dog killed at Belleville dog park

[Toonces]

Dog killed by pit bull
Tiny pet's injuries so severe, owner forced to have him euthanized
Posted By W. BRICE MCVICAR, THE INTELLIGENCER
Posted 2 days ago


Tori Broadbent is not a supporter of "an eye for an eye" but she does want to see the pit bull cross that caused her dog's death destroyed.

Broadbent took her two-year- old pomeranian-****zu Harley to the dog park at East Zwicks Thursday night to socialize with other canines. While talking with friend, she heard growling and turned to see a large pit bull cross pick up Harley in its powerful jaws and begin violently shaking the small animal.

"I honestly thought Harley's neck was broken," she told The Intelligencer Friday.

Other dog owners in the park immediately intervened and began kicking and punching the larger canine to free Harley. Once the small dog was on the ground, Broadbent picked him up, ran into the parking lot and frantically called her veterinarian.

Lying on the asphalt, Harley's eyes were wide with shock and his tongue was hanging from his mouth. The small dog's white fur was matted with saliva from the attack and blood seeped from the wounds to his side.

Tina Sawicki, a friend of Broadbent's, drove the Belleville woman and Harley to Bay Regional Veterinary Hospital.

Sawicki said during the trip to the Bleeker Avenue clinic it became obvious the dog's wounds were more than superficial.

"You could hear the dog in the car as we were going to the vet, you could hear air coming out of its lungs," she said.

In fact, the pit bull cross had bitten Harley so badly, its teeth had not only punctured skin but had penetrated the small dog's lungs. Staff at the veterinarian clinic told Broadbent Harley's chances of making it through the night were slim prompting the 24-year-old to "do the right thing" and have her pet euthanized.

Sawicki, who witnessed the majority of the attack, said the pit bull cross was "vicious" as it shook the small dog.

She said the woman in charge of the pit bull cross seemed "pretty distraught" and told Sawicki she was shocked the dog had attacked Harley.

She said to me 'He's normally so well behaved. We have a muzzle for him and it's in the car'. Is the law not in place because these dogs are unpredictable," Sawicki asked.

In 2005 the Ontario government implemented a ban on the dogs. Pit bulls that were alive at the time of the bill's creation were grandfathered, but breeding of the dogs is no longer permitted. The legislation also requires pit bulls, when in public, must be on a leash and be muzzled.

Belleville police Insp. Mike Graham said the city's police force is investigating the attack and the pit bull cross has been quarantined for 10 days.

Police are investigating whether the dog should have been on a leash or muzzled as the dog was a pit bull cross and not a full-blooded pit bull, Graham said.

"I don't know the legislation, I'm going to have to look into it," he said. "We're looking into it."

The woman who was accompanying the pit bull cross at the park, Graham said, is not the dog's owner but was babysitting the canine. Charges under the Dog Owners Liability Act may be laid following the investigation.

Ironically, Broadbent is a former pit bull owner who said she used to defend the breed when people would criticize it. She opposed the province's ban on the dogs, she said.

Thursday's events, however, have left her shaken

"I see a big dog now and it's scary. I've lost one and they're like my kids. I don't know what I'd do if I lost her," she said clutching her remaining tiny dog, Suzuki.

Broadbent said the woman with the pit bull cross has offered to pay her veterinarian bill but it won't bring Harley back. She said though she generally doesn't believe in taking one life for another, this incident has her thinking differently.

"I'm not normally a believer in an eye for an eye but in this case.... I've had a dog that's attacked before and I didn't think twice about having that dog destroyed because once a dog attacks you just never know."

[babymomma]

I notice how they make it known SOOOOOO many times that the attacker is a pittbull cross, but its mentioned very few times that the dog that was attacked was a pomernian, yes its unfortunate that the dog has been attacked and killed, but it seems to me like the owners of both dogs were not paying attention to either of the dogs. And it seems like the owner of the pom brought her dog to a dog park to socialize it and before it was really truley socialized she let him run free? who knows what the pom did to prevoke the pitt?! Im sorry but it boils my bloode to see a story written like this, they are trying to make the whole pittbull breed sound like monsters.. Absolutely dispicable.

[wdawson]

regardless of the breeds involved....this is yet another reason not to go to dog parks . these parks are used by people to socialize among them selves and not supervise there dogs , in my opinion its for people that dont want to go for walks with the dog , you put a bunch of different breeds , sizes , fixed - unfixed , social and anti-social dogs together these things will happen.


you will never see my dogs at an off leash park.

