Dec 23, 2009 Girl Recovering from Severe Dog Bite

CHICAGO HEIGHTS (STNG) -- Sticking out through the tip of Girthamarie Gary's middle finger is a metal pin. Doctors inserted the pin, which travels the length of her entire finger, so that her finger will have a structure until the bone heals and the tissue inside her finger is able to grow back the right way.

The 15-year-old sophomore at Bloom High School has had the pin in her finger ever since a dog tore into her hand at 10 a.m. Nov. 21 at the corner of Lincoln Highway and Edgewood Avenue.


Dec 06, 2009 Cop Shoots Pit Bull That Attacked 5 People



"If the police officer wasn't there, the dog probably would have eaten me up," survivor Felicia Nubern said.


CHICAGO - A Chicago police officer shot and killed a pit bull dog today that had attacked five people in the city's Grand Crossing neighborhood.

Dec 01, 2009 Flora, Illinois Woman Killed in American Pit Bull Terrier Attack

FLORA PD, JOHN NICHOLSON, CHIEF: The incident that occurred on November 30th at 235 Austin Avenue in Flora has devastated several families. This was a very tragic event for not only the families involved, but the neighborhood a well.

Rosie L. Humphreys, 85, of 235 Austin Avenue Flora, Illinois was not only a citizen of Flora, but was so much more to so many. After speaking to several neighbors and friends in this neighborhood, it became apparent that Rosie was everybody’s Grandmother within that area. This is exactly why this case is so tragic, as Ms. Humphrey could have been anybody’s grandmother at any town USA.

Before I go into a timeline of the events of November 30th, I would like to clarify some mis-information, clear some dis-information and stop some on going rumors.

The particular breed of the dog involved in the attack was an American Pit Bull Terrier. He was an un-neutered 3 year old male, with full registration. The dog was purchased from a registered breeder at 6 months of age by Brian Pennington of Flora. There is no available information that it had ever been trained by its owner, Brian Pennington to attack or fight in any manner.

The dog was Pennington’s family pet.

The Flora Police Department or the Clay County Health Department Animal Control office have never received a single call as to this particular dog or the owners address at any time.

There has been no documented or reported cases, where this dog has displayed any aggression towards people or other dogs.

The dog did not appear malnourished or abused and had no visible signs of mistreatment.

The dog did not slip its collar, break the chain or dig its way out of the kennel.

The dog according to several neighbors seemed friendly and was not habitually loose.

Based upon witness statements, and several interviews the following time line was established by the Flora Police Department.

November 30th at 11:15 a.m., Mr. Pennington observes his dog chained and secured in the dog kennel area of his back yard from inside his house.

Approximately 2:00 p.m. four different neighbors within the area of Mr. Pennington’s residence observed the dog running loose.

One particular witness was working in his garage when Mr. Pennington’s dog came into the garage with him.

The witness stated the dog acted friendly and showed no signs of aggression. The dog then left the garage.

Of the four witnesses, no reports were called into the Flora Police Department or the Animal Control to report a dog loose in the area.

Approximately 2:16 p.m., Mrs. Humphreys leaves her residence to walk her two dogs, which were poodles.

Shortly thereafter Mrs. Humphreys and her dogs were attacked by Mr. Pennington’s dog. The attack occurred at the end of her driveway and the sidewalk area.

A passerby in the roadway observed the initial attack. The pit bull was observed by this witness to be attacking on of the poodles of which Mrs. Humphreys was trying to protect by pulling her dog up to her chest area, while kicking and striking the pit bull.

The witness had pulled her car over and went to assist Mrs. Humphreys who by this time had fallen on the ground and was now being attacked by the pit bull herself.

The witness yelled out for help and several people then began to assist in the efforts of removing the pit bull off Mrs. Humphreys.

At approximately 2:18 p.m., a call was placed to the Flora Police Department to report this attack.
The pit bull was eventually controlled and first aid was rendered to Mrs. Humphreys unsuccessfully, as she was pronounced dead at the scene.

At this time the Flora Police Department secured the area as a crime scene and began an investigation.

An Illinois State Police Crime Scene Tech was then called to assist in the collection of evidence.
After the collection of evidence and photographs taken, interviews were conducted.

Upon inspection it was determined Mr. Pennington’s dog had gotten loose because the metal “D” ring on its collar failed. Meaning the metal D ring had broken allowing the locked clasp on the chain to fall away from the leather collar.

