Originally Posted by Buzzerbaby (Post 1893562)

I have a pit bull, she’s a fantastic dog. Personally, I would not let her off leash in an uncontrolled environment. Btw, I’ve been bitten more often from little dogs like chihuahuas then larger breeds. In fact I’d venture to say that little dogs do bite more then larger dogs, you just don’t hear about it as often because they don’t do the damage that larger breeds can. To ban a certain breed is ludicrous, kind of like banning someone of a different color or ethnicity beacause they supposedly are more (insert whatever reason you want here) then others. Just like people, dogs are products of their environment and owners/parents. Flame away ������

Originally Posted by Buzzerbaby (Post 1893562)

I have a pit bull, she’s a fantastic dog. Personally, I would not let her off leash in an uncontrolled environment. Btw, I’ve been bitten more often from little dogs like chihuahuas then larger breeds. In fact I’d venture to say that little dogs do bite more then larger dogs, you just don’t hear about it as often because they don’t do the damage that larger breeds can. To ban a certain breed is ludicrous, kind of like banning someone of a different color or ethnicity beacause they supposedly are more (insert whatever reason you want here) then others. Just like people, dogs are products of their environment and owners/parents. Flame away ������

Originally Posted by Piedmonter (Post 1893518)

A small (10 lb.) dog was attacked in our neighborhood the other night by an a large pit bull off leash. The small dog was very badly injured and only saved by his owner being willing to wrestle with the pit bull. The covenant restrictions of the Villages clearly do not allow dogs over 40 lbs. I am not necessarily in favor of that since there are many very nice, friendly labs, goldens etc. However, I do think that action should be taken when a larger dog shows itself to be dangerously aggressive. The Villages says that they cannot enforce the covenant. All they can do is send the owner of the pit bull a letter that when the dog passes away not to get another one like it. I am now very nervous when I walk my small dog at night. Perhaps the developer should consider amending the covenants to prohibit specific breeds known to be aggressive. For example, many campgrounds prohibit pit bulls and rotweillers.

Originally Posted by John_W (Post 1893557)

You never included any info about the owner of the dog? Is he or she a neighbor, is the owner known, did anyone talk to the owner, was owner present and aware of the situation? There are leash laws which are not covenants but enforceable laws.

It appears you live in Piedmont, if a human was injured trying to defend their pet, then call the Marion County Sheriff. If there was just an aggressive dog attack against another dog, then call Marion County Animal Control. Get the dog's owner's name and information and present them with the vet bill. If they refuse to pay and the amount is more than $300 take them to small claims court. I would report them to the CDD and have it on record. That's what I would do, forget the covenants.

Animal control and pet laws | Marion County, FL

Originally Posted by Catalina36 (Post 1893698)

All Dogs within TV should be on a leash when you are out in your yard or walking your dog in the street. I really don't care what breed the dog is. I don't really care how much your dog weighs, I really don't care if you think your dog is friendly. You can only control your dog when it is on a leash. The safety of your neighbors or fellow Villagers should be more important then the rights you think your dog may have too roam free and not be on a leash. If you don't like my opinion, go purchase a house somewhere else with a fenced in yard if you want your dog to roam free. If you don't understand anything I just stated then you are the problem not your dog.

Originally Posted by airstreamingypsy (Post 1893816)

This story is so vague. Why was the dog off leash? Does the Pit's owner live in The Villages, or a neighboring property. Never heard of weight restrictions for dogs, in The Villages. The fact is that particular Pit is a vicious dog and should be destroyed. The Pit's owner is 100% responsible for any and all vet bills and I would get a lawyer and sue for allowing the dog to be out and off leash. I had a Pit try to kill one of my dogs, the owner was horrified, paid all the vet bills etc..... it was traumatizing for involved. Advise your neighbor to call the police and a lawyer.

Originally Posted by Fore! (Post 1893807)

I have to agree with you that it’s not always the size of the dog. We rescued a Pekingese. He bit a friend, my husband, small minor bites, however the third time he literally attacked my arm. He bit me in several places. He was friendly with other dogs, however one never knew when he would “turn” on us, so unfortunately after about $2000 in expenses of supplies, special food, vet bills, training and my Urgent Care visit, we retuned him to the rescue shelter. They adopted him out again to a lady with a young ( appears about 8) child! I did report it to the appropriate people.

