Don't Blame the Dogs, Blame Their Owners

Imagine if you will, getting up and walking outdoors to enjoy a crisp Easter Sunday morning. You may decide to get out and have a smoke, take a short walk or even a jog. Many times the average person may take simple things for granted.

This past Easter Sunday like many celebrated holidays, bring family and friends together. But this Easter 2012, two individuals whom never met each other were connected in a very tragic event. I was traveling down 155th and Broadway in Harvey around 6:45 am, when I noticed a young man standing around a city garbage can. Trash was all over the road and sidewalk, which caught my attention.

 I figured this was a homeless person searching for cans to trade in later for cash. I also noticed two pit bulls with the same coloring and markings. I pulled along the side of this young man and asked him what is going on, and quickly realized this young man age 18 was bleeding from his arm and hand. He quickly told me, "The Dogs are attacking me." At this point and time, I told this young man to get into the back of my patrol car. I had to pull my vehicle up and blow my air horn to distract these two dogs.

  The two pit bulls started to run off and I contacted dispatch to notify Harvey police. When multiple squad cars arrived. I was informed that the same two dogs had just attacked a elderly man, and ripped the flesh off his arm. We went to look for the dogs in the direction I had last seen them run. A few minutes later, I heard multiple shots fired in which turned out one of the animals attempted to attack a police officer.

 The animal was destroyed in the alley just a few blocks away. The other animal ran up on some stairs which turned out to be the animals' home. The homeowner stepped out and told his dog to get inside. The homeowner was notified of the incident his dogs were involved in. The dog which entered the home was taken from the home by police.

This is just one of several incidents involving dog attacks in the Chicagoland area. But it also heighten the fears of the pit bull breed. I am not a big followers of rumors and myths. Any dog can turn violent, I turn the blame on the owners for improper training and securing their dogs.

  Growing up with dogs, my dad always had German Sheperds and Dobermans. The big myth back in those days with the Doberman was, "They always turn on the owners." We never had such incidents! The same thing goes for the pit bull breed. I find the problem to not only be improper training by owners, but with the popularity of the pit bull breed, they often fall into the hands of young people who are not responsible.

 These dogs tend to run the neighborhoods free and fighting to survive. I have come in contact with many pit bulls in my time and find the majority -- when trained like many other breeds -- are gentle and obedient animals. One young man has a two-year-old pit bull who is a pretty blue color, large build. When you pet this animal, besides his tail hitting you in the leg, you will also feel the strong muscle tone from his neck to hind section.

  Many towns have put strict rules on certain breeds, such as muzzles and the majority of towns have leash laws. But we are not falling victims of law abiding dog owners and citizens. We are dealing with those who fail to properly train their pets.

 Pet owners should realize the hazards of not protecting their neighbors. Its called Responsible Dog Ownership. I heard one individual make a comment that this breed should not be allowed to anyone. Some towns have tried to push ordinances to ban such breeds.

 I have a friend of mine who resides in Chicago Heights and rescues pit bulls. www.rescueapittie.org   She assists in finding homes for many of these dogs. My oldest son has a three-year-old pit bull and is very well trained, and is like a big child for the most part. And like her, many pit bulls I meet love to be petted and loved.

No community is immune from any stray dog running our streets. Often times we find strays running in just about every community. Animal control can only get around to so many calls. I ask what would you like to see done in our communities to protect citizens from dog owners who neglect their responsibilites to properly train their dogs and secure them? I plan to work with local government to help protect our citizens, and also the animals to be raised properly.