turned its reports of the incident over to the prosecutor's office for review in early December. Medical records also were reviewed prior to making a decision. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Bizon said Wednesday there was not enough evidence to file criminal charges. "Certainly there is concern over the exposure of this child to this dog," he said, "but we cannot prove the dog was a prior risk."
The child remains at home and the Department of Human Services continues to work with the family on parenting issues, Bizon said. "I am told the child is doing very well," he said, adding that he had received an update.
"As near as we can tell, the parents were visiting a friend, and the next thing anyone knew, the dog had bitten the child," Bizon said. "The dog had hold of the child's head, causing serious injuries." Bizon said authorities cannot prove that a crime occurred. "Certainly there is concern over the exposure of this child to this dog," he said, "but we cannot prove the dog was a prior risk."
The child remains at home and the Department of Human Services continues to work with the family on parenting issues, Bizon said. "I am told the child is doing very well," he said, adding that he had received an update Wednesday.
At first, it was believed the dog had been given to the Hambrights' friend who was staying at the camp, but authorities later determined the animal belonged to the Hambrights, Prosecutor Terry Shaw said earlier. The Hambrights voluntarily relinquished ownership of the dog and it has since been destroyed, Shaw said.
Source
by Local reports | The Muskegon Chronicle
Tuesday November 25, 2008, 11:03 PM
OCEANA COUNTY -- A Sunday dog-mauling that resulted in severe head injuries to a 13-month-old Hart-area boy remains under investigation by the Oceana County Sheriff's Department. Lt. Tim Priese identified the victim as Gabriel Hambright, the son of Bradley and Tabitha Hambright. He said the baby was mauled by a St. Bernard that once belonged to his family.
Priese said the baby "has a broken jaw, a fractured skull and obvious puncture and tear wounds to the head." The boy was transferred to Grand Rapids' DeVos Children's Hospital from Mercy Health Partners Lakeshore Campus in Shelby. The Grand Rapids hospital would not release information about the child's condition Tuesday evening.
Priese said the incident occurred Sunday evening. The baby had been taken to visit a hunting camp in Crystal Township, he said. After the mauling, the baby was driven to the hospital in Shelby by private vehicle. The Department of Human Services notified the sheriff's department of the incident on Monday.
Source
MI: Dog-mauling case heads to prosecutor's office
by Lisa Medendorp | The Muskegon Chronicle
Wednesday December 03, 2008, 11:30 PM
OCEANA COUNTY -- A police report of the Nov. 23 dog-mauling of a 13-month-old Hart-area boy will be reviewed by the Oceana County Prosecutor's Office. Prosecutor Terry Shaw said a copy of the report already has been forwarded to the Department of Human Services. DHS is continuing to work with the family of Gabriel Hambright, who was injured when he was attacked by a St. Bernard, according to Sheriff's Lt. Tim Priese.
The son of Bradley and Tabitha Hamright was injured inside a "shack" at a hunting camp, 2222 E. Jackson, in Crystal Township, police said. His parents and the dog owner were present at the time of the attack. They heard a noise and then saw the dog with the child's head in its mouth, Priese said. They grabbed the dog and forced it to release the boy.
The dog had once belonged to the Hambrights, but had been given to its present owner because it previously snapped at the child, Priese said. The current dog owner lives at the camp.
The victim was driven to Mercy Health Partners Lakeshore Campus in Shelby by a private vehicle. He then was transferred to DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids and was released last weekend to his parents.
Police said the boy suffered a broken jaw and a skull fracture, along with puncture and tear wounds. In addition to determining whether criminal charges could be appropriate, the prosecutor also will be deciding what to do with the dog. The animal remains quarantined at the Oceana County Animal Shelter.
It could be returned to the animal's owner, who is only identified as "P.J." in a police report. Or, the owner could be asked to consent to the destruction of the dog. If consent is not given, the next step would be a hearing in 78th District Court.
Source
No criminal charges filed in dog mauling case
Thursday, January 15, 2009
By Lisa Medendorp
lmedendorp@muskegonchronicle.com
OCEANA COUNTY -- The Oceana County Prosecutor's Office said Wednesday that no criminal charges will be filed in connection with the mauling of a Hart-area toddler by a St. Bernard dog. Gabriel Hambright, then 13 months, was seriously injured during the Nov. 23 incident at a hunting camp at 2222 E. Jackson in Crystal Township.
The son of Bradley and Tabitha Hambright suffered injuries that included a broken jaw and a fractured skull as well as puncture wounds, according to the Oceana County Sheriff's Department. He was transferred from the hospital in Shelby to DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids. He spent several days in the hospital before being released to his parents.
The sheriff's department turned its reports of the incident over to the prosecutor's office for review in early December. Medical records also were reviewed prior to making a decision. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Bizon said Wednesday there was not enough evidence to file criminal charges. "Certainly there is concern over the exposure of this child to this dog," he said, "but we cannot prove the dog was a prior risk."