[babymomma]

Originally Posted by wdawson

regardless of the breeds involved....this is yet another reason not to go to dog parks . these parks are used by people to socialize among them selves and not supervise there dogs , in my opinion its for people that dont want to go for walks with the dog , you put a bunch of different breeds , sizes , fixed - unfixed , social and anti-social dogs together these things will happen.


you will never see my dogs at an off leash park.

I agree 100% , I would never let keely go to one. These places are horrible, like you said its just for the owners to socialize with each other and nothing good can EVER come of it. But in this particular story, they are yet again targeting the pittbull breed. And it ticks me off to no end!

[wdawson]

Originally Posted by babymomma

I agree 100% , I would never let keely go to one. These places are horrible, like you said its just for the owners to socialize with each other and nothing good can EVER come of it. But in this particular story, they are yet again targeting the pittbull breed. And it ticks me off to no end!

yea i know.....i have a cross and i too hate the negative press.

[Stacer]

We don't go to dog parks very often anymore, but when we do it's obvious most people aren't paying attention to their dogs.

S#!t happens regardless of breed, this time it happened to be a pitbull X, which of coarse causes the media to zone in on the incident.

We watch Skylar like a hawk at the park because she has a tendency to bully smaller dogs that are fearful of her. As soon as we notice her badgering a specific dog, we leave before she has a chance to escalate the situation (we've learned this the hard way, lol).

It's unfortunate that the owners weren't paying attention to the dogs because I'm sure the signs were there long before the attack happened.

RIP little dog. Now the future of the other dog is in serious jeopardy.

[wdawson]

Originally Posted by Stacer

RIP little dog. Now the future of the other dog is in serious jeopardy.

unfortunatley that fate has been decided by the liberals under there DOLA legislation :sad:

[mollywog]

this is so unfortunate. Does anyone here know if there any legislation regarding pitbull crosses? And who is to say whether or not your dog is a PB cross? Some people see Molly and think "oh no, a pitbull" (I personally don't think she is) but you will never catch me walking around with her muzzled!

[luckypenny]

Only having this article to go by, this doesn't sound like an unpredictable, aggressive dog. It says to me that this is a dog with a high prey drive WHICH IS NORMAL FOR MANY DOGS REGARDLESS OF THE BREED .

This is something the owners/caretaker of this dog should have known and certainly could have prevented. Once again, as always, the blame does not lie with the dog, but it's neglectful, irresponsible owners including the owner of the poor dog that was attacked.

I wish people would spend more time learning about dogs and dog behavior and less time putting their dogs' lives at risk because of their stupidity and ignorance .

[t.pettet]

Both owner's need their heads examined. One for putting a tiny dog in such a precarious situation with a horrid outcome and the second owner for allowing a prey-driven large breed loose and unsupervised at a dog park. Dog parks should be divided into 2 size categories and never mixed. I am so sick of morons telling me their large dog's 'are friendly' when trying to approach my small ones. If mine aren't friendly towards a particular dog and happen to growl then whose are injured or killed if an attack happens? My dogs socialize with many dogs of varying sizes but I am always initially wary of any un-social behaviour on either's parts especially if I don't know the owners.

[wdawson]

Originally Posted by mollywog

this is so unfortunate. Does anyone here know if there any legislation regarding pitbull crosses? And who is to say whether or not your dog is a PB cross? Some people see Molly and think "oh no, a pitbull" (I personally don't think she is) but you will never catch me walking around with her muzzled!

under the breed ban....if the dog resembles or has similar looks....BANNED....so its up to the 18yr old summer student to decide

[TulipRoxy]

Originally Posted by wdawson

regardless of the breeds involved....this is yet another reason not to go to dog parks . these parks are used by people to socialize among them selves and not supervise there dogs , in my opinion its for people that dont want to go for walks with the dog , you put a bunch of different breeds , sizes , fixed - unfixed , social and anti-social dogs together these things will happen.


you will never see my dogs at an off leash park.

While I agree with you on most counts, this is not the rule. I take my dogs to a dog park usually every day, and we havent had a problem. When used correctly they can be a great place that dogs can run free and socialize with eachother. As well its a good place sometimes to meet other dog lovers. Of course I watch my dogs well, and if a dog comes in seems unfriendly I take them out. I never use it as a substitute for walks, though. We walk about 2 hours a day. I think like anything people abuse the priviledge and sometimes make it worse for everyone.

