Dog attack highlights city's problem with pit bulls
By William Kibler, bkibler@altoonamirror.comArticle Photos
Fact Box
By the numbersa
Dog law officer John Iorio handled 178 biting incidents in 2008 - 110 of them, or 61 percent, involving pit bulls.
The city licensed 5,056 dogs last year - 162 of them, or just 3 percent, listed as pit bulls or pit mixes.
Iorio believes the actual number of pit bulls in the city is more like 400, or 8 percent of the total number of licensed dogs, which would reduce the breed's disproportionate share of trouble.
A city official said some owners may list their pit bulls as terriers or by other names; there also may be a fair number of unlicensed pit bulls.
If true, these discrepancies would further reduce the breed's disproportionate share of trouble.
City dog law officer John Iorio has cited a city dog owner for harboring a vicious canine after two pit bulls attacked another dog on a leash Jan. 30.
If Tyrone B. English of the 200 block of Seventh Avenue is found guilty, he'll need to have the dogs euthanized or buy $50,000 worth of liability insurance, according to the state dog law.
English's animals punctured the belly and genitalia, broke a leg and inflicted wounds on the haunches of a pug being walked by Kevin Burns, 22, who has a mild case of cerebral palsy, said Kevin's father, who has the same name.
The Jan. 30 attack is hardly isolated.
In December, the same dogs attacked a beer deliveryman in East End, sending him to the hospital, Iorio said.
In 2006, two pits owned by English bit a total of five people, after which a vet euthanized them because English couldn't afford liability insurance and a roofed cage, as required by state dog law for canines deemed dangerous.
But it's not just a problem with English's dogs.
Pit bulls comprised 3 percent of the city's licensed dogs last year but were involved in 61 percent of the bite cases Iorio handled, according to information from the city.
''Pit bulls are a problem,'' Iorio said. ''Too many people have pit bulls ... too many run loose.''
More than half of his calls are for pits, he said.
In Blair County outside the city, it's not clear how many biting incidents involved pits or even how many pit bulls there are.
Nine of the 14 police departments operating in the area reported no pit bull attacks in 2008, while Logan Township handled only the beer driver incident.
But four other departments didn't return phone messages, while Central Pennsylvania Humane Society officer Paul Gottshall - who took 900 calls last year - and state dog warden Bob Beck both said they don't track incidents by breed.
The county licensed 10,600 dogs last year but has no software capable of determining how many are pit bulls, Treasurer Jim Carothers said.
The attack
On Jan. 30 near 10th Street and First Avenue, English's pit bulls came down an alley and started sniffing Burns' pug, Charlie, according to the son.
The attackers grabbed Charlie's legs and shook.
The son prepared to intervene, but one of the dogs stared at him.
''I backed off and started screaming,'' he said.
The screams alerted neighbors, who called police.
Tim Lenning, who lives nearby, heard the commotion, looked through a window and came out with a sledgehammer, according to the Burnses.
He didn't hit the dogs, the Burnses said, but ''I was kicking,'' Lenning said.
One dog bit him on the leg. Then the pit bulls broke away and ran in the direction of their home, Lenning in pursuit.
Five blocks away, Lenning encountered English and flagged down an officer driving by.
Together, police and English corralled the dogs, Iorio said.
Helping their pet
The elder Burns said his son was terrified.
''I felt helpless,'' the younger Burns said. ''I wanted to do something to protect [Charlie], but I couldn't.''
Charlie was ''a bloody mess,'' the father said.
It has taken $1,300 to care for the dog's wounds at Mountain View Pet Hospital, but there was no thought of them euthanizing the dog, the father said.
After the mauling, the older Burns said English called to apologize and plead his case, saying he was ''a good Christian'' on a limited income, while suggesting he could send the family $50 a month in compensation.
Burns declined. He believes the law ought to take its course, and the dogs should be put down, at least the one that led the attack.
''I don't understand why people even have these kinds of dogs,'' he said.
Fines, other
punishments
English's dogs are in quarantine at his home until he pleads guilty, is found guilty or acquitted, Iorio said.
If guilty, he would need to pay a fine up to $300 and restitution for the veterinary bill. If he decides to keep the dogs, he would need to buy the insurance, have the dogs neutered, keep them in the house or in a roofed cage with sides embedded in concrete and keep them leashed and muzzled if they go outside the house or enclosure, according to the text of the state dog law.
He also must have a microchip implanted, register the dogs with the state Department of Agriculture and pay a $500-a-year fee for the rest of their lives, according to the law.
Reached at his home, English said he had no comment.
After the 2006 incident, English told the Mirror he felt ''railroaded'' and full of resentment against Iorio. He said he'd gotten the dogs for protection but didn't train them to be mean.
People let them out by failing to close his yard gate, and neighborhood kids teased them, he said at the time.