The child remains at home and the Department of Human Services continues to work with the family on parenting issues, Bizon said. "I am told the child is doing very well," he said, adding that he had received an update.
"As near as we can tell, the parents were visiting a friend, and the next thing anyone knew, the dog had bitten the child," Bizon said. "The dog had hold of the child's head, causing serious injuries." Bizon said authorities cannot prove that a crime occurred. "Certainly there is concern over the exposure of this child to this dog," he said, "but we cannot prove the dog was a prior risk."
The child remains at home and the Department of Human Services continues to work with the family on parenting issues, Bizon said. "I am told the child is doing very well," he said, adding that he had received an update Wednesday.
At first, it was believed the dog had been given to the Hambrights' friend who was staying at the camp, but authorities later determined the animal belonged to the Hambrights, Prosecutor Terry Shaw said earlier. The Hambrights voluntarily relinquished ownership of the dog and it has since been destroyed, Shaw said.
Source
Thursday, November 13, 2008
OK: Dog Attack Injures Ardmore Toddler
Girl, 2, Mauled By Family's Pet Pit Bull
POSTED: 10:30 pm CST November 13, 2008
UPDATED: 10:35 pm CST November 13, 2008
ARDMORE, Okla. -- A 2-year-old Ardmore girl is in an Oklahoma City hospital after being attacked by the family's pit bull. Officers said the dog was a pet and has never shown signs of aggression before in the five years the family has owned it. They have removed the animal from the family.
The attack happened inside an RV trailer where the family was living.
The girl was taken to a hospital with several facial injuries, emergency workers said.
Source
POSTED: 10:30 pm CST November 13, 2008
UPDATED: 10:35 pm CST November 13, 2008
ARDMORE, Okla. -- A 2-year-old Ardmore girl is in an Oklahoma City hospital after being attacked by the family's pit bull. Officers said the dog was a pet and has never shown signs of aggression before in the five years the family has owned it. They have removed the animal from the family.
The attack happened inside an RV trailer where the family was living.
The girl was taken to a hospital with several facial injuries, emergency workers said.
Source
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
TX: Police seeking help is dog attack case
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
By David Rupkalvis, editor@grahamleader.com
A Graham man is recovering after being attacked by a pair of pit bulls Sunday. Graham Animal Control Officer Kim Mills said Tommy Lovell suffered bites to his arms and legs after the dogs left the back of a pickup truck and attacked Lovell in the Wal-Mart parking lot between 6 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
Mills said Lovell walked from his home to Wal-Mart and was heading home when he passed the pickup with the dogs in the back. “He said, ‘Hey puppy, what are you doing?’ Next thing he knows, the white one jumped out and attacked him,” Mills said. “Then the other one attacked him.”
Mills said the dogs ripped large chunks of flesh off Levell and were going for his throat. “The two pit bulls tore a hunk out of his arm and a hunk out if his leg,” Mills said. “He had 20 stitches in his leg.”
As Lovell was trying to fight the dogs off, a motorist drove up, honked his horns and yelled for Lovell to get in the back of his truck. Before Lovell could do so, the dogs jumped back into the truck they were in.
Lovell then went home. When he got home, he realized how serious the injuries were and went to Graham Regional Medical Center. The hospital called police after seeing the injuries. Mills said by the time she heard about the attack, the dogs were long gone, and she had no idea what dogs had bitten the man. The answer to that question came Monday. “The owner came forward and called me and told me his dogs were the ones that attacked somebody,” Mills said.
While the owner admitted his dogs were involved, he said he doubted that the dogs were not provoked. Mills said there was a puppy in the truck. To find out exactly what happened, Mills watched the video surveillance tapes from Wal-Mart. She is also looking for witnesses, especially the man who stopped and helped Lovell.
“I just want witnesses to what happened,” she said. “I need anybody that saw what happened, anybody.” Anyone who was in the Wal-Mart parking lot and saw the attack is asked to call Mills at (940) 549-6441.
Source
By David Rupkalvis, editor@grahamleader.com
A Graham man is recovering after being attacked by a pair of pit bulls Sunday. Graham Animal Control Officer Kim Mills said Tommy Lovell suffered bites to his arms and legs after the dogs left the back of a pickup truck and attacked Lovell in the Wal-Mart parking lot between 6 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
Mills said Lovell walked from his home to Wal-Mart and was heading home when he passed the pickup with the dogs in the back. “He said, ‘Hey puppy, what are you doing?’ Next thing he knows, the white one jumped out and attacked him,” Mills said. “Then the other one attacked him.”
Mills said the dogs ripped large chunks of flesh off Levell and were going for his throat. “The two pit bulls tore a hunk out of his arm and a hunk out if his leg,” Mills said. “He had 20 stitches in his leg.”
