Family’s four pit bulls face uncertain future
by Matt Marquardt -
MASON CITY – Sharrie Marvin of Mason City and her boyfriend, John Debates, are the owners of four pit bulls that face an uncertain future.
Last Friday evening, June 8th, a pedestrian with a small dog was walking past their home at 1428 North Monroe Avenue when Marvin claims that dog went under the fence at the front of her property and entered her yard. Marvin’s four pit bulls were in the back yard, she says, and her dogs chased the small dog back under the fence onto the sidewalk, where the dog was injured with what she says was at least one bite and a scratch.
(PHOTO: Sharrie Marvin’s two children look on as she explains an incident involving her four pit bull dogs and another dog she claims entered her yard.)
The pedestrian called Mason City police, who responded, and took all four pit bull dogs to the Humane Society. Marvin was given a total of twelve citations that day (three for each dog). She admits the dogs were not registered and were not properly vaccinated. The police report does not give details of the incident.
Marvin and Debates, together 13 years with two children, are not happy about how this incident played out, they said, during an interview. They asked NIT to help them tell their side of the story.
(PHOTO: Sharrie Marvin’s daughter, Cadence, 8, holds a drawing she made of her four dogs that were taken by police.)
The couple made several accusations during a video interview (see below). They claim that the responding officer told them that they would “get so many tickets they would never get their dogs back.” Marvin says that the responding officer only took the word of the owner of the small dog about how the incident took place, and did not believe her when she told him the small dog entered her yard. “The first officer on scene… didn’t want to hear my story,” she said.
They also claim that because the other dog entered their property, their dogs were not to blame for protecting their home. Since the incident on Friday, they further claim that the MCPD has been harassing them.
Mason City Police Chief Michael Lashbrook said that Marvin’s information “contradicts the MCPD investigation” and that Marvin’s claim “is not how it was reported by the person that called and not supported by other information.”
Asked about the harassment allegations that Marvin and Debates spoke of, Lashbrook said that “we have a process for filing a complaint. We would ask that they come to us so we can look into it.”
Marvin’s four dogs were supposed to be in custody at the Humane Society until Monday, June 18th, but Marvin got a call on Wednesday that said she could pick them up Thursday. She paid $560 for Humane Society fees, to license the dogs and to have all required vaccinations completed and then brought the dogs home.
(PHOTO: Two pit bulls frolic with children on a trampoline at their home on Thursday evening.)
Later Thursday, the same Mason City police officer that responded to the incident Friday came to Marvin’s door and handed her four new citations for vicious dogs- one apiece. The court date is set for June 25th.
Marvin says she has witnesses writing accounts of what happened between the dogs that support her claims and she plans on presenting that information in court. Marvin says that the woman walking the small dog had no leash on her dog when it went under her fence, and was walking a stroller and had two young children with her. Marvin says the woman slipped the leash onto the dog’s collar as the two women were checking the dog over for injuries.
If the judge upholds the vicious dog citations, it would be up to the city to decide if the animals are “vicious animals.” According to Mason City code, “it shall be unlawful to own, keep, shelter, or harbor any animal that meets the definition of ‘dangerous or vicious animal’” and goes on to say that “such animal shall be destroyed in a humane manner.”
Former Mason City Councilman Don Nelson said typically an animal “gets two chances” before it is deemed vicious and then euthanized. Another former Councilman, Max Weaver, said that the process is “political” and says it is not common for the city to deem an animal vicious. “I’ve only seen it three or four times, ever,” Weaver said.
At this time, all four dogs are home, and Marvin and Debates and their children are happy to have them back.
Marvin says she is looking for new homes for at least a couple of the dogs.
Watch video interview:
151 Responses to Family’s four pit bulls face uncertain future
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Me
July 14, 2012 at 3:19 pm
Your dogs are so cute. Every dog is going to run to the fince and bark, its what dogs do.
Hope
June 20, 2012 at 11:45 am
FROM NIT STAFF: This kind of comment is not allowed. Please keep it civil.
Hope
June 20, 2012 at 12:11 pm
Thank you Globe Gazette for infringing on my First Amendment right for freedom of speech and to have a different point of view than you. If you edit me you need to read all of the other hate being said on every story. And start editting yourself.
anonymous
June 21, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Hope you have no such rights on this website or any other. If you don’t want to be censored start your own website.
Seen from here
June 20, 2012 at 6:44 am
FROM NIT STAFF: Let’s keep the name-calling out of the comments, thank you.
Hope
June 20, 2012 at 12:24 pm
“NIT” this is not CIVIL. it is a prejudice statement
anonymous
June 18, 2012 at 10:09 am
Both dog owners have reason to lie and the rest of you don’t know squat about the investigation so stop pretending you do. I know many pits that are great dogs but the fact is wnen they attack someone or animal is going to get hurt bad. If a small breed or other dogs without the jaw strength of a pit bites that is not the case. If I had children at home I wouldn’t take that chance.
Sharrie
June 17, 2012 at 11:40 pm
First off I am not lying, and I have witnesses. Second off if I am or am not receiving government assistance is none of anyone’s buisness, I work FULL TIME, and I raise my two children, and my husband got laid off and is again employed, and my financial situation has nothing to do with the fact of what happened. I am sorry for what is going on, and I will pay whatever fines I face, my dogs were a month behind on shots, I only get paid once a month, not everyone can be rich and snotty, people are not seeing the big picture here, these dogs are like my children, and they were not charging the fence in the video retards, they were playing with my kids and the neighborhood kids, real vicious huh? Also both my neighbors have dogs small and big and never a problem, that dog did come in my yard and I have statements. I am sick of this crap, my dogs are not mean, and why i am looking for a new home for a couple of them has nothing to do with this, i was looking before this happened. So quick to judge and so quick to talk shit about other people, take a look in the mirror, you just might see you for who you are. Talk bad about me, talk bad about my tattoos, i really do not care. I am not on this earth to make friends, the ones I have are plenty and true, I am here to raise my kids and be happy, and those of you on here talking bad are just that miserable in your own lives that you have to trash everyone elses, how lame????? I am sorry that she allowed her dog to not be on a leash and I am sorry that she allowed her dog to enter my yard under my fence, my whole yard is fenced in, and I am sorry that ALL of our kids seen it, but my kids were traumatized also, they lost their best friends for almost a week. They didnt even want to be home because they were not here, and my daughter for her birthday said the only thing she wanted was for her dogs to be home with her, my dogs have never been in trouble EVER before and we keep to ourselves and mind our buisness why can’t you one track minded people?? I go to work and come home, I also go to school part time at nights we are not bad people and our dogs are not bad. Say what you will and everyone is entitled to their own opinion but its sad when you judge others yet can not judge yourself……To those of you who are out there and are being supportive to the fact that the cops are racists against the breed of my dogs THANK YOU!!!!! Oh, and news flash people dogs bark, just saying!!!!
hay stupid
June 18, 2012 at 2:05 pm
How can you be racist to a dog??? Pitbulls are not a Race you uneducated tard. Pitbulls are a breed, I can tell you know how to breed. Stop blaming the Cops for duing there job. I don’t see them posting comments on you duing your job as a dumb bitch.
seen from here
June 20, 2012 at 6:48 am
Hay is what cows eat!” People that live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones”.
