Animal Control: "This is Not Just a Bite. This is a Mauling."
Victims Rights = Trash LawsUPDATE 04/10/09: Commissioner Elaine Renick continues to struggle in the wake of a vicious dog attack that left 22-year old
Tracy Lindsey critically injured. Renick is especially troubled by the embarrassing $168 fine issued to the owners of the pit bulls, Jesica and Jessie Iaquinca, following the attack. Renick asked, "Is there something as a commission we can do so it's not just a fine?" Animal Services Director Marjorie Boyd is also quoted in the article:
"The penalty for an animal injuring someone is the same under our county ordinance as if the animal tears up your trash."
Boyd is shaping up to be a serious contender for the 2009
DogsBite.org Annual Awards. Through her practical and powerful wisdom, she has recently shined a light on two very important issues. The first -- an unprovoked, mauling that leaves a victim critically injured -- is not just a "dog bite." Secondly, she correctly compares how many existing dog laws treat victims of serious attacks. The treatment of these victims is equal to laws that
protect "trash."
03/31/09: Pit Bulls Attack 22-Year Old JoggerEustis, FL - Tracy Lindsey, 22, of Zellwood, suffered severe wounds to her right shoulder and left leg when she was attacked by two pit bulls while out jogging on Saturday. She was flown to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where an updated report of her condition was not immediately available. The pit bulls, owned by sisters Jesica and Jessie Iaquinca have been quarantined at the Lake County Animal Control Shelter since the attack on Getford Road.
The two dogs will remain in the shelter's custody for the next 10 days -- unless the Lake County Health Department agrees to let the shelter euthanize the animals sooner. The owners signed over custody of the dogs to Animal Services. If they had not, animal-control officials would have asked a judge to declare the two pit bulls "dangerous" and let the county euthanize them. Animal Services Director Marjorie Boyd said, "These animals should not be out in our public."
"This is not just a bite," she said. "This is a mauling. This is an unprovoked mauling, and there's a big difference."
DogsBite.org calls your attention to the similar words of
John Makus last summer. After his adopted mother, Huong Le was severely mauled by two pit bulls, he said: "This was not a dog bite,
it was attempted dismemberment." Both statements powerfully describe why cities have chosen to regulate pit bulls and why many more must. The majority of pit bull "
attempted" and "
actual" dismemberment attacks inflict
lifelong injury on innocent people and pets.
Stop the maulings -- regulate now!
Related articles:04/02/09:
Editorial: Pit Bull Owners "Too Vacuous" to Consider Consequences03/04/09:
2003 Fatality: Anna Cieslewicz, Killed by Pit Bulls While Jogging12/14/08:
Jersey Jogger Severely Mauled by Unleashed Pit Bull, Owner Flees09/10/08:
2 Pit Bulls Killed After Mauling 71-Year Old SeaTac Woman
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