The collar was a brown leather collar of normal wear and of normal weight for this type of dog. Mr. Pennington’s dog was estimated to weigh approximately 60 pounds.

All available evidence indicates that the factory installed metal “D” ring on the leather collar broke, which released the dog. The metal “D” ring was of normal size for this collar type. The metal appeared normal in wear and condition.

On December 1, 2009 a forensic autopsy was conducted by Dr. John Heidingsfelder at the Clay County Hospital. The preliminary results showed the cause of death was due to Exsanguination, due to transected Carotid Artery, due to bite mark lacerations to the face, neck and extremities. The manner of death was ruled accident.

After careful review of the applicable criminal statutes that could apply to this case and all physical evidence, witness statements, and background investigations, it was determined by the Clay County State’s Attorney’s Office that there will be no criminal charges filed at this time against Mr. Pennington. The case will remain in an open status for an undermined amount of time, so as if factual information or physical evidence is obtained, the case could and will move forward.

Read more:

Nov 14, 2009 Pit Bull Used as Weapon


PEORIA – A large "pit bull type" dog was used as a weapon Friday morning, ultimately getting its 29-year-old owner arrested for aggravated assault.

Read more:

Nov 13, 2009 Pit bull shot during drug raid

Alton - Authorities from several law enforcement agencies raided a Marie Street home Friday morning, carrying out a drug-related search warrant and fatally shooting a pit bull terrier.

Read more:

Nov 11, 2009 Daily Record


Mt. Vernon – Wednesday at 7:53 a.m., police responded to a report of a vicious dog in the 300 South First Street. A resident reported a pit bull growling when he or she opened the door, according to reports. The animal warden was called to the residence, according to reports.

Mt. Vernon Daily Record  Accessed: 2012-05-24. (Archived by WebCite® at http://www.webcitation.org/67uZOAU6m)

Nov 5, 2009 Police shoot 2 pit bulls tazer third

ALTON - A 22-year-old is facing multiple charges following an incident on the city's East End earlier this week in which police shot his two pit bulls and Tasered a third.


Comment on earlier edition of the story:
calledpolice
9:24 AM on November 6, 2009
I love this. Earlier this summer my husband and I were at home when 2 random pit bulls without tages decided to stake out our front porch. We didn't so anything at first because we thought they would go away. Wel, we had somewhere to be and my husband went to load up our car only to have one of the dogs run after him and tried to run inside our house. At that point they were being very aggressive. We called the cops (as did several neighbors) and they said there was nothing they could do since it was the weekend. The city will not call animal control because then they would have to pay them over time. What a joke! So, they we basically said that until the dogs attack us when we go outside they won't do anything. I see now that if the officer feels threatened THEN it is ok to do something.

Oct 23, 2009 'Precious' the pit bull bit customer's arm, says suit

A woman who claims she was attacked by a pit bull has filed suit against the dog's owners.

In a complaint filed Oct. 20 in Madison County Circuit Court, Pamela A. Moore claims she intended to visit defendant Bluff City Tours, owned by defendants Gregory A. and Patricia D. Gelzinnis, on Aug. 10.

But as Moore was opening the front door of the Godfrey establishment, she was attacked by the Gelzinnis' pit bull named Precious, according to the complaint.

"The pit bull named Precious, without provocation, attacked Plaintiff, biting her in the upper arm, bicep and tricep areas thereby permanently injuring and wounding Plaintiff," the suit states.


read more:
The Madison St. Clair Record

Sep 23, 2009 Tom Loewy: Pit bulls serious and divisive problem

Galesburg - "The echoes from the single shot fired Sunday night on Day Street will ring out for a long time.
The incident — Galesburg Police Officer Maurice Johnson’s shooting of a pit bull named Aries — is sure to divide the community."

"Police probably hate calls involving dogs as much as any other call,” he said. “But the fact is our community has to come to grips with how we are going to enforce our laws concerning pets. This is something lurking in the shadows and it bothers me.

"We had an (earlier) incident on Pearl Street where it came to light an entire neighborhood was terrorized by dogs."

Read more:

Sep 21, 2009 Two Mt. Vernon Pit Bulls Invade Store

Mt. Vernon – An employee of Tots to Teens contacted police at 8:44 a.m. Saturday after two pit bulls entered the business through a back door that was accidentally left open. The employee went to another room and shut the door until the dogs left. The animal warden was contacted, and the dogs were picked up at the owner’s home, according to police reports.

