This evening I was relaxing, scrolling through the news online and checking out dog pictures and videos on social media, when I came across a story that just made my blood run cold. It was posted by an acquaintance who lives one town away from me, and detailed how her husband had gone out that morning for a jog with their Australian Shepherd Zazu; they take a six-mile run together on-leash, four days a week. One this morning’s run, however, not a block from their home, Zazu was attacked by two Rottweilers, who were loose, with their owners nowhere to be seen.
The police were summoned, the dogs caught and impounded, Zazu rushed to the emergency veterinary hospital, but his wounds were too serious and he could not be saved. A neighbor, who heard the tumult and witnessed the scene, identified the dogs as belonging to a couple who lives nearby. They are older, she told the police – and one of their adult children who also lives there breeds the dogs and sells puppies for extra income. Usually, the dogs are never taken out of the yard – but they do get loose from time to time.
Loose dogs in the neighborhood
Personally, I don’t think there is a place in society for dogs who kill. And while no one is perfect, and everyone has had a dog who has gotten loose before, when you own large, powerful dogs (especially more than one), you have a greater-than-average responsibility to see to it that your dogs can not escape the security of your yard. I hope the owners of these dogs are held responsible for Zazu’s death, and I hope the dogs who murdered Zazu are not released back into the custody of their owners – or, perhaps anyone else.
I know that’s harsh. It’s not the dogs’ fault that they were inadequately contained. It’s not their fault that their owners failed to socialize them adequately, so that they saw a leashed dog as prey or an interloper in their neighborhood, as opposed to a potential playmate. It’s not their fault that they have been denied the stimulation of an active dog like Zazu, locked up with no exercise, reduced to a life of breeding and reproduction, over and over.
It’s not fair. But it’s not fair to Zazu and his owners, either, that two very powerful, aggressive dogs were in a position to kill. What if the dog they attacked had been being walked by an elderly or frail person? The person might be dead, too. What if the dog they attacked was being walked by a mother who also was pushing a stroller with a baby inside? I shudder to think of it.
People who keep dogs in a socially impoverished environment, for the sole pupose of breeding puppies to sell – that’s even worse. This type of person is literally the backyard breeder in the derogatory trope.
I am hoping that the dogs are designated as dangerous and steps are taken to make sure they can’t be a threat to anyone else in the community. And my heart goes out to the owners of poor Zazu; his dad will be forever traumatized by the memory of the TEN MINUTES he struggled to save his dog as Zazu was being fatally mauled.
What steps can Zazu’s owners take?
I asked someone I know who is an animal control officer in a different community: What should Zazu’s owners do? She said, if there is any kind of record of the dogs being loose before, or any previous complaint made about their aggression, the local animal control could take steps to get a dangerous dog designation for the Rottweilers. If there is any sort of record of the dogs doing this before, or even just being picked up for running loose before, she would press the local court for the dangerous dog designation.
But if this is the first record of any complaint about the dogs, then their owners are likely to be fined only for the dogs “running at large,” asked for proof of licensing and rabies vaccination (and possibly fined for lack of same), and charged for the short impound; all that Zazu’s owners can do is sue for Zazu’s final vet bill, including cremation.
Obviously, I love dogs, and don’t relish the idea of any dogs being euthanized. But large, aggressive dogs in the hands of owners who can’t or won’t contain them? I can’t imagine living and walking my own dogs in that neighborhood.
Do any of you have any advice for Zazu’s owners? Have you ever been in a situation like this?
Three years ago, I had a 10 year old mini schnauzer who was on a leash in his own yard trying to go to the bathroom, when the two neighbors next to me let there dogs out without supervision. This was a dalmatian and a very large boxer who proceeded to attack my poor dog. I pulled my back out badly that lasted for a year trying to get them off of him and came inside and called the dog warden and made a statement. Now these two low lifes treat me like I am a leper when they are the cause of it all. I have a new puppy now thats a year old and will be putting up a fence around my house and property. I am convinced that some people do not deserve any dogs let alone good neighbors!
My little elder Shi Tzu was attacked by a pit bull last week while on leash in our front yard. Unfortunately I could not pick him up fast enough to save him from the jaws of the pit bull. My husband tried to pry the jaws of the pit bull to release our little Koko but when successful the dog just grabbed him again. The pits owner was finally able to get his dog off and take him home. We were all so traumatized by we only saw superficial damage and our vet said by phone just keep an eye on him. Well a day and a half later Koko had his head leaning well of to one side and his balance was so off that he could not stand or walk on his own. He spent that day in the vet hospital on IV and had blood work and x-rays. Our vet then referred him to a specialist hospital where he was admitted for an MRI and further tests. It has been a horrible experience but Koko is slowly recovering on antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. As for the attacking dog and owners they have taken responsibility for this and paid all costs. They are hoping to re-home the dog as I told them I would not report it to authorities i they took action themselves, I am trusting the dog will not offend again and be re-homes where it is 100% contained at all times.
