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Dog that bit two people euthanized
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More from Community NewsOJAI -- A pit bull terrier mix was euthanized this week after it bit two people in the Ojai Valley, including a well-known television and movie actor, authorities said.
Actor Peter Strauss, 61, whose credits include "Rich Man, Poor Man" and "Law and Order," was bitten by the 30-pound dog Sunday in his orchard near Avenida Del Recreo outside Ojai, said Kathy Jenks, director of the Ventura County Department of Animal Regulation.
The dog also bit another neighbor, Dennis Foster, the same day, Jenks said.
After Strauss contacted Jenks' department, an animal regulation officer responded and found the dog in the street.
The animal acted aggressively toward the officer, but he caught it with a dog-catching pole, Jenks said.
Jenks did not have specific information about the victims' injuries. She said both decided to seek medical attention.
After being told about the bites, the dog's owner relinquished the animal to the department and asked that it be put down, Jenks said.
He told authorities the dog, Moby, had escaped over his fence through a neighbor's yard and into Strauss' orchard, Jenks said.
The dog was being tested for rabies this week, a standard practice in similar cases.
— From staff reports
Posted by nitzer93 on March 27, 2008 at 6:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Am I the only one that heard the Law & Order "DUN DUNNNN" at the end of this article?
Posted by Metalhaid on March 27, 2008 at 7:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The dog's owner should be euthanized. Stories like this make me sick. That poor dog. I can just imagine what kind of life it had for it's owner to just turn it over and ask that the poor thing be put down. I'm sorry that the 2 people had to go through painful dog bites and the worry that the animal might be rabid, too--all because of an irresponsible owner. And nothing will convince me that this dog owner was not irresponsible--the dog roamed free, attacking at will, and then it's up to the poor animal control officer to wrestle the animal down? Good job there, owner. You should have to cover the costs of the officer's work, the cost of the euthanasia, and your neighbors should sue you for the costs of their medical bills. That's the only way irresponsible pet owners are going to be made to take care of their own.
Posted by zany on March 27, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
metalhaid your comment is out of line. obviously the dog had something going on, and it ESCAPED over the fence of the owners yard. It's not like the guy turned it loose and made it bite, and he did the RIGHT thing by euthanizing it. What happens if he takes it home and it jumps the fence and kills a child. Once a dog becomes violent and bites someone, it has to be put down. What if they find it has rabies, still want the poor thing to suffer so the owner can make you feel better?
Posted by AnaCapa on March 27, 2008 at 7:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Metalhaid, I agree. The owner failed this dog and should not be allowed to own another one. Dogs who are socialized and treated well don't attack people. My guess is that this poor dog was probably kept in the back yard and was rarely exposed to strangers. He probably attacked out of fear. I hope the owner gets sued and loses everything he worked hard for!
Posted by RelaxPeople on March 27, 2008 at 7:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
no one knows this dog's story. he might have been raised poorly by someone else and the current owner took him in at a later time. i've known several people who got animals later in life that had problems already. sued and lose everything he works for???? get real, this could have happened to you or to someone that is close to you, stuff happens.
-now if we find that the man tortured the animal and treated it bad than you can all start talking about how you're soo much better than everyone.
Posted by AnaCapa on March 27, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Zany, The owner is responsible for having a fence that the dog could jump over. Owner probably didn't want to spend the money to fix the fence. The owner is responsible for raising a vicious dog...a balanced dog is not vicious. The owner probably didn't want to take the time to socialize the dog. And finally, if the dog has rabies the owner is responsible for not getting the dog vaccinated. The law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. So the owner of the dog is 100% responsible for the dogs actions and the poor dogs demise.
Posted by AnaCapa on March 27, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Relax people, It couldn't happen to me because I make sure that it doesn't. I take the time and make the effort to raise a balanced dog. That's what responsible owners do.
Posted by smithjc on March 27, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
how do you know that the owner ever worked for anything and didn't just keep the pitbull around to guard the place while he sold meth?
Posted by SummerSun on March 27, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Owners need to be responsible, unfortunately many arn't. This poor animal obviously had a unhappy life to become such an unhappy agressive animal. I hope those bit recover quickly. Please love and care for your pets!
Posted by letg58 on March 27, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
He's in DOGGIE HEAVEN now! RIP
Posted by Mr_E_Man on March 27, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Nevermind the fact that dogs often act differently in different situations.
I have a rather large dog who is never aggressive when we are out and about. In fact, he thinks he's a big baby and wants everyone to treat him as such. However, if a stranger comes onto our property unannounced, he kicks into guard dog mode.
If this dog was being defensive, he probably felt threatened. With that being said, the owner certainly should have made sure the fence was adequate. Failing to do that, he did the right thing by allowing the animal to be euthanized.
I do have to wonder whether the dog had been "fixed." I know several dogs that had aggressive tendencies before surgery, but mellowed out shortly thereafter.
What is a breeding dog?
Posted by twocents on March 27, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Here is a quote from Ceasar Milan - seems appropriate here.