As Lovell was trying to fight the dogs off, a motorist drove up, honked his horns and yelled for Lovell to get in the back of his truck. Before Lovell could do so, the dogs jumped back into the truck they were in.
Lovell then went home. When he got home, he realized how serious the injuries were and went to Graham Regional Medical Center. The hospital called police after seeing the injuries. Mills said by the time she heard about the attack, the dogs were long gone, and she had no idea what dogs had bitten the man. The answer to that question came Monday. “The owner came forward and called me and told me his dogs were the ones that attacked somebody,” Mills said.
While the owner admitted his dogs were involved, he said he doubted that the dogs were not provoked. Mills said there was a puppy in the truck. To find out exactly what happened, Mills watched the video surveillance tapes from Wal-Mart. She is also looking for witnesses, especially the man who stopped and helped Lovell.
“I just want witnesses to what happened,” she said. “I need anybody that saw what happened, anybody.” Anyone who was in the Wal-Mart parking lot and saw the attack is asked to call Mills at (940) 549-6441.
Source
Saturday, November 8, 2008
CO: 5-year-old recovering from dog bite at PetSmart
written by: Colleen Locke
November 8, 2008
DENVER --Lauren Sampson's family says they never imagined something like this ever happening. The 5-year-old was bit by a bulldog while she and her family shopped at PetSmart. It happened Oct. 28 at the store located at 2780 S. Colorado Blvd.
The dog, Nemo, was on its leash and by its owner's side when it grabbed Sampson. Our partners at the Denver Post report Nemo was taken to the Denver Municipal Animal Shelter and quarantined for 10 days.
Sampson, who celebrated her fifth birthday Saturday, underwent surgery at Denver Health Medical Center. She was released from the hospital Friday.
Nemo's owner, Amy Powell, tells 9NEWS she is horrified by what happened and sends her deepest apologies to Lauren and her family. Powell says her family had adopted the dog from a reputable California shelter the day before the attack. She says the dog had no prior history of being aggressive and was in a home with children before being adopted. The dog was sent back to that shelter Saturday.
The Post reports Powell was cited for a misdemeanor charge and faces a possible $1,000 fine and a year in jail.
A spokesperson with PetSmart told 9NEWS Saturday, "We are very saddened by what happened. It is a very rare occurrence." The spokesperson says the store trains all of its employees to recognize aggressive animals to help prevent things like this from happening.
(Copyright KUSA*TV, All Rights Reserved)
Source
November 8, 2008
DENVER --Lauren Sampson's family says they never imagined something like this ever happening. The 5-year-old was bit by a bulldog while she and her family shopped at PetSmart. It happened Oct. 28 at the store located at 2780 S. Colorado Blvd.
The dog, Nemo, was on its leash and by its owner's side when it grabbed Sampson. Our partners at the Denver Post report Nemo was taken to the Denver Municipal Animal Shelter and quarantined for 10 days.
Sampson, who celebrated her fifth birthday Saturday, underwent surgery at Denver Health Medical Center. She was released from the hospital Friday.
Nemo's owner, Amy Powell, tells 9NEWS she is horrified by what happened and sends her deepest apologies to Lauren and her family. Powell says her family had adopted the dog from a reputable California shelter the day before the attack. She says the dog had no prior history of being aggressive and was in a home with children before being adopted. The dog was sent back to that shelter Saturday.
The Post reports Powell was cited for a misdemeanor charge and faces a possible $1,000 fine and a year in jail.
A spokesperson with PetSmart told 9NEWS Saturday, "We are very saddened by what happened. It is a very rare occurrence." The spokesperson says the store trains all of its employees to recognize aggressive animals to help prevent things like this from happening.
(Copyright KUSA*TV, All Rights Reserved)
Source
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
AZ: Police shoot, kill dogs as they maul Phoenix city worker
AZ: Police shoot, kill dogs as they maul Phoenix city worker
Reported by: Tim Vetscher
Email: tvetscher@abc15.com
Last Update: 10/01 10:35 pm
PHOENIX, AZ. -- A Phoenix police officer shot and killed two dogs as they attacked a city employee in a Phoenix park Tuesday, according to a police news release. A passerby called 9-1-1 at about 9:30 a.m. as the 42-year-old victim was attacked by the American bulldogs..
"As I approached him, the dogs were yanking on him really hard and he woke up, he wasn't dead," said passerby Sam Nasser. "I was on the phone with 9-1-1 and said 'get someone here now.'"
Arriving officers found Carl Corona, a City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department employee, being dragged by the dogs at a park near 35th and Northern avenues. "It's a horrible situation," said Detective Tony Morales with the Phoenix Police Department. "Dogs can be extremely vicious. These are large American Bulldogs."
Corona was taken to John C. Lincoln Hospital in serious condition. According to the City of Phoenix, Corona underwent surgery on Tuesday and will have another surgery on Wednesday afternoon. His condition is stable.
