Vinnie: In Memoriam

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Today my dog got mauled by three pit bulls in my own fenced back yard. This is the second time the pitties have entered my yard by barrelling under the fence. The first time was less than a month ago. On June 25th, I let my dogs out for their morning constitutional, a few moments later, the neighbor did the same with his dogs. One of his dogs just ran straight at the fence, crouched and came right through. He and my male dog engaged, by the time I got to them I thought it wasn't too bad, not like I feared. My dog had his dog by the ear and was keeping his body safe by pressing against the pit with all his strength. When the neighbor came over to break up the fight, his dog got away from him and pinned my dog briefly on the ground, I believe this is when my dog, Vinnie, got hurt. The neighbor quickly grabbed the dog off again. The pit suffered a small cut to his ear, my dog suffered several puncture wounds to his shoulders, requiring vet treatment.

I spoke with the neighbor about tying down the fence so it couldn't be gone under like that again, he said he would take care of it and we both agreed to make every effort to be sure the dogs weren't out at the same time. I paid my vet bills and thanked God my dog was alive.

Back to today. I looked out the back door to make sure the other dogs weren't out. I didn't see anyone or any dogs. I opened the door to let my dogs out, and followed them out. In an instant I knew I had screwed up, I saw the dogs running toward the fence. My first thought, thank God they can't come under it anymore. I was wrong. Without even slowing down, 3 pit bulls were in my yard, and one was on my dog. I screamed for the neighbor, she seemed freaked out and hesitated before finally coming over to help me. She and I are both trying to separate them, my dog has her dog's snout, I thought her dog had my dog's throat. We were unable to separate them. In the mean time, her other 2 pit bulls joined in the assault on my dog. My other 2 dogs did not engage, one stayed on the porch seeking safety(thank God) and the other followed us around the yard as we tried to get these three very large and unrelenting dogs off my dog. I got nipped as I tried to pull my dog away. After that point, he was on the bottom of the pile and I focused on trying to pull the pits off him. I was aware of my fingernails bending back beyond the quick as I tried to get a grip on thick pit bull flesh. The neighbor got bit, pretty bad, I heard her say "Oh my god, you bit momma" and I got a glimpse of insides coming out of her arm. We kept trying to break up this fight. I was screaming for help but no one was coming. Finally my neighbor brought a broom to the fence. I looked at her like she was from Mars - then it hit me - the broom is a weapon. I grabbed the broom and started hitting and hitting dog heads. Broke the broom into 3 peices. By that time, the same girl went to a male neighbor's house, and he braved his way into the yard, he began kicking and hitting dogs. I could see my dog giving up, he was in a fetal position, at one point I saw three dogs, each pulling on a different body part. I was sure he would be dead. Somehow, we managed to clear the way for him to limp up to the porch where my other 2 dogs were waiting by the door, and I was able to get them in.

I took Vinnie straight to the vet, he had flesh hanging off his bones. But he was able to walk. He has extensive injuries, a lot of flesh and muscle tissue is missing, he has quite a bit of nerve damage, his vein was exposed and the vet remarked that just a little deeper bite and he would have bled out before I could have gotten to the vet's office. He has since undergone surgery, he made it through. He has a long road of recovery, and is still not out of the woods completely.

In the meantime, Animal Control has visited with me and my neighbor. My dog is up to date on all shots, but still has to be quarantined for 10 days (which is ok because he needs to be at the Vet's that long at least) and also, my other 2 dogs who were not involved have to be quarantined here at my house. I've found out that the neighbor - who went to the emergency room for her wounds - filled out a police report saying that she was repeatedly bitten by MY dog. ACO told me that they(edit: they being the neighbors) have plans to press charges. I've been advised to go to the County Attorney with my side of the story and witness statements. What's notable is that I did not want to pursue court involvement, I only want the fence to be secured. I would never ask that dogs be put down, but it seems that with her great lie, she's putting my dog in that position.

The neighbors who came to my aid are encouraging me to take this to court, they want the neighbor's dogs out of our neighborhood.

