Posted on October 15, 2017 by Colleen Lynn

Dog Bite Victims' Advocacy Group Turns 10-Years Old

DogsBite.org - Today marks the 10th Anniversary of DogsBite.org. We recall quite vividly when we reached the five year mark as well. At that time the founder was in Tucson delivering a speech to the first ever grassroots event for dog attack survivors, Walk for Victims of Pit Bulls and Other Dangerous Dogs. "They say it takes 5 years for a movement to take flight," Colleen Lynn told the audience back then. "That moment of flight is right here and now, right here at this event."

Her speech outlined the first five years of this nonprofit. The history began on June 17, 2007, when the founder was attacked by a pit bull being walked by a handler in Seattle. This led to the founder writing a 20-page white paper about the pit bull problem and delivering it to the Public Safety Chair on Seattle City Council. The paper was met with a defiant shrug. Portions of that paper later became the basis of DogsBite.org version 1.0. She asked the Tucson audience:

"Imagine, if out of rejection, if I had thrown my paper into a trash can instead?" - Colleen Lynn, October 27, 2012

10 years later, DogsBite.org is living proof that some ideas take flight on their own. They are bigger than any one person or a thousand persons combined. The pit bull problem leaves victims in its path across America and has been for over 30-years. A growing body of research now shows that pit bull injuries have a higher prevalence in level 1 trauma centers than all other dog breeds. The majority of these studies also show that pit bulls are inflicting a higher severity of injury.

From 2012 and Beyond

Let there be no doubt that our high authority website has attracted the interest of medical researchers. In April 2011, the Annals of Surgery published a study about severe and fatal injuries inflicted by pit bulls. "Mortality, Mauling, and Maiming by Vicious Dogs," examined the medical records of patients admitted to the level I trauma center of San Antonio University Hospital with dog bite injuries over a 15-year period. The results bore the grim reality of severe pit bull injuries.

Since that time, a group of peer-reviewed medical studies from level 1 trauma centers have confirmed these results. As we stated in our end-of-year letter last year to donors, "The role of DogsBite is always to 'keep shining the light' on this issue. The reach and growth of our advocacy website since 2011 has been remarkable. Our website reinforces to doctors and researchers that this is a serious societal problem, so much so that entire nonprofits are being built around it."

"Without a strong victims’ advocacy group behind this issue, which too often falls below the public’s radar, researchers likely would not be as interested." - DogsBite.org

We also shared with donors: "You are now part of something so big that no one can see how this landscape will appear five years from now after many pediatricians and nurses in family practices tell parents to keep their kids away from pit bulls -- from any interactions with pit bulls," states the letter. "Prevention starts in the pediatrician’s office! Right then and there parents will be told the truth about pit bull injuries from a medical professional." These dogs are not worth the risk!

On the legislative front, we have climbed hurdles so steep, only Olympic athletes could compete. We did not get involved in the state preemption law battle, which bars cities and counties from enacting breed-specific laws and is primarily funded by a multimillion dollar fighting dog advocacy group, until 2014. Since January 2012, state legislators have rejected 77% of these preemption bills. Over the last 2.5 years, Jan. 2015 to June 2017, the rejection rate increased to 90%.

Lacking market share does not equate to lacking credibility. The highest court in Maryland validated our credibility in 2012; before that, so had the Mortality, Mauling, and Maiming by Vicious Dogs study, which cited parts of our statistical data. What is true is that DogsBite.org is a principal source of information on the matter of serious and fatal dog bite injuries that is not owned, controlled, or funded by dog breeders, dog advocacy, veterinarian or animal welfare groups.

Troublesome Trends Since 2012

Today, its not just walkers, joggers, children, grandparents and pets that experience vicious attacks by dogs, it's people on airplanes too. Excessive service dog fraud, particularly by pit bull owners, is rampant today. We knew in 2010, when the new ADA guidelines with gaping loopholes went into effect, there would be serious repercussions. Of course the most deviant types of dog owners would take advantage of these loopholes, especially to evade local pit bull ordinances.