MrsS
June 20, 2012 at 5:48 pm
Speaking ill of or hating someone for their appearance or background is RACISM!!! Dog or person, discrimination & racism. You don’t judge anyone else by their looks, so why judge dogs? Oh & no Pitbulls DO NOT have locking jaws & used to be known as Nanny Dogs because of how well they do around children. My 3 Pitbulls ARE Nanny Dogs, constantly playing & being fun with my daughter. A month behind on vaccs is the least of the problem, the problem here is the woman with the ankle biter dog SHOULD have had it on a leash, end of story!! Pitbulls are good dogs! I’ve NEVER met any dog that I feel so strongly about because they are the best breed ever! Passing their temperament tests above all other breeds except Pugs & Retrievers. Any dog would chase a small animal around in it’s yard & you’re all liars if you say your dog wouldn’t get riled up over that. And YES ALL dogs bark at their fence if there is a passerby. If you need to be so hateful, keep your ignorant comments to yourself, there’s enough hate in the world without you opening your mouth. I live not too far from the dogs & NEVER even heard them barking or anything. Even if I did, that is not vicious, simply letting the owners know something is close by. This whole deal is ridiculous & I hope that the owners keep their dogs as they are great, down to earth people & have great dogs.
Observer
June 20, 2012 at 7:47 pm
Animal racism? How absurd. ‘Hay’ was correct in that an animal such as dog is a breed. Animals are not human, and subject to instinct, lacking powers of deductive reasoning. They do not think, instead react based upon that instinct.
This is why a sign posted on some one’s property to keep dogs off, is in English, and not some animal language. It is up to humans to think, and guide their animals properly.
Gma Jean
June 21, 2012 at 3:07 pm
This is your fault, you should have had that hole between the ground and fence taken care of. Whatever happens to your dogs s your fault. Stop blaming others for your mistakes.
MrsS
June 21, 2012 at 5:11 pm
Animal racism, ignorance & hate. That’s all you guys have expressed on here. Gma Jean – the hole in the fence isn’t up for debate. Since the small dogs owner should have had control over her dog by leashing it. Dogs in a fence aren’t to blame for what a loose animal does. Every chain link fence has a part like that. Rabbits & squirrels get in & out of yards & small ankle biter dogs that aren’t in compliance with city laws too. Sounds like with all of your hate & ignorance maybe you should live in a bubble & maybe then you’d stop your whining. I have a privacy fence & under the gate small animals can fit through. There is no perfect fence, we just have to hope that dogs being walked are on leashes & have responsible owners because I WOULD NOT BE AT FAULT since my dogs are confined in their fence like these dogs were. No more internet arguing for me, I’m right & so are the owners of these 4 dogs. My arguing is to prove a point & show you that I’m right, I can’t force you to be right too. Again, thinking of these pets & hoping the courts see that these dogs are not at fault for this.
Observer
June 21, 2012 at 7:53 pm
Mrs.S: You have no basis for using the term racism in the context and refernece towards an animal. None.
And the law says, the owner is responsible for the actions of their animals.
This case is about law, not emotions so keep them out of the conversation. Your use of the term ‘hate’ is out of place.
ANIMAL LOVER
July 1, 2012 at 6:24 pm
I’m very sorry this happened to you. As an owner of three big dogs, I can empathize with the stigma that comes along with owning them. They really are no different from little dogs and it’s sad you’re getting so much trouble from another dog trespassing onto your property. I’m praying for you and your family. Try to stay strong and realize that some people, regardless of what they see or hear, will always be ignorant and choose to stay blind to the truth of what dogs are, regardless of the size, shape, or breed.
Kev
June 17, 2012 at 12:37 pm
If this story is correct, the owners should not be charged for the dog bite since the dog went under the fence. However since they did not have their dogs registered nor vaccinated, they are in violation of city code. I agree with the MC’s decision to take and vaccinate the dogs at the owners expense.
Observer
June 20, 2012 at 7:53 pm
No, it is up to the owners to take care of their animals, end of conversation. Since an animal cannot be legally liable, the owner must.
It would be like having an infant held liable for their actions.
I blame the owners
June 17, 2012 at 11:17 am
Those dogs don’t seem to be the tiniest bit scary or vicious granted the owners should keep better watch on them . The lady with the small dog should not have had her dog loose
Shelia Wiles
June 18, 2012 at 2:56 am
How much of a better eye can you possibly keep on your pet other than a completely fenced in yard and being within eye sight of them at all times?…just asking
????
June 21, 2012 at 1:33 pm
other than the fact there was a hole under the fence big enough for the dogs to get out
ANIMAL LOVER
July 1, 2012 at 6:25 pm
But they didn’t get out. They stayed in their yard, another dog TRESPASSED onto THEIR property under the fence…
owners are bad seeds
June 17, 2012 at 5:51 am
Thoughts ur dogs didnt bark or charge the fence. Got evidence on tape with them doing just that. Way to incriminate urself. Hope the people with the little dog that u say u dont know win the case. Pretty sure they will considering the facts. None were told above except for the fact ur dogs werent licensed or vaccinated. The other thing thats funny is u love ur dogs so much but are currently look for new homes for two of them. Why? On the food stamp program n have money to get ur dogs out u should pat urself on the back for that one.
go to hell
June 18, 2012 at 3:00 am
you are just plain ignorant and stupid…not to mention that your tone in your post totally says that your racist against the breed…any breed of dog will protect its home and family…so don’t go blowing your top…and the families financials have absolutely nothing to do with this case…it is irrelevant…you need to get a life of your own and not criticize others…
owners are bad seeds
June 17, 2012 at 5:42 am
Maybe it came from the tatoos being done or maybe its from their extra caricular activities….
mws
June 16, 2012 at 9:17 pm
she came up with the $560.00 pretty quick
observer
June 16, 2012 at 6:09 pm
I think your getting off topic about this story and onto a totally different subject. Lots of people on welfare work. Jobs are not the best right now . You can’t help if you get laid off and can’t find something . I do agree if your on welfare and not trying to do anything bout it like some people take advantage of it…that’s crap. Don’t stereo type everybody cause everyone has different circumstances.
Anonymous
June 16, 2012 at 1:28 pm
If these comments about this dog owner are true. Such as being on the welfare system, etc. Then she shouldn’t have 4 dogs of any breed. If someone can’t afford to buy food for their children, then how can they afford to feed 4 big dogs? Something is wrong with the system. People that are on assistance should not be allowed to have pets, and should not be allowed to smoke. Sorry, but when my tax dollars are paying for that assistance, I want those dollars to go where they are needed.
Lexie
June 16, 2012 at 5:27 pm
WHY shouldnt people on welfare have animals everyone else has rights to own an animal why shouldnt they? and just because they are on welfare doesnt mean anything you dont no the story on way they are on welfare not everyones story is the same and how do you know they are on welfare you dpnt no there story and you dont no who or what they our about so dont hate because you think your perfect cause ABSOLUTLY NO ONE is perfect or even close to perfect so get over your self and dont butt in to something you no nothing about besides what you have read and seen on here
Gma Jean
June 16, 2012 at 9:49 pm
Enjoy your life on welfare Lexie, I’m sure that’s the road you’re headed down.
the real anonymous
June 18, 2012 at 7:09 am
Sorry, but have to agree. If you can’t afford your own groceries, rent, etc., and need assistance. Then no you should not have a pet. Or smoke! Or get tattoos! I’m tired of loser dirtbags abusing the system.
Good Question
June 19, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Lexie- I think you lost the point. And maybe once you get a little older you will understand. What I think they were saying is that IF they ARE on welfare they should not have a animal of any breed. If you can’t take care of your own kids BY YOURSELF without assistance of any kind. You have no right to own an animal. Animals cost a lot of money for vaccinations, food, toys, etc… If they can afford that out of their own pockets then the people should not be on welfare. CHILDREN should come first and obviously do not anymore.