The dogs, a male and female according to police, were attacking Corona's arm when officers shot and killed both dogs, authorities said. "The police showed up, piled out of the car and like wild west cowboys killed the two dogs quick as can be," said Nasser.
Nasser said the sight of the dogs tearing at Corona's arm was one of the most horrible things he's ever seen. "His right arm was shredded, shredded to the bone," said Nasser. "It was just not a nice thing to see. I'm glad there were no little kids around."
Investigators determined the dogs escaped from a nearby yard. Police believe someone doing landscaping in the area possibly spooked the dogs causing them to force open a gate and break free. "They would have killed him," added Nasser. "He was within a half hour of being dead anyway. Just a gruesome scene, a very gruesome scene."
Source
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
AZ: 9-1-1 tapes: Brutal dog mauling of city worker
09:47 PM Mountain Standard Time on Thursday, December 4, 2008
PHOENIX -- "911 where is your emergency?" Caller: "There's a dead man in the park near 31st avenue and Belmont." Sam Nasser called 9-1-1 as he witnessed two dogs drag what appeared to be the body of a dead city worker through a park last September.
911 dispatcher: "ok are you sure he's dead?" Caller: "yes"
But that worker - Carl Corona - was not dead. Despite laying face down in a pool of water surrounded by his shredded clothes. 911 dispatcher: "does he have any clothing on?" Caller: "no, just shoes" Two American bulldogs continued attacking Corona throughout the entire phone call. Caller: "they've got his arm shredded to the bone. They are just tearing him up" 911 dispatcher: "I've got officers coming just don't hang up on me."
When officers arrived at the scene, the dogs turned on them - and they were forced to take lethal action.
Corona was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but survived the attack. None of the officers were hurt.
Source (with video)
Reported by: Tim Vetscher
Email: tvetscher@abc15.com
Last Update: 10/01 10:35 pm
PHOENIX, AZ. -- A Phoenix police officer shot and killed two dogs as they attacked a city employee in a Phoenix park Tuesday, according to a police news release. A passerby called 9-1-1 at about 9:30 a.m. as the 42-year-old victim was attacked by the American bulldogs..
"As I approached him, the dogs were yanking on him really hard and he woke up, he wasn't dead," said passerby Sam Nasser. "I was on the phone with 9-1-1 and said 'get someone here now.'"
Arriving officers found Carl Corona, a City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department employee, being dragged by the dogs at a park near 35th and Northern avenues. "It's a horrible situation," said Detective Tony Morales with the Phoenix Police Department. "Dogs can be extremely vicious. These are large American Bulldogs."
Corona was taken to John C. Lincoln Hospital in serious condition. According to the City of Phoenix, Corona underwent surgery on Tuesday and will have another surgery on Wednesday afternoon. His condition is stable.
The dogs, a male and female according to police, were attacking Corona's arm when officers shot and killed both dogs, authorities said. "The police showed up, piled out of the car and like wild west cowboys killed the two dogs quick as can be," said Nasser.
Nasser said the sight of the dogs tearing at Corona's arm was one of the most horrible things he's ever seen. "His right arm was shredded, shredded to the bone," said Nasser. "It was just not a nice thing to see. I'm glad there were no little kids around."
Investigators determined the dogs escaped from a nearby yard. Police believe someone doing landscaping in the area possibly spooked the dogs causing them to force open a gate and break free. "They would have killed him," added Nasser. "He was within a half hour of being dead anyway. Just a gruesome scene, a very gruesome scene."
Source
AZ: 9-1-1 tapes: Brutal dog mauling of city worker
09:47 PM Mountain Standard Time on Thursday, December 4, 2008
PHOENIX -- "911 where is your emergency?" Caller: "There's a dead man in the park near 31st avenue and Belmont." Sam Nasser called 9-1-1 as he witnessed two dogs drag what appeared to be the body of a dead city worker through a park last September.
911 dispatcher: "ok are you sure he's dead?" Caller: "yes"
But that worker - Carl Corona - was not dead. Despite laying face down in a pool of water surrounded by his shredded clothes. 911 dispatcher: "does he have any clothing on?" Caller: "no, just shoes" Two American bulldogs continued attacking Corona throughout the entire phone call. Caller: "they've got his arm shredded to the bone. They are just tearing him up" 911 dispatcher: "I've got officers coming just don't hang up on me."
When officers arrived at the scene, the dogs turned on them - and they were forced to take lethal action.
Corona was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but survived the attack. None of the officers were hurt.
Source (with video)
Friday, June 27, 2008
NE: Dog's Owner Asks Forgiveness - Charlotte Blevins Still Hospitalized
POSTED: 11:07 am CDT June 27, 2008
UPDATED: 5:00 pm CDT June 27, 2008
OMAHA, Neb. -- A woman whose pit bill attacked a toddler on Wednesday said she is asking for forgiveness from the girl's parents.