"There are no killer dogs! Dogs are not born killers nor do they choose to be killers. What we are seeing in the news with the recent rash of canine violence is the tragic outcome of humans who own dogs but do not know how to properly fulfill the needs of man's best friend.
We can prevent dog attacks by understanding dog psychology. Dog owners, the public, and especially the professionals charged with issues of public safety can live harmoniously with canines through proper care and communication with the animals.
I have proven that this is indeed true."
- Cesar Millan
http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/
Posted by rebel123 on March 27, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I tend to agree that dog owners are responsible for raising balanced dogs. However....on a different note, having come into contact with Mr. Strauss on more than a few occasions while working retail in Ojai as well as through various fund raisers, while solely my personal opinion, I find that guy to be a pompous arse with an ego that outstrips his talent or fame. He was rude to my employees and was consistently just plain mean. Sorry for the dog, but frankly, karma sometimes works in strange ways!
Posted by BeaHappi on March 27, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I always feel bad for the dogs in these stories. With very rare exception, dogs are not born mean.
I'm glad that no one was seriously injured and at least animal euthanisia is very peaceful.
RIP Puppy...
Posted by carexpritch on March 27, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why is this a "pitbull mix" and not a "lab-retreiver mix" or a "husky mix" or whatever the genetic composition really may by?
How much of the "mix" is enough, except for a goal to build upon existing prejudices and dog breed bigotry?
Posted by fungus on March 27, 2008 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
carexpritch...
Welcome to the wonderful world of media! They can always spin a story to make it more sensational. IF they HAD said "lab mix", there would be an greater uproar against the owner because Labs are viewed as kind, caring, safe dogs; since they said "pit mix", readers automatically assume an aggressive mean-looking, ferocious dog (as the media has been successful in their negative portrayal of these breeds).
Posted by whatever on March 27, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As a Vet Asst it is indeed the owners fault for not properly socializing their animals and making sure they are properly trained. You can take any dog who is mean and work with that dog and with time you can socialize it. They couldn't have done that. Shame on these poor excuse for people to let this happen. They should be charged. The dog unfortunately was the one that paid the price for ignorant owners.
Posted by jill on March 27, 2008 at 11:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Metalhaid,
You are right on. This owner might as well shoot a gun straight up into the air and not give a damn where it lands. He/She had no regard for the welfare of this animal or the people that got bit. The dog and the people it bit are all innocent victims of it's lousy rotten owner.
Posted by AnnaWhaat on March 28, 2008 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)
RelaxPeople , I agree ! Obviously the dog was dangerous. I am not going to loose my home and everything we have worked all our lives for to get sue'd.
twocents,Tell that to the parents of a two year old who has been attacked by a pit bull! For no reason. Even attacking thier own owners. Its nature for these dogs to attack!
Posted by twocents on March 28, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
AnnWhaat: People have selectively breed dogs and choose the preferred traits. Until people stop fighting dogs this kind of canine aggressive behavior will contine. I have compassion for any person that gets attacked by any kind of dog. But once again, PEOPLE are ultimatly responsible. Not the people that get attacked, or even the niave oweners that don't have the skills to deal with aggressive pets, its the breeders and the dog fighters, those people. As a dog owner, I realize that responsiblity is lacking and see it as my responsiblity to make sure my dogs are not agreessive to people or other animals and if they are it is my responsiblity to take the approiate steps to ensure they are not able to hurt anyone.
Posted by spokenit on March 30, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Pit bulls are never to be trusted. They have killer instincts and they WILL turn on the owner or another human at some point..
Posted by Cali4niaGirlz on March 31, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Pitbulls are NOT, by nature, agressive canines - contrary to what people are led to believe. This breed has been around for centuries and we have used them many times to represent the United States, as well as many television shows. Pitbulls are part of our history. Look it up. They are loyal dogs and known for bieng one of the BEST family dogs. The breed has gotten a bad rap because of irresponsible owners and breeders.
This is a quote that sums up beloved PitBulls:
"At one time, the Pit Bull was a much loved, trustworthy companion. People who chose to train these dogs to fight are chiefly responsible for the banning and witch-hunting that has been sweeping the U.S. The media, however, should not go unmentioned, for it is also responsible for escalating isolated incidences in a relentless and attention-getting way. In a lot of cases when the media is reporting about a Pit Bull attacking, it is indeed not even a Pit Bull at all, but a mixed breed of some sort, or another bull breed all together. The Pit Bull's future has been perhaps irreparably undone and everyone is to blame except the dog itself. This very loyal dog is too set on pleasing his owner, and ironically this is the root of his own undoing. Accompanying this need to please are remarkable abilities of all kinds. Jack Dempsy, Teddy Roosevelt and Jack Johnson are just a few people who have owned Pit Bulls. Pit Bulls excel in practically every canine task including herding, guarding, hunting, policing, cart pulling and ratting. A Pit Bull, named Banddog Dread, holds more canine working titles than ANY other breed."
Any dog, regardless of the breed, has an ability to know when it needs to protect........
