Chopper is Back in the News
Lyman, SC - Who could forget Chopper, the chained pit bull that recently mauled a cocker spaniel to death? The town of Lyman responded to the community's concern by creating a strict dangerous dog ordinance. The new rules are not breed-specific, but if your dog breaks a rule, it's banned.
- Attacks a person, domestic animal or domesticated dog or cat and causes physical injury or death when unprovoked.
- Bites or attempts to bite any person while at large.
- Attacks or attempts to attack any other dog or animal or chases or catches a person while at large.
- Poses a threat of harm or endangers the safety of persons, domesticated animals while at large or not at large.
- Is owned or harbored for dog fighting.
- Is trained for the purpose of dog fighting or has engaged in dog fighting.
- Is tormented, badgered, baited, trained or encouraged to engage in unprovoked attacks upon people or domesticated animals.
Owners of dogs in these categories may receive a warning from the police department to remove the dog from the city within 15 days. If the owners disagree with the police, they can file an appeal within five days and go to court over the issue.
Additionally, council members determined that tethering a dog endlessly was considered "cruel treatment" and would only be permitted for nine hours at a stretch.
One screw up from Chopper's owner and he's out.
Related article:
03/04/08: Cocker Spaniel Killed by Pit Bull, Neighbors in Fear
All of these are very good reasons for banning a dog.
This is an on-property, off-property issue. If a child picks up a ball that has landed on “Chopper’s” property and Chopper kills the child, Chopper and his owner may be in the clear. Any person who is “on-property,” may automatically disqualify as an “unprovoked attack” regardless of how innocent the act (such as picking up a ball).
Oh and, such as the Cocker spaniel that was torn up because he ventured onto Chopper’s property…
Very significant law here…
Most places don’t make explosive animal aggression a disqualifier. How many times do we see a six figure mauling with the statement:”The Pit Bull had previously killed a neighbor’s dog”?
Sorry, but if you own a dog that could kill a child, you need a boundary fence. Just like if you had a swimming pool. As a civilized society, we recognize that a child may not have the cognitive ability to distinguish just how far a dogs chain can reach, or where the sidewalk ends and private property begins. Therefore, we take responsibility, as adults, for keeping children safe by altering our own behavior a bit.
Pool owners know that they are required to fence in their pool, and factor that into the cost of owning a pool. Dog owners should do the same thing, and be held legally liable when their companion animal attacks and seriously injures a child because of their negligence.