Mt. Vernon Daily Record  Accessed: 2012-05-24. (Archived by WebCite® at http://www.webcitation.org/67uce98FZ)

Related posts:
List of Invasion Attacks
These are attacks where the dog invades a home, place of business, occupied building or securely enclosed yard expressly to attack.  Attacks in which the pit bull pulls another animal through their fence in an attempt to kill them are also considered invasion attacks.

Sep 14, 2009 Stray Pit Bulls Attack Deputies in Odell


By Sheila Shelton

Odell — A Livingston County Sheriff’s Police officer was bitten Saturday by a pit bull in Odell as he and another officer attempted to take the dogs back to their owner’s residence.
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“The two officers arrived in Odell, located the dogs and were attempting to walk the dogs back to their owner’s home,” said Glowacki. “It was as this was happening that one dog jumped up and bit an officer on the arm. Then both dogs began charging the second officer.”

Glowacki said the second officer then fired his duty weapon at the dogs.

Sep 01, 2009 Police shoot aggressive dog




By Travis Morse

Freeport —Local police early Tuesday, Sept. 1, shot an aggressive stray pit bull that was reportedly attacking a smaller dog at 12 E. Iroquois St. in Freeport.

The incident occurred at around 5:25 a.m. on Tuesday. A resident of the Iroquois Street address contacted police to report that her dog was being menaced by a stray pit bull in her backyard.

Read more:
Journal Standard



Aug 27, 2009 Pit bull attacks 80 year old woman

Rantoul – An 80 year old Rantoul woman is in the hospital after she says a Pitbull attacked her. It happened last week at her home. Eleanor McDonald broke her hip and her hand. Her son is looking for answers.

"Her life has been altered from now until the day she dies as a direct result of this incident. Sad part of that is nobody feels responsible for it, no one has come forward and said "I'm sorry this happened," said Richard McDonald.

Read more:
Illinois Home Page
Free Republic

Jul 16, 2009 Wolfhounds Attack Again

Same pair of dogs blamed in rash of maulings last year

East Alton - A pair of Russian wolfhounds that attacked and killed at least four animals last year struck again Thursday, injuring two dogs and an owner.

The wolfhounds, which also are known as borzoi, escaped from their back yard in the 300 block of Washington Avenue about 10:30 a.m., attacked a man walking his dog and mauled a dog in its home.

Sgt. Brent Wells with the East Alton Police Department said a 911 call was received from a woman at 10:33 a.m., stating her son was being attacked by two large white dogs.

Kevin Bartles, 46, suffered 13 puncture wounds to his arms while trying to defend his small mixed-breed dog from being attacked by the threatening hounds as he neared his home in the 500 block of Monroe Street.

Wells said a second call came in at 10:34 a.m. from another woman who said two dogs came into her house and attacked her small dog.

Wells said the pair ran into a house in the 100 block of Lakeside Avenue and attacked a rat terrier. He said the dog suffered severe injuries. Its owner, Laura Ward, took the canine to a veterinarian.

Public Works Superintendent Denny Weber, who also is in charge of the village's animal control, received a call about the attacks and responded the scene, where he was able to take the dogs into custody.

"The dogs are now at Madison County Animal Control, where they will be quarantined for the next 10 days," Weber said.

Police Chief Dwynn Isringhausen said he was disturbed by the incident because this time the dogs attacked a person who got in the way of their "prey."

"The dogs were violent in the past, but they had never attacked a person before now," Isringhausen said.

Residents were extremely upset last year after the pair of canines went on a killing spree between April 14 and July 11. The dogs escaped their yard, hunted down and killed three small dogs and mauled a fourth.

Records show that the owners of the wolfhounds - Cody Butry and Christopher Hinkle - were sent a letter from Madison County Animal Control following the incidents stating that the courts had deemed the animals as dangerous.

According to Illinois' Animal Control Act, a "dangerous dog" is an individual dog that is unmuzzled, unleashed or unattended by its owner or custodian and behaves in a manner that a reasonable person would believe poses a serious or unjustified threat of physical injury or death to a person or companion animal.

The Borzoi Club of America Inc. states that the animal originated in Russia and was bred to chase and catch small game. Even though the dogs are kept as pets, they still have the instinct to hunt, and small animals are believed to trigger their response.

