2008 Fatality: Kelli Chapman Killed by Two Pit Bulls
Police Shot Dog at Home in PastUPDATE 1/23/08: Police reports show this wasn't the first time officers were forced to shoot a dog at the Chapman's home. In October 2006, the narcotics task force and SWAT team raided the house, where they found methamphetamine and other drug items. Both Kelli and Jason were arrested. During the raid, one of the couple's pit bulls bit an officer and tried to attack a second officer. The dog was shot and killed.
1/23/08: Authorities Reveal Defensive WoundsPreliminary autopsy results show Kelli Chapman, 24, died of bite trauma and blood loss. According to Chief Deputy Robert McCullough, she had injuries to her forearms as well, indicating possible defensive wounds. He said, "There was other damage to furniture and stuff in the bedroom, where the attack occurred, so it is possible that she was defending herself."
1/22/08: Dogs Maul, Kill OwnerLongville, LA - 24 year old Kelli Chapman was killed by her two pit bulls while sleeping in her home. Relatives of the woman say they think they know why the dogs mauled her. Apparently, Kelli suffered from seizures. They think she may have had a seizure while sleeping and the dogs reacted to it by killing her. Dr. Ted Hoerner, a local veterinarian talks about pit bulls:
"There's a certain small percentage of aggressiveness in any breed, whether it's a Chihuahua, a Rottweiler or a Pit Bull. The difference is the degree of damage that a certain animal can inflict. Pit bulls are huge, they're strong, their musculature is such they can inflict deadly damage. Unfortunately, that's what we've seen happen."
Prior to the attack, Kelli and her husband Jason let the pit bulls stay in their home and sometimes sleep in their bed. One has to wonder if a spaniel or other breed would have reacted similarly in these circumstances. Furthermore, many dog breeds help seizure victims; they do not kill them. As one commenter points out, "Did the seizure cause the attack or did the attack cause the seizure?"
Labels: Fatality
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