Boy, 10, mauled by big dogs

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ^ | February 1, 2005 | Michael Fuoco

[sandalwood]

A 10-year-old boy was critically injured in Perry Hilltop yesterday by two large dogs he provoked into attacking him, witnesses told police.

The incident occurred at 1:20 p.m. in the 2100 block of Perrysville Avenue as two teenage boys were walking the dogs -- one a pit bull-chow mix and the other one a Rottweiler, both more than 100 pounds.

Witnesses told police the victim began teasing and provoking the dogs -- slapping and yelling at them -- and didn't listen to the juveniles' entreaties to stop.

[sandalwood]

At least in this story, they are reporting that the boy taunted the dogs. Doesn't make it right (how does a pit bull/chow chow mix get to be over 100 pounds?), but it doesn't make it "unprovoked", either.

[sandalwood]

Good morning ping!

[Recon Dad]

What no school in Pittsburgh yesterday? Then again the young lad learned an important life lesson.

* Move aside and let the big dogs eat.

* Always know how long the chain is.

* For every action there is an equal an opposite reaction.

[GBA]

Almost a Darwin award winner.

[sandalwood]

"The two juveniles told him to knock it off, to stop. They tried to restrain the dogs but they both attacked," said Sgt. Stephen Matakovich of the North Side station. "The juveniles never relinquished the leashes and, at one point the dogs dragged them.

"They tried to stop it but the dogs were too big."

And I do hope the teens now realize that those dogs are much too much for them to handle. Seems they were very lucky this time...

[G.Mason]

The boy, when questioned at the hospital, said he never got that kind of reaction while pulling the wings off of flies, and just didn't understand the dogs hostility.

[clee1]

Dunno, but I've owned a 110 pound Chow and a 85 pound Pit.

Admittedly, both were much larger than normal, but I can see how it happens. And, both were so large that they were friendly, somewhat lazy, animals. My little neice rode the chow like a horse.

LOTS of Rotts are over 100 pounds.

[rdb3]

Witnesses told police the victim began teasing and provoking the dogs -- slapping and yelling at them -- and didn't listen to the juveniles' entreaties to stop.

---

Let me get this straight. This ten year old boy provokes a Rotty and a Pit-mix on purpose? Bet he won't do that again.

[G.Mason]

"And I do hope the teens now realize that those dogs are much too much for them to handle. Seems they were very lucky this time..."

Try a trip to your local 4-H organization.

Notice the children working with 1500, 2000 pound animals.

Then notice that they are caring for them, not abusing them.

[Al Gator]

Stupid is as stupid does.

[7.62 x 51mm]

*BDDs* (Big Damned Dogs!)

[sandalwood]

Notice the children working with 1500, 2000 pound animals.

My guess is they are not walking these animals down a residential street on a 6-foot leash?

[elli1]

Move aside and let the big dogs eat.

LOL--exactly what I wuz a thinkin'.

But given what happened, just maybe the kid learned something & a slice of society will be spared.

[AppyPappy]

I wonder if the people who owned the dogs came up with this story.

[sandalwood]

Admittedly, both were much larger than normal, but I can see how it happens.

It was somewhat rhetorical in nature, as most (but not all) over-sized Pit Bulls are bred that way for protection purposes. And I'm glad to see your Chow Chow was a good dog - my understanding is that they are very territorial about one person, and not too friendly around everyone else...

[Maceman]

Notice the children working with 1500, 2000 pound animals.

How many of those animals have are carnivorous and have canine teeth?

[gieriscm]

My guess is they are not walking these animals down a residential street on a 6-foot leash?

Heck, no. We usually rode them. Much more fun!

Seriously, I learned at a young age that abusing a 1200 pound animal was a quick way to get hurt... though usually because Mom applied the Staff of Learning to the Seat of Knowledge!

[sweetliberty]

"Bet he won't do that again"

I'll bet you're right. I'm glad there were witnesses.

[sandalwood]

though usually because Mom applied the Staff of Learning to the Seat of Knowledge!

Ha ha ha ha - well said!

[sweetliberty]

"My guess is they are not walking these animals down a residential street on a 6-foot leash?"

Not exactly uncommon. If the dogs were halfway well-trained, it wouldn't be a big deal. The kid provoked the dogs. At the very least he was stupid. He has learned a painful and valuable lesson.