SILLES, in my opinion dog attacks should always be reported. If there is not an official record of a dog’s previous attacks, new attacks will be treated as first time offenses. It’s nice that the people who own the attacking dog are stepping up, but rehoming a dog-aggressive dog is not a great solution. The problem is just being passed along to someone else, who may be even less equipped to deal with the dog. If the dog attacks another dog in the future, that is blood on the original owner’s hands. Anyway, I appreciate that you are in a tough spot, but it’s just something to think about, at least for the future.
I’m very sorry to hear what happened to your little dog but it is being irresponsible if you do not report this dog. It oculd mean the dog does it to another dog who may not survive. My elderly dog was attacked by a Staffie who lived nearby , fortunately I was able to lift the 88stard off him by its chavvy leather and bronze harness. However, I later found out this dog had attacked another neighbour’s dog before which he had not reported the attack yet his dog had required vey treatment. When the police came to my incident (I wa also assaulted by the vicious dog’s owner) she lied and said the dog had not been off-lead and she had not assaulted me and I had no witnesses. If this previous attack had been reported it would added more credence to my story.
MACE- BEAR SPRAY if your in the outdoors on trails- you have to be vigilant with all types of wild animals,,been on plenty of hikes hearing coyotes in the distance ,,In todays society – the majority of owners say – OH MY BAD, maybe your dog provoked him, , its never happened before,,,, Oh well they are just animals… Well plain and simple id rather pull out the mace and spray and say MY BAD-Id rather wash my dogs eyes out of the spray than have to put him to sleep, your dog was coming in as aggressive and me not loose my dog or loose a finger or go the hospital for stitches,,,,or worse… My responsibility is my dogs safety and mine if your out of control SO SORRY. Deal with it.
This happened to us just a few days ago and we are devastated. The Tibetan Mastiff next door got loose and attacked my beautiful little boy who was sleeping outside my door in the sun. I tried to get the mastiff off but he took Jerry in his mouth like a rag doll and ran off. I ran after them screaming at the top of my lungs. When he finally released him, i rushed Jerry to the vet and I stayed with him the whole time the vet and techs tried to save him. I told him how much we loved him, that it wasn’t his time. He did not make it. The mastiff’s owners texted me – texted – many times at first with apologies and “reasons” it happened. Animal control is involved, but there is no requirement to put the dog down, which is what I want. There are heightened requirements for containment, warning signs on the property, $100,000 insurance policy, etc but none of it is enough for me. Someday, somebody won’t lock a gate properly or will forget one little thing and that dog will get out again. Horrifying
That is terrible. I agree he should be put down. He got out once, he’ll get out again. I’m so sorry for your loss.
P.S. Please don’t say it’s not the dog – it’s the owners. The Veterinary Researchers know there is a defect in their brains that cause them to go temporarily insane – then back again to normal. I have heard countless horror stories since my experience. I don’t think it’s a matter of if but when. We literally drive to industrial parks away from houses, people and dogs. I have tried numerous areas over the years, and always encountered loose dogs and trouble.
P.S. Please don’t say it’s not the dog – it’s the owners. The Veterinary Researchers know there is a defect in their brains that cause them to go temporarily insane – then back again to normal. I have heard countless horror stories since my experience. I don’t think it’s a matter of if but when. We literally drive to industrial parks away from houses, people and dogs. I have tried numerous areas over the years, and always encountered loose dogs and trouble.