GPa Jack
June 16, 2012 at 10:40 pm
Like you’ve never collected food stamps Gma Jean. That public assistance is also classified as Welfare.
Gma Jean
June 16, 2012 at 10:50 pm
Not once, have I collected food stamps or any other form of goverment assistance like you or these pitbull owners.
owners are bad seeds
June 16, 2012 at 1:05 pm
Hahahaha everything that comes out of sherries mouth is a lieeee. I feel bad for the little dog. I always see the dog on a leash. Sorry bout ur dogs when the truth is revealed n ur lying face is cryin. K fuarma is a b n u will see. Funny how u say dogs dont bark or charge the fence but clearly in the interview ur dogs are chargen n barkin. Smart thinkin
observer
June 16, 2012 at 10:01 am
Oh yeah…I’m the real observer too! The other one has lack of grammer and competence. Lol just sayin
observer
June 16, 2012 at 9:56 am
The people got their tickets and registered and vaccinated the dogs
they also got fines for breaking the law. The other lady should have gotten a ticket as well for breaking the law!
concerned
June 16, 2012 at 10:58 am
So im confused why they are making a big deal out of this when they are the ones with illegal dogs breaking the law. This probley never would have happened if there wasnt illegaly owned dogs there. You ever think of that.
MrsS
June 16, 2012 at 12:11 pm
Wouldn’t have happened if the other dog would have been on a leash & with a responsible owner who could keep her dog out of other peoples property.
ANIMAL LOVER
June 16, 2012 at 4:03 pm
The fact of the matter is they were both at wrong. Although the owners might have been breaking the law, that doesn’t make their dogs vicious.
concerned
June 16, 2012 at 9:06 am
Everybody here must not be able to read, it says right in the article that she didnt even have a city license on any of the 4smallest bitbulls. That right there means she had illegal dogs in city limits. Case closed. And to top it off she didnt even have the vaccination up to date, and you people are all bent out of shape about MAYBE the other lady didnt have a leash. LOOK AT THE FACTS.
iknewit
June 16, 2012 at 9:16 am
I amend my last statement, i agree 100% with this fact.
Chuck
June 16, 2012 at 9:05 am
Not sure how you can say the pit bull owners were treated unfairly. Attack or no attack, these people were blatantly breaking the law by owning four unregistered, unvaccinated dogs of any breed! Don’t defend them as the victims in this story. They are law breakers.
Yorkie lover
June 16, 2012 at 4:16 am
I cant believe that the animal control lady {Pat} actually let all 4 of these dogs go back home instead of keeping them confined for 14 days like she did my Shepherd!!!! Youre right, its not the fault of the pitbulls that the tiny dog got hurt! It should have been on a leash! VERY BAD JUDGEMENT!! Last year about this time I was walking my Yorkie with a leash…and the neighbors pitbull that was loose….visciously killed my dog right in front of me and my 4 year old grand daughter!! It was the worst experience Ive ever had to go through!!! I miss my dog terribly! I think MOST pitbulls are viscious, with the exception of a few that were raised right! Thank god the little dog didnt get killed like mine! If those dogs wanted it dead, trust me…it would BE dead! I think they were defending their territory! And i think the owners were right for having them fenced in. The person with the little dog should be charged with not having her dog on a leash! I am almost afraid to even go for walks with my new little Yorkie because of the fear I now have of pitbulls! The poor dog that killed mine was neglected and got absolutly NO love and care from my neighbors! Im SURE thats why it killed my dog! It didnt have a chance….it was never taught right from wrong! STUPID people shouldnt own pitbulls!
Anonymous
June 16, 2012 at 7:54 am
Meth and inbreeding, “Human” , have really changed this story.
ANIMAL LOVER
June 16, 2012 at 4:01 pm
Now this is one person who is speaking from experience instead of ignorance. THank you, Yorkie Lover. although I disagree with your statement that pit bulls are mean, they DO require more discispline and structure than most dogs. If not raised properly, neglected, or abused, like every other dog, they are likely to lash out at anything near it. And thank you for not being the only intelligent person out there to realize if they wanted that dog dead, it would be. With the jaw structure of ap it bull, there would be no contest…
Tammy
June 15, 2012 at 11:58 pm
I can’t believe the owner of the small dog didn’t get a ticket for not having her dog on a leash. The owner of the pit bull is being treated unfairly. The officer giving the tickets should be investigated for harassment and punished accordingly. Harassing a family just because of the kind of dogs they own is unbelievable and should be illegal. THE OFFICER SHOULD BECOME MORE FAMILIAR WITH THE LAWS THAT HE IS SUPPOSE TO INFORCE AND FOLLOW THE LAWS INSTEAD OF BREAKING THEM.
JUST BECAUSE A DOG IS A PIT BULL DOESN’T MEAN IT IS DANGEROUS. I have had several pit bulls over the years and they are the sweetest dogs. None of my pit bulls have ever injured anyone. The dog bits I’ve received have come from other breeds including small dogs, a few required stitches.
Grandmother
June 17, 2012 at 12:42 am
The little dog WAS on a leash…and funny no one is telling how her two little boys were traumatized, probably for years to come. The owner of the pit bulls not only lied, but actually believes her story. Its pretty sad… The truth will prevail….
Yorkie Lover
June 18, 2012 at 7:00 am
IF the little dog was on a leash….HOW did it get under the fence??? Did the attack happen outside the pitbulls yard or inside?? I am in no way defending the pitbulls!! My little dog was just MAULED and VISCIOUSLY KILLED by a pitbull! I can only imagine how bad the boys were traumatized by the incident!!! My 4 yr old Grand daughter STILL talks about Scooby, and how he died, and how scarde she was! She says that “Scooby went up to Heaven Grammy” “I miss him so much” “He went to the hospital b cuz the mean dog hurt him bad, right Grammy?” Whenever we pass by the Animal Hospital we BOTH re-live the horrible attack!! And how bad it HURT to watch my baby suffer while he died in my arms!!! It could have been done by any breed of dog….not just a Pitbull! I dont hate the breed, I HATE MY NEIGHBORS for not apologizing or feeling bad at all!! And most of all for NEGLECTING THEIR PITBULL SO BAD THAT IT DIDNT KNOW BETTER THAN TO KILL A TINY DEFENSELESS DOG ON A LEASH! I think that ALL dogs should be confined to their own yards by fences, and on leashes when outside their fences!! Its so hard to lose a dog the way I lost mine!!! I can imagine how the tiny dogs owner and family feel! WHY cant people that own dogs be responsible owners???? Im scarde to death of Pitbulls since the incident with my dog! But, as long as Pitbull owners control their dogs, WHO AM I TO SAY THAT PITBULLS SHOULDNT BE ALLOWED IN THE CITY???? I think the lady that owns the dogs does love her dogs and does take good care of them. WHY do people have to cut her down and talk shit about her because of this incident??? Her dogs WERE inside their fenced area! Thats more than I can say for my neighbors Pitbull!!!!!! Leave the lady alone….I think shes gone through enough shit!