Because the dogs are considers "dangerous," Weber said they're required to be muzzled and on a leash whenever they are outdoors. He said the county again would seek to declare the dogs dangerous.

Typically, after a dog is declared dangerous three times, authorities will seek to have it deemed vicioius, would could result in the animal being euthanized.

Isringhausen said that after last year's incidents, he heard the owners reportedly had moved the dogs out of town, but he didn't know that for sure. Because there had been no reported attacks since then, he said he had assumed the dogs were gone.

Isringhausen said the owners were not home when the dogs got out on Thursday. He said his department would seek charges for two counts of criminal damage to property and would issue them a citation for a leash law violation.

He said he's most afraid if the dogs are brought back to East Alton that they could escape again and possibly attack a child who may be playing with a small dog.

"We don't want this to happen to anyone or their pet again," he said. "The village will do whatever is within its power to take care of it."

Read more:

Jul 14, 2009 Villa Grove neighborhood nervous over two pit bulls


VILLA GROVE – A group of frightened neighbors took their concerns about two allegedly dangerous pit bulls roaming their Villa Grove neighborhood to the city council Monday night. About a dozen people that live near the dog owner's home on North Oak Street told story after story of run-ins with the loose dogs.

"We can't go out in our own yards and feel safe," said Julie Markel who lives next door. She said her sheltie dog was attacked in her yard by one of the pit bulls. Her dog was treated for multiple bite wounds as a result. Her son has also been threatened by the dogs and has required therapy to get over his fear.

The News Gazette


Jul 14, 2009 Lombard Man Gets Up to 18 Months in Prison for Dogfight

Lombard - A Lombard man was sentenced Tuesday to 18 months in prison after he admitted promoting a dogfight with two pit bulls, including his own pet, during an underage drinking party.



An apologetic Brian A. Moll, 22, of the 100 block of South Lombard Ave., said he knew dogfighting is a crime, and that it began when he and his co-defendant began debating whose dog was tougher.

The other man, Robert G. Kollman, 21, of the 300 block of North Grace, Lombard, where the party was held, has pleaded not guilty to similar felony charges. He is free on bond.

Prosecutor Mary K. Cronin said police were called to Kollman's home at 2:45 a.m. May 23 to sounds of dog fighting and discovered the two pit bulls attacking each other before a small crowd of people gathered in the back yard.

Rather than intervening, Cronin said, the defendants were egging on both dogs to keep fighting.

Officers subdued the two pit bulls - Rampage, who is owned by Kollman, and Ace, who belongs to Moll - with a Taser. The dogs were not seriously injured. They were treated at a 24-hour veterinarian's office, police said.

Daily Herald
http://prev.dailyherald.com/story/?id=306935

Jul 10, 2009 Mail carrier attacked by dog for third time


ROCKFORD - After letter carrier Marie McCollum was bit by a dog on her route for the third time Thursday, she is looking for owners to take more responsibility to prevent this from happening again.

McCollum has worked as a letter carrier for 17 years, and 15 years ago while on her route McCollum was attacked and bit on her face, arms, and legs by a pit bull.  The pit bull was put to sleep and McCollum later found out the dog had previously bitten two other people before her.
–––––––
McCollum said she hopes to see more legal ramifications taken against owners whose dogs bite other people, especially because she feels other are in danger as well, not just mail carriers.

By Michele C. Hollow
Read more:
WREX  Accessed: 2012-05-24. (Archived by WebCite® at http://www.webcitation.org/67uhA6vJe)


Related posts:
Nov 07, 2011 Elgin: Pit Bull owner prevents neighbors from receiving mail
Jun 30, 2010 Police Report: Pit Bull Bites Elgin Postal Worker
Apr 04, 2010 Reaction to Anna's Law Ban on BSL in Streator, IL: This is Asinine
Feb 02, 2007 Pit bulls to be put down for attack on carrier



Jul 03, 2009 Pit bull in attack on girl is shot

Aurora police had to shoot a pit bull that had attacked a 13-year-old Aurora girl and another dog that was being walked by her owner in the 400 block of Jackson Street at 7:20 a.m. June 29.

Read more:
Chicago Tribune
Accessed: 2012-01-17. (Archived by WebCite® at http://www.webcitation.org/64lcm7mtE)

Jul 01, 2009 Aurora police kill attacking pit bull


Aurora - An Aurora police officer shot a pit bull six times, eventually killing it, after it attacked a girl, mauled another dog and charged the officer, police said.

