Albany - Two dogs described as an english bulldog and a bulldog rottweiler mix have escaped their enclosure for the second time for the express purpose of killing another dog. Both victims look like black labs.
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| RIP Thor |
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| RIP Nitro |
Almost always, when a news account says that an english bulldog was involved in an attack, it tures out to be an Olde English Bulldogge which is a designer mutt of english bulldog with pit bull and other bull breeds.
Commenters on the story are outraged to find that these dogs can go back to their owners after having two kills under their belt because Illinois law says dogs can kill three times before being declared vicious so they can be put down. Many want a change in the law.
However, if residents find out who the owners are and are watchful, they may be able to get another dangerous dog designation before the pit bulldog mixes can kill again. Also, watch to see if the owners are negligent. If they “knowingly” allow their pit bulldogs to roam again, they can get hit with a felony.
(510 ILCS 5/2.05a) Sec. 2.05a. "Dangerous dog" means (i) any individual dog anywhere other than upon the property of the owner or custodian of the dog and unmuzzled, unleashed, or unattended by its owner or custodian that behaves in a manner that a reasonable person would believe poses a serious and unjustified imminent threat of serious physical injury or death to a person or a companion animal or (ii) a dog that, without justification, bites a person and does not cause serious physical injury.
(Source: P.A. 93-548, eff. 8-19-03; 94-639, eff. 8-22-05.)
(c) If the owner of a dangerous dog knowingly fails to comply with any order regarding the dog and the dog inflicts serious physical injury on a person or a companion animal, the owner shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony. If the owner of a dangerous dog knowingly fails to comply with any order regarding the dog and the dog kills a person the owner shall be guilty of a Class 3 felony.
(Source: P.A. 93-548, eff. 8-19-03; 94-639, eff. 8-22-05; 94-819, eff. 5-31-06.)
Also, being armed and willing to shoot these things if they invade property and threaten any living thing isn’t a bad idea either.
Regardless, the state law needs to be changed. There is no excuse for Illinois essentially deeming the lives of the two victim companion animals - gentle normal dogs - Nitro and Thor - worthless.
Read more:
Mar 23, 2011 Sterling Grandparents Rescue Boy Being Attacked by Pit Bull
May 03, 1988 City of Rock Falls Outlaws New Pit Bulldogs