Lexie
June 15, 2012 at 10:59 pm
i think it could have been any breed of dog to attack another dog and all yall thst think the pits were out of the fence…watch the video do ysll really think 4 LARGE pit bulls could fit threw that tiny hole come on people put two and two together here pit bulls are not vicious unless you make them mean by fighting them or abusing them i think they are the MOST loyal loving family dog you can find they just need to b e raised properly. I know the family and if the other person cant keep control of her dog then she doesnt deserve to have one. And for all yall talkin trash aboutthe family and their way of life GROW UP YOU ARE SO IMMATURE AND NEED TO GET OVER IT JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE YOU DOESNT MEAN THAT THEY ARE IN THE WRONG OH AND THIS IS COMEING FROM A FIFTEEN YEAR OLD AND IF I CAN ACT MORE MATURE THAN ALL YALL ADULTS THEN YOU NEED TO GO BACK TO KINDERGARTEN AND GROW UP AND ACT YOUR AGE and as a previous pit owner my self quite frankly it doesnt run in there blood to be mean i once heard this saying and i will share it with all of you “Humans buy me Humans over breed me Humans cut off my ears Humans make me fight and im the one they want to ban and IM the one who gets the bad rap and IM the one you fear???” maybe all yall pit bull discriminaters should read this and rethink your actions and your words think about it from the dogs point of view and think about how they feel… Human kind has become so selfish all we think about is our selfs think about hbow they feel they have feeling just like us and all they want is to be loved and cared for just like any other dog on earth!!!!
Gma Jean
June 16, 2012 at 9:40 pm
What did you say? Please don’t ever talk again until you learn English.
Anonymous
June 15, 2012 at 10:10 pm
According to the MCPD’s incident report
12011523) Animal Reported: 06-08-2012 1932
Officer was dispatched to the area to take a dog bite report.
Addresses Involved
1400 block of Monroe Ave N, Mason City, IA
Names Involved
(Reported By) ##################
Officers Involved
Sergeant Klemas, Steve
(Primary) Officer Eernisse, Josh
Officer Heuer, Matthew
observer
June 15, 2012 at 10:05 pm
I wonder what prick cop said to her that he would give her tickets so she couldn’t get her dogs back? F$#ckn pig!
concerned
June 15, 2012 at 9:40 pm
What is this other dog? Half the time rabbbits cant even get under a fence so unless this lady has one of the smallest dogs in the world i cant hardly believe it went under. Come on people….go out and look at a fence, the crap almost always goes down to the dirt, this is ridiculous to think a dog could fit under a fence.
shut it
June 16, 2012 at 10:14 am
watch the video…it shows the fence…theres a small gap at the bottom where the little dog got in. watch the video before making a half ass statement
concerned
June 16, 2012 at 1:30 pm
It wasnt a half ass statement, if you have 4 pitbulls dont you think you would make sure your fence doesn’t have gaps? They sure made it tall enought, but they couldnt spare a few more inches at the bottom. Up keep is part of being a RESPONSIBLE dog owner…oh wait they had those dogs illegally because they wernt registered or vaccinated …..geezz what was i thinking.
MC MOM
June 15, 2012 at 9:19 pm
I would love to hear from the owner of the little dog. Exactly how small was this dog anyway? In my opinion, it had to be super tiny to fit under that fence!
My Voice
June 15, 2012 at 8:34 pm
I agree with most of what’s said here. Those dogs were in their own yard minding their own business when this little dog not on a leash intruded. However, I think, although i am not 100% that even if someone gets bit by your dog on your property, i.e. if someone puts their hand over the fence and the dogs takes a chunk, i think the homeowner is still liable. Like i said, im not 100% sure on that. I would be interested in hearing a lawyer commment on that. Still, i think it sucks. I don’t understand the need to have 4 in town but i guess that’s their choice and perfectly legal. I hope it ends well for this family. I’d be pissed if it was me faced with this situation although it would be just one dog on that little one. The lady should be charged with dog at large if her little dog got under this homeowners fence. Let’s be fair and realistic about this. And there is no reason to put these dogs down. At most, charge the owner with no license and vaccinations and call it a day. Commom sense.
ANIMAL LOVER
June 15, 2012 at 8:29 pm
This whole thing makes me very sad and I’m praying for the dogs and their family. Every dog, regardless of size, shape, breed, color, or age, deserves a good loving home. It’s sad that people don’t realize how great each and every dog can be. PEOPLE ARE SO IGNORANT! But you know what they say, “ignorance is bliss.” Because if people would open their eyes, they would feel very sad for these dogs and their family.
Aaron S.
June 15, 2012 at 8:36 pm
It all boils down to FEAR OF WHAT ONE DOES NOT UNDERSTAND!!
ANIMAL LOVER
June 15, 2012 at 8:43 pm
I know A LOT of dogs, and I know more viciuos LITTLE dogs than big dogs. I know more vicious chihuauas than pit bulls and have seen more little dogs bite people and instill fear in people than any pit bull. Yes, it is definitely fear of what they do not understand.
ANIMAL LOVER
June 15, 2012 at 8:20 pm
First of all: If those pit bulls wanted something dead, it would be dead so obviously they were just protecting their home. Second of all: The dog TRESPASSED onto THEIR PROPERTY! If someone trespasses onto my property and gets hurt as a result, then I’m not held responsible. Third and last: Pitbulls are like every other dog, with the exception of needed more discipline, boundaries, limitations and structure. They are not any more vicious than the little dog that trespassed onto their property. Yes, the dogs should have had proper registration and vaccinations and what not. I don’t disagree with that, but saying the dogs are vicious? Really??? They are NO MORE VICIOUS than any other breed! They require more from the owner, but if another breed of dog who needs less attention gets very little structure, it is just as likely to bite someone as a pit bull. When are people going to get over the whole “pit bull” thing? Did all of you know pit bulls used to be “nanny” dogs that would keep an eye and protect children? Everyone thinks pit bulls are vicious because they are used in dog fighting, but so are mastiffs, and rottweilers, and even little dogs are used in dog fighting. Anyone who has been around a pit bull knows they are just like every other breed, and anyone who says otherwise is just plain IGNORANT!
MrsS
June 15, 2012 at 7:59 pm
Yes us Pitbull owners DO have insurance, but under the insurance it also states that an animal who bites on it’s own property is fault of the trespasser. Bottom line is LEASH LAW & trespassing on the part of the girl with the ankle biter. And FYI in the 2012 Temperament Test, Pitbulls & Staffies scored 87% better than MOST other breeds. This is not these dogs’ fault. I don’t care if they are Pitbulls or Cocker Spaniels. Some tiny animal comes under the fence, they will chase it. I have adopted all of my Pitbulls from shelters & the Humane Society & they are all wonderful, loving & loyal family members. But, yes if a rabbit comes into my yard, it’s being chased out, common dog behavior no matter what the breed. All of you Pitbull bashers are ignorant & racist on a breed. Discrimination flat out. I love the breed & would never have any other kind of dog. The lady with this little dog was just looking for problems by not having a leash on it & not paying attention to what it was doing. These dogs were IN THEIR FENCE for crying out loud, right there says this is not their fault.
msgordy
June 15, 2012 at 7:49 pm
No offense but if you own 4 pets can you also have a job? Maybe I am wrong(hopefully) But it seems like this person maybe has too much time on her hands? If you can own 4 pets you shouldn’t get public assistance.
MrsS
June 15, 2012 at 8:01 pm
It’s really not on the topic about if anyone has a job, did the girl with the little dog have a job? That doesn’t make any difference. The lady with the little dog was probably on assistance, do you care about that as well?
Anonymous
June 15, 2012 at 7:29 pm
Wow!!! This chick is messed up. I watched them leave the house with their little dog on a leash. Those dogs should be put down. If that was me and my dog I would have taken care of it myself. Smoke another bowl lady! I see those dogs on the loose I will take care of them my self
ANIMAL LOVER
June 15, 2012 at 8:24 pm
Here’s a thought, keep track of your dog! The dogs were fenced in and in their own yard!!!! the little dog was TRESPASSING! Does no one understand what trespassing means?
iknewit
June 15, 2012 at 6:09 pm
Mmmmmmmmmm meth mouth and oh yeah pit bulls not bad dogs great dogs
iknewit
June 15, 2012 at 6:35 pm
Oh leash laws follow them we wouldnt have said problem. Simple and easy dont blame the owner of the 4 dogs they were fenced in geez.
