dog attack – My Cocker Spaniel

Pit bull rips off cocker spaniel’s ear

Dudley the cocker spaniel was attacked by a roaming Staffordshire bull-terrier in the Battersea Square neighborhood of London, England. Niki Richards was walking Dudley close to home Wednesday when the attack occurred. The pit bull clamped down on Dudley’s ear and refused to let go (seen in the accompanying photo). Eventually, the pit bull’s owner arrived and beat his dog repeatedly in the head until it let go. Dudley was rushed to the local vet and had his ear sutured back together.

Pit bull owner charged in cocker spaniel death

John T. Dunn of Streetsboro, Ohio faces multiple charges including two felonies for the July 15, 2011 dog attack on an elderly Rootstown, Ohio woman and her cocker spaniel. Dunn was charged with allowing his two pit bulls run free unleashed. He also failed to insure his pit bulls which are considered “vicious” under Ohio law.

Seventy-year-old Marie Hustead was bitten multiple times by Dunn’s pit bulls while trying to protect her cocker spaniel. Her wounded cocker spaniel had to be euthanized. Dunn agreed to the prosecutor’s request of surrendering the two pit bulls. Dunn was also ordered to pay care and upkeep costs for the dogs while at the dog pound.

Ohio’s Definition of Vicious Dog:

“Vicious dog” means a dog that, without provocation and subject to division (A)(4)(b) of this section, meets any of the following:

Has killed or caused serious injury to any person;
Has caused injury, other than killing or serious injury, to any person, or has killed another dog.
Belongs to a breed that is commonly known as a pit bull dog. The ownership, keeping, or harboring of such a breed of dog shall be prima-facie evidence of the ownership, keeping, or harboring of a vicious dog.

This story is a follow up to: Pit bulls attack woman and kill cocker spaniel

Protecting your cocker spaniel from dog attacks

There is no chance of your cocker spaniel winning a fight against a pit bull. In fact, your cocker spaniel will probably be seriously injured or even die. I’ve read story after story of cocker spaniels being killed by loose pit bulls. Tragically, a woman in Ohio was attacked and lost her beloved cocker spaniel to pit bulls last Friday. Take a few precautions the next time you’re out with your pet.

Bring a cell phone with you in case of emergencies. You can call for help (911) if you’re attacked. Have your veterinarian’s number stored in your phone in case your cocker is injured.

Carry a stick, umbrella or pepper spray to fend off an attack. I carry pepper spray on a wrist key holder. It’s always there on my wrist and fits naturally in my hand. If you use pepper spray be mindful where you point it and realize you may spray yourself and your pet in the process (see first aid). If the attacking dog is sprayed please contact the owner or authorities so that the dog can receive first aid.

While you’re out with your cocker spaniel always be vigilant for loose dogs. If you see a loose dog walk the other way without drawing attention to yourself–hopefully it hasn’t seen you or your cocker spaniel. If the loose dog approaches yell no! Yelling “No!” may be enough stop him. Make sure your cocker is at your side to protect him. If possible, pick your cocker up and hold him in your arms–the aggressing dog can’t attack your cocker if he can’t reach him. From this position you can kick the attacking dog or pepper spray him if necessary.

Disclaimer: This article is for your information only. Use your own judgment.