I'm asking you guys and gals to please pray for the recovery of my Vinnie, and to offer any advice you think will help me as I defend my dog, my property and the safety of my neighborhood.

Dude, f*ck them being pitts, if you can't control your dogs, you don't get to have dogs.
SUE!

Yeah, the only reason I mention they are pits is just the sheer size and strength. My little guy is tough like a dingo, but he's no match.

Honestly, with your dog being mangled and her's not, and the prior history (I hope you kept the earlier vet bills, but the vet will have records) I think you can establish that her dogs were at fault. Get the guy who helped out to go make a statement, and good luck with the case. I suspect AC will be on your side.

Agreed. It's not about the dog breed at all; they can't control their dogs, and therefore, they're liable. Their dangerous and violent dogs got into your property. If you had shot every single one of them to defend yourself, your dog, and your property, you'd have been in the right. Stop what you're doing right now, write down everything you remember. Get to your neighbor's house, have them write down everything they remember. Call a lawyer. Right now. Do not wait as the more that time passes, the worse it will be. Every penny you pay to a lawyer, you'll get back as damages when you sue those assclowns. Just do it.

If your neighbors are encouraging you to take it to court, definitely get them to make statements and help you out in any way possible. You'll be better off if it's not just your word against the other dog owner. Combine that with the given breed of dog and the statistics involved and I'd say you should come through ok.

Either way, I hope Vinnie heals up ok and the court proceedings are as easy on you as possible.

Press charges? LOL Sue the holy f*ck out of them and the neighbor.
I'd talk to a lawyer now, and for gods sake don't talk to the police about until you have.
as for which dog bit her, sue her, get the ER records, that should be a decent indicator of the size of the dog that did the biting. As long as your dog isn't close to the pits size it should work out in your favor (I doubt your dog was attacking the owner and not the dogs actively attacking him, generally when attacked dogs go after the one doing the attacking not another random dog/person)

SillyRabbit wrote:

Without even slowing down, 3 pit bulls were in my yard, and one was on my dog.

Keeping the dogs in the her yard is her responsibility. In my opinion, she lost right here. Three of her dogs got into your yard and nearly killed your dog. There's no other way to interpret it since they entered your yard first.

SillyRabbit wrote:

I've found out that the neighbor - who went to the emergency room for her wounds - filled out a police report saying that she was repeatedly bitten by MY dog. ACO told me that they have plans to press charges. I've been advised to go to the County Attorney with my side of the story and witness statements. What's notable is that I did not want to pursue court involvement, I only want the fence to be secured. I would never ask that dogs be put down, but it seems that with her great lie, she's putting my dog in that position.

The neighbors who came to my aid are encouraging me to take this to court, they want the neighbor's dogs out of our neighborhood.

Her dogs have proven to be a threat to the community. She is incapable of controlling them or even keeping them on her own damn property. Add on top of that the bogus report which is putting your dog's life at risk, you should sue. Ask your neighbors to back you up. She is an irresponsible owner and doesn't deserve to keep her dogs.

Thanks guys, I'm doing all you've advised.

I've written out my complete report, I've asked my neighbors to do the same. They are in full cooperation. I expect to be at the County Atty's Office 5 min's before it opens on Monday (I called and he was not in the office today). I've told my story to everyone that would listen, including you guys, and thank you for that. I talked to the City Manager who gave me the direct line of the Chief of Police - he looked up the mandatory reporting of dog bites and this is where I learned what's in her police report. I'm going full steam ahead with this. I would ask that the dogs be sent to a PB rescue rather than put down, if it comes to that. I'm still really concerned about the possibility that they will succeed in branding my dog as vicious. I know he's not, and I know he didn't bite her. This will be what I have to defend.

I wish your poor dog the best, SR.

Sorry I have no legal advice to give, but I can't imagine anyone not finding your idiot neighbor responsible for everything, including getting bitten, even if you were the one who bit her yourself.

