Pit bull owners face felony charges as dogs ravage elderly woman’s leg
Pit bull owners face felony charges as dogs ravage elderly woman's leg
California boasts one of the toughest dog bite laws in the United States. Its statutes protect citizens not only from dogs with a propensity for or history of violence, but also from dogs that show no signs of violent behavior. In other words, California dog owners could face criminal and civil liability whether they own a ferocious dog with an extensive history of biting or a timid animal who has never harmed another living being. In either situation, if the dog attacks another person on public property or while lawfully on the owner's property, the owner could face heft civil judgments or criminal charges.
The latest dog bite story takes place in San Diego as two women owning ferocious pit bulls are facing felony charges after the animals mauled an elderly 75-year old woman. The attack was so vicious that the victim was forced to have her leg amputated and will be permanently disabled for the rest of her life. The dogs' owners, a mother and daughter, are facing a combined total of two felony counts and six misdemeanor counts ranging from owning a mischievous animal causing serious bodily injury to various misdemeanor code violations.
Both women were arrested on Wednesday and remain jailed as of Thursday, July 7. Attempts to contact the suspects' family were futile.
The victim was strolling through her backyard when the pit bulls escaped from their pens and entered her property through a hole in the fence. Almost immediately, she was entrapped in the ferocious grasp of two adult pit bulls as they wrestled her to the ground and severely ravaged her legs. The victim remains in the hospital after the lower part of her left leg was removed to prevent infection after the attack.
The dogs were immediately euthanized at the owners' request. The same pair of dogs reportedly attacked and injured a poodle and its owner on Christmas Day. However, the bites were minor and the owner declined to press charges against the owners.
San Diego Animal Control Lieutenant Dan DeSousa remarked that the pit bulls were outdoor dogs that remained permanently in cages in the backyard. He opined that many dogs kept outside lack social skills inherent in indoor dogs faced with constant human and animalian interaction. DeSousa believes it is the responsibility of all pet owners to keep their dogs well socialized with other dogs and people. By failing to do so, tragedy can strike at any minute.
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