What About This?
June 15, 2012 at 5:49 pm
To all you people who are adamantly defending pit bulls, what about the two year old boy whose ears and scalp were torn off by family pit bulls while his parents slept? He had awakened and was wandering around the house without his parents’ knowledge when the dogs tore into him. Have you ever listened to that 911 call? It’s horrific! The mother is screaming because her child is dying. (He did die.) This was on Dateline or 20/20 or some other show. What could a two year old have done that would cause those dogs to attack him? These were supposedly family pets, and the child had lived with them since he was born. There’s just something in these dogs that sets them off. I’ve never seen a lab or golden retriever do something like this.
I love animals but no way would I put my children in danger like that. You can’t watch your kids every second! They had no way of knowing he would wake up and wander around the house like that.
Amanda
June 15, 2012 at 5:58 pm
That is just one horrible incident. I’m not going to sit here and justify anything. It is horrible. Things like this CAN and DO happen. But it’s NOT restricted to just this breed. It’s ANY breed. Animals are not inherently mean.
How about Golden Retrievers? They are amazing, AMAZING animals. You never hear anything bad about them. I used to nanny for a family and one day the toddler bumped their Golden Retriever while he was sleeping. He was startled and accidentally bit her on the face breaking the skin and leaving a large bruise. It was all an accident. It didn’t make him a bad dog or even a dangerous one.
I’m not justifying any horrible behavior from any dogs but you have to at least take into account that accidents DO and CAN happen. You absolutely CANNOT lay waste to one breed because of a few horrible things some of the animals from that breed do.
Take people for example. People do HORRIBLE things to each other all the time. But no one goes around saying that we’re all dangerous and we all can’t be trusted. We like the dogs are just animals. We technically are all animals. Granted we obviously are more highly adapted. But we’re still animals. Shit happens.
It’s like being racist but with dogs. It’s disgusting and pathetic and shows how truly ignorant you and other people who have this mindset are. Pit Bulls are wonderful. Golden Retrievers are wonderful. But it’s incidents like the one you mentioned that can lay waste to a whole breed just by the act of one.
concerned
June 15, 2012 at 7:21 pm
A golden retriever broke the skin? I think thats alittle different then a pitbull ripping the flesh of a kids head and killing him. Som common sense goes along way. Get ride of all the pitbulls they are viscous animals and it IS in there breed.
MrsS
June 15, 2012 at 8:05 pm
What about the Black Lab that ripped off a kids face? Accidents happen & they are classes & training that dogs & owners can take. Children & dogs go together pretty well. But, you won’t hear all the success stories of children & dogs on dateline. What about the millions of homes with dogs, regardless of breed & small children & everything goes just fine? Anything with teeth can bite & parents need to be proactive on that no matter what the breed.
Anonymous
June 15, 2012 at 5:44 pm
Looks like the same lady I seen out looking for her loose pit bulls last summer.
pitbulls kill
June 15, 2012 at 5:41 pm
Why would anyone believe what this woman with the pitbulls says? Obviously her judgement sucks….SHE HAS FOUR PITBULLS!! None of us were there, so why does everybody think the woman with the dog that was attacked is lying? Wisen up people.
Amanda
June 15, 2012 at 5:45 pm
Seriously? Your comment is disgusting and you need to keep quiet unless you actually know something about the breed. Everything about your comment screams ignorance.
Dusty
June 15, 2012 at 5:38 pm
This whole deal is beyond ridiculous.If the woman couldn’t control her tiny dog than she shouldn’t have it out and about. Is MCPD going to press trespassing charges on the little dog? No because that’s crazy just like the rest of this story. The pit bulls were protecting their yard and rightfully so. The unamed officer should be ashamed of of himself for doing terrible police work and obviously allowing his own biases to cloud his judgment of his duties. If you can’t do that …you should not be an officer and that goes for all situations including scenarios like these. Common sense prevails officer!Take the breeds out of the equation and then figure it out from there. Let these people have the rest of their family back and get your heads out of your asses seriously. Maybe you should go do REAL police work and clean Mason back up…as of now you are failing miserably.
Amanda
June 15, 2012 at 5:43 pm
Very well said! I see that this family and these poor animals are getting a bunch of crap because of this idiocy! Yet I see absolutely nothing about this woman not getting a fine or anything for not having her dog on a leash! It’s her own fault! You can’t blame the dogs for protecting their home! Like you said – take the breed out of the equation and I’m sure we’d be seeing different results right now!
concernedcitizen
June 15, 2012 at 5:29 pm
I don’t think having 4 dogs living in town is the wisest decision, no matter what kind they are. I know pitbulls that are the most gentlest dogs I have been around and the sweetest. They get a bad rap because of the idiots that get them for fighting or to guard their house since they sell drugs. The only thing wrong with dogs are their owners. If you treat your dog like a pet and like one of the family, that is the way they will respond. I have seen small dogs and other breeds of dogs be just as vicious as a pitbull.
Amanda
June 15, 2012 at 5:19 pm
This is beyond stupid. The woman should have had her damn dog on a leash! There are leash laws for a reason! She probably thinks that because the dogs are Pits that she’d get away with her claims!
I say this is all bull. Those poor dogs were doing what any other dog probably would of done – protect it’s home! Pits are WONDERFUL animals who are very loyal. It sickens me when I see them getting the brunt of all this crap.
A few years ago in the national registry Pit Bulls came in SECOND under Golden Retrievers for best family pets!
Anyone who goes with these claims are idiots! I hope this family gets left alone and gets to keep their dogs!
Anonymous
June 15, 2012 at 5:02 pm
“do unto others as you would have them do unto YOU” miss ignorant woman walking her dog without a leash and then lieing because your stupid little dog got hurt due to YOUR IGNORANCE! To ALL of you judging this family based on their appearances, and breed of pet YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES !! APPEARANCES DONT MAKE A PERSON when there are DOCTORS, NURSES AND COPS in the mason city area who do DRUGS , your career choice DOESNT make you ANY BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE , NOT HAVING TATTOOS DOESNT MAKE YOU ANY BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE!! However THANK YOU to all you judgemental pricks for reminding me how AWFUL the civilians of mason city are WHEN WE SHOULD BE LOOKING OUT FOR EACH OTHER! YOU ARE THE REASON MY CHILDREN DONT ATTEND YOUR MASON SHITTY SCHOOLS!!!! To the stupid one asking about a tattoo license YOU CANT WORK IN A SHOP WITHOUT ONE i believe your retarded question has been answered! SHARRIE & JOHN I AM PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY may karma bite that ignorant b!+ch straight in her @$$!!!
wtf
June 15, 2012 at 4:23 pm
it sickens me to see so many people pointing fingers at pitbulls. Pitbulls used to be WAR HEROS. They were used to protect our country and because some people teach them to be mean, they get a bad rep. My husband n I own a pitbull and we have 3 children and I tell you what, I have never seen a dog so loving to her family. Even when people come over she doesn’t know, she doesn’t bark or growl.. she loves them. I was attacked by a dog at a young age and was terrified of them but any breed of dog can attack. Its how they are raised, not their name. Get a clue people. Hope you guys win your case!
voice of reason
June 15, 2012 at 4:11 pm
The point about insurance is a good one. Every insurance company deals with litterally Millions of dogs as well as other household animals. Every comapny has a list of breeds of dogs that have proofed themselves as dangerous, on top of that list is, you guessed it THE AMERICAN PIT BULL. These are fact based statistics, not feelings and emotions! If you tell your insurance carrier you have a pit bull, YOU WILL BE CANCELED. That is why I would guess most pit bull owners in ton have no insurance. Proof of liability insurance should be manditory if you are going to house a dangerous animal in town.