This is a sad story. My first question is why is a prey driven dog in a dog park in the first place? And also why is a tiny dog in the big dog park? And the worst part is the pit bull rap gets worse and worse

[luvmyshepherd]

I have been in the dog parks many time with my 2 dogs (shepherds) and have kept my older guy (9 yrs) on his leash because of the little dogs.
The Pomeranian that was killed at the dog park, I am so sorry to hear that the owner had to put the dog down.
I'm also sorry to say that the OWNER'S take NO responsibility for their pets at the dog parks. It is not a place to take your dogs so you don't have to walk them, it's NOT a place so you, the owner can socialize with other people and IGNORE what your pet is doing.
It's the same as parents taking their kids to the park to play. You don't take your eyes off your child.....same rule applies at the dog park.
Twice now we have had a horrible time at the dog park with OWNERS not understanding that THEIR dog's behavior is the problem NOT the pits or the shepherds or the rotti's.
Pomeranian owner that thought it was funny that your little 20 lb dog kept attacking my 110 lb shepherd and REPEATEDLY allowed your dog to return and attack my dog (who by the way I had on a leash). I had to kick the Pom at one point to get it to let go of my dogs private region. It wasn't funny in the least !!
Especially when everyone else in the dog park ONLY heard my guy finally growl, grab and release the Pom but didn't see the previous incidents.
People were yelling at me to muzzle my dog.
Sorry, but even a DOG can only take so much abuse and I could only protect him/try to stop the Pom which didn't work !!!!
So please, I know this person lost their pet but no one knows what was going on PRIOR to the attack because NO ONE WAS PAYING ATTENTION TO THEIR DOGS.
The dog park gate closing behind you and your pet, does not mean you have a free babysitter !
**PLEASE NOTE: IF YOUR DOG IS UNSTABLE OR IN AN EXCESSIVELY EXCITABLE STATE ....A DOG PARK IS THE LAST PLACE THEY SHOULD BE UNTIL SOME ENERGY IS RELEASED. OTHER DOGS WILL INSTINCTIVELY CORRECT THIS BEHAVIOR SO IF A DOG SNAPS BARKS OR GROWLS AT YOUR DOG WHEN IT'S IN THIS STATE.....RECOGNIZE IT'S YOUR DOGS UNSTABLE BEHAVIOR CREATING THE PROBLEM !!

[Kay9]

Originally Posted by luvmyshepherd

I'm also sorry to say that the OWNER'S take NO responsibility for their pets at the dog parks. It is not a place to take your dogs so you don't have to walk them, it's NOT a place so you, the owner can socialize with other people and IGNORE what your pet is doing.
It's the same as parents taking their kids to the park to play. You don't take your eyes off your child.....same rule applies at the dog park.

Right On, luvmyshepherd.

[Frenchy]

Originally Posted by luvmyshepherd

So please, I know this person lost their pet but no one knows what was going on PRIOR to the attack because NO ONE WAS PAYING ATTENTION TO THEIR DOGS.

How the heck do you know this exactly ? Were YOU there ?? Even if so , it doesn't justify a killing. Dogs will growl , snap , to warn another dog to back off , not attack and kill it.

and by the way , this thread is almost 2 years old.

[JJO]

Originally Posted by Frenchy

and by the way , this thread is almost 2 years old.

I was about to point that out too...

Good catch Frenchy !

[luvmyshepherd]

Originally Posted by Frenchy

How the heck do you know this exactly ? Were YOU there ?? Even if so , it doesn't justify a killing. Dogs will growl , snap , to warn another dog to back off , not attack and kill it.

and by the way , this thread is almost 2 years old.

If the thread being 2 yrs old bothers you, you don't have to comment. Obviously, according to you I needed to be TOLD.
I didn't JUSTIFY a killing. Putting some responsibility on the OWNERS. The COMMENT from the OWNER of the Pom stated :

QUOTE: Broadbent took her two-year- old pomeranian-****zu Harley to the dog park at East Zwicks Thursday night to socialize with other canines. While talking with friend, she heard growling and turned to see a large pit bull cross pick up Harley in its powerful jaws and begin violently shaking the small animal.
THAT is how I know and NO I WAS NOT THERE.
YES, a dog will WARN another dog to back off and if/when it doesn't then the OWNER needs to step in and take responsibility.
The end of my comment in previous post was :
**PLEASE NOTE: IF YOUR DOG IS UNSTABLE OR IN AN EXCESSIVELY EXCITABLE STATE ....A DOG PARK IS THE LAST PLACE THEY SHOULD BE UNTIL SOME ENERGY IS RELEASED. OTHER DOGS WILL INSTINCTIVELY CORRECT THIS BEHAVIOR SO IF A DOG SNAPS BARKS OR GROWLS AT YOUR DOG WHEN IT'S IN THIS STATE.....RECOGNIZE IT'S YOUR DOGS UNSTABLE BEHAVIOR CREATING THE PROBLEM !!

