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Tennessee Senator Calls for Ordinance to Mandate Sterilization of Pit Bulls

UPDATE 12.21.07: Several months before Jennifer was fatally attacked, Tennessee updated its dog bite statute. The new law disallows civil liability for maulings and killings of people who are guests in a dog owner's home, but allows recourse if the owner's dog attacks a person walking down the street. Because of this law, Jennifer's family has little recourse.

11/15/07: Tennessee County Urged to Pass Pit Bull Law
Knoxville, TN - In light of the recent tragedy of Jennifer Lowe, State Senator Tim Burchett of Knoxville is urging Knox County Commission to pass a law requiring mandatory sterilization of pit bulls. In a letter to the commission released yesterday, Burchett writes:

"Across Tennessee and now locally we have a story that has ended tragically. Due to the fact that pit bulls do attack humans, I think it is time for us to act before we have another instance like this."

The letter follows the death of Jennifer Lowe, 21, who was attacked and killed by two pit bulls. Lowe died of severe injuries to her face, shoulder and arm. Knox County sheriff's deputies shot the dogs, one of which died at the scene. The other was wounded and fled but was captured later. Both adult dogs had previously been declared "dangerous" by Knox County Animal Control.

The dogs' owner, Charles Smallwood, was not present at the time of the attack. The Sheriff's Office will present its investigation to the Knox County District Attorney General's office for review of possible charges. Burchett's letter states that other communities have established laws that have been successful, and that Knox County can follow their lead.