Gma Jean
June 15, 2012 at 3:51 pm
Pits are bad they need to be destroyed. They are the worst kinda of animal EVER!
jerome compton
June 15, 2012 at 4:25 pm
there goes her depends
Aaron S.
June 15, 2012 at 5:12 pm
Ever try picking up a rattlesnake? Worst animal ever!!
Amanda
June 15, 2012 at 5:30 pm
That comment is nothing but ignorant. There is nothing wrong with Pit Bulls. It’s all in how the animal is raised. ANY animal. Obviously you’ve never met one. I’ve met PLENTY and they were all nothing but sweet and none of them EVER showed any sign of being aggressive.
bcraig
June 16, 2012 at 3:09 pm
U think pits are bad dogs u crazy a dalmation is the most aggressive breed out there get ur facts straight and as for the dogs in this articale been around them a lot and never seen a aggressive bone in them any child I don’t care what child can go up to these pups and be safer then if their parents were with the before u go judging get ur facts straight leave the breed out of it I myself grew up around pitbulls they are very loving and caring dogs can be protective bit u all think its wrong think of it this way someone breaks in to ur home not sure if they mean harm to u our ur family I don’t know about u but I’m doing what I need to to stop them in there tracks these dogs didn’t know that the other dog wasn’t going to hurt their kids just sayin
Whew!
June 19, 2012 at 5:18 pm
That was one of the longest sentences I’ve ever read! I was out of breath by the time I got to the end. Maybe some punctuation would have helped?
concerned
June 15, 2012 at 3:45 pm
There is a reason why citys around the country have banned pitbulls in city limits. They are dangerous, strong, and unstoppable. The only way to stop one of those dogs from killing someone is lead. I have watched videos of people being attacked hitting them with bats and they dont even flinch, they keep on attacking.
Anonymous
June 15, 2012 at 3:08 pm
This just proves the world is full of people who are ignorant and believe any thin Rey are told pit bulls are great family dogs just like any other dog if you raid them to be mean they will be. Mine is the biggest baby I the world afraid of flash lights even. He would lay his life down for any one in our family
Jamie
June 15, 2012 at 2:46 pm
I feel bad for those pit’s truth be told , damn ankle biters have done more damage to anyone I know then a pit ever has ….maybe we should make a law against any small ankle biting breed. Come on ,wake up people , Dogs are born knowing only love , they are raised to know hate and violence if raised by the wrong person. Lets not jump to conclusions because they are pit bulls. :(
Jojo
June 15, 2012 at 3:03 pm
thing is there have been too many stories for some to think that it isnt in the pit bulls dna to just snap.
Jamie
June 15, 2012 at 3:12 pm
I agree and I used to be one of them til I got one as a puppy. He is the most loyal and caring and friendly dog I have ever owned. Not to mention smart ! He would not hurt a flea , I would know because we have a cat and several small children. Our cat rules him ! LOL
Ben H
June 15, 2012 at 2:37 pm
A dog is a dog doesn’t matter the kind of dog! People should be responsible for their own dogs and if your willing to break the law and risk it as to having your dog loss and not under control is the ladies own fault, the nice pit bulls were just playing or defending there yard as any other dog would do and has the right to do! Pit bulls are great dogs!
concerned
June 15, 2012 at 2:15 pm
All pitbulls are dangerous, its in there breed, in there blood and are built like a brick shithouse shithouse. They are unstoppable and should all be put down and be illegal to breed or own.
Aaron S.
June 15, 2012 at 2:37 pm
Scared
concerned
June 15, 2012 at 3:40 pm
No not scared, just find it ridiculous and criminal to own a animal that cannot be contoled and possibly hurt,or kill someone. That is whats bread into the pitbull breed and you cant change it, plan and simple.
jerome compton
June 15, 2012 at 4:22 pm
guess that means all whites are klan and all black or mexicans are dangerous, i, sure u have a swashtika tattoo somewhere, kill kill kill i laugh ha ha ha out loud you racist,…. kill kill kill, peace not war, unify all to our greatness of one being pitbull race in dogs just like black in human or white. ur bad to
Amanda
June 15, 2012 at 5:37 pm
Your comment just shows how truly ignorant you are about the breed. ANY breed can be that way it’s all about how they’re raised! It’s not “bred” in them, you can’t breed mean you can only teach it. Yes they’re a very strong breed, no doubt about that. But unless bred otherwise they are very smart and sweet natured animals.
concerned
June 16, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Dont talk about somthing you have know idea about idiot. I grew up and was around dogs being trained my whole life. The main thing a trainer looks at is it blood line and the bread of a dog. If its in there past then they are more likely to act that way. Why dont you go talk to some of the kennel club members and ask them what they think of pitbulls. Eye opening
By the Numbers
June 15, 2012 at 1:50 pm
http://www.dontbullymybreed.org/ look something to help you all get some more numbers to go by, and try to get your mind right.
Amanda
June 15, 2012 at 5:39 pm
LOVE this. Pit Bulls are amazing animals and should be treated as such. People are just complete idiots.
Aaron S.
June 15, 2012 at 1:30 pm
The only reason people are running their mouths again on this subject is because they are intimidated by the breed. Fear + Ignorance = Hate.
Aaron S.
June 15, 2012 at 1:32 pm
Same goes for Ink!!
Pitbulls are great dogs
June 15, 2012 at 1:21 pm
Was the owner of the small dog given a citation for animal at large? As far as I knew there was a leash law & she was clearly in violation of that. If you can’t walk a dog & push a stroller, then don’t. These Pitbulls did nothing wrong & you can see by the video, they are playing & romping with the kiddos. Clearly loving family dogs that were protecting their yard. The other dog probably had an injury from the fence, my dog got one a few years back & it did look like another animal scratch or bite, but in fact was from the fence. Wishing the best for this family & their loving pets! All of you talking crap about tattoos are just ridiculous. I have many tattoos & work as an RN & have saved lives. Those are just an expression of self, like the one this young lady has on her arm is of one of her dogs, obviously a good owner & dog lover. I don’t see how a dog can be euthanized for doing literally nothing wrong. Prayers for them!!!!
LVS
June 15, 2012 at 3:10 pm
Pit Bulls are dangerous and anyone who says otherwise is wrong. They were bred to be aggressive and they do it well. I am a dog lover and have had many dogs over the years and the best dog I ever owned was Doby. She was as sweet a dog as you have ever seen as long as someone in the family was with her. Kids could ride her like a pony and she loved it. But if we were not there and someone or another dog came into what she thought was her domain she could and would attack. She was never trained to do that and was not trained to be mean. She was a family dog but not for strangers. We watched her constantly and when strangers came around she would be put where she couldn’t attack. I would never have a Doby or a Pit Bull in town although I would love to have either. It’s only common sense. They were bred that way.