Edit: I do have one piece of legal advice -- do not take this legal situation lightly. It sucks but you have to aggressively react to this even though you're, well, in the right.

You showed remarkable restraint by just using a broom. You had every right to use more serious force. Your neighbor bears the responsibility here. By lying to the authorities, she has also thrown down the gauntlet. She is willing to do whatever it takes to cover her a$$ and those of her dogs. You should do the same. Make sure you consult an attorney before making a full statement to the police/animal control. Also consider:

1. Pit bulls have a reputation that is well-deserved. The breed is genetically engineered for aggression and combat. Different breeds have different traits. Berserker fury is theirs. Public opinion is on your side.

2. The dogs breached your perimeter and attacked your dogs. Self-defense.

3. You have multiple neighbors who agree with your position. Hopefully they are willing to follow through with formal statements with the authorities.

You win.

Best wishes on the recovery of your pup.

An attack with the described level of violence means that at the very least the pitbull that instigated this needs to be put down, and probably the others as well. The fact that the neighbor is morally unable to handle the responsibility of her dogs, as well as physically, seals the deal. Best of luck to your Vinnie. Are her dogs being quarantined as well?

You should put bear traps along the bottom of the fence. I'd imagine that would do the trick.

So sorry to hear this SR, but it sounds like you're taking the proper action. Be relentless.
Best wishes Vinnie's recovery.

Nosferatu wrote:
Heretk wrote:

You showed remarkable restraint by just using a broom. You had every right to use more serious force. Your neighbor bears the responsibility here. By lying to the authorities, she has also thrown down the gauntlet. She is willing to do whatever it takes to cover her a$$ and that of her dogs. You should do the same. Make sure you consult an attorney before making a full statement to the police/animal control. Also consider:

1. Pit bulls have a reputation that is well-deserved. The breed is genetically engineered for aggression and combat. Different breeds have different traits. Berserker fury is theirs. Public opinion is on your side.

2. The dogs breached your perimeter and attacked your dogs. Self-defense.

3. You have multiple neighbors who agree with your position. Hopefully they are willing to follow through with formal statements with the authorities.

You win.

Best wishes on the recovery of your pup.

I disagree with your first point for the most part, I've met many loving pitbulls. It's just that A-Holes think they are mean and aggressive and thus make them mean and aggressive dogs.

I appreciate your point. Nature versus nurture. I don't believe that pit bulls are not capable of affection or love. But I believe that they are more prone to such aforementioned behavior, much in the same way a wolf or coyote would not make a good pet. I knew a couple years back that had a acquired a wolf/German shepherd mix. He was huge, scary looking as all heck, and sweeter than all get out. But he also had the inclination to jump his fence and roam the neighborhood attacking other folks' dogs.

I've been around many pit bulls, and I know they can be loving. In this case, they have been used as breeders and the one that attacked both times was kept in an outside 4x4 kennel for months. I even took water to this dog on hot days when the owner wasn't around. He has since been replaced in the kennel by a massive and beautiful pittie that I'm thankful has never to this point come into my yard. I fear for the day that he's loose and able to barrel under the fence. He's *in the pen* in 24/7.
*edit

I've been told that pits are better kept singly, mixed with other dogs, not in a group. And this dog was not very well treated as part of the family. What came into my yard today was a pack of pit bulls. They never let up on my dog, even when he gave up.

NM not the time or place for that discussion.

This is just terrible and I sincerely hope your dog comes through okay.

Shoot the neighbor's dog when on your property. It was coming right at you. Maybe a sharpened entrenching tool if you dont have a firearm. It will cleave them in twain. Nothing other than a property issue and a mess. Then tell them to clean up their goddamn dead dog.

Seriously, though. Sounds like the asshole is gearing up for a court run. Most State's attorneys I know are decent sorts and don't want to get involved in this bull.

You should find a lawyer and sue. I like your case for damages; although pets are property, how about either intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress....

I applaud your decision to try and get the pits to a rescue. I don't know whether it was shear luck or I should credit the pits for not killing you. Even one out of control pit bull is deadly enough against humans.