Police spokesman Dan Ferrelli said the pit bull bit and knocked down a 13-year-old girl just after 7 a.m. Monday in the 400 block of Jackson Street as she walked to Waldo Middle School. The teen was treated and released from Rush-Copley Medical Center with a bite to the back of her leg.

After it bit the girl, Ferrelli said the pit bull also attacked a golden retriever that was being walked on the east side of Jackson.

by Justin Kmitch
Read more:
Daily Herald

Jun 27, 2009 Pit Bulls Fatally Maul 3 year old Boy Johnston City

Johnston City is a small town of 3,557 people (2010 census) in southern Illinois. In September 2007, the Johnston City Council passed a pit bull ban. The council was responding to some recent pit bull attacks and were confident the ban would successfully protect the citizens of Johnston City from continued pit bull attacks.
RIP Gabrial Mandrell-Sauerhage

Jim Mills, who had his dog torn out of his hands and killed by a pit bull and had a finger torn off fighting off the pit bull in the same attack, supported the ban.

The fire chief supported the ban. "I think it's a great thing, the ordinance it protects us, it protects everyone else who has to go into a house or yard. We need the protection because we don't know what we're walking into when we get to most emergency calls," he said.

A non-resident pit  bull advocate who opposed the ban said that it was unfair to pit bulls.

Nine days after the ban was announced Ledy VanKavage issued a statement that the Johnston City's ordinance was illegal. VanKavage herself crafted the ban on breed bans that took vital decision making powers out of the hands of the local elected government.

Less than two years later, 3 year old Gabrial Mandrell-Sauerhage was killed by pit bulls in same small town of Johnston City.

While it can't be known if Gabrial's death would have been prevented by a pit bull ban, it is clear that the town's elected leaders did correctly identify pit bulls as the specific threat to their community and that a pit bull ban only could have improved Gabrial's chances of survival.

The perceived "unfairness" to pit bulls pales in the face of a child's death.

This tragic series of events demonstrates with crystalline clarity that localities must be free to address local safety issues to protect their citizens. The statewide ban on BSL obviously doesn't protect children. It doesn't even protect pit bulls. It ONLY protects pit bull owners and breeders.

**********

Johnston City - Three dogs apparently involved in the death of a 3-year-old Johnston City boy were euthanized at 9 a.m. Tuesday, according to Williamson County Sheriff Tom Cundiff.

Williamson County Coroner Mike "Junior" Burke previously said the child sustained a number of dog bites, but one specific bite caused him to hemorrhage.

The couple had three dogs, two pit bull mixes and a collie mix.

The release went on to state that Gabrial suffered at least one bite that would have made "yelling impossible."


Read more:
The Southern - Johnston City vicious dog ordinance to take effect
Accessed: 2011-12-28. (Archived by WebCite® at http://www.webcitation.org/64GEvqEfQ)
The Southern - ASPCA says vicious dog ordinance violates law
Accessed: 2011-12-28. (Archived by WebCite® at http://www.webcitation.org/64GEzPmbX)
The Southern - Officials continue to investigate fatal dog attack in Johnston City
Accessed: 2011-12-28. (Archived by WebCite® at http://www.webcitation.org/64GF3wuBN)
My Suburban Life  Accessed: 2012-01-25. (Archived by WebCite® at http://www.webcitation.org/64xvSXMAj)
Dogsbite.org

Jun 26, 2009 Weekly Record - Pit bulls kill two dogs in separate attacks



Mount Vernon – A resident of the 300 block of Pine Drive reported at 8:46 p.m. Wednesday that two loose pit bulls killed their dog.

Police responded at 8:53 p.m. Wednesday to a resident of the 300 block of Wild Rose Drive who said a loose pit bull killed a poodle and had trapped their son against a house.

A resident of the 1100 block of Herbert Street reported at 9:10 p.m. Wednesday that a loose pit bull chased their son on his bike.

