Posted on 09/02/2007 8:40:18 PM PDT by stainlessbanner
DALLAS — A new Texas law went into effect at midnight Friday that could put dog owners behind bars for up to 20 years if their pet fatally attacks someone.
Just hours before earlier, a six-year-old Dallas boy was mauled to death by his family's dog.
The mother of Scott Warren said the family had had the pit bull since Scott was a baby.
Kressie Warren said Friday's attack was the first time the dog had snapped at anyone.
But, she says, with a young daughter in the house, now her only child, it will be the last.
"It's going to be difficult from now on," said Warren said.
She weeps, regretful she ever got the pit bull that took her son, Scott's, life.
"I don't want to never see another pit bull, never. Because he took a precious life."
The mauling happened just before 7 p.m. Friday night.
"We were sitting there in the room and all of the sudden the dog just jumped at him, grabbed at him," Warren said.
Her daughter was in the room with them.
"She was at the back, I was grabbing his mouth trying to get him loose but he was slinging him everywhere."
By the time they got the dog off, it was too late.
Scott eventually died at Baylor Hospital.
Six years old, he'd just finished the first week of first grade.
"I'm not going to see that little boy go back to school, I'm not going to see him play sports, graduate or anything. All because of a stupid dog," Warren said.
Warren is fortunate the attack took place yesterday and the dog was in a contained area.
Otherwise, under a new state law that went into effect today, she could have faced up to 20 years in prison.
Patricia Hughes, Warren's neighbor says, while she doesn't like the idea of having pit bulls and other dangerous breeds at home, she thinks that punishment is too harsh.
"I really think that's too severe. People have committed worse crimes and haven't served that much," she said.
Warren says she's already been given a life sentence.
"Learn from a single parent struggling to raise two children and now I'm down to one. Get rid of the dogs," she said.
Police say right now, they're considering this an accidental death, so they're not pressing charges against the mother at this time.
They say that could change depending on the outcome of their investigation in conjunction with Child Protective Services.
No offense to Yorkie owners out there, but I don't like the way that they look. I do however, like the way pit bulls look.
What the heck is the "purpose" of a Yorkie, anyway? Since you brought "purpose" into the discussion, it needs to be asked.
What I've heard is that thugs like the image of having what society sees as a "badass" dog.
You know, part of the whole "look tough" act that those losers are always doing.
Have you ever dealt with a JR before? They only weigh about 15 pounds but they think they are ten foot tall and bullet proof. You can never for one moment let them think they are the boss. BTW, the against the wall moment was after I pulled him off the 80 pound lab.
Thanks for putting up the good fight....i really hate what has been done to this breed...i don’t know if i would have another APBT..i would have to find a good breeder...probably go with an AmStaff...i know the monster so called APBT of today are not what the breed used to be....most have the mongrel american bulldog mixed in for size.
This type of dog has existed for centuries. It used to be considered the all-American dog breed. It has only gained its current notoriety relatively recently. Why is that?
No, Pit Bulls attack MORE often, and hang on when they do.
Good breeders of APBTs do exist. That so-called “bully style” pit is not favored by a good portion of pit breeders. An AmStaff would be a great choice, though.
LOLOL
;-)
I’d love to have a grey coated AmStaff...beautiful dog...yeah..AmStaff would be the route....i don’t think i would bother with the APBT anymore....i know there are some good breeders but AmStaffs have been specifically bred for temperment and show quality.
Progression of the breeder’s intention. They are bred to be violent. Think Michael Vick. You dispute this. I have no idea how you can ignore this. I don’t want your dogs taken away. I want the abberant sub-breeds controlled.
Breed? A few posts ago you were saying the breed standard did not mater. Might as well call ‘em “scary looking” dogs. That’s why breed specific legislation fails.
Might as well call ‘em “scary looking” dogs.
I know what you mean and i think you will know what i mean by this post....this mongrel pit that is used for fighting is not the kind of pitbull i have owned...and TBH...i think these dogs need to be destroyed but i wouldn’t have a clue how you would go about it...politicians would end up destroying old solid lines of the APBT and AmStaffs...i would be totally against this...it would be a sad day.
Most of these cold-blooded b**tards are already usually violating a multitude of laws and local ordinances, anyway. Stuff like: cruelty to animals, neglect, # of animals allowed per household, unlicenced animals, stray animals, etc.
I'm in total favor of hitting people with a felony if their dog mauls someone, like the new law taking effect in Dallas.
If the penalties are high enough (and enforced), it might go a long way towards cutting down on irresponsible jerks having vicious animals.
Not true. Enforce a County breeder license. The various national registries must take the lead in evaluation of stock. Have non-profit groups sniff out “back-yard” breeders. Give a stiff penalty for breeding mixed-type dogs. Recycle (adoption) mills need to change into cull centers.
#49
Fair enough ;)
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