I hope all turns out well for you SR!

fangblackbone wrote:

I don't know whether it was shear luck or I should credit the pits for not killing you.

I have been crediting the pits for not turning on me as I tried to bash their thick skulls in ... but they were relentless on my dog. So, there's that. They were certainly out to kill him, and damn near succeeded. Sheer luck came in on his part.

The first time, I might have separated them with a broom.

The second time, it would have been a sharpened E-tool.

It's very noble of you to try to get the dogs somewhere better. Unfortunately, that may not be the end result but it's worth trying for. I'd say you have it the situation very well covered. When I was much younger we had a similar situation happen. A dog in the neighborhood was used for fighting and got loose, ended up trying to attack me on my porch but my dog intercepted and ended up in bad shape before help arrived. I wish you and your dogs the best in this. As much is I feel for the other dogs, it's much better for the safety of the neighborhood.

I hope Vinnie recovers alright, my thoughts are with you. Having been in the middle of that sort of thing, your story was harrowing to read.

First, you showed a lot of guts running in to break up that fight and defend your dog. I've had to break up fights between our two boxers before, and the aggressiveness and energy are terrifying. I can't imagine charging towards three pit bulls that weren't my own; like boxers, those dogs are built to tussle.

Second, it's already been said and you're already on it: take the alleged lawsuit seriously. Talk to the lawyer as soon as possible, either the county one like you suggested or a private one for advice. Your neighbor may be freaked out that she had to go to the hospital and is scared of losing her own dogs, however poorly she controls them. Blaming the wounds on your dog is the easy way out for her. Be ready and take care of yourself and your dogs.

Good luck!

Paleocon wrote:

The first time, I might have separated them with a broom.

The second time, it would have been a sharpened E-tool.

I'm really starting to get this. If I could in some way take out the attacking dogs, I would have no qualms in a life or death situation. But, I would have to get them as they enter the yard, otherwise, the e-tool would likely get my dog too ... he's on the dirt beneath them. I need a protector with a steadier hand.

SillyRabbit wrote:
Paleocon wrote:

The first time, I might have separated them with a broom.

The second time, it would have been a sharpened E-tool.

I'm really starting to get this. If I could in some way take out the attacking dogs, I would have no qualms in a life or death situation. But, I would have to get them as they enter the yard, otherwise, the e-tool would likely get my dog too ... he's on the dirt beneath them. I need a protector with a steadier hand.

I guess you're right. The Ka-bar is probably the better tool for that job.

I've thought it before and I'll say it now, I need a neighbor like Paleocon. I'll tell ya though, the guy that showed up kicking and throwing dogs was no slouch. I owe Vinnie's life to him.

I don't know what a Ka-Bar is, but there's this

Sorry, I needed a little comic relief. Been a rough day.

SillyRabbit wrote:

I don't know what a Ka-Bar is, but there's this

Sorry, I needed a little comic relief. Been a rough day.

It's a USMC utility knife:

IMAGE(http://www.slygear.com/cgi-bin/image/templates/Ka-Bar1.jpg)

Only a trained hand should wield such a weapon. I would likely only hurt one of the dogs bad enough to make it attack me. The real question is, how do normal people protect their dog in a fight like that?

*hugs* The neighbor's dogs are dangerous. They repeatedly run thru a fence and attack your dogs. They have nipped you. It is not time to be nice, it is time to take action and have those dogs controlled or removed BEFORE they kill one of your pets or someone in the neighborhood. It sounds like there have been enough incidents with you and the other neighbors that you can prove your animals are not at fault.

To answer your question above, call animal control when the attack is happening. The best way to break up a fight is to grab the dogs by the hind end and pull them backwards, with a pit or any other fighting dog, it is a dangerous thing to get in the way.

SillyRabbit wrote:

Only a trained hand should wield such a weapon. I would likely only hurt one of the dogs bad enough to make it attack me. The real question is, how do normal people protect their dog in a fight like that?

Pepper spray is one option.

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