Posted on 12/10/2004 10:37:37 AM PST by woofie
Angel Martinez, who was mauled by a neighbor's dogs while trying to save his sister, got a special visit Thursday morning.
Gov. Bill Richardson stopped by the University of New Mexico Hospital where the 10-year-old is recovering and brought him a "Yu-Gi-Oh!" action toy figure and trading cards, Angel's favorites.
"You did really good. We are proud of you," Richardson told Angel. "All of New Mexico is proud of you because of the way you acted to help your sister."
The boy smiled through tears of pain when Richardson gave him the toy.
"Hurts a bit?" Richardson asked when he saw the boy wince. "Hey, you gotta take your medicine."
Cecilia Martinez, Angel's mother, said that since Wednesday afternoon her son had chosen not to take pain medication. Angel is able to dispense doses of pain medication to himself when the going gets rough.
But just before the governor's arrival, he had given in to the pain and dispensed a dose.
Angel's hospital room was bright with a half dozen colorful balloons along with numerous stuffed animals and cards.
"I can't believe all the people we have never met who call or just drop something off with notes telling him to get well and 'God Bless You,' " Martinez said. "I want to say thank you to all of them."
Angel's many bandages hid the staples, stitches and wounds caused by the two dogs— a Rottweiler and a mixed breed— that mauled him after he deflected them from attacking his 8-year-old sister Sunday. The neighbor surrendered the dogs immediately after the attack and they were put down that night.
Angel's mother said he would go into surgery later Thursday for a couple of the wounds to be cleaned. When this is done, he is put under general anesthesia.
Medical team members explained that dog bites are wounds that often get worse before they get better. Deep wounds may have to be reopened for them to heal properly.
Richardson told the family he is proposing a statewide plan to deal with aggressive dogs. He said his plan is not breed specific.
"I don't want to ban certain breeds," he said. "The plan includes standards based on the behavior of individual dogs and the owner's responsibility."
According to Richardson, there are no state laws to prevent or to punish attacks by dangerous dogs unless a dog attacks livestock.
There is a law stating it is illegal to keep an animal known to be vicious unless it is securely kept to prevent injury to any person.
Richardson's proposed legislation would impose confinement and licensure requirements and responsibilities on owners of "dangerous dogs" and "potentially dangerous dogs" based on that dog's behavior.
"Parents should not have to worry their children will be attacked by dogs when they simply go out to play," Richardson said in a news release.
The law would penalize owners when their dogs attack children, people or other animals. There are exceptions if a dog is defending private property, attacking anyone committing a crime or if there is provocation of the animal.
Richardson said specifics would come later as details are worked out.
Also on Thursday, Mayor Martin Chávez announced a proposed city ordinance addressing the problem of dangerous dogs.
Chávez's proposal consists of a multi-step process that starts if a dog is observed being aggressive.
Earlier this week, Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White visited Angel and gave him a department baseball cap, which Angel wore prior to Richardson's arrival.
White said Tuesday the incident and the owner of the dogs are being investigated.
"Because of the extent of the injuries, we have to look at every avenue," White said. "This includes not only animal-control statutes but (other statutes) as well."
White said Angel's injuries brought tears to the eyes of several of the department's most seasoned detectives.
"Those children had every right to be out playing safely," White said.
Several other organizations, such as the Police Athletic League and the Albuquerque Fire Department, plan on honoring Angel as a hero as soon as he is a little better.
A fund has been set up for the family at the Bank of the West under Angel Martinez, account number 282045194.
A classy gesture on Richardson's part. And God bless that little boy.
Gov. Bill's name is getting in the press a lot lately. He's the leading contender IMHO for the Dem Presidential nomination in '08 (that is until the Clintonistas release whatever dirt they have on him).
If Richardson's not careful, he'll encourage this courageous boy to turn into a real man, and there goes his feminist support!
ping
I think he would be a strong contender if he chose to be. He's from a swing state, has experience both in and out of Washington, he is Hispanic, more of a moderate than a liberal. Of course, you're right, if Hillary wants in, they'll destroy Richardson pretty darn quickly.
Angel Martinez, 10, who was mauled by two dogs while trying to protect his sister, waits Monday for more surgery at University of New Mexico Hospital as his mother, Cecilia Martinez, watches over him.
PS - God bless that little boy.
How about a dog ping?
Thanks
It really is great that this boys brave efforts to help his sister are being acknowledged. He will remain in our prayers ~
"The law would penalize owners when their dogs attack children, people or other animals."
Whew - I'm glad both children AND people will be protected...
Richardson may be a scum, and he may have acted for purely political reasons, but he did the right thing. He really earned the publicity.
I hope the local Marine Corps recruiter has written that kid's name down; that kid's a future Marine if there ever was one.
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