By Elizabeth Wasserman
Read more:
Mt. Vernon Register News  Accessed: 2012-05-24. (Archived by WebCite® at http://www.webcitation.org/67ulcYwvv)

Jun 26, 2009 Highland Park, Elgin consider restrictions on pit bulls

Two suburbs are considering restrictions on pit bulls after a 14-year-old girl was attacked by one, and a 6-pound Chihuahua was killed by two others.
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Longtime Elgin resident Pat DeMoss said she was attacked by a pit bull in 1999 near Gifford Elementary School and nearly lost her leg.
"If you stick your head in the sand on this, it is going to come back to bite you, and I don't mean that as a pun," she told council members.
By Robert Channick and Amanda Marrazzo
Read more:

Jun 03, 2009 Pit Bull Attack on little boy

Champaign – The attack happened at the Tuscany Ridge Apartment complex off Pomona Drive Tuesday night. Witnesses say a man was trying to tear a pit bull over a child and another dog was on the loose. They said they heard a child scream and saw a little boy fighting for his life. A pit bull was going after him. Samantha Brandts dad managed to pull the dog off the little boy. Hes okay, but in the process the dog bit her dad. Thankfully police showed up minutes later. They shot the pit bull without killing him and took control of the mix breed too. Those who watched this scene unfold say theyre lucky no one was seriously hurt. "Im just thankful that all the kids are safe and that my dad actually was a hero today and saved them from attacking any kids," said Samantha Brandt. "I know how dangerous pit bulls can be…"

Read more:
Illinois Home Page  Accessed: 2012-11-18. (Archived by WebCite® at http://www.webcitation.org/6CH6H3WwS)



May 29, 2009 Rockford Officer Shoots Pit Bull When Dog Attacks

Rockford - A police officer has to kill a pit bull when he's attacked.

Officers were called out to the 1300 block of Blaisdell Friday night for shots fired. They found some cars that had been shot up, but no one hurt.

Investigators say a pit bull attacked one of the officers and he had to use his gun on the dog.

No one has been arrested.

Read more:
WREX 13
http://bit.ly/1GNHMnC

May 15, 2009 Highland Park Crumbles On Pit-Bull Ban Failing Victim

Highland Park - After pit bull advocates cried foul, Highland Park officials backed off a proposal to ban the breed from city limits while they research the issue for discussion in June.

Mayor Michael Belsky proposed the pit bull prohibition this month after a dog attacked a 14-year-old girl, leaving lacerations on her face and shoulder that were not life-threatening but required hundreds of stitches.

Read more:
Chicago Tribune
http://bit.ly/1GXUgM0

May 04, 2009 Pit bull bite sends 8-year-old to hospital


CHERRY VALLEY — A pit bull bit an 8-year-old child this afternoon near East State and Van Buren streets.

The child was taken to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center as a precaution, said Cherry Valley police Sgt. Mike Neville.

Read more:
Rockford Register Star  Accessed: 2012-01-17. (Archived by WebCite® at http://www.webcitation.org/64lh49Opd)

May 4, 2009 Highland Park Mulls Pit Bull Ban After Attack

Highland Park -  Mayor Michael Belsky called for a citywide ban on pit bulls today, three days after a 14-year-old girl was bitten on the face and arm, requiring hundreds of stitches, he said.

"I am very concerned about what happened," said Belsky, who said the child's injuries were not life-threatening.

"These are mercurial dogs, they are unpredictable and they are lethal," Belsky said. "I think we need to lead by example here, and maybe other communities will follow suit and create a groundswell, like the smoking ban."

by Lisa Black
Read more:

Apr 13, 2009 Macomb Vicious Pit bull Runs Loose


Macomb, Ill. — The following reports are based on police records.

Victor J. Warner, 28, of 817 E. Murray St., was cited about 9:50 p.m. Saturday for letting a vicious animal run at-large. He is accused of letting a pit bull that was charging people run loose.

Read more:
McDonough Voice

Apr 07, 2009 Lawsuit: East Carondelet Pit Bull Attacked Visiting Woman


East Carondelet - Karie Darnell filed a lawsuit against Debra K. and A.J. Mikel in St. Clair County Circuit Court on April 2.
The little town of East Carondelet is home to an historic
18th centuryFrench house.  It doesn't need pit bulls.

She says she was visiting the couple at an East Carondelet residence on June 18, 2007, when Rocky, the Mikels' pit bull terrier dog, bit her left hand and wrist.

Because of the unprovoked attack, Darnell says she suffered severe and permanent injuries and incurred medical costs of more than $10,000. She also lost wages of more than $2,000, according to the complaint.

The Mikels knew Rocky had a vicious and dangerous propensity and knew he had exhibited aggressive and violent behavior toward others, but failed to warn Darnell of the dog's dangerous tendencies and failed to maintain control of him, the suit states.

