UPDATE 10/31/08: A disturbing update to this story has been published (click here to read). The dog named Chiko snapped its chain to attack the children. Then, the vicious dog ticket written to the dog owner "disappeared." This may be due to the fact that Fulton County Animal Director, Jere Alexander, is a highly dangerous pit bull apologist. She also keeps her own pit bulls chained (illegally).
08/29/08: Students Taken to Hospital
Atlanta, GA - Five high school students were taken to a hospital this morning after being attacked by a dog at their bus stop, police and school officials said. None of the injuries to the students from South Atlanta High School were believed to be life-threatening, but police were forced to kill the dog to stop the attack, according to Atlanta police spokesman James Polite.
Officers responding to a 911 call witnessed a pit bull being aggressive and attacking several individuals. "Someone tried to hold the dog down, but the dog was still aggressive, and was trying to bite at those that were trying to hold him down," Polite said. The dog got away and tried to attack more people, so an officer discharged his weapon one time killing the dog.
The five injured students were taken by Grady EMS to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding for treatment. Their ages were not immediately available. Just before noon, police were still trying to determine if the dog was a stray or if it belonged to someone in the neighborhood. If the dog does have an owner, he or she will likely not come forward now.
In other news:
Shot Gun Used after Pit Bulls Attack
Kokomo, IN - A police officer used a shotgun to kill two pit bulls that attacked children in a park. Authorities say the dogs attacked at least two children, a girl on a bicycle and an 11-year-old boy. Neither child was seriously injured. The dogs also attacked a Chihuahua. The dogs tried to attack the police officer before he shot them with a 12-gauge shotgun.
No one knows who owns the dogs...
Related articles:
06/06/08: Girl Steps Off School Bus and Attacked by Pit Bull
05/31/08: Pit Bull Attacks 2 Boys Walking to Bus Stop
03/20/08: Dogs Attack a Group of Children in Oregon
This is why we need BSL!!!! Every damn pit bull in this country needs to be microchipped, so when an incident like this happens, the owner can be held accountable. Any pit bull found wandering without a chip should be euthanized.
When was the last time you heard of a beagle going berserk at a bus stop and mauling a group of kids! This madness has got to end.
Ban early and ban often!!
I wonder what made Chiko "#1", as his doghouse says. Dogfighting grand champ?