Do Not Befriend an "Unknown" Pit Bull Under Any Circumstances
Dog Owner FoundUPDATE 06/14/09: In a surprising twist, Mower County Sheriff Terese Amazi reported that the victim, Kyle Anthony Boelman, and the dog's owner, 19-year old Leverne Michael Altenburg Jr., came together several days after the incident to the Law Enforcement Center to tell police about the pit bull involved in the case. Boelman, who apparently knows Altenburg, determined Altenburg's dog bit him. At the time of the bite, Boelman wasn't sure of the dog's owner.
It's unknown if Boelman continues to receive the rabies series (3-5 shots and about $2,000).06/13/09: Bites Victim's Face After Being PetAustin, MN - After a 19-year old man attempted to befriend a loose pit bull in a park, the dog bit him in the face. The pit bull had reportedly approached the victim, Kyle Anthony Boelman, in a friendly manner. Boelman said he bent down and petted the dog. When he stood up, the pit bull leapt at his face, grabbing his nose, biting him. The bite caused four open wounds to his upper and lower lips. Boelman is also currently undergoing the rabies vaccination series.
The unpredictable genetic attack trait of a pit bull is extremely dangerous on its own, but a pit bull with an unknown history presents an even greater risk.
After biting Boelman, the dog ran off. The victim said he didn't see anyone trying to catch it or willing to claim responsibility for it. The dog was described as black with white paws and wearing an orange collar with tags attached. If the owner of the pit bull does not step forward and the dog remains unidentified -- as is often the case -- Boelman will be stuck with the costly medical bills, as well as the facial scarring the "seemingly" friendly pit bull left behind.
Related articles:11/25/08:
Pit Bull-Mix Owner "Surprised" by Sudden Attack09/09/08:
Top Dog Experts Fooled and Surprised by Pit Bulls
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