Breed restrictions
Some communities, including Denver and Miami, have banned pit bulls, said Adam Goldfarb, director of the Pets at Risk Program of the Humane Society of the United States. Others have tried and failed.
Altoona officials investigated the possibility of restricting pit bulls to reduce the incidence of attacks and pit bulls running free, Police Chief Janice Freehling said. But that ended when they learned that Pennsylvania is one of nine states that prohibits breed-specific restrictions, city clerk Linda Rickens Schellhammer said.
The Humane Society does not disapprove of pit bulls or any other breed, Goldfarb said. But he said there are real challenges with pit bulls because of over-breeding, abuse and recruitment for dog fighting.
Pit bulls are not inherently more dangerous than dogs of other breeds, he said.
But their raising and handling are critical, he said.
Risk factors
Goldfarb said people-oriented risk factors are part of the problem when it comes to bites: letting dogs roam free, chaining them outside, keeping them as something other than a pet and failing to spay or neuter them.
There's a higher risk if a dog is kept as a guard or for hunting, breeding or fighting, he said.
There's also a higher risk when dogs aren't spayed or neutered because the hormones that drive male dogs to find females and protect their homes and that drive female dogs to protect their puppies are more active, he said.
Unfortunately, pit bulls emblemize toughness for some owners, especially with men, who often recoil at neutering, Goldfarb said.
Many pits end up in shelters, where potential adoptive families shy away because of their fearsome reputation or because they expect trouble getting insurance, he said.
Pennsylvania, however, prohibits insurance discrimination by breed, said Nicole Bucher, spokeswoman for the state Department of Agriculture.
Regarding the Altoona incident, Goldfarb said he finds it ''incomprehensible'' an owner would allow such dangerous dogs to run loose in a neighborhood.
Dangerous-dog laws don't do enough to punish those who are ''not just irresponsible but reckless,'' he said.
Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 949-7038.
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cpsmom
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03-16-09 5:56 PM
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pasa i couldn't agree with you more! i too was raised in the "Christian" lifestyle & will not step foot in a church anymore. i would never stoop to the level of shooting up a church, but i don't agree with the narrowminded individuals who claim to be "Christians". they are constantly looking down on anyone who does not live like them. in situations like English they try to use their religion as a way out, ridiculous. he has showed his lack of responsibility and should not be allowed to ever own a dog again. with proper obedience training, these dogs would not be so dangerous.
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someonethatcares
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03-10-09 10:40 AM
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WELL LET ME TELL YOU AS A PERSON THAT LIVE NEXT TO A PERSON THAT HAS 10 OR MORE PITBULLS AT ANY GIVEN TIME. TH MAN THAT HAS THESE DOGS LIVE A MILE AWAY IN A LOW INCOME HOUSING PROJECT IN TYRONE. THERE IS NOT RUNNING WATER WHERE HE KEEPS THE DOGS AND NO HEAT THEY ARE KEPT IN CAGES ALL THE TIME. THIS PAST WINTER WHEN WE HAD AND ICE STORM THE GROUND WAS FROZEN AND THERE WAS ONLY ONE SET OF FOOT PRINTS INTO THESE DOGS IN 4 DAYS TIME. THE DOGS ARE NOT TAKEN CARE OF THE WAY THAT THEY SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE. THEY HAVE BEEN BY THE OWNERS OWN WORDS LET OUT TO CHASE DOWN A DEER TO EAT BECAUSE THE OWNER COULD NOT BUY FOOD. WELL THE ONE TIME THAT HE HAD TO DO THIS TO FEED THE DOGS THEY CAME UP TO MY HOUSE AND RIPPED MY LAB A PART FOR HER BOWL OF FOOD. THEY ARE LEFT TO RUN AT TIMES FOR DAYS. THESE DOGS RUN IN PACK FORM AND ARE VERY DANGEROUS. I FEEL THAT THE DOG LAWS HANDS ARE TIED FOR WHAT EVER REASON BUT MY FAMILY LIVES IN FEAR NOT ONLY FOR OURSELVES BUT FOR THE DOGS FOR THE WAY THEY ARE TREATED.
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pasatiempo
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03-09-09 12:35 PM
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You really need to pull your head out of your butt MUSCUS!!! I would NEVER condone the senseless MURDER of ANYONE!!! Were you not paying attention/ MY FATHER WAS A MINISTER!! You have some very deep seeded problems to say half the crap you say!!! The horrible events yesterday only emphasizes MORE the need for stricter gun control in this country -- an concept your gun toting NRA repubs are against! I witnessed a child shot in the face when I was 9 years old! Don't think I am not abundantly aware of the trauma inflicted on te parishioners or the family of the minister!!! You are the most insensitive person! You are the one "marginallizing" by making the pejorative remarks you make!
