Garland County Seeks Suggestions to Reduce Dog Attacks

It's not people being cruel to dogs, but dogs being cruel to people that has officials in Garland County worried.

Justices of the Peace there are preparing for an emotional public hearing Monday. They are considering changing laws after a spike in vicious dog attacks in the county.

We told you about one of those last month where a boy was seriously injured in his groin area.

Tomorrow the public has the chance to make their voice heard about what to do. Officials are open to different kinds of crack-downs, from leash or fencing laws to a possible all-out ban on pit bulls.

KARK will keep you updated on the situation when details arrive Monday.

Original Story (August 28, 2012):

There have been three vicious dog attacks in two days in Garland County and now some people say laws must change to keep people safe.

One Justice of the Peace is looking at changes from leash and fencing laws to an all out ban on pit bulls.

But that idea is drawing mixed reactions even from the very victims of these bites.

"We looked each other in the eye and it started running," said 12-year-old Tiger Barnett.

He barely got away from a pit bull attack at a home in Garland County Saturday.

He'd gone over to visit a friend when his mom says a dog who wasn't inside the fence chased Tiger and repeatedly bit him.

In his legs: deep gashes from the teeth, bruises from the bite pressure. The dog also bit Tiger in the groin area, requiring countless stitches.

Tiger's mom Shana Barnett shocked to see the extent of her son's injuries.

"It was a very terrifying for a parent, that's for sure," she said.

But Barnett isn't alone. While Garland County animal control says they work more than 10 dog bites every month, they've seen more serious attacks.

A pit bull reportedly bit open a 13-year-old's hand Saturday and a rottweiler mix attacked a sheriff's deputy Sunday.

 "We want people to be safe," said Animal Services Director Dan Bugg.

Bugg says the county's laws could be clarified or strengthened. Trouble is: he says they're dog tired as it is and any new restrictions would require more manpower.

"In tight economic times, it's the last thing I want to say, but quite possibly," Bugg said.

But Barnett says tougher laws must be enacted and then enforced.

"If it would have been my youngest, he wouldn't have been able to get away," she said.

She isn't for a ban on pit bulls but Tiger says he'd like to never see another one.

"'Cause you don't know if they are going to attack or not," he said.

The owners of all three dogs were issued citations.

The dog that bit tiger has already been put down and has been sent to a lab to be tested for rabies.

A meeting September 17th will discuss ideas for more dog laws in Garland County.

We'll keep you posted on what's decided.