Pit Bull Attacks Dog in West Seattle; First Attack Few Consequences
Pit Bull Reportedly Bites Off Dog's EarSeattle, WA - According to a local newspaper blog, a pit bull that reportedly bit off another dog's ear is being investigated by the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS). The agency is still trying to reach the attacking dog's owner. Police said the attack happened Sunday morning when the brown-and-black pit bull was unleashed in the hallway of a West Seattle apartment.
The dog allegedly attacked a mastiff, biting the dog several times while the mastiff was on a leash. The mastiff's owner told police his dog bit him as he tried to take it to a veterinarian (yet another downside of having your dog attacked by a dog). He later went to a hospital for stitches. Police were also unable to reach the pit bull's owner, according to a report.
SAS Enforcement Supervisor Ann Graves said a humane law enforcement officer is investigating the incident. It appears the officer on the case reached the complainant Wednesday. The blog states: "She talked with the dog owner and there is no history of aggression with that dog," Graves said. "With what we have so far, there was not an impound at that point."
Pit bulls were selectively bred to attack dogs and inflict serious harm. In the City of Seattle, it appears the first attack by a dog onto a dog has few consequences. In other words, "I am sorry that my unleashed pet ripped your dog's ear off, but the law says I have the right to own a dog genetically designed to kill other dogs, and only get a wrist slap for the first offense."
Pit bull restrictions are designed to protect pets and human beings. If you are a Seattle citizen and interested in learning what your current rights are -- after your dog has been attacked by a dog -- please sift through the
City Ordinance (Section 9.25). It explains the process of a "dangerous" dog hearing, but it is unclear as to what offense(s) trigger the hearing.
Related article:09/13/08:
Coverage of the Seattle Area Pit Bull Attack and Activism
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