Other Dog Breed Attacks DO Get Reported, Not Just PITTBULL Attacks! It's just that Pittbulls attack more often and worse than the average dog bite

Woman says she needed 29 stitches after canine trio latched onto her

Dog owner cited after boxer attack
DIANE COCHRAN Of The Gazette Staff | Posted: Wednesday, July 22, 2009 11:25 pm

BOB ZELLAR/Gazette Staff
Laurah Peron shows her dog-bite injuries Wednesday at her home on Laurie Lane. Peron was attacked by three dogs owned by her neighbor. .
.A woman recovering from an attack by her neighbor's dogs, including one that apparently was not vaccinated against rabies, says other people in her Billings Heights neighborhood could be at risk.

Laurah Peron was preparing to spray her front stoop for bugs on the evening of July 6 when, she said, three boxers owned by her next-door neighbor attacked her. Peron lives on the 300 block of Laurie Lane.

She had her back turned when the animals charged. Two latched onto her left leg and one onto her right hand, she said.

"All of a sudden they were just on me," she said. "I was screaming at the top of my lungs."

Peron was standing at her front door but could not get inside because the door was locked. She had gone into her yard through an attached garage.

Her pair of sheltie dogs and a neighbor heard her screaming. The neighbor helped her into the garage as the three boxers attacked one of the shelties.

"If he wouldn't have come over, they would have killed me," Peron said.

After several false starts - the dogs kept tripping the automatic garage door's laser sensor, preventing it from closing - Peron and the neighbor managed to shut the animals out of the garage.

A second neighbor took her to the hospital, where she received 29 stitches in her leg and began undergoing a series of preventive rabies shots. Rabies cannot be detected until symptoms appear. By then, it is fatal.

Peron didn't realize until almost a week later that her dog had also been wounded. The wound had abscessed and needed attention from a veterinarian.

An animal control officer wrote nine tickets to the owner of the boxers, Leon Garcia. Garcia is scheduled to appear in Billings Municipal Court July 30.

Three of the tickets were for having a potentially dangerous dog. Each of those citations carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $500 fine.

Three more tickets were for having a dog at large, two were for having an unlicensed dog and one was for failing to vaccinate a dog against rabies. Each of those citations carries a maximum $40 fine.

Animal Control also quarantined the dogs for 10 days to ensure they were not infected with rabies. Several rabid skunks have been captured or killed in the Heights this year.

All three dogs are back in the neighborhood, where children and older people live and could be at risk, Peron said.

Animal Control does not have the authority to confiscate or destroy pets, said the agency's supervisor, Dave Klein. Only a judge can order an animal to be destroyed, Klein said.

But Peron, who has nightmares about the attack and now carries bear spray with her when she leaves her house, doesn't want the boxers to be killed. She hopes their owner will build a more secure fence and maintain the animals' rabies vaccinations.

"I don't want to traumatize their kids," she said. "The dogs are part of their family just like my dogs are."

Contact Diane Cochran at dcochran@billingsgazette.com or 657-1287.

Dog Perishes in ‘American Idol’ Hopeful’s Car

Dog Perishes in ‘American Idol’ Hopeful’s Car

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Avoiding Dog Bites | The Humane Society of the United States

Avoiding Dog Bites | The Humane Society of the United States

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County Commissioners getting slow start on Dog Ordinance

Citizens of Ballantine and some from Billings concerened about aggressive dogs in the County met with Yellowstone County Commissioners, Under Sheriff Jay Bell, Yellowstone County Animal Control Officers: John Fleming and Julie. they were told by County Commissioner Jim Reno that the county pushed the matter of the dog ordinance to the back burner and that it would be rectified. So far, weve been waiting since January of this year!
The ordinance on file at the clerk and recorders office is not being enforced. It has been replaced by an all together different idea of animal control. And this different idea has not been filed through proper channels to be enforced. Seems county ACO'S (Animal Control Officers) and the sheriff's Dept. got ahead of themselves and forgot to do this important part of amending the old ordinance before they started enforcing something different. when asked for a copy of the minutes of the meeting in which ACO, County Commissioners and Sheriff's Dept. had their meeting to change the old ordinance, the County could not provide this information. They forwarded the letter to the Animal Control Officers. Isn't it comforting to know that county animal control apparently know more about how the county is to conduct their business than the County Commissioners? Come on, not even a good stall tactic!

HB 431 Revising dog bite law, dead as my chickens!!

