First... You may think it's cool to own a dog known for fighting ability. But ownership of such carries tremendous responsibilities. Unless you have an understanding of the breed, an ablilty to train such an animal, control over environment, and a good insurance policy, then don't even think about it.
Second, it's interesting to note the conflict instincts of animals, and compare them to human behavior. While there are differences, there are also remarkable similarities. I'm always fascinated by how much dog-like behavior is seen in prison populations, where rules of civilized society don't hold the same power.
And finally... Don't be stupid. Watch over your kids!!
- Bill
- nbc12.comPolice say Orange County boy fatally mauled by family dog
From NBC12 News
Monday, April 11, 2005
Investigators say they don't know what provoked a fatal attack on a four-year-old by his family's dog.
Orange County Sheriff CG Feldman says the child was attacked at about 5:00 pm Sunday in the Madison Run area just north of Gordonsville.
The Sheriff's Office says the boy was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released details, including names.
Feldman said there was no record of previous attacks by the animal, a Rottweiler-shepherd mix. He says the boy ''had grown up with the dog.''
The sheriff says animal control officials took the dog, which will likely be destroyed.
In neighboring Spotsylvania County, 82-year-old Dorothy Sullivan and her small dog, Buttons, was killed last month by several pit bulls that roamed in her neighborhood. A grand jury indicted the dog owner on an involuntary manslaughter charge in connection with the fatal mauling.
K-9 officer says children should not be alone with big dogs
The K-9 Unit Commander with the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office says this latest fatal dog mauling is an example of why large dogs should not be left alone with young children.
Sergeant Jim Bibbens says Rottweilers are pack dogs at heart. He says they use sight, touch, smell and body language and can misinterpret the actions of a child as being hostile.
Bibbens says even if the dog is part of a family, it ''still has a wolf mentality.''
Bibbens says there are many examples of family pets suddenly turning vicious. He says even highly trained police K-9 dogs are not left alone with children.
(c) 2005. The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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