Name: Donna B.
Victim: Pet
Location: In my fenced in back yard, Florida
Year of attack: 2014

Tell us about the attack

In March 2014 I was sitting on my covered back porch which I love. Suddenly, ten feet away from me, two pit bulls jumped over my fence into my yard, and came after me and one of my cats.

We both were able to escape harm: that is, until the next morning. The same two pit bulls came back, grabbed my cat and took off with me running behind them, trying to save my cat. I didn’t fear for my safety at that time, I just wanted to save her but it was too late. I called both the police and animal control and they were able to catch the pit bulls. They were put down.

The next day I tried to do something normal. I grabbed my camera to take nature photos, but yet again I was chased by another pit bull. A man helped me escape.

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

After dealing with several more loose random pit bulls on top of the ones I mentioned, I just gave up going anywhere outside for quite awhile. I go on my back porch but keep bear spray handy.

I now have a startle reflex at any sudden loud noise, especially if I hear barking outside. And I’m being treated for PTSD, which I now suffer from.

Legal Consequences
Nobody came forward to claim the two pit bulls that were put down. They, like all the others, were loose random pit bulls.

I had my district commissioner come to my house to plead with him to do something. He was having pit bull problems himself. Metal signs were placed throughout my neighborhood that said there would be a $500 fine for unleashed dogs and it did help some. The signs were eventually covered with graffiti and I called him again, insisting they be replaced, and they were.

What would you like people to know as a result of your attack?
Please, if you insist on having pit bulls as pets, inspect your fences often and figure out how they escape and do something about it. If you walk them please use a leash.