Parents Talk About Injury - Wendy and Aaron Blevins said they are coping as best they can. On Wednesday, their 15-month-old daughter, Charlotte, was attacked by a pit bull and nearly scalped. "My husband made fun of me in a nice way," Wendy Blevins said on Friday. "He goes, 'You're like a parrot. You just keep talking.' I said, 'I have to. If I don't, I see my daughter's head and I can't do that because she's going to be OK.'"
On Wednesday afternoon, Charlotte was riding in a wagon her mother was pulling when a pit bull came out of its collar and attacked the girl. Tina Agerson, the dog's owner, was ticketed. Agerson said her dog was friendly, and she was shocked by his action. She said he's been destroyed and she's reaching out to the Blevins, hoping for forgiveness.
"It was a tragedy -- a freak accident," Agerson told KETV NewsWatch 7 on Friday. "I take full responsibility for what happened to the little girl and the other family members."
Wendy Blevins, 29, said she and her friend, Carley, were walking with their toddlers. "We just put the kids in the wagon and were going for a walk. We saw the lady with her dog and we stopped," Wendy Blevins said. All four walkers were hurt, but Charlotte suffered the worst injuries. "I watched her -- my daughter -- get scalped, basically," Wendy Blevins said through tears.
Charlotte underwent surgery to reattach her scalp at Creighton University Medical Center. The surgeon who stitched the girl up, Dr. Amardip Bhuller, said one-third of her scalp is missing and the injury cut through several layers of the scalp. She was in surgery for two to three hours on Wednesday.
The Blevins said they have heard from Agerson. "We're just trying to sort out our thoughts and feelings," Aaron Blevins said.
The doctor said the reattached scalp only covers about 80 percent of the injury. Doctors will wait to see if Charlotte's body accepts the new skin and watch for infection, which is a higher risk with dog bites. Bhuller said a second surgery is scheduled for Monday. Over the long term, Charlotte faces many surgeries to expand her scalp where she was injured. "I think we have several years of surgery to expand the scalp to cover where this injury is. The idea is to get her where hair is growing," Bhuller said. The doctor said he hopes to have the process complete before Charlotte starts school.
First National Bank and US Bank are accepting donations for the Blevins family.
Copyright 2008 by KETV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Source
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NE: Sentencing Delayed in Dog Attack Case
Posted: 6:17 PM Dec 4, 2008
Last Updated: 6:21 PM Dec 4, 2008
A two-year-old heartland girl continues to recover -- but the court case surrounding a terrible dog attack drags on. Tina Agerson was to be sentenced Thursday - it was her dog that ripped Charlotte Blevin's scalp from her head. But the sentencing has been delayed. Confusion - and a last minute switch in judges meant Tina Agerson had to keep walking past television cameras. It's the kind of attention she doesn't like - but it's the place Agerson's found herself ever since her pit bull duke mauled Charlotte Blevins this past June.
“My daughter is doing great. She’s doing really good, thank you,” said Charlotte’s mother, Wendy Blevins. The two week delay also means Blevins has to wait a little longer to find out Agerson's punishment for harboring a dangerous animal and possession of a menacing animal - the charges Agerson plead "no contest" to back in September.
Blevins wants to ensure no other heartland family has to go through this - she's asking the judge to keep Agerson away from dogs for 10 years. Blevins said, “If Duke was raised a certain way then process of elimination, then I’m sure the other dogs in her care probably would be raised the same way and I don’t think it’s healthy for the dog and puts other people at risk.”
Blevins knows all too well the tremendous amount of damage that a dog can do in just seconds. She's also discovering the resiliency of her daughter Charlotte. “Aside from the big scar on the back of her head,” said Blevins, “she’s amazing; she’s almost two now so she’s turning into the ‘terrible twos.’ It’s a good and bad thing at the same time. She’s going great.”
Source
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Omaha pit bull owner going to jail
Associated Press - December 18, 2008 4:25 PM ET
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The woman whose dog attacked and nearly scalped a 15-month-old girl has been sentenced to 275 days in jail. Tina Agerson was sentenced Thursday in a Douglas County court for harboring a dangerous animal and is set to report to jail on Jan. 5. She has pleaded no contest to the charge and others in September.
Police say Agerson's dog slipped his leash in June and attacked two toddlers and the mother of 1 of the children. One child, Charlotte Blevins, lost part of her scalp during the attack. The girl has had several reconstructive surgeries since then, and her mother has said the girl is facing more than $100,000 in medical bills.
Agerson had faced up to six months in jail.