Read more:
Madison-St. Clair Record

Related posts:
Nov 14, 2008 Illinois man charged after pit bull attacks boy

Historical post:
Apr 12, 1874 Chicago Dogfighters Organize a Dog Fight in Indiana

Mar 24, 2009 Recent dog bites put animal safety back in public view

"In a small town, pit bulls should probably be banned," said the boy's mother, Crystal McConnell. "It's just too dangerous."

Bloomington – In early February, 10-year-old Justin Guffy of Clinton needed 70 stitches to close a wound over his eye after he was bitten by a family-owned pit bull dog that was tied up.
DeWitt County animal control administrator Tamara McFeeters said the dog was up to date on all required shots but it was the second such attack by the dog.
"In a small town, pit bulls should probably be banned," said the boy's mother, Crystal McConnell. "It's just too dangerous."

Read more:
Pantagraph.com Accessed: 2012-01-04. (Archived by WebCite® at http://www.webcitation.org/64S6RTA8z)

Mar 14, 2009 Manteno Pit Bull Killed Poodle

Manteno - The owner of a pit bull that attacked and killed a poodle in Manteno earlier this month is facing fines ranging for $100 to $750.

Manteno doesn't need pit bulls
The March 4 incident in the 300 block of N. Walnut St., was the third attack involving pit bulls in Manteno since April of 2008 according to Lt. Joel Whalen of the Manteno Police Department.

William Bell had his pit bull euthanized on March 5 following the attack, Whalen said. He has also paid fines for allowing his dog to run free and for not being current on its rabies shots.

A six-year-old boy was badly bitten on April 20, 2008, by a neighbor's pit bull in the 300 block of W. Adams Street. The dog owned by Clarak Demierra was later euthanized.

Also on Aug. 27 of last year, two pit bulls, owned by Dewayne and Laura Tracy, attacked a dog and its owner who were walking in the 400 block of West Division Street. The woman was bitten on the hand trying to separate the dogs and her dog received injuries to its legs and body. Those dogs were also euthanized according to Whalen.

Read more:

Related posts:

Mar 05, 2009 Clinton Pit Bull Seriously Attacks Boy

Clinton - A DeWitt County animal control officer says they picked up a pit bull around 3:00 p.m. at 119 north Lincoln Street in Clinton after the dog had bitten the young boy on the left side of his face just below the eye.

The boy's uncle witnessed the attack and says his nephew, Justin Michael Duffy, was taken to St. John's Hospital in Bloomington for treatment. No word on the extent of his injuries.

The pit bull is now at the DeWitt County animal shelter under a ten day evaluation. Animal control is
still investigating the attack.

Read more:
WAND

Related post:
Mar 24, 2009 Recent dog bites put animal safety back in public view

Feb 13, 2009 University of Chicago ER sends kid mauled by pit bull home

When a stray pit bull attacked 12-year-old Dontae Adams last August, tearing a chunk of the boy's upper lip from his face, his mother took him to the University of Chicago Medical Center. Instead of rushing Dontae into surgery, however, Angela Adams said, the hospital's staff began pressing her about insurance.

Chicago Tribune

Jan 29, 2009 Orland Park man fatally shoots neighbor's pit bull


Orland Park police are investigating a dogfight last week that led to a local man fatally shooting his neighbor's pit bull.

The homeowner told police that he shot the dog, killing it, after it attacked his yellow Labrador retriever in the backyard of his house in the 16600 block of Robinhood Drive, police said. The Labrador was taken to a veterinarian where it had a neck wound and a paw sutured to stop the bleeding, police said.

Notice the Tribune calls this a dogfight.  It was not.  This was a marauding fighting dog that attacked a normal dog on its own property.

Chicago Tribune



Jan 09, 2009 I just witnessed a child almost get attacked by a pit bull


Jacksonville – “I just witnessed a child almost get attacked by a pit bull at Shady Acres. It was running it down. The owner should get rid of this dog before something tragic happens. It was horrifying to see.”

Journal Courier




Jan 04, 2009 Dog attacks juvenile



By Jason Carson Wilson

Freeport – Mastroianni noted the victim and a friend were walking down High Street, when the 10-year-old recognized Prince and Coco.
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The victim called the dogs over and began petting them. Prince was initially friendly — until the victim pulled away when Prince grabbed his hoodie.
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Prince reportedly left the 10-year-old with a bitten upper lip, marks on both arms, a bite on the left side of his abdomen and a scratch on his neck.

Journal Standard