Originally Posted by Buzzerbaby (Post 1893562)

I have a pit bull, she’s a fantastic dog. Personally, I would not let her off leash in an uncontrolled environment. Btw, I’ve been bitten more often from little dogs like chihuahuas then larger breeds. In fact I’d venture to say that little dogs do bite more then larger dogs, you just don’t hear about it as often because they don’t do the damage that larger breeds can. To ban a certain breed is ludicrous, kind of like banning someone of a different color or ethnicity beacause they supposedly are more (insert whatever reason you want here) then others. Just like people, dogs are products of their environment and owners/parents. Flame away ������

Originally Posted by scottiesrgreat@gmail.com (Post 1893760)

As a dog owner - my dog is on a leash AT ALL times - I also take precautions to keep my distance when walking near anyone else with a dog. What I THINK the traits and threat associated w/ a breed is - is IRRELEVANT- Any dog can bite. A bite from a fuzzy, cute, wiggly mutt - is just as serious as a bite from a dog - all you dog ‘experts’ out there label as ‘Pit Bull’.

Please —- keep in mind —- it is irrelevant and irresponsible to think that only one size or one “breed” can be any more dangerous than any other — please - never take your guard down - it is YOUR responsibility - even if your dog or another dog has always been (or appears to be) - cute, fuzzy, and wiggly - your dog (or someone else’s dog) still has the potential to bite and do injury - given the right circumstances! Be responsible dog & cat owners! Dogs need their owners/handlers to make the right choices. Don’t expect others to be responsible - in any scenario!!!!

Originally Posted by graciegirl (Post 1893829)

It is my opinion that the original post had incorrect information. Pets must be leashed in The Villages. If someone was on another's property than the local law enforcement could be called. I have never heard of a weight limit on dogs here.

I agree with Airstream Gypsy the original post was very vague. Where did this happen? Who allegedly did the OP speak to from "The Villages".

Sometimes people who are anonymous deliberately post misinformation to make others upset. I have to wonder; did this happen at all?

Originally Posted by Larry chappel (Post 1893798)

Using a baton on a pitbull or other attacking dog would probably result in the dog turning on you. The gun seems like it would result in a better ending. I'm just not sure a dog attacking another dog and not a person would fall into the justification to discharge a firearm in a populated area ordinance.

Originally Posted by Velvet (Post 1893663)

In district 6 this is the deed restriction:

Originally Posted by Joe V. (Post 1893617)

How many cases makes just one "ton?"

Originally Posted by Piedmonter (Post 1893518)

A small (10 lb.) dog was attacked in our neighborhood the other night by an a large pit bull off leash. The small dog was very badly injured and only saved by his owner being willing to wrestle with the pit bull. The covenant restrictions of the Villages clearly do not allow dogs over 40 lbs. I am not necessarily in favor of that since there are many very nice, friendly labs, goldens etc. However, I do think that action should be taken when a larger dog shows itself to be dangerously aggressive. The Villages says that they cannot enforce the covenant. All they can do is send the owner of the pit bull a letter that when the dog passes away not to get another one like it. I am now very nervous when I walk my small dog at night. Perhaps the developer should consider amending the covenants to prohibit specific breeds known to be aggressive. For example, many campgrounds prohibit pit bulls and rotweillers.

Originally Posted by Taltarzac725 (Post 1893878)

Pit bull - Wikipedia

Others have brought this up. There are various different dog breeds and mixes put into this emotion charged label.

Originally Posted by jimjamuser (Post 1893877)

Pit Bulls should be illegal to own in the entire US.

Originally Posted by Beasley (Post 1893693)

If you ever witness a mauling resulting in death by a Pitbull, you may think differently!

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 1893671)

Your argument is invalid. You're saying that it's okay for people to live here because you can put them in jail if they hurt other people.

But you can do the exact same thing with a pit bull if a pit bull becomes aggressive. And in fact, typically if a pit bull becomes aggressive and bites someone, that dog is euthanized. We don't typically put people to death when they attack other people.