Information from: KETV-TV, http://www.ketv.com
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Source
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Dangerous Animal Sentence Headed to jail
Posted: 4:20 PM Dec 18, 2008
Last Updated: 4:20 PM Dec 18, 2008
Reporter: Gary Smollen
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com
Judge Greg McDermott summed the case up in one phrase, "This is the one of the most vicious, if not the most vicious attacks in Omaha, and we cannot take it lightly. He then sentenced Tina Agerson to 275 days in jail, her sentence starts January 5th.
Charlotte Blevins still has the scars from the attack, probably always will, but doctors want to try and restore as much of her scalp as possible, so they're going to stretch it, and re-attach it to her skull.
Wendy Blevins says, "Sometime after her 2nd birthday which is in March to have some more surgeries to basically expand her scalp, her skin and stretch everything."
While Charlotte faces the physical challenges, her mother Wendy is coping with the psychological. Ever since the attack on her daughter, Wendy says she has a difficult time being around dogs. Wendy Blevins says, "I always feel like I have to have an escape route, I can't go into PETCO any more just because I feel like I'm trapped in the store with dogs and I don't feel like I can get out."
Tina Agerson may feel the same way about cameras and reporters, since the day of the attack, and every court date after, the cameras were rolling on Agerson. Her attorney believes the coverage hurt his client, portrayed her as uncaring or unsympathetic. Jeff Courtney says, "Miss Agerson was the first one to realize the tragic circumstances surrounding this case and the second thing is she did not raise the dog to be a cruel animal."
Duke was destroyed right after the attack, what hurt Agerson may have been that she soon got a second dog, his name, Little Duke. Little Duke is actually a German Shepard, Agerson has since given him away.
Sentenced to 275 days, with good time Agerson should be out of jail the first week in August, 2009.
Source
UPDATED: 5:00 pm CDT June 27, 2008
OMAHA, Neb. -- A woman whose pit bill attacked a toddler on Wednesday said she is asking for forgiveness from the girl's parents.
Parents Talk About Injury - Wendy and Aaron Blevins said they are coping as best they can. On Wednesday, their 15-month-old daughter, Charlotte, was attacked by a pit bull and nearly scalped. "My husband made fun of me in a nice way," Wendy Blevins said on Friday. "He goes, 'You're like a parrot. You just keep talking.' I said, 'I have to. If I don't, I see my daughter's head and I can't do that because she's going to be OK.'"
On Wednesday afternoon, Charlotte was riding in a wagon her mother was pulling when a pit bull came out of its collar and attacked the girl. Tina Agerson, the dog's owner, was ticketed. Agerson said her dog was friendly, and she was shocked by his action. She said he's been destroyed and she's reaching out to the Blevins, hoping for forgiveness.
"It was a tragedy -- a freak accident," Agerson told KETV NewsWatch 7 on Friday. "I take full responsibility for what happened to the little girl and the other family members."
Wendy Blevins, 29, said she and her friend, Carley, were walking with their toddlers. "We just put the kids in the wagon and were going for a walk. We saw the lady with her dog and we stopped," Wendy Blevins said. All four walkers were hurt, but Charlotte suffered the worst injuries. "I watched her -- my daughter -- get scalped, basically," Wendy Blevins said through tears.
Charlotte underwent surgery to reattach her scalp at Creighton University Medical Center. The surgeon who stitched the girl up, Dr. Amardip Bhuller, said one-third of her scalp is missing and the injury cut through several layers of the scalp. She was in surgery for two to three hours on Wednesday.
The Blevins said they have heard from Agerson. "We're just trying to sort out our thoughts and feelings," Aaron Blevins said.
The doctor said the reattached scalp only covers about 80 percent of the injury. Doctors will wait to see if Charlotte's body accepts the new skin and watch for infection, which is a higher risk with dog bites. Bhuller said a second surgery is scheduled for Monday. Over the long term, Charlotte faces many surgeries to expand her scalp where she was injured. "I think we have several years of surgery to expand the scalp to cover where this injury is. The idea is to get her where hair is growing," Bhuller said. The doctor said he hopes to have the process complete before Charlotte starts school.
First National Bank and US Bank are accepting donations for the Blevins family.
Copyright 2008 by KETV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Source
NE: Sentencing Delayed in Dog Attack Case
Posted: 6:17 PM Dec 4, 2008
Last Updated: 6:21 PM Dec 4, 2008
A two-year-old heartland girl continues to recover -- but the court case surrounding a terrible dog attack drags on. Tina Agerson was to be sentenced Thursday - it was her dog that ripped Charlotte Blevin's scalp from her head. But the sentencing has been delayed. Confusion - and a last minute switch in judges meant Tina Agerson had to keep walking past television cameras. It's the kind of attention she doesn't like - but it's the place Agerson's found herself ever since her pit bull duke mauled Charlotte Blevins this past June.
“My daughter is doing great. She’s doing really good, thank you,” said Charlotte’s mother, Wendy Blevins. The two week delay also means Blevins has to wait a little longer to find out Agerson's punishment for harboring a dangerous animal and possession of a menacing animal - the charges Agerson plead "no contest" to back in September.
