Name: S. B.
Victim: Adult
Location: Jogging, Alberta
Year of attack: 2014

Tell us about the attack

On April 30, 2014, I was out for a jog in my neighborhood. A pit bull got loose, bit my arm multiple times, tearing tendons and shredding flesh. A neighbor had to save me by scooping me up and running inside their home. Had he not done so, I could have died. The owner of the pit bull just stood and watched, too afraid to intervene. I had stitches and was unable to use my arm at all for more than a week.

How has your life changed as a result of the attack?
Before the attack, I might have been inclined to believe marketing meant to paint pit bulls in a positive light, and that they are just misunderstood, sweet dogs. After what could have easily been my death however, my mind has changed. I am afraid of them, and with good reason. I now pay attention to other pit bull attacks, and it is overwhelmingly apparent that these types of animals are a public safety risk.

Legal Consequences
I hired an injury lawyer who was able to reach a settlement through the pit bull owner’s home insurance. The pit bull was euthanized.

What would you like people to know as a result of your attack?
Pit bulls are a public safety risk, and although there may be some who go through life never harming anyone, even one attack is not worth the risk. My life is more important than your desire to own a certain breed of dog. I have the right to feel safe walking down the street in my own neighborhood. If this were a defect in the manufacturing of a car, every single vehicle would be recalled, because we understand that if it happens once, that is one time too many. Why can we not apply the same logic to dog breeds?