In 2012, a 23-year old "dog rescuer" named Rebecca Carey was mauled to death by her own rescue dogs in Georgia, marking one of the first high profile rescue dog fatalities in our data set. We later had to revamp the parameters we collect for dog bite fatalities to include, "Was the involved dog a 'rescue' or 'rehomed' dog?" Since 2012, rescue and rehomed dogs have killed at least 21 people, 71% (15) were vetted by a rescue or shelter before being adopted out.

Other negative trends since 2012 include the many shelters across the country that are "dropping breed labels," deliberately lying to the public, in order to adopt out more pit bulls. Dog bite attorney Kenneth Phillips recently responded about Los Angeles considering the idea. "Not identifying the breed or giving the history of the dog constitutes fraud and concealment. A public official who suggests withholding information from citizens should be removed from office," Phillips said.

Frankly, the public's trust in city and county shelters is already eroding due to these blatant deceptions. This is in addition to the growing number of aggressive dogs being adopted out under the guise of a third or fourth "rebranding." For instance, "Rainbow," who is allegedly a "ray of sunshine" but was returned by four separate owners. The "baby talk" by many of today's shelters is revolting, and when it is used to hide known aggression, criminal prosecutions are in order.

Social Media & Television

As we write this post, Pit Bulls and Parolees, is airing its 10th season. Yet, Tia Torres' organization, Villalobos Rescue Center, which pulls in over a million annually, has failed to file federal taxes for three consecutive years.1 Generally, the IRS automatically revokes a nonprofit organization's tax-exempt status when it fails to file three years in a row. We hope this season is her last one. When the show does fail to renew, it signals a waning interest by the public in pit bull adoptions.

Yet, social media is a much more powerful vehicle to spread pit bull myths and misinformation than a TV show. That is where we are today on our 10th anniversary. There are thousands of photos floating around in social media of pit bulls lying with babies -- a direct violation of all "baby safety" and family dog rules. It's not only pit bull owners, who take and share these deadly propaganda photos, but members of the media are equally to blame when they air them.

Our Mission Remains the Same

A reporter recently asked us if we had an "elevator pitch." We said no. Our mission is pretty simple: "We are a national dog bite victims' group dedicated to reducing serious dog attacks." Peer-reviewed medical studies of level 1 trauma centers -- both pediatric and adult -- show that pit bulls are producing the most serious injuries. These are the kinds of injuries we are trying to prevent. The most powerful way to prevent them is to provide honest information to the public.

We educate the public to not bring one of these dogs into your household to start with, and do not allow your child to visit the home of a pit bull owner. This education does not require a legislative solution. - DogsBite.org

At some point in the future, the dangerousness of the pit bull breed will become more broadly realized. Social media works in two ways -- the purveyors spreading misinformation and the readers who understand it for what it actually is: deceptive propaganda and personal attacks. At some point down the road, it will also be true in many communities that a majority of its members will have been directly or indirectly (by knowing someone who has) impacted by pit bull violence.

When Sunlight Shines

On April 26, 2012, sunlight soared across America. It began with a phone call by Tony Solesky. He told the founder on that morning, "Colleen, I think something happened today." It was the day the highest court in Maryland issued the landmark ruling, Tracey v. Solesky. The Court's ruling, of which we supplied the winning amicus brief, remains the seminal ruling declaring pit bulls "inherently dangerous," despite a heavily lobbied legislative body scaling it back two years later.

The brilliant articulation from the Court is summed up in the first paragraph, which points out a century old case of a 10-year old Maryland boy nearly killed by a pit bull. "The pit bull refused to release the boy until a witness picked up a 'scantling' and struck the dog, killing it," wrote the Court. They also provided his mother's testimony, who described her child: "[H]e was unconscious, in such a condition that she did not know whether he was living or dead … Blood all over him."

That attack was in 1916, one hundred years ago. The only difference today is that firearms are used to stop these dogs, not a “scantling.”

Public health battles are often fought over many decades. As a society, we eventually come to accept the dangerousness of certain products and habits when we can no longer deny the research and data that proves this point or when policies ban it. The pit bull problem is indeed an adult “habit,” but children are paying the highest price. That is unacceptable and why our advocacy will eventuallly prevail. Currently, over 30 countries ban the importation of this dog breed.

A Call to Action!