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RazMnaz
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03-09-09 12:05 PM
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I can just imagine if somebody like the beer delivery guy pulled out a 9mm and smoked those dogs for attacking him. That's something I would definitely do and not think twice about it. That "thump" you hear are the animal rights activist-liberal bawlbabies' jaws dropping to their desks while reading this.
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mocus1
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03-09-09 11:18 AM
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Klaus, did you say "Christ was a liberal"? I thought people who believe his teachings are "wacky, right wing nuts" according to you atheistic Commies? A bit of a disconnect there (that's what happens when you only have 2 neurons connected by a spirochete)
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mocus1
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03-09-09 11:16 AM
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And it's because of anti-religious bigots like pasa nada, Klaus von Bulow and Junkins that people walk into churches and start shooting pastors and celebrants virtually once a week now. They're simply showing their "tolerance of others", "open-mindedness" and "enlightened attitudes towards others".....you know, by stereotyping religious people, marginalizing them as fringe kooks, and giving other left wing atheistic loons carte blanche to shoot up a church or synagogue ! Ah the left, they talk tolerance, but they seethe with rage, hatred, and vengeance. But, vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord.
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jhudson
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03-09-09 10:44 AM
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I agree with the statement in the article that mentions Pit Bulls are not inherently dangerous but their handling, care and training are paramount to a well behaved dog. As in all dogs this goes without saying. My wife and I raised our daughters red nosed Pit Bull and he could not have turned out to be a better companion. We have also raised a German Shepard/Sharpei mix and we currently have two very wonderful AKC Shephards, momma and one of her daughters. All three of our babies have been through numerous obedience training classes. Nothing upsets me more than irresponsibility, which this is clearly the case. Jeffery C. Hudson Formerly: R.D.5 Box 730 Current: 649 Tralee Ct. Vacaville, Ca.
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santeejohnny
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03-08-09 8:45 PM
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working, I don't think the owner should be licensed, he should be neutered, than put into a pen, dog or otherwise.
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HadEnuff
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03-08-09 6:04 PM
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And Pasa, your mistake is keeping your eyes on people,who will eventuslly let you down ,instead keep your eyes on God,who never fails us . I found this out the hard way myself.
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HadEnuff
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03-08-09 5:58 PM
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I think Mr.English has repeatedly showed that he is in no way a responsible dog owner.Those dogs are not cared for properly or they would not attack for no reason.Maybe a fine large enough so he can't afford to buy any more dogs to ruin.
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pasatiempo
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03-08-09 5:33 PM
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...and because of people like you, I choose to have NOTHING to do with the church or its teachings (because of some very short sighted attitudes)anymore! Thanks, dude!
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pasatiempo
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03-08-09 5:29 PM
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Call me what you want MUCUS, but I am simply tired of people who nvoke God when they do something wrong! Be a good persn solely on principle! And if you feel that I constantly bash Christians it is because of hypocritical individuals like you who claim to worship Christ yet put people down and treat them horribly as if you are perfect and without faults. If you are going to claim to be a follower of Christ, then there is a level of responsibility that comes with that. It is called "grace"! I have a problem with "holier than thou" church-goers who don't know what it means to "stand in awe of God"! I am pastor's kid who saw first hand how the judgemental imbiciles hurt and even defame others in such a righteous manner as you! They end up living a sad existence not ever knowing some very worthwhile individuals because of their warped sense of "Christianity". THAT WAS MY POINT!
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Thelos
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03-08-09 2:57 PM
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Where is the story of last weeks free running pit bull attack on another leashed dog that was being walked in the city by its owner in the 5th ward area?
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KlausVR
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03-08-09 2:04 PM
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And ... in HIS day, Christ was a true liberal ... constantly challenging the authorities. His only act of "violence" was against the money changers. Oh yeah, he was crucified for his liberal teachings. Lastly ... John Iorio is STILL at it?!? Wow, he must be closing in on Methuselah! John's greatest nightmare ... he dies and when he gets to the Pearly Gates, a very hairy and be-whiskered St Peter turns to him and says "Meoowww!" Seriously ... way to go John!
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gordon65
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03-08-09 1:33 PM
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mocus..also..I said "so-called" religion because Mr. English has no real understanding of what it means to be a Christian or he wouldn't even have brought it into the equation! I wanted to clarify before you attacked me like you do everyone else in your so-called Christian way!!!
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gordon65
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03-08-09 1:30 PM
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mocus...As a Christian I am highly offended that Mr. English thinks his so-called religion gives him the right to qualify himself as "the good guy" & automatically "right"!!! If he was a true Christian he would be more concerned for his neighbors welfare & that of their pets!!! After the first person was bitten,as a good Christian he would have done something to insure it never happening again!!!