Blevins wants to ensure no other heartland family has to go through this - she's asking the judge to keep Agerson away from dogs for 10 years. Blevins said, “If Duke was raised a certain way then process of elimination, then I’m sure the other dogs in her care probably would be raised the same way and I don’t think it’s healthy for the dog and puts other people at risk.”
Blevins knows all too well the tremendous amount of damage that a dog can do in just seconds. She's also discovering the resiliency of her daughter Charlotte. “Aside from the big scar on the back of her head,” said Blevins, “she’s amazing; she’s almost two now so she’s turning into the ‘terrible twos.’ It’s a good and bad thing at the same time. She’s going great.”
Source
Omaha pit bull owner going to jail
Associated Press - December 18, 2008 4:25 PM ET
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The woman whose dog attacked and nearly scalped a 15-month-old girl has been sentenced to 275 days in jail. Tina Agerson was sentenced Thursday in a Douglas County court for harboring a dangerous animal and is set to report to jail on Jan. 5. She has pleaded no contest to the charge and others in September.
Police say Agerson's dog slipped his leash in June and attacked two toddlers and the mother of 1 of the children. One child, Charlotte Blevins, lost part of her scalp during the attack. The girl has had several reconstructive surgeries since then, and her mother has said the girl is facing more than $100,000 in medical bills.
Agerson had faced up to six months in jail.
Information from: KETV-TV, http://www.ketv.com
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Source
Dangerous Animal Sentence Headed to jail
Posted: 4:20 PM Dec 18, 2008
Last Updated: 4:20 PM Dec 18, 2008
Reporter: Gary Smollen
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com
Judge Greg McDermott summed the case up in one phrase, "This is the one of the most vicious, if not the most vicious attacks in Omaha, and we cannot take it lightly. He then sentenced Tina Agerson to 275 days in jail, her sentence starts January 5th.
Charlotte Blevins still has the scars from the attack, probably always will, but doctors want to try and restore as much of her scalp as possible, so they're going to stretch it, and re-attach it to her skull.
Wendy Blevins says, "Sometime after her 2nd birthday which is in March to have some more surgeries to basically expand her scalp, her skin and stretch everything."
While Charlotte faces the physical challenges, her mother Wendy is coping with the psychological. Ever since the attack on her daughter, Wendy says she has a difficult time being around dogs. Wendy Blevins says, "I always feel like I have to have an escape route, I can't go into PETCO any more just because I feel like I'm trapped in the store with dogs and I don't feel like I can get out."
Tina Agerson may feel the same way about cameras and reporters, since the day of the attack, and every court date after, the cameras were rolling on Agerson. Her attorney believes the coverage hurt his client, portrayed her as uncaring or unsympathetic. Jeff Courtney says, "Miss Agerson was the first one to realize the tragic circumstances surrounding this case and the second thing is she did not raise the dog to be a cruel animal."
Duke was destroyed right after the attack, what hurt Agerson may have been that she soon got a second dog, his name, Little Duke. Little Duke is actually a German Shepard, Agerson has since given him away.
Sentenced to 275 days, with good time Agerson should be out of jail the first week in August, 2009.
Source
Thursday, April 17, 2008
AL: Brundidge Girl recovering from dog attack
AL: Brundidge Girl recovering from dog attack
Published Apr 17, 2008 - 22:03:53 CDT.
By JAINE TREADWELL, The Messenger
Katye Murphy, 10, is recovering from a vicious attack by a family pet, an 85-pound Rottweiler, on April 7 at her home in Brundidge.
Ken Andress, Katye's granddad and Troy animal control officer, said Katye went out to feed the dog as she had done many times before. "She walked in the pen and turned her back, maybe to close the gate, and, with no warning, the dog attacked her from behind," Andress said. " He knocked her down and chewed up her right ear and damaged it really bad. She had lacerations on her right shoulder, a puncture wound on her back, a three-inch cut on the back of her head and the thumb and forefinger on her left hand were torn."
Katye's sister, Sierra Murphy, 12, was in the yard and saw the attack and screamed for her mom and dad, Kim and Angus Murphy. "As soon as Angus ran in the pen, the dog stopped the attack," Andress said. "They didn't have any trouble getting him away from her."
Katye's injuries were extensive, taking 200 stitches to close. "We have no idea why the dog attacked Katye," Andress said. "They had had the dog named Rock, about a month and a half and he had never shown any signs of aggression. He was used to them coming in the pen to feed him. There was no indication that he would do anything like that. We just don't know why."
The Rotweiller had been at the Troy Animal Shelter for about two weeks when the Murphy family got him. "He had shown no signs of aggression there," Andress said. "You could pet him while he was eating. He never was aggressive in any way. If he had been, I would never have let them take him."
The Rotweiller was "put down" and tested for rabies. The test was negative.
