Neighbor has aggressive, loose pit bull?

by **donough** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 10:46 am

A neighbor of ours has a large male pit bull dog that has come over to our property and menaced myself, my husband, and my mother-in-law during three separate incidents. Today, the most recent incident, I was working in my car port with headphones on, and I turned around and the dog was snarling, lunging, and barking at me with the hair on its back raised. It was terrifying.

The neighbors usually keep the dog confined, but they seem to like to just let it loose to hang out in the front yard with no leash or anything on occasion, and that is when it runs over to our yard and threatens us. This incident today was by far the closest call. My husband and I have been around dogs our whole lives, and have rural backgrounds so I have seen many, many dogfights and more than a couple of people with bad bites. I am mostly very anxious because our daughter is only 5 years old. She likes to sit outside and color with sidewalk chalk.... now I am afraid to let her outside in her own yard. Even if I were there with her, that dog could kill her before I could do anything about it. The other neighbors also have small children.

I left a message with the animal control officer to file an official complaint first thing in the morning. According to our city laws, they will at least warn the dog owners and there will be an official record. I have been very hesitant to start trouble with our neighbors, but I am afraid for my little girl.

I live in the state of Florida. I have a 12 gauge riot shotgun that I plan to keep within arms reach when I need to work outside. I understand that firing a gun within city limits would result in at least a fine, but if that dog comes at me again on my own property, am I justified in shooting it to protect myself? I am still terrified to let my little girl outside since I don't think I could get the gun and fire in time to keep her from getting at least savagely bitten if not killed. The dog outweighs her by a substantial amount.

Is there anything else I can do at all to keep my child safe?? Do you think animal control will even do anything? We rent this house, and wanted to stay here, but we will of course break our lease no matter the financial consequences rather than have our child threatened. Any help is appreciated.

by **weiford** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 10:49 am

Take a picture of this dog in your yard growling and snapping at you. Or take video. Get proof.

I think one can shoot a dog if it is attacking, you sure can here in my state (Midwest) but I do not know about your state. And if you cannot prove the dog was being menacing, you may be in trouble.

Get some proof.

by **collyer** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 10:50 am

Had the same problem with a Pit Bull and our neighbors. Dog tried to attack my little girl, and my German shepherd and Rottweiler chased him off. However, he pinned lots of people up in their cars and in houses. My husband came home and he walked up the steps and the dog attacked him, so I shot him in the head. Cruel maybe, But it had to be done. The people where warned more than 10 times to keep their dog up. Now there is a dead dog and an investigation on going. We are in no trouble and the police understand what we did and why we did it. They would have done the same thing. My husband Got stitches, but we didn't sue.

My answer, Shoot it. Your property, and your life in danger and your families life is in danger, that dog needs to be dealt with. It's not safe. Sorry animal lovers, but if my dog was that aggressive, it would be dealt with as well. One way trip to the vet.

Just to say also, I love the American Pit Bull Terrier breed. They are amazing dogs, and I have nothing against them. No matter what type of dog, if it attacks my family, I and my husband, will not hesitate to shoot that animal. I will always protect my family first. Even against my own dogs.

Don't call animal control. They take forever, and most of the time, never come. Well at least in my area. Faster is file a complaint to the police. With a child and people at risks, that dog won't get many chances. It's going to be called in as a dangerous dog. Do what you need to do to protect your family.

by **camdin90** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 10:52 am

This made me want to cry. My 5 year old daughter was attacked by a pit bull last fourth of july. Thank God it had a muzzle on but she still has scars. He had her pinned on the floor next to a tree and I was pulling her as the owner was pulling the dog. It was very scary.

I don't know what you can do but please please please be careful with your baby girl. :(
Mine is scarred for life. Mentally and physically.

by **chiram97** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 10:56 am

If you live in Dade County, they have a ban on owning pit bulls, and you can call the police or sheriffs department. If not, you do not have to go thru animal control, call local law enforcement and file a complaint, or two, or three. The officers should speak with the owner and advise them of the local leash laws. If I had a clear shot, I would not hesitate to shoot a dangerous dog that threatened my family.

Just to preach, not all pit bulls are dangerous, they are a long existing breed that at one time was "the" dog to own due to it's loyalty and devotion (remember the white dog with the black circle around it;s eye in the Little Rascals? Pit Bull) It all comes down to the breeding and the raising. I for one am heartbroken that this dog is aggressive. Hopefully the owner will get the obedience training this dog needs and deserves.

Good Luck to you. Aim carefully.

by **jamilah38** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 11:09 am

The only thing you can do- if its legal - is keep a firearm handy.

Read this blog, they update it every day. You will be appalled how many people, especially children are attacked by these dogs all the time. This blog is just the tip of the iceberg.
You will also notice how many of these dogs that attack had prior history of aggression and nothing had been done by officials.

You will also notice how often that pepper spray is ineffective once these dogs grip, as are bats and other items. As I said if you are allowed (legal) to carry a firearm where you live I would urge you to do so.

Again this chornicles just a sampling of the damage that these animals do.
http://fourleggedfriendsandenemies.blogspot.com/

by **werner72** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 11:13 am

If the dog threatened my child, it would be shot, fine or no fine!! The neighbors should keep the dog on their own property.

by **teithi71** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 11:28 am

I would question the wisdom of using a 12 gauge shotgun on a dog that is attacking your child; you would likely injure both or worse. And what if the child gained access to the shotgun or simply knocked it over.

Suggest you contact the Police and report a dangerous dog instead.

by **eilis** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 11:35 am

Need to call animal control. If not I would find someone who can get a live trap. catch and take it to the local shelter.. Its llike having a loaded gun in your yard that can self fire.

by **adare** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 11:42 am

Check with the local Law enforcement if this is an open yard no fence, then if there is a lease law the neighbors will be ticketed the first time, plus if proof of a dangerous dog, no matter what the breed. It makes it easier for the owners to be held responsible.
Shooting in defense of yourself on your property should not even be a question.

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