Posted by pfariseo on March 31, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
rebel123 has an interesting take that I'm going to add to: When my husband & I take our well-behaved well-balanced dogs into Matilija Cyn for hikes there is a ranch @ the end of the road that has a shepard that attacks dogs continually on that public path in the worst way. It left one of our dogs bleeding and in need of a vet a while back. Many poople that we come in contact w/ during our hikes have complained about this. We have contacted animal regulation about this several times w/no result whatsoever. Since we didn't get the attention that Mr. Strauss got, we always walk by with a giant stick in case it tries to attack us again. Luckily it hasn't been necessary so far. Sometimes the dog is out sometimes it isn't. We've always resented the fact that no animal regulation personel cared about this dangerous animal when it came to our complaints - but now I resent them more since now I know that I have to be a washed up movie star to get the proper response for a more than proper complaint!!
Posted by AnnaWhaat on March 31, 2008 at 6:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Pit Bulls and even Dobermans can and will attack! For no reason. Its in thier blood. Personally I think all Pit Bulls should be put down and those found owning one fined and taken away. Yeah I know I will hear alot of crap from this comment. SO save it !!!!!!!
My Uncle was very close to his Sons dogs. They KNEW HIM !!!!!! While my cousin was on vacation my Uncle went out everyday to feed them. One day he was attacked by one and the other jumped in also. Leaving him with having to have over 100 stitches in his face. These dogs are not pets. They are killers and out to Mame (sp) people !!
Posted by puresap on April 1, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Those of you who have responded that PitBulls are aggressive obviously do not know much about the breed. I own a Pitbull,Great Dane and a Lab and let me tell you my lab is the aggressive one towards strangers. My Pit and Great Dane just want to sit on your lap and be loved. All my dogs are very balanced and enjoy camping visiting the neighbor dogs for play dates and live with 4 children who have been raised to respect the animals. Those of you who are ignorant are persons who should never raise an animal an possibly a child for that matter. All living beings need food,water,disapline and love everyday not to be locked up in the backyard watching the grass grow.
Posted by justmeinsp on April 1, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i owned a pitbull for 9 years, and just had to have her put down 2 weeks at age 10 because of cancer. i found her abandoned, tied to a chain link fence with an electrical cord around her neck and it was obvious she'd just weaned a litter of pups. she had a dislike for dark complexioned men in baseball caps, which clued me into who'd had her before i found her. but she and my chocolate lab were best of friends right to the end; she thought she was a 'lap dog' and loved to lay with us on the sofa as we watched tv, and she could be around my 4 toddler grandchildren without any problems, other than knocking them down with her wiggling tail and licking their faces. the vet who cared for her said she has never been bitten by any pitbull she'd cared for in her long career, but had plenty of nips that drew blood from chihuahuas and yorkies...
to those of you who think all pitbulls should be put down just because of their breed, you need to get an education on their history. if the only knowledge you have is from the news and Micheal Vick's treatment of pitbulls, you're pathetic. Helen Keller owned one... the Little Rascals filmed with one... All bully breed dogs are loyal to their masters, and if their masters are bad people, the dog doesn't know that; he/she's just doing their job: protect. if they get out of their yards, that's the bad owner's fault, and a dog can be defensive if it's scared because it's not on it's own turf.
or if you still think all bully breeds should be put down, why don't you just move to Denver where they practice "breed selective law" (look it up on the internet while you're educating yourself about pitbulls and other bully breeds) and you'll "feel safer".
there are no bad dogs; just bad owners, and i despise bad owners, just like i despise narrow minded people. i'm making donations thru the internet to a dog rescue to help pay for a pitbull's medical bills because someone who thought she should die poured ligher fluid down her entire back and then lit her on fire. she's shown no agreesion to the people treating her painful wounds, and she would have every right, IF it were in her to be that way...
Posted by zany on April 2, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm just going to say despite what happened, and unless you ALL were there, nobody will know the true, full story. Some dogs just go crazy and attack. NOT just pit bulls. I would not get a full grown one from a shelter, but would for sure have no problem raising a pit bull from a puppy. Despite what really happened (only the dog knows) the owner did the RIGHT thing by putting the dog down. And I have personally had Dobermans for those of you who think thats another attack dog. I got the female as a puppy and she was awesome. I adopted a really ugly full grown male from someone who found him wandering around. He had been abused, not fed well and he either ran away or was abandoned when the people found him. He was big, ugly and scary looking but a big sweety. Any child or female could pull on his ears, sit on him, fall on him, he didn't care. BUUUUUUT, a uniformed male of any kind (mailman, police officer, etc) could get nowhere near him. He went into kill mode, so obviously whoever had mistreated the poor thing wore a uniform. And guess what? I have 2 teenagers and an almost 5 year old and when we get back from summer vacation, I'm getting a doberman puppy and I bet you it will never bite a single one of those kids when it's full grown.
Posted by FedUp on April 2, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
its not the dog, its the owner. plain and simple.
I have known many pitbulls in my lifetime. all of them have been raised by loving families, and the dogs were treated as a part of the family. not one of those dogs has ever attacked another dog or human or any other animal for that matter.
yet, I have been bitten by a dachsund and a german shepherd.
Posted by EthicalPerson on April 2, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank God it was put to death.
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