On this day of October 15, 2017, ten years after we started this journey, the founder of DogsBite.org, Colleen Lynn, will be in Seattle, Washington, where this journey suddenly began. When the universal prayer of all victims of violent dog attacks moved her -- like it has many victims before her. "Please God, this cannot ever happen to someone else," is the steadfast belief that drives our mission at DogsBite.org. We know that our devoted readers share this same belief.

To honor the 10th year anniversary of DogsBite, a small nonprofit that delivers the benchmark in U.S. dog bite fatality statistics annually, because the U.S. government stopped in 2000, we ask that you download images from our Injury Statistics meme campaign showing quotes from recent medical studies confirming, "Our data were consistent with others, in that an operative intervention was more than 3 times as likely to be associated with a pit bull injury than with any other breed."

Use them on social media to dispel the pit bull myth purveyors! Spread them far and wide!

On October 15, 2017 the founder will be with Ona Deane-Gordly, one of the most powerful pit bull attack victims we have ever had the grace of knowing. Thank you for your support!

Study graphic from Characteristics of 1616 Consecutive Dog Bite Injuries at a Single Institution

1The statement by Charity Navigator, claiming Villalobos Rescue Center is not eligible to be rated, is invalid. The last 990 on record for the organization from December 2013 states $1.6 million in revenue.

Posted on September 30, 2017 by Colleen Lynn

Father Woke Up to Baby Dead in its Bassinet

Barrett Hagans, 1-month old, was mauled to death by a family pit bull in Pike Township.

No Criminal Charges
UPDATE 09/29/17: After a father awoke last week to his 1-month old baby mauled to death by a family dog, Knox County Prosecutor Chip McConville announced that no charges would be filed. "Based upon the autopsy results, there is no reason to believe that this child’s death was caused by anything other than a dog attack," he said. Barrett Hagans was attacked and killed by a family pit bull of 7-years as he slept in his bassinet. The dog had no documented history of aggression.

"While these events are horrifying, and perhaps preventable, they do not rise to the level of criminal conduct." - Knox County Prosecutor Chip McConville

Painfully, the baby's father, Teddy Hagans, was alone overnight for the first time with his infant son and his two pit bulls when the attack occurred, reports The Columbus Dispatch. The article also shows us why criminal charges were initially anticipated. According to McConville, police found dozens of empty beer cans, drug paraphernalia and a back room littered with "so much urine and feces in it that I could not breathe due to the odor," an investigator noted, reports The Dispatch.

As typical after many fatal dog attacks, the prosecutor echoed the same lack of evidence that is often required to file criminal charges. The father would have had to have knowledge of the dog's vicious propensities, posing a substantial risk to the child, and failed to keep the baby safe. Prior to 2012, Ohio state law designated all pit bulls "vicious." Had this law still been in place, McConville would have had a sturdier case, along with the appalling conditions inside the father's home.

09/27/17: Death by Dog Attack
The Knox County Coroner ruled that a 1-month old baby boy found dead in its bassinet last week died due to injuries suffered in a dog mauling. Barrett Hagans died from "extensive blunt and crush force injuries with puncture injuries" inflicted by a male pitbull/pitbull mix, a press release from Knox County Coroner Dr. Jennifer Ogle said Wednesday. The autopsy, conducted one day after the fatal pit bull mauling, found no other trauma besides what was inflicted by the family dog.

The baby's death was reported by his father, Teddy Hagans, 25, at 6:10 am on September 20. According to Ogle, the baby's bassinet was located in the father's bedroom. The pit bull fatally attacked the baby while his father slept. The baby's head was so mutilated by the time of the 911 call, the father did not even attempt CPR, according to 911 recordings examined by The Columbus Dispatch. At the time of the attack, the baby's mother, Courtney Cole, 23, was not at the home.

Authorities removed two family pit bulls from Hagans' residence after the mauling. Both animals were "euthanized for examination" via a court-ordered search warrant and the contents of their stomachs were examined. A previous report from Mount Vernon News states there were no prior incidents reported to the Knox County Sheriff's Officer or the Knox County Dog Warden involving the two pit bulls at the home. The status of the criminal investigation, presumably, is ongoing.

09/20/17: Fatal Dog Mauling Suspected
Mount Vernon, OH - A 1-month old infant is dead after what is believed to be dog mauling. Early Wednesday, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of an infant killed by a dog in the 16000 block of Wooster Road in Pike Township. Sheriff's deputies, the Knox County Coroner's Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation are investigating the baby's death, according to a press release. The Knox County Dog Warden has removed two dogs from the residence.