Katye had the stitches removed on Wednesday and is doing well, her granddad said.
Source
Published Apr 17, 2008 - 22:03:53 CDT.
By JAINE TREADWELL, The Messenger
Katye Murphy, 10, is recovering from a vicious attack by a family pet, an 85-pound Rottweiler, on April 7 at her home in Brundidge.
Ken Andress, Katye's granddad and Troy animal control officer, said Katye went out to feed the dog as she had done many times before. "She walked in the pen and turned her back, maybe to close the gate, and, with no warning, the dog attacked her from behind," Andress said. " He knocked her down and chewed up her right ear and damaged it really bad. She had lacerations on her right shoulder, a puncture wound on her back, a three-inch cut on the back of her head and the thumb and forefinger on her left hand were torn."
Katye's sister, Sierra Murphy, 12, was in the yard and saw the attack and screamed for her mom and dad, Kim and Angus Murphy. "As soon as Angus ran in the pen, the dog stopped the attack," Andress said. "They didn't have any trouble getting him away from her."
Katye's injuries were extensive, taking 200 stitches to close. "We have no idea why the dog attacked Katye," Andress said. "They had had the dog named Rock, about a month and a half and he had never shown any signs of aggression. He was used to them coming in the pen to feed him. There was no indication that he would do anything like that. We just don't know why."
The Rotweiller had been at the Troy Animal Shelter for about two weeks when the Murphy family got him. "He had shown no signs of aggression there," Andress said. "You could pet him while he was eating. He never was aggressive in any way. If he had been, I would never have let them take him."
The Rotweiller was "put down" and tested for rabies. The test was negative.
Katye had the stitches removed on Wednesday and is doing well, her granddad said.
Source
Saturday, March 8, 2008
2007's Top 10 Biting Breeds - Florida
Saturday, March 8, 2008
2007's Top 10 Biting Breeds, Florida
Miami, FL - To reinforce the current debate regarding a Florida state proposed law to ban dangerous breeds, two counties have released dog bite data. What is important to remember when looking at dog bite statistics is to understand, What constitutes a bite?
Under most state law "one bite" is equivalent to breaking the skin and or, puncturing the skin. A single puncture wound from a terrier dog is statistically counted the same as a single pit bull attack, which may leave 50 puncture wounds and broken bones.
Though state laws define "severe injury" -- any physical injury that results in broken bones, multiple bites, or disfiguring lacerations requiring sutures or reconstructive surgery -- states do not track severe injury by breeds. Most states fail to track the number of bites that result in severe injury at all.
Miami Dade County Animal Control: 992 bites
Miami Dade County has had a pit bull ban in place for nearly 2 decades.
1. Terrier: 108
2. Labrador mix: 95
3. Shepherd mix: 90
4. Mixed breed: 81
5. German shepherd: 53
6. Chow mix: 50
7. Boxer: 39
8. Rottweiler: 33
9. Pit bull: 32
10. American bulldog: 30
Broward County Animal Control: 616 bites
Broward County does not have a pit bull ban.
1. Pit bull: 182
2. Labrador retriever: 50
3. German shepherd: 40
4. Rottweiler : 36
5. Shepherd: 29
6. Chow chow: 23
7. Bulldog: 17
8. Boxer: 14
9. Unknown (mixed): 14
10. Jack Russell Terrier: 13
Source
2007's Top 10 Biting Breeds, Florida
Miami, FL - To reinforce the current debate regarding a Florida state proposed law to ban dangerous breeds, two counties have released dog bite data. What is important to remember when looking at dog bite statistics is to understand, What constitutes a bite?
Under most state law "one bite" is equivalent to breaking the skin and or, puncturing the skin. A single puncture wound from a terrier dog is statistically counted the same as a single pit bull attack, which may leave 50 puncture wounds and broken bones.
Though state laws define "severe injury" -- any physical injury that results in broken bones, multiple bites, or disfiguring lacerations requiring sutures or reconstructive surgery -- states do not track severe injury by breeds. Most states fail to track the number of bites that result in severe injury at all.
Miami Dade County Animal Control: 992 bites
Miami Dade County has had a pit bull ban in place for nearly 2 decades.
1. Terrier: 108
2. Labrador mix: 95
3. Shepherd mix: 90
4. Mixed breed: 81
5. German shepherd: 53
6. Chow mix: 50
7. Boxer: 39
8. Rottweiler: 33
9. Pit bull: 32
10. American bulldog: 30
Broward County Animal Control: 616 bites
Broward County does not have a pit bull ban.
1. Pit bull: 182
2. Labrador retriever: 50
3. German shepherd: 40
4. Rottweiler : 36
5. Shepherd: 29
6. Chow chow: 23
7. Bulldog: 17
8. Boxer: 14
9. Unknown (mixed): 14
10. Jack Russell Terrier: 13
Source
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