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gordon65
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03-08-09 1:27 PM
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Mr. English...if you have a problem with "children opening the gate & letting the dogs loose"..here's an idea...LOCK your gate!! You say you need the dogs for "protection" but kids can just open a gate & let them loose????Doesn't sound like you care that much about about security if your dogs can get free so easily!! Irresponsible owners are the problems! He has obviously trained them to be aggressive or he wouldn't even be using them for "protection"! They have bitten 5 people!!! Give me a break!!! I'm an avid animal lover & activist but aggressive dogs poorly trained by their owners need to be addressed. Mr English should have these dogs removed from his possession & not allowed to own ANY in the future! Are we going to wait until some small child is mauled first????
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mocus1
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03-08-09 12:37 PM
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We just saw a story below this one stating pit bulls are great dogs and don't attack any more than any other dog ! WTF ! And now Iorio states, 'Pit bulls are a problem,' Iorio said. 'Too many people have pit bulls ... too many run loose.' More than half of his calls are for pits, he said." Which is it? And of course we have our resident Commie pinko left wing tripe merchant "pasa nada" not missing an opportunity to bash Christians and religious people. I mean, how could a liberal pass up that chance? I notice you liberals never do anything "wrong" either pasa nada, because every time you're accused of wrongdoing, you scream, "right wing attacks!, diversion! and extremists !" Liberals are amoral or immoral and mock the very idea of right and wrong, therefore everything they do is deemed "right", and everything their opponents do is "wrong". That's the scam of the illegitimi known as liberals.
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pasatiempo
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03-08-09 12:24 PM
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I LOVE how Mr. English uses being a "good christian" as though it gets him off the hook for bad behavior. Christians NEVER do anything wrong! It is so disgusting! HEY FOLKS--- doing something wrong in the name of your God is still wrong -- "good christian" or not! Mr. ENGLISH SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO OWN ANY ANIMALS -AT ALL- EVER!!!!!! These dogs, although they have a propensity toward aggression, with proper care and training can be managed, Generally, mistreatment is what causes animals to act aggressivley like this. If he can't afford either the proper training or the vet and personal injury claims against him then he should not have ANY dogs!! What a jerk!
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glasshouse
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03-08-09 12:04 PM
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Double07: "Denver Colorado which has had a ban on 'Pit Bulls' and pit type dogs for years has the HIGHEST dog bite related hospitalizations in the State of Colorado" It's not surprising that Denver has the highest incidents in the state-Denver has the highest population of all state residents? It's just how we spin it, right?
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Double07
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03-08-09 11:55 AM
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From National Canine Research Council Pennsylvania [quote]Dog Bite Fatalities Over the past 44 years (1965 - present) there have been 18 fatal dog attacks in Pennsylvania, an average of one (1) fatality every 2 to 3 years. At least eleven (11) different breeds/types* of dogs were involved in these fatal attacks. * One fatality is attributed to a pack of Wolf dogs. The victims were 3 adults and 15 children. Children approaching chained dogs and infants left alone with unfamiliar dogs are a majority of the young people killed. Four were infants who had been left unattended with unfamiliar dogs. Five older children were killed by chained dogs. One boy was attempting to free a dog entangled in his chain. Another young boy became entangled himself in the dog’s chain and was then attacked.[/quote] Deal with irresponsible Owners who own ALL Breeds/types of dogs! Learn from the mistakes of others especially Denver,Colorado.
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Double07
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03-08-09 11:47 AM
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Your dog attack highlights a problem with your Animal Control enforcement and irresponsible owners not 'pit bulls'. The same dogs bit before? The same owner had dogs that had bitten back in 2006? Do you really think that irresponsible Owners change their behavior when they own another Breed/type of dog. Breed Specific Insurance Policies ONLY impact responsible Owners who weren`t a problem in the first place. Breed Specific Legislation has not worked anywhere it has been tried. Bans on Breeds don`t reduce bites because dogs aren`t the issue,irresponsible owners are the issue. Denver Colorado which has had a ban on 'Pit Bulls' and pit type dogs for years has the HIGHEST dog bite related hospitalizations in the State of Colorado because they are trying to deal with a human problem by banning Breeds/types of dog. It DOES NOT WORK. PA Info //nationalcanineresearchcouncil****/in-your-state/pennsylvania/
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Leprechaun
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03-08-09 11:35 AM
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Pit Bulls should be outlawed, period.
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PetFriendly
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03-08-09 11:06 AM
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WorkingPoor you are 100% correct. Mr. English is at fault for allowing his pit bulls to terrorize his neighbors. When dogs are socialized, trained, and exercised regularly they are happy, healthy, and FRIENDLY creatures.
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lambs1
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03-08-09 10:59 AM
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Pit bulls are what keep Edgar Snyders pockets full...
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