1945 Fatality: Doretta Zinke, 39, Killed by 9 Pit Bulls
Council Bluffs (Iowa) Nonpareil, 1945Miami, FL - While researching a recent family pit bull attack in
McCook, Nebraska, we came across a newspaper article from 1945. The Council Bluffs (Iowa) Nonpareil newspaper -- dated May 20, 1945 -- writes about a savage pit bull attack, right alongside an article titled, "Airborne Rockets Played a Large Part in German Defeat." On May 7th, Germany surrendered unconditionally. The following day, V-E Day is declared -- Victory in Europe.
MIAMI, Fla., (AP) -- Sgt. Ronald M. Zinke, whose dying mother dictated a will bequeathing him over $20,000 in securities after she had been mortally wounded by a pack of pit bull terriers, went over the scene of the tragedy Saturday. The soldier son, attached to the army transport command at Mitchel field, Long Island, arrived here by train from New York Friday night.
Investigators were still puzzled over the discovery of the $20,000 in securities hidden in Mrs. Zinke's home in Miami Springs, particularly in view of some of the recent jobs she had held as a waitress and scrubwoman. Neighbors said Mrs. Zinke had often complained bitterly of her financial condition.
Newspaper editorials and action by the lower house of the Florida state legislature to provide jail sentences for owners who permit vicious dogs to roam at large, reflected public revulsion over the tragedy. The 39-year-old victim died Wednesday night within an hour and a half after she had been attacked and horribly mutilated by nine bull pit terriers. The pack of dogs was executed Friday. Joe Munn, 43, owner of the animals, was held in jail on a manslaughter charge.
The media, state legislature and general public expressed "revulsion" 63 years ago over this tragedy. How would these same people feel today if they knew that every 20 days a pit bull kills a U.S. citizen?
Associated Press, "Hidden Securities Puzzles Officials," Council Bluffs (Iowa) Nonpareil, May 20, 1945.Related articles:11/11/08:
2 Deaths Spur Massive Baby Crib Recall04/20/08:
Flashback: The Pit Bull Problem is Over 20 Years Old
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