Here is a letter the Press Telegram would not publish--perhaps because of what it reflecys on the City Attorney's Office. We hope the District will give it a home. Joyce Stacy Nov. 14, 2007
Press-Telegram 300 Oceangate Long Beach, CA 90844 Larry Allison, Editor
RE: Pit bull attack articles 11/9/07 and 11/13/07
Editor:
Long Beach Animal Control should stop pretending that it does anything about pit bull attacks on peoples' dogs. Last year we saw for ourselves just what they do. Our slim blonde lab, Sheila, while being walked on her leash, was attacked by a loose pit bull. With machine-like "Terminator” eyes, the pit bull tried to chew off our ballet dancer's tail and one of her ears. Though we kicked the pit bull repeatedly, it pursued my husband, the lab, our other small dog, and me—straight into our own house. My husband was finally able to get it out of our house by using a dining room chair like a lion tamer.
We immediately called police and Animal Control about this vicious dog, and fully reported everything that happened. Animal Control (specifically Lt. Quigley, whom you have quoted) volleyed us back and forth between their office and the City Attorney's office. Ultimately, we received a nearly-completely blacked-out copy of the attack report, containing only the vicinity and dog owner's name—no address or any other information we could use to recover nearly $200 in vet bills. In Animal Control's zealous effort to protect the privacy of the pit bull owner and their vicious criminal dog, we were deprived of any means to press legal action or recover costs. The pit bull's owner was only cited for having a loose dog.
It is misleading and disgusting that Animal Control (Lt. Quigley) suggests that it would do anything beyond simply wearing you out until you just go away and leave them alone.
We were so lucky that our sweetheart recovered from her pit bull attack, and we are so saddened and infuriated that Henry, the beloved greyhound, and his family had such a terrible result.
All Comments
Joyce Stacy
Nov. 14, 2007
Press-Telegram
300 Oceangate
Long Beach, CA 90844
Larry Allison, Editor
RE: Pit bull attack articles 11/9/07 and 11/13/07
Editor:
Long Beach Animal Control should stop pretending that it does anything about pit bull attacks on peoples' dogs. Last year we saw for ourselves just what they do. Our slim blonde lab, Sheila, while being walked on her leash, was attacked by a loose pit bull. With machine-like "Terminator” eyes, the pit bull tried to chew off our ballet dancer's tail and one of her ears. Though we kicked the pit bull repeatedly, it pursued my husband, the lab, our other small dog, and me—straight into our own house. My husband was finally able to get it out of our house by using a dining room chair like a lion tamer.
We immediately called police and Animal Control about this vicious dog, and fully reported everything that happened. Animal Control (specifically Lt. Quigley, whom you have quoted) volleyed us back and forth between their office and the City Attorney's office. Ultimately, we received a nearly-completely blacked-out copy of the attack report, containing only the vicinity and dog owner's name—no address or any other information we could use to recover nearly $200 in vet bills. In Animal Control's zealous effort to protect the privacy of the pit bull owner and their vicious criminal dog, we were deprived of any means to press legal action or recover costs. The pit bull's owner was only cited for having a loose dog.
It is misleading and disgusting that Animal Control (Lt. Quigley) suggests that it would do anything beyond simply wearing you out until you just go away and leave them alone.
We were so lucky that our sweetheart recovered from her pit bull attack, and we are so saddened and infuriated that Henry, the beloved greyhound, and his family had such a terrible result.
Joyce Stacy