My collie puppy and I were attacked 02 September 2012 – Labor Day at 7:30 am. We ever saw or heard the dog coming. He was hiding behind us and went over my shoulder removing the middle finger on my left hand. He kept running away from us and I was shocked, but happy to see him leaving. He did a large U turn then came back for a full frontal assault. My hand was bleeding so bad I could call for help. The screen covered in blood. The police received 10 calls from neighbors who heard my screams but it took them 22 minutes to arrive. During that time, I tried throwing treats away from us, I put myself between the dog and my puppy and we turned and twisted frantically to keep my puppy safe. The pittbull won and tore my dogs intestines out and then grabbed him by the throat. I was kicking and poking my fingers in his eyes (which he rolled back i his head). He thought he had killed my dog and turned on me. He broke the joints in my hands and sunk his teeth and ripped skin off my legs and abdomen. I was fighting to stay on my feet but in the end I was in shock and had lost too much blood to hold on so I laid over my puppy in one last effort to protect him. The police arrived in riot gear and in force just as he was coming for my throat and the pittbull suddenly stopped and sat nicely. The police ordered me to get away from MY dog. They were going to put both dogs in the animal control vehicle. My dog was still alive thanks to his large mane around his neck. I picked up my dog and started to run for home. The police threatened to shoot me if I didn’t stop. The EMT’s urged the police to drop their weapons and came after me. They refused to allow me to take my dog to emergency, but a man standing there agreed to do so. I was taken to the local hospital, where I was told “We don’t do land shark injuries”. She goes to Northwestern – a large hospital in the city of Chicago that has an entire wing and staff for dog bites. I took the opportunity to refuse help and asked to be taken home. I drove to the agreed upon emergency room, and discussed may dogs condition and signed for emergency surgery. I sat there until my dog was out of surgery holding my finger in a bag of ice. Over the course of the next few months, I was told by several Vets and Veterinary Schools to just put my collie down. He was unable to digest food or hold down anything. I met an holistic vet when my dog was less than 1/2 his normal weight, and he was able to slowly bring my dog back. He takes many herbs and supplements and will for life. He has continuing bouts but with less frequency.
I spent months trying to recover from my injuries. Since dog bites can’t be stitched up for fear of infection, bandages that grow new skin were used on the areas where the flesh was removed in sheets. It was a long time healing since the bandages had to be changed four times daily and the new skin stuck to the bandages. I will never be able to close my hands again and bear the scars from the attack. The worst scars are the fear we feel every time we go for a walk. I found out just how prevalent these attacks are after the fact. They are not published to protect the mayors and property values. The owner of this dog received a $40.00 dollar fine. We got a life sentence.
It is the dog. Breeds bred to kill other dogs often do so. The problem in our country is stories like your happen everyday and there’s no protection for our pets. I firmly believe that dog should be put down.
I have a Collies too. They are gentle souls. I hope you and your boy continue to heal.
Check out dogbites.org
They have resources and support for people who have been attacked by dogs.
Ruth, I’m so sorry this happened to you. I hope the dog was put down. What a horrific event. This highlights one of my concerns with the “adopt, don’t shop” mantra, considering that the shelters are full of pits and pit mixes. I worry about clueless suburbanites adopting dogs that are too much for then. My own sister adopted a pit mix puppy a few years ago, and he already has a [human] bite history. He is super sweet with his immediate family, but he’s a very powerful dog, and he’s not stable. Pit bull advocates, you have your work cut out for you. Not everyone is suited to be a pit bull owner.
Take the owners and all those people envolved of those killer dogs to court and sue them for murder. Also, have the police write a ticket and have them arrested if possible. I don’t care what their ages are, they ARE responsible. They can also pay dearly for a replacement. Too harsh you say? NO. PEOPLE HAVE TO LEARN RESPOSIBILITY. TAKE A LOOK AT ALL THE UNCONTROLABLE CHILDREN TODAY. People in our goofy irresponsible society need to learn the HARD way.
First i want to say my heart breaks for the death of this dog. My dogs are like my children. I have now and have had rotties for many years. I have had many breeds and the rottie is my favorite. It is not the dogs it is the owner. I have on many occasions had people see i have a rottie and because of a few bad dogs are scared to approach my dog. Then they are around my dogs and fall in love with them and some have gotten rotties themselves. Also, size has nothing to do with agressiveness. I would walk my rottie in a neighborhood and these 2 chihauhaus would come running out their door and attack my rottie. My rottie would not react. I was terrified that if she chose to defend herself, i knew nothing would be done to the aggressors but my rottie could be taken away and possibly put down. I own rental properties and there as been some dog bites. Every case was by small dogs. These were done by chihauhaus and a dachshund and a labradoodle. One bite given by a chihuahua caused the recipient to seek medical attention. Stop vilifying large dogs and instead look to the owners for letting these dogs down by a lack of socializing and training.
Sadly our court system views pets as chattel, personal property just like a table or a lamp. The only thing you can recover normally is the cost of a replacement animal and the vet bills. There is no recovery for pain and suffering or emotional distress. I am in a situation where the vet poisoned my dog thru her incompetence and then lied to me about x rays and lab results. She robbed me of any chance to save him in an effort to cover her ass. I am filing suit for wrongful death and fraud. The wrongful death recovery will be limited by the laws classification of pets as chattel. There is no limit on the fraud part of it and it is my only chance to really achieve justice. Of course the lying vet and her insurance company are going to do everything they can to lie their way out of it and create a diversion to distract attention from the disgusting pathetic behavior of the rotted vet.