In a 911 call, the baby’s father stated his son is dead and that the dog killed the baby, reports Mount Vernon News. The death of an infant nearly always initiates a full homicide investigation no matter what the baby's caretaker said in a 911 call or told arriving law enforcement officers. The coroner's office is expected make a ruling on the cause and manner of death. No other information has been released at this time, including the breeds of dogs that were removed from the home.

Late Afternoon Updates

The Columbus Dispatch reports that both dogs seized were pit bulls. A statement by Knox County Prosecutor Chip McConville simply says, “There is probably more that we don’t know than what we do know right now." A report from WCMH plays part of the 911 call, which identified the caller as Teddy Hagans. He said he "woke up to find his baby dead in his bassinet this morning." This could indicate culpability for the father. Police continue to investigate and collect evidence.

Video: The male caller in the 911 call identified himself as Teddy Hagans. And said that he woke up to find his baby dead in his bassinet this morning. He described a gruesome scene and told the police dispatcher that his dog was responsible.

Dispatcher: Your dog killed your baby?

Hagans: Yeah.

Dispatcher: How old is your baby?

Hagans: He's a month old.

A 2014 photo on Teddy Hagans' Facebook page shows a male, unneutered pit bull named "Roby."

A distinctly pit bull propaganda image from 2014 shows a different infant lying with a family pit bull.

View the DogsBite.org Google Map: Ohio Fatal Pit Bull Maulings.

Baseline reporting requirements:
Law enforcement departments across the United States should release consistent "baseline" information to the media and the public after each fatal dog mauling, including these items.

Posted on September 29, 2017 by Colleen Lynn

Pit Bull Owner Arrested, Faces Two Criminal Charges

Kathy Sue Nichelson, 61-years old, was killed by a pit bull while visiting the owner's home.

Dog Owner Charged
UPDATE 10/05/17: According to an official statement by the Gilmer County Sheriff's Office, the owner of the pit bull that attacked and killed 61-year old Kathy Nichelson last Thursday has been arrested and faces two criminal charges. "Today, Detectives with the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office have taken Dante Holloway into custody. He has been booked into the Gilmer County jail and is charged with Involuntary Manslaughter and Reckless Conduct," states the sheriff's release.

"The arrest is a result of the investigation into the death of Ms. Kathy Nichelson by a Pit Bull owned by Mr. Holloway. His bond is $50,000 for both charges," the release continues. We are uncertain at this time if the involuntary manslaughter charge is a felony or misdemeanor -- Georgia has both. Reckless conduct is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Several days ago, the Times Courier reported this dog had "some issues" in the past.

Reckless Conduct
(16-5-60) A person who causes bodily harm to or endangers the bodily safety of another person by consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk that his act or omission will cause harm or endanger the safety of the other person and the disregard constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care which a reasonable person would exercise in the situation is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Late Friday, a local news group released the incident report and the arrest report. The second victim, who tried to give aid to Kathy Nichelson, was identified as Morgan Fountain. He suffered a facial bite by the dog. Sgt. Jason Newman was first to arrive on scene. He described the dog as having a "black and white face," and had "red all over its mouth and head area." Once fire units arrived, Newman and another deputy stood watch for the dog; it was later fired upon and killed.

The arrest report shows that two deputies stopped Dante Holloway and his wife on October 5 as they drove on 515 North. Dante exited the vehicle without incident and was placed under arrest. He was handcuffed and placed into the back of a police cruiser. Holloway's wife, Melissa, also exited their vehicle and gave consent to search it. Deputies found small bags commonly used for narcotic use in their search. One had white residue that tested positive for methamphetamine.

Multiple Vicious Dogs in Household?

Meanwhile, on the related Facebook post by the Gilmer County Sheriff's Office, locals continue to claim the attacking pit bull had a history of bites over the years. Authorities have not confirmed this. A person claiming to be Holloway's daughter, Lindsey Gazaway, states, "If you were looking at public records showing that there was a violent dog at that address, you're right. But it was my dog that bit the cyclists and animal control got involved." He has "since then died," she wrote.

