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Mail Carrier Wants Town to Pass "Vicious Dog" Law

Mail Carrier Wants Better Laws
Keansburg, NJ - A postal worker wants officials to consider a "vicious dog" ordinance since he was attacked by a pit bull while delivering mail. Robert Ketch, age 42, told the Borough Council on Wednesday that he was attacked from behind by a pit bull Jan. 11. He suffered puncture wounds on both hands, his chest and his stomach.

"I am trying to find out whether there is anything that our borough can enact that can take the vicious animals -- the pit bull, the Doberman (pinscher), the Rottweiler and the chow -- off the streets. I've been advised by the hospital and the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) that if my attack had been to a child or to a senior that it would have been a fatality."

The dog escaped through the front door of the house he had just delivered to and pursued him down the street. Ketch feels the dog's owner failed to provide adequate safeguards to prevent the dog from escaping. He has since filed a lawsuit against the dog's owner.

Deputy Mayor Drew Murray said other towns have enacted tighter animal control laws, and added he knew of a Monmouth County town that passed a law restricting one specific animal breed. Keansburg council members said they will be reviewing other towns' animal ordinances.

After Ketch's attack, the pit bull was picked up by the police and taken to the Humane Society, where it remains. The dog will not be released to its owners until they can demonstrate they now have adequate safeguards.