Well, HB 431 is as dead as my chickens are that were attacked by dogs running at large. Here in Dogbite were keeping the electric fence on and the lead ready for dogs running at large. Seems the Insurance Companies won in convincing our senators to vote no in favor of not protecting your children, livestock and pets. Not to mention continued discrimination against citizens in unincorporated towns and cities in Montana. You must write and thank them for their support that they did not give you.

The No votes were:

1. Senator Daniel McGee (R) from Laurel, INCORPOATED city.
2. Senator Jesse Laslovich (D) from Anaconda, INCORPORATED city.
3. Senator Aubyn Curtiss (R) from Fortine, UNINCORPORATED city.
4. Senator Terry Murphy (R) from Cardwell, UNINCORPORATED city
5. Senator John Esp (R) from Big Timber, INCORPORATED city.
6. Senator Greg Hinkle (R) from Thompson Falls, INCORPORATED city.
7. Senator Gary Perry (R) from Manhattan, INCORPORATED city.

Notice most of them are from INCORPORATED cities, and the ones that vored no that ARE from UNINCORPORATED areas well, there is just no excuse. Yes, the insurance Companies won this one because they can afford to pay for people to come to these committee hearing and testify for or against bills when the real people experiancing these troubles cannot afford to leave their Livestock unattended.

The Yes votes were:
1. Senator Lynda Moss (D) from Billings, INCORPORATED city.
2. Senator Cliff Larsen (D) from Missoula, INCORPORATED city.
3. Senator Carol Juneau (D) from Browning, INCORPORATED city.

Senators not voting
1. Senator Larry Jent (D) from Bozeman INCORPORATED city.
2. Senator Jim Shockley (R) from Victor, UNINCORPORATED city.

House Bill 431 a Tie Vote! Seams it more of a Party Issue.

House Bill 431 passed the house of Representatives. The Senate Judiciary Committee heard the bill and the vote was a tie. Only one Republican voting for the bill, and all Democrats supporting this bill. Seams that most of the Republicans are more interested in saving the Insurance Companies money than our Children and our selves from dog bites and injuries the dog causes.

The Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Gary Perry says the strong feelings of the Republicans of this committee thought that this bill goes too far in changing the the rules for dog owners across the state.

One would think that were asking for something we do not deserve.

All we ARE asking for is equal protection from a DOG BITE! and Liability spelled out for the Counties that do not enforce leash laws.

The dog owners in the Counties of Montana have enjoyed not being responsible for their dangerous dog long enough!

All you people in the County need to contact your Represenatives and Senators and COMPLAIN till the cows come home.

Let them know were tired of the way things have been. Just because we live in the County why should we not have a law that protects us like it does for citizens in the incorporated areas of Montana? Are we any less of a Citizen because we live in the County? Do our tax dollars smell different? I bet NOT! The State likes our tax dollars, so, why shouldn't we get the same help with dog bites as they do in the city?

Most of the dog attacks in the County take place on our own property. So, chances are your homeowner's Insurance will not pay because someone dog was running loose got onto your property and bit you. But If you are neglant and you dog gets out and kills someone, bites someone or tears up livestock your homeowner's will pay for it.
As for the inclusion Anders Blewett added in that says: If the injured individual is less than 9 years of age at the time the injury occurs, there is a disputable presumption that the injury occured without provocation by the individual. A dog owner needs to be responsible, and never let small children around their dog!!

A little common sence here please!!

So, who are the republicans out to protect? You tell me and then we will both know!

Talking Dogs!

I thought we should watch something funny for a change.

U.S. Pitt Bull Attacks in an 85- Day Period

This video tells the date of Pitt Bull Attacks, the cities where they occured and the victim's names and ages If known.

Dog Bite Prevention

50 percent of all children in the United States will be bitten by a dog before ther 12 th birthday? The majoity of dog bites are from a dog known to the child . . his or her own pet, or a neighbor's or friends.You can help prevent this from happening to your child. According to the ASPCA discuss with your child the appropriate way to behave around dogs. the following activity will help you and your child understand the difference between safe and potentially dangerous interactions with dogs.