Anonymous
June 15, 2012 at 1:15 pm
This is more of the story you were not told. The mother with her young son in the stroller and other by her side along with there small minpin with his harness and leash on by this home with the fence by the side walk. When @ least 3 of the Pitbulls came under the fence a fight incured in the street. The mother of the kids tried to break it up after getting her small dog into her arms two of the pitbulls went after the young child in the stroller. Yes the pitbull’s owner tried to aid her when she came out of the home along with another gal accross the street. The lady accross is the one who called the police. The leash was torn off in the fight. The minpin has several punture wounds & a large open gash and alot of bruses he refussed to walk on his swallen leg and had to be carried out to potty. The oldest boy saw 4 dogs run back into the home. The mother of the minpin & small kids didn’t sleep for 2 days after. The dogs would not let the police take them so the owners had to put into the truck. The also tried to attack the gal that tried to feed them @ the Humane Society, so they were called to come out & feel. Just thought you should be inlighted as to what really took place.
Ptibull loving neighbor
June 15, 2012 at 1:25 pm
So that’s not what other neighbors around here say??? I have seen the owner of the small dog walking it & never with a leash, let alone a harness. Obviously if these Pitbulls came out of their yard, there would be more dirt dug up by the fence. Just by seeing the dirt by the fence, you can tell that 3 dogs didn’t get out of under there. Oh & also, the dogs didn’t growl at anyone feeding them, you are a lying idiot! I have found a stray dog a few times & the police asked ME to load them up in the police car because the dogs behave better for people not in uniform. Don’t expect MC police to do anything a citizen isn’t capable of. When I worked at the animal shelter, the police would bring dogs in & have us workers take them out of the car. Get your story straight & stop the lying.
Anonymous
June 15, 2012 at 5:01 pm
If you saw the small dog off a leash numerous times, why didn’t you call the police?
Stacy
June 15, 2012 at 1:43 pm
If that is true. Make you think about the whole situation differently.
defend the pitbull's #2
June 15, 2012 at 2:07 pm
i dont think u r telling the truth of what happen .. kind of funny ur the only person telling it this way .. there is no way that 3 pits got out from under that fence .. the lady walking her small dog did not have it on a leash and was aware that there where dogs at this house and still made the decision to go past this house .. she did it to cause problems for these ppl .. i also dont understand what does having tat’s have to do with this?????? thias is y mason city will nvr change because ignorant ppl that judge ppl for all the wrong reason’s
Good Question
June 15, 2012 at 2:51 pm
Those are some pretty big accusations you’re making there. Saying she did it to cause problems? So you’re saying that anyone who walks their dogs or with their children should avoid walking past ANY house with a pit bull?
Anonymous if that is true you should at least inform people as to HOW you know about the person at the Humane Society. How you know the neighbor is the one that called the cops. It seems as if you are a friend of the one whose dog was attacked. That may be your friends SIDE of the story but there are always THREE sides to every story, your friends, the owners, and the truth somewhere in the middle.
Pitbulls are great dogs
June 15, 2012 at 3:11 pm
Not that people shouldn’t walk past a house with 4 dogs, regardless of breed, but have your dog on a leash!!! It is the law. It’s not in a Pitbulls DNA to snap either, such ridiculousness. What IS in EVERY dogs DNA is to protect their home & families from anything. Anonymous is lying about everything. I live in that neighborhood & that little dog NEVER has a leash or harness & saying the dogs got edgy with Humane Society staff….(my dogs wouldn’t take too kindly to being confiscated & fed by people they don’t know) I don’t believe that for one second. Stop the lies & accusations, your friend with the dog off leash was in the wrong, plain & simple – it was not the Pitbulls fault & it wouldn’t be the fault of ANY breed of dog within it’s own fenced yard.
jerome compton
June 15, 2012 at 4:12 pm
FROM NIT STAFF: Clean up the comment next time please.
Good Question
June 19, 2012 at 1:40 pm
????????????? What was wrong with the comment?
Pitbull Loving Neighbor
June 15, 2012 at 1:04 pm
I really don’t see what these dogs did wrong?? Or the owners besides not have up to date vaccs? Did the small dog have up to date vaccs? Okay, so the owners of the 4 had a fence & clearly their dogs hardly did anything besides scare the little dog to get it out of their yard. As far as I can see, as long as the little dog was on their property, it is the owner of the small dog who is at fault. The other dogs are confined in their yard. Ridiculous that the Pitbulls are being blamed for this!!!! When a rabbit or squirrel or bird gets into my fenced yard, my dogs chase it out. Only doing what dogs do!!! Obviously their dogs are not vicious, living with children & 2 houses away from me, never heard any barking or anything from them. I have 3 of my own Pitbulls & they would have reacted the same way & so would have the Labs that live on the other side of me. The police in this town are just ignorant idiots when it comes to this kind of stuff. Little dog should not be in other peoples yards, fenced or not & no dog should be in trouble for protecting it’s property.
Blown Away
June 15, 2012 at 12:47 pm
It amazes me how off topic everyone is with their comments. This is about a dog that got into someone else’s yard and what came from it. The dog owner’s are not perfect, none of us are. I know that these people are wonderful people that do the best they can with their life. They have jobs and they work hard. Their tattoos have nothing to do with the situation. I have several tattoos, some of which were done by John. That doesn’t make me a bad person. These dogs are good dogs. I have never seen them attack anyone or anything. They are good around children. Yes, they should have been properly vaccinated, papered, etc. but it is not the fault of Marvin and Debates that someone was negligent when walking their dog. If the other person had their dog on a leash, this all could have been avoided.
Watching
June 15, 2012 at 3:34 pm
Does John have a license to tattoo? You need one in this town for that too and you just admitted that he did your tats. If they didn’t have licenses and vaccines for the dogs I would think they don’t have the proper paper work for tats ether. So if the cops have a problem with them you just gave them more ammo. Very smart.
Blown Away
June 16, 2012 at 9:55 pm
Yes you ignorant ass…. he does have a license to tattoo. Glad that is the one thing you focused on out of everything I said. Maybe you should do your research before talking shit dumbass
shocking
June 15, 2012 at 12:40 pm
Tated mom, tatoos and employment matter, when evedently these people did not have the money to keep their livestock vaccinations up to date! Animals cost money, food, vacinations, etc. If you are unable or unwilling to have them, you should not.
amy
June 15, 2012 at 12:38 pm
Damn ignorant ppl, u make me so angry, pitties are affectionate, loving, loyal, humorous, courageous, playful, intelligent n known as the nanny dog, theryre wonderful dogs, as i own one myself!! And it does depend on how theyre raised, if these kids that own them its jus for show, or they fight them….these dogs need socialization n training jus like any other dog out there….cuz u have an ankle bitter doesnt give u the right to think u can walk ur dog w/o a leash, ur ankle bitters can b jus as vicious, i should say any dog can b vicious, u ppl are dumb, kno ur facts before u judge anybody or dogs!!!! Geesh im pissed bout this!!!!
ignorant?
June 15, 2012 at 1:48 pm
When you learn how to spell, then and only then can you accuse someone else of being ignorant. Ebonics are for the lazy, at least try to sound educated when you try to make a point if you want people to listen and take you serious.
DG
June 15, 2012 at 12:31 pm
So…i dont get it. This lady obviously let her dog onto another property. The little rat tresspasses so the dogs punce to protect! How are the pitbulls to blame in any way shape or form? They didnt leave the yard to attack this animal. They attacked simply to defend the territory. Shows how prejudice people are even more after reading this garbage.
Tara tucker
June 15, 2012 at 12:29 pm
Boy u guys are very lucky to have ur dogs and i wish u the best for court.we live in cedar rapids and we have pitbulls.we let our male out in our fenced in yard to go potty a cat came in our yard he chased it out and the cat had injuries and he sat in the pound for 2the months while we fought to get him back til we couldnt fight no more and unfortunately they uthanized him for being a vicious animal…rip chico
Two Tone
June 15, 2012 at 12:27 pm
Good video for kids to watch. Learn that crack kills.