09/29/17: Sheriff Confirms Breed
On Thursday, the Gilmer County Sheriff's Office issued a press release stating that a 61-year old woman died after being attacked by a dog. Very few other details were released. The Cherry Log community is about 80 miles north of Atlanta. Police later identified the victim as Kathy Sue Nichelson and confirmed that she died after being attacked by a pit bull on Goose Island Road. A second person was injured trying to help the victim. Deputies shot and killed the vicious animal.

On September 29, the Gilmer County Sheriff's Office issued another press release:

A-61-year old woman died after being attacked by a Pit Bull Thursday, Sept. 28th, at 890 Goose Island Rd. The woman, identified as Kathy Sue Nichelson, was attacked shortly after arriving at the residence. A passerby saw Ms. Nichelson on the ground and stopped to render aid. The dog attacked him as well, and he escaped to his vehicle where he was able to call 911. He received non life-threatening injuries.

Law enforcement and EMS arrived soon after. Law enforcement attempted to keep the animal at bay while EMS tried to treat Nichelson. During this time, the animal came towards public safety personnel aggressively, and the animal was put down by deputies.

An investigation into the animal’s behavior and its owner are ongoing. More information may be available once the investigation is completed.

Today, WXIA revealed Nichelson was a great-grandmother. The injuries the pit bull inflicted were so punishing, she will have a closed casket, as is usually the case after a fatal pit bull mauling. During the 911 call, dispatch asks, "Is she able to talk or anything?" The person replies: "No she's not because she's barely breathing. He bit her neck really bad." Nichelson had stopped by a friend's home. When she exited her vehicle, her friend's pit bull savagely attacked and killed her.

Nichelson's daughter, Candy Smith, said she tried to fight the dog with a knife, but she was no match for the animal. A passerby saw Nichelson lying on the ground after the mauling. He ran to give her aid, not knowing about the dog. The pit bull then reappeared and attacked him. One or both victims managed to climb on top of Nichelson's car. "The dog literally scratched the paint off of the hood of my mom's car trying to get to them," Nichelson's youngest daughter told WXIA.

After deputies arrived they barricaded the pit bull, but it broke free, apparently not finished with its "rampage" attack. Deputies fired on the animal, killing it. "To be brutally, brutally murdered like that, nobody, nobody deserves that," the youngest daughter told WXIA in a shaky voice. Yet, after the emotional shock and horror of this vicious, deadly attack, family members told WXIA they "don't blame the breed of dog," but rather the owner. Police have not identified the owner of the pit bull.

In January 2016, one of the victim's granddaughters, Deanna Melville, reflected a similar view of "not blaming the breed." On a public Facebook post Melville left at Villabolos Rescue Center, she praised Tia Torres of Pit Bulls and Parolees for helping the "missed understood animals" [sic] and the "only way and animal is bad is depended on how they are raised" [sic]. Melville also stated that she owned an American pit bull, named "Commit." It's unclear if Melville still owns the pit bull.

After further examination (kudos to the hot tipper who sent this in!), we see that daughter Candy Smith is also a pit bull owner. We pulled these comments from the Gilmer County Sheriff's Office Facebook post. "I don't blame the breed as I have a pit. I blame the owner," Smith states. Smith also blames the Good Samaritan who came to her mother's aid. "He was only worried about himself," she states. People like Candy Smith help ensure that these horrific maulings continue.

View the DogsBite.org Google Map: Georgia Fatal Pit Bull Maulings.

Posted on September 22, 2017 by Colleen Lynn

2017 Dog Bite Fatality: Woman Dies of Injuries After Pit Bull Mauling in Mississippi

Connie Holley Storey seen next to tee-shirt fundraiser, "Connie Strong."

The Victim's Brother
UPDATE 09/21/17: On September 8, Connie Storey, 62-years old, was savagely attacked by her son's pit bull after she went outside to feed it. According to the dog's owner, Josh Storey, the animal had also attacked him previously. Connie suffered life-threatening injuries that led to the amputation of both of her legs. But Connie was a fighter; she amazingly survived another 12 days before succumbing to her grave injuries. How do her family members feel about pit bulls now?