The following is a list of pledges that you can recite with your child:

1. I will not stare into a dog's eyes.
2. I will not tease dogs behind fences.
3. I will not go near dogs chained up in yeard.
4. I will not touch a dog I see loose (off-leash) outside.
5. If I see a loose dog, I will tell an adult immediately.
6. I will not run ans scream if a loose dog comes near me.
7. I will stand very still (like a tree) and will be very quiet if a dog comes near me.
8. I will not touch or play with a dog while he or she is eating.
9. I will not touch a dog when he or she is sleeping.
10. I will only pet a dog if I have received permission from the dog's owner.
11. Then I will ask permission of the dog by letting him snif my closed hand.

This Video Says It All!

Take That Michael Vick!!

If I had a dog Like This . . .

If I had a dog like this . . I would not have any trouble with the dogs trying to attack me while I'm walking my dogs around town. The dogs would run away yelping! It is ugly enough to scare off the dogs that come to my property to kill my chickens and livestock.
I don't think people would want to pet it either. I would actually scream and run If i saw something like this running loose! In fact I bet If I had a dog this this . . Animal Control Sure wouldn't be so lenient on me! If someone knows what kind of dog this is please leave a comment to let me know I just might actually get one!

Yellowstone County Animal Control Ordinances UNFORCED

Yellowstone County Animal Control Ordinance haven't been up date since 1993. No one seems to have read them, anyway! Except us dog bite victims. It's just amazing how dogs roam the unincorporated city of dogbitemontana even though you catch the wandering dog on video clearly not in control of anyone let alone the owner. This is my story of how nothing was done.

February 4th: While returning home I saw a brown and white Australian shepherd mix barking and jumping on the fence where my chickens are kept. Since I don't carry a shot gun with me, I threw rocks at this dog and chased him away from my chickens. I ran inside and got my video camera. I filmed this dog while I called the Sheriff's Dept. to make a report. I assumed the Animal Control would be calling me back.


Four days later On Feb. 8th, I called the Sheriff's Dept. to cancel the call as It looked like I would not be contacted anyway. The Sheriff's Dept. said they would contact animal Control and let them know i had not been contacted.

The next day on Feb. 9th Animal control called me back and said they could not find a dog matching the description I gave running loose.

Then in the next 2 days I was bitten by 2 different dogs.

A Pitt bull bit me on my own property I was walking past my chicken pen and didn't see the dog until it had knocked down my 3 year old daughter and bite me in the leg. I ran inside grabbed my camera and filmed the dog while it ran around the neighborhood for half an hour before the Animal Control could get there. The ACO took the dog into town for quarantine although it did have a current rabies vaccination.

The next day on my way into town I recognized a dog in the back of a flat bed pickup as the brown and white Australian Shepherd mix that had been harassing my chickens on Feb. 4th. I followed this vehicle back to the owner's property to confront him about his dog harassing my chickens. I had lost 4 good laying hens from this attack. While I was there talking with the owner about the attack of his dog this dog, jumped up and bit my left hand leaving two deep puncture wounds and a tear down my ring finger. Now, despite all this the dog was quarantined with the owner for 10 days, even though the Ordinance says 14 days! I have pictures of the scratches on my car door and my hand to prove all this.

County Ordinance C04380-180. Vicious Dogs. Reads:
Anyone who harbors or allows to stay about the premises occupied or controlled by him within the county a vicious or potentially vicious dog is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined an amount not to exceed $500. dollars.

#B of this Ordinance reads:
For the purpose of this ordinance a Potential vicious dog is defined as a dog which when unprovoked:

1. Chases or approaches a person in a menacing fashion; or exhibiting an apparent attitude of attack; or

2. Makes unwelcome physical contact with a person, or

3. Bite or causes substantial injury to a person while on the owner's property.

DEFINITIONS

SUBSTANTIAL INJURY: Is defined as a puncture or laceration or break of a person's skin caused by a dog's teeth; or any other physical injury to a person caused by a dog which results in a degree of trauma that would cause a reasonable and prudent person to seek medical care, regardless of concerns about rabies prevention.

UNPROVOKED: Is defined as a circumstance in which a person is injured by a dog which he did not hit, kick, strike, pull, pinch, squeeze, or taunt.

These ordinances were not followed by ACO. The owner said I put my arm out the window and called his dog! I did not. And when I picked up the reports of these dog bites it said that I made a comment that It was my fault! I think not! the facts are that the owner of this dog lied! There was not even a ticket issued for the dog running at large which I have a video of!!

Hows that for following the Law! No ticket was written to even go to court to see if this dog was a vicious or potentially vicious dog!

