Name: Stacy B.
Victim: Adult
Location: Walking on street in front of pit bull owner’s home, Pennsylvania
Year of attack: 2021

Tell us about the attack

On March 2nd 2021 I was walking down the street. My neighbor was out walking his pit bull on a retractable leash. He had stopped to talk to our other neighbor. I stood far back because he had the leash all the way out. Instead of him trying to retract the leash he gathered it all in his hands. I had just proceeded to start going by, when he lost control. I turned to run and the dog mauled me from behind. I went to ER initially then to my primary care physician and then to a wound clinic for two months.

How has your life changed as a result of the attack?

The pit bull has since and previously attacked 4 other people.  The dog enforcement officer says she can’t do anything about the pit bull unless the other victims file a complaint as well. So I guess we just have to live in fear until the pit bull actually fatally mauls someone.

I live in fear every day. I fear for the safety of my family and grandchildren. I can no longer walk through town. I do not feel safe. I can’t be around large dogs. I carry mace with me everywhere I go now.

I’m in counseling for PTSD and recently started nerve damage therapy.

Legal Consequences
The pit bull owners were not even fined even though they knew from previous attacks that the pit bull was vicious.

I have been fighting with the insurance company for over a year. The people that own the pit bull did not own the home at the time and the insurance company of the original home owner says they are not responsible for the tenant’s pit bull. We are still fighting it and going into litigation now.

What would you like people to know as a result of your attack?
Be cautious around pit bulls. I know most attacks happen unprovoked but still be vigilant. Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t let the pit bull owners make you feel bad or bully you.

Dog wardens too often decide how they will interpret laws rather than enforcing them as they are written, and consequently often the victims of dog attacks get dismissed.

Stand strong. Keep records of everything. Contact your state representative. Dog laws in Pennsylvania need to be changed drastically!