A disabled man in Miami-Dade County, Florida was brutally attacked by two big pit bull-type dogs, named Jumpety and Boo-boo. The incident left the man, known as 'Smokie,' knocked out of his wheelchair.
The gruesome incident left dozens of horrified neighbors powerless to intervene as the ferocious animals tore into the victim, leaving him with severe injuries, as per Daily Mail.
Pit Bulls Maul Disabled Man Despite Rescue Effort
The dogs, having escaped from a single-story residence where they were under the care of neighbors due to their owner's incarceration, went on a rampage, dragging Smokie over the sidewalk. Onlookers, unable to deter the bloodthirsty hounds, honked car horns and even edged a semi-trailer towards the scene in a desperate attempt to halt the attack.
Witnesses gave details of the tumultuous scene, as a crowd of about 20 to 30 people came together, throwing objects to momentarily distract the attention of the dogs. Regardless of all attempts, the pit bulls continued their attack, resulting in visible injuries to the victim. unexpectedly a video recorded the presence of two more dogs, who had just been introduced to the yard, barking furiously from behind a fence as the aggressive attack took place.
The victim, Smokie, was subsequently airlifted to Jackson South Medical Centre, where he underwent surgery to address severe injuries to his arms. Disturbingly, it emerged that at least one of the attacking dogs had a history of aggression, having attacked before. Neighbors, familiar with the animals, had differing opinions on their demeanor, with one describing Boo-boo as 'peaceful' and another expressing concern about Jumpety's dangerous tendencies.
Miami-Dade County Animal Services took swift action, seizing both Jumpety and Boo-boo. The fate of the dogs now hangs in the balance as authorities contemplate whether to euthanize them, given the potential public safety risk they pose. A spokesperson for the Animal Services emphasized adherence to Chapter 5 of the Miami-Dade County code, which guides humane euthanasia decisions in cases of dogs deemed a threat.
This unfortunate incident shows the big issue of dog attacks in the United States. According to the American Veterinary Association, around 800,000 people require hospital treatment for dog bites annually. Certain breeds, such as Pit Bulls, have been involved in a higher number of attacks compared to other breeds, according to Local10.
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Pit Bull Attacks Surge
Based on a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pit Bulls were responsible for 28 percent of fatalities caused by dog attacks during a span of 20 years.
Recent pit bull attacks across the country have heightened concerns, including the case of Brittany Skoland in Fort Dodge, Iowa, who required a double amputation after being savaged by three pit bulls. Additionally, a 63-year-old woman in Utah lost her life in November after being mauled by her son's seven pit bulls, emphasizing the severity and frequency of such incidents.
In the Miami-Dade incident, the owner of the dogs was reportedly in jail, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. Jumpety, with a known history of aggression, had already garnered a reputation in Florida City for previous attacks.
The community remains on edge. Witnesses, who felt helpless during the attack, expressed frustration at their inability to deter the dogs. The victim, a familiar face in the neighborhood, survived but had to undergo arm surgery.
The decision on what will happen to Jumpety and Boo-boo is now under consideration, with Miami-Dade Animal Services placing great importance on thoroughly assessing any potential safety risks the dogs may pose to the public. The final result is to comply with the county code, demonstrating the importance of maintaining a careful equilibrium between protecting the community and making responsible decisions regarding animal welfare, WFLA reported.
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