It doesn't matter how they change the ordinances, if ACO is not going to follow them they will do absolutely no good and it's time for a replacement!

Courtney and Taylor in Helena with Buster at state Capitol

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Buster is the Courageous little Shih Tzu that that survived an attack by a Pit Bull in April of 2008 while walking in his south side neighborhood of Billings. Buster had to be taken to the vet while his owner had to go to the Emergency Room. Buster required 60 staples to put him back together. His owner D. Roubke, is facing 2 more surgeries and has aquired more than $12,ooo. in medical bills. This is just a clear cut case of neglectful owners of a breed of dog that can be deadly. This is what buster looked like after his attack by a Pit Bull probably 10 times his size. Well, buster is on the mind, and I hope D. Ruebke sues the pants off his neighbors that own the Pit Bulls, Yes that plural! They have 3 pitt Bulls! Hope they like giving money away to people whom their dogs bite! Some people just haven't got a clue! I'm not for eliminating the breed of Pit Bulls, I just think that If your going to have one you'd better be smarter than your dog!







This is what happened to D.Ruebke when he tried to save his little dog Buster. Crushed bones in his hands and broken knuckles. Also torn and missing flesh.

This Is Why Animals Must Be Vaccinated Against Rabies

This is a video of a Human Rabies victim. It is very Graphic. I decided after a lot of thought, I'd put it on this blog because despite all the warnings we get here in Yellowstone County every year there are still people that don't vaccinate for this disease. In the State of Montana every Cat, Dog and Ferret are required to have the shot. It amazes me that people do not do this. If you do watch this video, This is real! Maybe instead of a few packs of cigarettes or meals eaten out maybe you'll use the money for shots for your animals. It only takes ONE animal un-vaccinated and only ONE bite. I hear that the series of 6 shots for a human are about $2000. This could be YOUR child. And Yellowstone County is under quarantine for Rabies right now. It's not worth it PLEASE vaccinate all your pets for Rabies!!

Canadian Goose getting the Best of this dog

This is a video of a Canadian goose getting the best of this dog. Usually in dogbite montana its the other way around. Well, they say What Goes Around Comes Around now I got proof!! It's nice to see a little justice.

HOUSE BILL 431 PASSES HOUSE 75TO 24!

HURAY!! Got the news straight from Anders Blewett! House Bill 431 passed the House Committe today with a vote of 75 to 24. Well, its on the the Senate Committe!!

House Bill 431 Revises Montana Dog Bite Laws

House Bill 431 is up for the 2nd reading this week in the State Capitol. This bill in it's revised form will protect dog bite victims in an unincorporated city or town.

This bill defines Owner as an individual or other person, as defined 1-1-201, who owns, possesses, harbors, keeps, controls, has custody of, or has a financial or property interest in a canine.

It also defines "Provocation" means teasing, tormenting, or abusing.

This bill says the owner of a Canine that without provocation injures or causes injury to an individual while the individual is on or in a public place ot lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the Canine, is liable for the damages suffered by the injured individual regardless of the former behavior of the Canine or the owner's knowledge of Canine's behavior.

Always Report Dog Bites! It's your Responsibility!

Speaking as a dog bite victim, it is VERY important to report a dog bite to the proper authorities it be Police, Sheriff, or Animal Control. The important thing to to get it Documented! In so many communities there seems to be a system where the 1st bite is free! And if you happen to be on the owner's property, WELL, OF COURSE IT MUST HAVE BEEN YOUR FAULT! And most popular excuse ever, I HAD NO IDEA FLUFFY WOULD EVER TEAR SOMEONES HAND OFF! SHE HAS NEVER DONE THAT BEFORE. Try to stay calm when talking to authorities when your in a lot of pain it's easy to do a lot of rambling and emotional chatter. Ask questions if they do not tell you what is happening. You HAVE the right to know.

Prompt Attention and treatment of dog bites is the best defence against bite susceptible to many different antibiotics, but if treatment is delayed too long, the damage to the body may be too severe for the patient to survive.

Dog Bite Septicemia-Capnocytophaga canimorsus

Dog bit septicemia is a much less familiar condition than Cat Scratch Fever. It is equally if not more serious when it occure. The infection )caused by the bacterium Capnocytophaga canimorsus) is typically transmitted by dog bites, and causes an infection of the bloodstream, resulting in a very serious body-wide illness. the bacteria can also cause other types of infection including meningitis, endocarditis (Infection of the heart valves) and rarely ocular infections. One study reported 16 % of dogs carried C. canimorsus as part of the normal bacteria in their mouths. Compared to the number of dog bites that occur, C. canimorsis infection is relative uncommon. Most of the people affected by this bacteria have some kind of predisposing factor, particularly having had their splen removed, having a weakened immune system, or being an alcoholic or Diabetic.Septicemia with C. canimorsus if FATAL is approximately 1/3 cases.

