Imagine that you’re taking a leisurely jog through your neighborhood. Suddenly, you hear fierce growling. Before you know it, you’re beset by a pack of snarling dogs. You don’t know how many. You fight for your life, trying to keep your attackers from dragging you to the ground, but you don’t know if you have the strength to outlast them. Miraculously, you’re saved when a passerby drives his car into the wild pack, running them away.
Don’t think this scenario could actually happen? Just ask Susan Putz-Drury. Last June, the 36-year-old Bon Aqua woman lived this nightmare when she was mauled by a pack of six ferocious dogs. She still bears the scars from the 83 stitches and 15 staples it took doctors to seal her wounds. She told the Tennessean that she still vividly remembers the force of their teeth gripping her leg muscles. The owner of the dogs was fined a measly $50.
Or ask James Chapple, a 59-year-old Memphis man attacked by two pit bulls on February 9. A bystander saved Chapple’s life by fighting off the beasts with a piece of pipe—but not before the pit bulls tore off Chapple’s left arm. As of today, Chapple is hospitalized, receiving intensive therapy in an attempt to save his remaining arm.
Or ask the family of Dianna Acklen. Last May, the 60-year-old Franklin County librarian was attacked and killed by vicious dogs while she was taking her daily walk. Investigators estimated the dogs bit her over 300 times. The Franklin County district attorney stated it was the worst thing he had seen in all of his years as a prosecutor.
I could go on with case after case of vicious dogs attacking innocent Tennesseans. Many attacks occur because irresponsible owners allow their dogs to run loose. Reports indicate that over 7,000 Tennesseans needed medical treatment for dog bites in 2005.
As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I have heard testimony from law enforcement officials that convicted felons, barred from possessing firearms, are arming themselves with pit bulls, rottweilers, and other attack dogs as weapons. Gang members, drug dealers, and meth producers are doing the same.
Our current laws are outdated and do not properly address the irresponsible and reckless owners that allow their dogs to run wild. I have introduced a five-bill package in the General Assembly that places responsibility on owners of vicious dogs that do harm to innocent victims.
The bills proposed make common sense changes. Vicious dogs are dangerous weapons on four legs. If someone chooses to own such dogs, they also choose to bear the responsibility for controlling them. No one else should have to suffer through the horror that has been inflicted upon Susan Putz-Drury, James Chapple, Dianna Acklen, and far too many other innocent Tennesseans by vicious dogs running loose. Imagine if you or someone you love were the victim. Wouldn’t you want the dog’s owner held responsible? ↓
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