People hurt and kill other people. We have laws to punish offenders, and we do NOT tell people they're not allowed to live in a particular neighborhood just in case they happen to end up becoming offenders.

If a pit bull has no "record" of attacking anyone, it is no more guilty than any PERSON who has no "record" of attacking anyone.

And to whoever said it was the pit bull and not the owner - no. Pit bulls are not naturally aggressive. They are TRAINED to be aggressive. They are naturally strong. What happens with that strength is up to whoever is training it.

Originally Posted by Piedmonter (Post 1893518)

A small (10 lb.) dog was attacked in our neighborhood the other night by an a large pit bull off leash. The small dog was very badly injured and only saved by his owner being willing to wrestle with the pit bull. The covenant restrictions of the Villages clearly do not allow dogs over 40 lbs. I am not necessarily in favor of that since there are many very nice, friendly labs, goldens etc. However, I do think that action should be taken when a larger dog shows itself to be dangerously aggressive. The Villages says that they cannot enforce the covenant. All they can do is send the owner of the pit bull a letter that when the dog passes away not to get another one like it. I am now very nervous when I walk my small dog at night. Perhaps the developer should consider amending the covenants to prohibit specific breeds known to be aggressive. For example, many campgrounds prohibit pit bulls and rotweillers.

Originally Posted by Velvet (Post 1893609)

Yes... but pit bulls if they chose to, can kill. Comparing a big, powerful dog to a small one is like comparing Mohamed Ali to a young child. They can both be friendly.

Originally Posted by lawgolfer (Post 1893802)

For 40 years I defended hundreds of homeowners/dog owners by appointment of their insurers. Included were three death claims. In every case the dog owners never failed to tell me, at length, how their dog was the most wonderful, gentle pet and that they could not imagine what the victim did to provoke their dog. The next thing I usually heard was how the dog slept with their children and they would never have allowed this had the dog been vicious.

From this, I learned four things:

1. All owners love their dogs and believe their dogs are harmless;

2. All owners are blind to reality and fail to appreciate the danger their dogs pose to others;

3. Any dog can bite at any time or attack another dog at any time;

4. Large dogs bite harder, do more damage, and pose a greater danger than small dogs.

As a final observation, my clients who owned pit bulls were the worst offenders and failed to have any insight into the danger their dogs posed to others. Frankly, most of them were flaming as ....oles who should have been locked in a cage with someone else's pit bull!

Originally Posted by Piedmonter (Post 1893518)

A small (10 lb.) dog was attacked in our neighborhood the other night by an a large pit bull off leash. The small dog was very badly injured and only saved by his owner being willing to wrestle with the pit bull. The covenant restrictions of the Villages clearly do not allow dogs over 40 lbs. I am not necessarily in favor of that since there are many very nice, friendly labs, goldens etc. However, I do think that action should be taken when a larger dog shows itself to be dangerously aggressive. The Villages says that they cannot enforce the covenant. All they can do is send the owner of the pit bull a letter that when the dog passes away not to get another one like it. I am now very nervous when I walk my small dog at night. Perhaps the developer should consider amending the covenants to prohibit specific breeds known to be aggressive. For example, many campgrounds prohibit pit bulls and rotweillers.

Originally Posted by Charlesp (Post 1893763)

Check out article on Death of Diane Whipple in San Francisco on Wikipedia.

Originally Posted by rmd2 (Post 1893952)

I remember that young lady. A horrible death.

Originally Posted by sallyg (Post 1893753)

So awful! Please report this to animal control in your county. Perhaps there have been previous attacks and the owner may get fined. You can be sure the Villages won't do anything about it. Whereabouts is the pitbull located so others can avoid. You don't have to give the exact address, the street snd Village would be helpful.

Originally Posted by Chi-Town (Post 1893559)

Have been there except it was a German Shepherd. Asked the owner to keep the dog off my property where my dog was attacked. Owner said no to that request. Called a lawyer friend who said to go to the police station and file a complaint for criminal destruction of personal property. The officer who issued the summons was bitten by the dog. End of story.