Owner of killer dogs got what she deserved
Regarding the article "Pit bull owner gets prison" (March 30):
Thank goodness there is a court in this country that has made this pet owner responsible for the actions of her dogs.
This pet owner in Spotsylvania, Va., allowed her three pit bulls to roam the streets, against the city ordinance, which led to the attack and death of an 82-year-old woman and her pet Shih Tzu in the victim's own front yard.
The pet owner and her attorney argued that she should not be held responsible because the dogs were the ones that committed the act. The jury did not see it that way and convicted her of involuntary manslaughter and two misdemeanor charges of allowing her dogs to run loose. She was sentenced to three years in prison.
A woman and her pet are dead by the careless action of this pet owner who disregarded her responsibilities, then denied being at fault. I'm glad she was convicted. If all of us were held accountable for breaking the law and the penalties were enforced, there would be a lot fewer tragedies like this one.
Thank you, Spotsylvania County Circuit Judge Ann Hunter Simpson, for upholding the jury's sentence.
Kitty Mae Thompson
Greensboro
Comments (3)
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It's for situations like this that I bought my wife a stun baton. She has had several dogs rush at her and our dog while walking through the neighborhood. The next time this happens, Rover is going to be in for a little shock.
Posted on May 2, 2006 12:01 PM
The LTE is great! Pet owners who defend their dogs over people are SICK! They should be put down along with the dog.
Recent studies show that the Pit Bull and the Rottweiler are the dogs of choice for drug dealers. I just wonder why??
Posted on May 2, 2006 1:02 PM
I agree. When carelessness and disregard for the law results in the death of innocent bystanders, that carelessness should be punished. I agree with the sentence. Part of me would like it to be more, but it's still more than just a slap on the wrist. That is, if she actually spends 3 years in prison.
Posted on May 2, 2006 1:14 PM