[Kay9]

Originally Posted by TulipRoxy

While I agree with you on most counts, this is not the rule. I take my dogs to a dog park usually every day, and we havent had a problem. When used correctly they can be a great place that dogs can run free and socialize with eachother. As well its a good place sometimes to meet other dog lovers. Of course I watch my dogs well, and if a dog comes in seems unfriendly I take them out. I never use it as a substitute for walks, though. We walk about 2 hours a day. I think like anything people abuse the priviledge and sometimes make it worse for everyone.

This is a sad story. My first question is why is a prey driven dog in a dog park in the first place? And also why is a tiny dog in the big dog park? And the worst part is the pit bull rap gets worse and worse

I think you hit the nail (or many nails) on the head: you watch your dogs, and you wouldn't bring prey-driven dogs to a dog park. Unfortunately, there are idiots who would and do.

[ontariodogs]

I breed Poms. Never in a million years would I take any of my dogs to a dog park. Not only because of the huge risk that even a bigger dog wanting to play, much less attack, poses but also due to the threat of them being exposed to every disease known to dogs. I suspect this is a situation where both parties are at blame. No responsible toy dog owner should ever put a dog in a situation like this. Nor should any dog that has the potential to inflict this kind of damage be given the opportunity. IMO dog parks should be outlawed - they're just disasters waiting to happen. The fact that this was a pit bull type shouldn't really have any bearing on the outcome - and I like pit bulls. Regardless of the breed there should be consequences for the act. I do know that given the current view on pit bulls I find it mind boggling that these incidents keep happening. Yes, it's unfair to bully owners to have to be more vigilant than the guy next door who owns a lab. Then again, if they'd been more vigilant to begin with then maybe the current legislation wouldn't be in place. And yes they do need to be more vigilant because while a pit bull might not be any more inclined to attack than any other breed the potential for serious damage once it does isn't comparable. Until all dog owners learn to act responsibly then these stupid, senseless incidents are going to keep on happening. You own a dog, then you make sure it's behaviour 24/7 is acceptable and you keep it out of trouble. Personally, I have 15 dogs - mostly Poms. None has ever bitten a person. Attacked another dog? Not a strange one but they've had battles amongst themselves which proves the potential for trouble is there no matter what the breed.

[kandy]

Originally Posted by ontariodogs

Then again, if they'd been more vigilant to begin with then maybe the current legislation wouldn't be in place.

The dog owners who are responsible aren't the ones that aren't vigilant, but they pay the price for those that aren't. And having the ban in place is not going to make a bit of difference to those people who purposefully train their dogs to be vicious. In fact the ban has probably made bully breeds more attractive to those people who like to intimidate others. When there are no more bully breed puppies for these people to torture into killers, they will go back to buying rotti's or gsd's. If the law makers would realize that the problem is in the owner, not the breed - we'd have less of these kinds of incidents and no need for discriminatory bans. IMO the media is and has created such hype in these cases that it will take decades to undo the damage. Half the time the media reports it as a bully breed when it's not even close.

Such a sad thing - and so preventable. The article did say the woman with the big dog was not its owner, just a dog-sitter. I have to wonder what in the world she was thinking taking the dog to a dog park, and then not to have it muzzled! Even if the dog had not attacked a smaller dog, any one could've reported the dog as being un-muzzled in public which in itself was against the law. And the little dog - even if a small dog is very well mannered, a big dog can squish it easily accidently - and it doesn't say anything about how the little dog was behaving prior to the incident - lots of people think it's funny when their little dog is vicious, saying "Oh, he's so small he can't do any damage". A mean dog is a danger no matter the size. Once again, two dogs will pay with their lives for human stupidity. :sad:

[Kay9]

I personally think dog parks are the culprit. Any idiot can bring their dog there, and one cannot know how the pet has been trained (or not). I WOULD NEVER bring Buddy to a dog park.

That poor little pom.