NykiSyx
June 15, 2012 at 12:22 pm
Was the dog that got bit all up to date on everythjng? The dogs probably thought the “small” dog was a rabbit or squirrel. As a dog owner, my two retrievers chase anything that comes into our yard. It’s called the circle of life. Quit judging people by the way they look or where they live. If it was a Doctor getting ready to save your life, you would bite your tongue and praise him. It starts with us. Yes, license your animals. Yes, keep your dogs on a leash. The lady with the kids and dog, you should really think about what that family is going through…the guilt will catch up with you if you lied and put your dog on a leash after it got hurt.
Col. Nathan R Jessup
June 15, 2012 at 12:10 pm
I thought Max was the only PITBULL in MC. Darn copy cats…no pun intended
lesson learned?
June 15, 2012 at 11:53 am
It’s not about the breed its about how well as owners we socialize, care for, and how responsible of owners we are. This sounds like the wrong place at the wrong time mixed with some descrimination on the breed. However I have little time for any animal owner who cant get their pet licensed or yearly vet work/check UPS done. If you cant afford to maintain your pets health you shouldnt own one. Everyone one needs to step up leash, vaccinat, license, etc your pets no matter the breed, size, or personality!
defend the pitbull's #2
June 15, 2012 at 11:51 am
i am a personal friend of these ppl and have been around their dogs several times and nvr feared that i would be attacked or harmed by any of their pits .. as an owner of a pit i feel they r getting a bad rep due to some that dont knw how to raise them correctly .. it’s all about how they r raised and what they r taught i think to many ppl need to realize any dog can be dangerous if not raised properly .. and what difference does it make if anyone in this household is employeed???? but just so u knw yes they r employed and r raising their children .. from what i knw this lady walks by there all the time if ur so worried about ur children or pet being harmed then stay away from their home find another route to walk it’s that simple
Amanda Cuellar
June 15, 2012 at 3:41 pm
I’m also friends with the pitbull owners and the first time I met these dogs I was scared to death of pitbulls,however after meeting these 4 loveable dogs I became a pitbull owner myself! They had puppies when I met them and NEVER growled or snarled or anything mean to me or the other 10+ ppl who came into that house! I CAN NOT believe that these dogs are at risk of losing their lives because of anothers dog invading their territory! John and Sharrie things will work out and karma is a BITCH! My thoughts and prayers are with y’all kiss them dogs for me and the kids too!
Unbelievable
June 15, 2012 at 11:50 am
Does it matter that these people have tattoos really??? There are nurses/doctors with tattoos. If these dogs were of a different breed would it matter that there are four of them? Look how well they play with the children do you really think that your judgments based on looks are accurate? Why must people always point fingers? My father rescued to pits and they are the most loving and well behaved dogs in the world! I also know a man covered in tattoos that probably makes more money then the average doctor and he is an ordained minister! Come on people and stop being so judgemental!
Forget the Rose colored glasses
June 15, 2012 at 11:48 am
its not the breed of the dog. ive owned loving pit bulls in past years. BUT- my dogs were properly cared for, vaccinated, treated and maintained for their health. if you cant afford to provide that for the dog then its your fault as an owner. then again……. lets look at the owners…. just saying……….
NothingFace76
June 15, 2012 at 11:47 am
Only if the child was to hop over a fence. Even then whos to say the dog would bite said child. When you assume you…well you know what you do.
sara
June 15, 2012 at 11:38 am
Two chances huh? Next time is it going to be a child?
SARK9
June 15, 2012 at 12:26 pm
If someone jumps the fence, it’s called trespassing, and becomes a whole new issue.
NothingFace76
June 15, 2012 at 11:25 am
If someone was bit by a Chihuahua would the police issue a vicious animal citation?
klinkyh
June 15, 2012 at 1:45 pm
Chihuahuas don’t eat your face off !!!!
Amanda Cuellar
June 15, 2012 at 3:44 pm
nope just your ankles and legs cuz they cant reach the face!
Aaron S.
June 15, 2012 at 5:10 pm
Obviously never met my uncle Mikes Chihuahua Pita. Viscious little bastardo. Would rip Yu fingers off for even trying to feed it.
DEFEND THE PIT BULL
June 15, 2012 at 10:49 am
ITS NOT THE BREED THATS BAD ITS THE OWNERS AND HOW THE DOGS ARE RAISED…AS FAR AS THE DOG THAT WAS INJURED ITS THE OWNERS FAULT SHE DIDNT HAVE HER DOG ON A LEASH AS CITY STATES ANY DOG NO MATTER THE BREAD A DOG SHOULD ALWAYS BE LEASHED WHEN WALKING AND ANY DOG IS GOING TO PROTECT ITS OWNER AND PROPERTY WHEN SOMTHING UNUSEUAL COMES IN THEIR FENCED IN YARD WEATHER IT BE BY BARKING OR NIPPING ITS NOT THE BREAD ITS HOW THEIR RASIED AND TREATED
gloria
June 15, 2012 at 12:07 pm
Hard to take your comment seriously when you don’t know the differance between bread and breed. Is your caps lock stuck? You don’t have to yell.
Good Question
June 15, 2012 at 12:47 pm
That couldn’t be the farther from the truth. I watched my neighbor’s pit bull go under their fence and attack a girl and her dog. The girl’s dog was on a leash. And my neighbors were VERY good to their animals. They were constantly around kids and never treated them bad. It is in the Breed, take an alcoholic that has been sober for years and peer pressure them into just one drink, or a recovering drug addict around old druggy friends. They cannot help themselves.
By the Numbers
June 15, 2012 at 1:23 pm
In a 25 yr study done by a grp of private parties the Pitbull was not even on the top 20 for dog attacks in the USA. HOWEVER, small breed dogs and labs/lab mix where in the top 5. Labs being number 1 for all attacks fatal or otherwise. SO that being said, you are right the breed makes a difference BUT not in the way you are trying to make it sound.
shocking
June 15, 2012 at 10:32 am
know nothing of the household, but would bet my last dollar, this is just another in a very long line of bad decisions.
1. Anybody in the house have a job
2. Anybody on multiple types of governmnet assistance
Tatoos head to toe, trampoline for all the young kids in the picture, 4 pit bulls!
What could go wrong here????
defend the pitbull's #2
June 15, 2012 at 11:54 am
why is it ur concern if these ppl r employed??? r u employed?? tired of ppl that live in glass houses r the first to throw stones .. and just so u knw yes they r employed
A tatted mom :)
June 15, 2012 at 11:59 am
What the hell do tattoos have anything to do with their pets? And what is it any of your business if they are employed? Honestly too aren’t those types of trampolines for children??? I know nothing about these people, but I know the questions your asking have nothing to do with this article!!!
NykiSyx
June 15, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Judge much?
tattooed shop owner
June 15, 2012 at 12:08 pm
i have tattoos and own a auto repair shop. my mom has more tattoos then me and works for the government. we both ride harleys.. does that make us outlaws? i race cars and drive a 4×4 does that make me a redneck? how about people think befor opening ther mouths and showing how stupid they realy are..
White Trash Reformation League
June 15, 2012 at 10:15 am
Here’s the moral of the story: Stop with all the damn pit bulls.
very sad
June 15, 2012 at 10:13 am
Just a question, do these folks have homeowners insurance for when these dogs hurt, maul, or kill someone? Having 4 pitbulls in one location is just wrong and irresponsible.
If they had insurance, and the insurer knew of these dogs, they would be canceled. Just a matter of time untell somethings goes terribly wrong.