Victimized Pet Owners Learn Arcane Dog Law the Hard Way

Where's the Logic in Three Chances?
Cambridge, MA - In what DogsBite.org calls a "classic discovery" story, the owners of a dog recently attacked by two pit bulls comes face-to-face with a harsh reality. Many cities allow "three chances" for all dogs -- including pit bulls -- to bite before serious steps are taken against the dog owner and the dog. Only after a pit bull mauls 2 human beings or family pets do authorities kick into action.

Pit bulls do not bite like other dogs. Why are they afforded the same "three chance" privilege?

A Cambridge family is still in shock after their dog was viciously attacked by two pit bulls. Starr Tyler and her mother Nancy went for a stroll with their lab named Ziggy. As they reached the corner of the street, they stopped dead in their tracks. Starr said she saw the two dogs, unleashed and raring to go. As they turned to walk in another direction, the pit bulls bolted toward them and attacked.

Nancy Tyler said everybody started screaming. The pit bulls drug Ziggy down the street and in to another yard. After about five or six minutes the owners finally came out.
Ziggy had to get ten stitches and suffered multiple puncture wounds. It wasn't the first time the pit bulls and their owners have gotten in to trouble either. Like many victims, Ziggy's owners had to learn arcane dog law the hard way.

Ziggy's owners were shocked by the absurdity of the "three chances" rule.

Animal control had previously cited the pit bull owners for letting the dogs run loose. Bill Tyler was stunned after the Humane Society told him that Dorchester County basically has a three-bite rule. "This is this dog's second offense!" he said. "If it hadn't of been for the good Samaritan that came by, those dogs would have mauled my daughter or my wife. Gee would that apply to the three-bite rule too?"

The logic of Bill Tyler is lost to many policymakers and animal advocacy groups. Three bites for a pit bull equals three chances for serious injury and death to both people and pets. Dorchester County animal control declined to comment on the incident. Bill Tyler says he plans to sue the owner of the home who rents to the owners of the pit bulls (smart move). As for the pit bull owners, they simply received a civil citation.

Related articles:
06/06/08: Cincinnati Police Kill Two Pit Bulls in Separate Shootings in Same Day
02/24/08: Law a 'Little Bit Skewed' on Dog Attacks

Labels: dog law