Marty Holley, who claims to be Connie's brother, left several disturbing comments on the WTOK article. "The family does not blame the breed," he said, and falsely blamed the vicious attack on rabies (pipe dream). He then proceeded to spell out the "normal" attack manner by pit bulls in cases of serious and fatal maulings, claiming it was abnormal behavior of this dog. Marty should read up on how pit bulls execute the killing bite and frequently rip out their victim's throats.

"The family does not blame the breed. I am her brother. I love pits have only met a couple that have been bad. I personally think the dog a rabies. This dog did not attack like a normal dog. It attracted her drug her into the bushes, brutally ripping her thighs down to the bone. He bit her on the neck and behind her head, he them continued to rip and chew on her for the next 4 hours. It was a horrible tragedy. But I don't blame the breed. So that I squared up maybe you can do something constructive and tell people to vaccinate their pets." [sic] - Marty Holley, Sept. 20, 2017

One can see that even after a pit bull attacks two family members, and in one of those cases caused death, pit bull lovers like Marty continue to defend the breed and invent false stories to excuse away the behavior of a dog selectively bred to fight to the death in a pit. This is after a family pit bull killed his sister. Finally, Marty is yet again another "exhausted cliché" pit bull owner for signing (as a non-resident) and spreading petitions opposing pit bull laws in other jurisdictions.

09/20/17: Pit Bull Confirmed As Attacker
Neshoba County Sheriff Tommy Waddell confirmed to WTOK that 61-year old Connie Storey died from injuries sustained in a pit bull attack Wednesday morning. She had been hospitalized since the pit bull mauling on September 8. The vicious attack occurred in the Beatline community as she was feeding the dog at a home on County Road 276. The sheriff also confirmed the animal belonged to Storey's son. The pit bull has since been put down. No charges have been filed.

Connie Storey went out to feed her son's pit bull when the dog suddenly turned on Storey and attacked her. Storey's son called 911. - WTOK News

Connie had several sons. It's clear by reading through public Facebook comments that Josh was the owner of the pit bull. The dog had also attacked him before. The day after his mother was brutally mauled, he was asked, "Was that the same dog that attacked you?" Josh responded, "Yes." Then apparently, he shot the dog twice after it attacked his mother, killing it. It's too bad this aggressive pit bull was not put down after the first attack. Connie paid the ultimate price for this.

09/20/17: Woman Dies After Dog Mauling
Philadelphia, MS - Earlier, a person sent in a notice about woman who passed away today after being severely attacked by a dog September 8. Just hours ago, the Neshoba Central High School Class of 1973 Facebook page confirmed that Connie Holley Storey did not survive her injuries. "Please be in prayer for the family of Connie Holley Storey. Connie passed away this morning." The post also states that she had remained in critical condition in Jackson following the attack.

Friends and family, we have a fundraiser going as of today for Ms. Connie Storey. For those who do not know she was attacked by a dog and has been in critical condition in Jackson for some time now. Her injuries are extensive and though she is a strong woman the battle continues to be an up hill struggle for her and her precious family. - Neshoba Central High School Class of 1973

One recent Facebook post states that doctors had to amputate both of Connie's legs. Another post states, "she has many surgeries upcoming and a long road to recovery." One person posted a photo of Connie: "Rest in peace mama Connie Holley Storey i love u so much." Other posts acknowledge her death today. Just several days ago, the Scarbrough family started a fundraiser to help pay medical expenses. The tee-shirts are titled, "Connie Strong" with a prayer on the back.

What appears to be true, through the tee-shirt fundraiser and various Facebook posts, including by her daughter, is that people were anticipating her survival. We know that she fought hard to survive for 12 days. Multiple amputations after a violent dog mauling is a grave prognosis for any person her age. We expect to see local news reports about Connie's death in the next several days. We hope that family members or friends share what happened with local reporters.

The person who sent the notice into DogsBite.org said that Connie was attacked by her son's pit bull. We are working to confirm this, though it is apparent on Facebook that multiple male relatives own a pit bull. One of these dogs is shocking, possibly game bred, and should be named Satan. Karen Storey comments, "Good Boy! Just dont turn your back and ... if he doesn't know you ... BACK OFF! Wouldnt be the 1st time he's tasted blood. If he knows you ... No Problem." [sic].

View the DogsBite.org Google Map: Mississippi Fatal Pit Bull Maulings.