ALL BITE WOUNDS SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY, and immediately washed thorughly with lots of soap and water. CONSULT A PHYSICIAN for any bite on the hand, over a joint or tendon sheath (such as on the wrist or ankle), over any kind of implant or prosthesis, or in the groin area.

You need to know:

1. Description of the dog. Color, collar, tags etc.


2. Where does the animal reside and who is the owner if known.


3. Is the Animal current on vaccinations.

Other things that might be helpful:

1. Seek medical attention if necessary. If you do go to a clinic or hospital some facilities have forms they fax to Authorities, ask for copies of those forms. As well as medical notes.


2. Collect names of any witnesses that may have seen what happened.


3. As soon as possible make a few notes on what happened for your future reference.


4. Take photographs of the injuries as soon as possible, as well as the area in which the attack happened. Save torn clothing!


5. Collect any reports from Animal control about the incident.

Any dog can seem like the cutest little thing and then turn around and chew off parts of your body! And then the owner looks at you like you have a 3rd eye wondering what YOU did to his dog.

Remember this dog is a loved one to it's owner so don't be surprised If things get said that are not true. I learned the hard way. I picked up the reports of my dog bite incidents and there on the report were things I honestly did not say! Their dog destroyed 3 of my hens that I raised from chicks! I saw this dog in the back of a truck and followed it home. I tried to tell the owners who live here in dogbite, Montana what their dog did. While I was talking to the owner I was bitten in the hand after the dog jumped up on my minivan puncturing and cutting my left hand (as you can see in the picture on this post). Then the owner turns around and says to Animal Control I stuck my arm out the window and called his dog after he told me the dog was very protective of it's property. I am a Diabetic and well aware of the complications from a situation such as this. We live in a rural community where there are lots of livestock, what is wrong with people who have dogs like this right in the middle of cow country. And the guys wife is a Brand Inspector. Wouldn't you think they could be a little more responsible? I got a shotgun just waiting for this fellar!

Like I said the owners will lie to protect their dog, leaving you on your own to defend yourself. So, try to stay calm, collect your evidence, and always report the attack to authorities. As a responsible citizen it is your duty to help keep the environment safe for our children and older folks and even our companion animals.

To Helena We Will Go!

Were leaving this week-end to be in Helena on Monday the 16th to speak to the House Committe for HB 431. Introduced by Anders Blewett. This is an act imposing Liability on a dog owner for any injuryto an Individual caused by a dog anywhere within the state; Amending Section 27-1-715 MCA; And providing an Immediate Effective Date.

Top 10 Shelters in Montana

1. Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary, ovando, MT 59854 406-793-6000
2. Jelka Arnesen Elkhound Retirement Resort/Montana Lhasa Apso Purebreed Resque Arlee, MT 59821 406-726-4006
3. Help for Homeless Pets Billings, MT 59103
4. Last Chance Cat Sanctuary Billings, MT 59105 406-248-2388
5. Mission Valley Animal Shelter Polson, MT 59860 406-883-5312
6. Great Falls Animal Shelter Great Falls, MT 59405 406-454-2276 gfanimalshelter@hotmail.com
7. Humane Society of Western Montana Missoula, MT 59808 406-549-9295 adoptions@missoulahumanesociety.org
8. Chelsea Bailey Butte Silver Bow Animal Shelter Butte, MT 59701 406-782-8450
9. Tobacco Valley Animal Shelter Eureka, MT 59917 406-297-PETS palomino@interbel.net
10. Stafford Animal Shelter Livingston, MT 59047 406-222-2111 shelterbark@imt.net

Whoops, Bad Doggie or Bad Owner?

Well, this is the first post for this blog. This is a blog for dog owners as well as dog bite victims. It's an emotional experiance on both side but speaking for my own experiance theres nothing that will get your attention like a fur bag with a gigantic set of teath coming your way like a freight train.

please leave me your comments!

This picture I got on the internet you can tell this dog had an extremely high pain threshold.

What would be a good caption for this picture?