Neighbor attacked by Pit Bulls

[dex3361]

Great thing you were there to help your neighbor out of a life or death situation. i have had dogs all my life and there are only a few breeds that put me on red alert and a Pit Bull is on top of that list. It was a blessing to have you in that right place at that moment. It is hard to hit a dog with a pistol and you must have maintained a steady hand under pressure. :thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[aczlan]

Story is at Man injured, two dogs dead after attack - News - The Times-Tribune if anyone wants a direct link.

Aaron Z

 

[timster2]

In my younger days I was an avid target shooter and an NRA instructor. At the time of the shooting it was all instinct, point aim shoot, point aim shoot. Once the dogs turned to run away I stopped. It was all over and done in a matter of seconds at a distance of less then ten feet.

 

[cqaigy2]

Yes, well done!

 

[KTurner]

I had a pit bull that was totally docile. It's brother, owned by my brother, was a deadly weapon. Although I do think they have the tendency to be unreliable, in certain environments they are great working dogs.

I recently read something on pit bulls. The gist of it was that it's not really the temperament, but the physical characteristics that's the issue. The way that pit bulls bite is different than all other dogs. Because of the way they bite, both strength and technique, they do much more severe damage than other breeds.

As far as a dogs temperament - humans change all the time due to medical conditions (stroke, dementia, etc), medicines, mind altering substances, etc. Do we expect dogs to be immune to these things? Just because a dog is loving one week doesn't mean it will be the next. Just like people.

OP, I sincerely hope that you don't catch any sort of grief due to this. I hate that the thought even crosses my mind, but in todays society with all the stupid laws and lawsuits, sometimes people get burnt for doing the right thing. This is probably what the other posters were getting at when they mentioned a lawyer. Everyone around you should be grateful for what you did, and that includes the dogs' owner. There's no telling how much additional damage the dogs would have done if you did not stop them. It's likely that by the time the police arrived, the dogs would have already left and possibly found another target.

Keith

 

[ovrszd]

I was working out in the garage and from the neighbors house comes a blood curdling scream and dogs barking. I know the neighbor does not own a dog so my senses are telling me this is not good. I thought the guy was chasing the dogs but the screams were not that tone of voice. Well I jump on my tractor and rush up the right of way for the power-lines between our houses and he is under his pick up with two pit bulls trying to drag him out from under the truck. When I get there the two dogs turn their attention to me. I carry a .380 to scare the bears if needed but today it saved a life. The two dogs came for me and I shot the lead dog then the other tried to circle around my back and I shot that one as well. All totaled five rounds two dead pit bulls.

Neighbors legs had chunks of flesh missing and he was bitten in the face, both hands, shoulder and both legs pretty bad. Never thought I would use my weapon for any more than target practice or to scare away a bear or coyote.
Here is a picture of dog number 1, that's the neighbors blood all over the dog.
View attachment 325609

Before I read this entire Thread I want to commend you for your actions. Today it seems everyone is afraid of being sued or doesn't want to get involved.

God Bless you Tim and prayers to your neighbor's recovery.

 

[Bocephous]

I recently read something on pit bulls. The gist of it was that it's not really the temperament, but the physical characteristics that's the issue. The way that pit bulls bite is different than all other dogs. Because of the way they bite, both strength and technique, they do much more severe damage than other breeds.

Keith

Wrong about the bite strength and technique. Pit Bull Myths

Too many wingnuts own pits. Put rotties or gsd's in their possession and there would be a lot more incidents of rotties or gsd's attacking and/or killing people. I don't need the gov't legislating which breeds of dogs we can have or not have. Enough of the nanny state business, already.

We've got a boxer/pit mix, and have been fostering a pit for about 14 months. Breed characteristics include a lack of fondness for other animals and a high prey drive, but human aggression is not a breed characteristic. They were bred to fight other dogs. They had human handlers and human aggression was not a characteristic that was valued.

My sisters Caucasian Ovcharka has a breed characteristic of mistrust and aggression when it comes to humans that are not in it's pack. Put C.O.'s in a millions wingnuts hands and there would be a decrease in the population of people in this country.

I'm glad the OP was where he was and was carrying. It could have ended a lot worse than it did, and I pray that your neighbor completely recovers. I also hope that your neighbor makes the former dogs owner pay financially out the nose.

 

[dodge man]

Like so many others have said, good job and glad you where there for you neighbor. Its a shame he got so badly injured. As I am sure you know, a 380 in your pocket beats a 357 magnum sitting on your dresser. The best gun is the one you have with you all the time.

 

[mbrule]

Wrong about the bite strength and technique. Pit Bull Myths

Too many wingnuts own pits. Put rotties or gsd's in their possession and there would be a lot more incidents of rotties or gsd's attacking and/or killing people. I don't need the gov't legislating which breeds of dogs we can have or not have. Enough of the nanny state business, already.

We've got a boxer/pit mix, and have been fostering a pit for about 14 months. Breed characteristics include a lack of fondness for other animals and a high prey drive, but human aggression is not a breed characteristic. They were bred to fight other dogs. They had human handlers and human aggression was not a characteristic that was valued.

My sisters Caucasian Ovcharka has a breed characteristic of mistrust and aggression when it comes to humans that are not in it's pack. Put C.O.'s in a millions wingnuts hands and there would be a decrease in the population of people in this country.

I'm glad the OP was where he was and was carrying. It could have ended a lot worse than it did, and I pray that your neighbor completely recovers. I also hope that your neighbor makes the former dogs owner pay financially out the nose.

Timster, First, allow me to commend you as well, good thing you were there, armed and properly trained / skilled in handling the weapon!

Bocephous, well said! Pits are an amazing dog. I have been around dogs all my life usually mixed bred pound mutts that my family had while I was growing up. (sadly, I have no dog now as I don't have the time to properly train / care / and love it). The BEST DOG I HAVE EVER KNOWN was my brother's late pit bull! She has been gone for almost 5 years (Cancer, the poor thing) and my eyes are tearing up typing this. She was a rescue and had scars to prove that she had been abused. She was great with people, adults and children alike. Loved to play, and was very smart. That said she was also very protective and a great watchdog, and was no doubt fully capable of hurting someone if necessary. I could tell numerous stories of how wonderful she was. **** I miss that dog. Sorry do not mean to hijack...

timster, you did the right thing!!! No doubt about that. I just don't like to see an entire breed condemned (as some people in this thread are doing) because many pit bulls are owned by irresponsible idiots. Pit Bulls make great pets when properly trained and loved, as does most any breed.

 

[EE_Bota]

Update: Neighbor is in stable condition so far so good, He is 77 years old and not in the best of health to start with.

Oh my goodness, that poor fellow.

Thanks for being such a good neighbor.