Name: Walt
Victim: Pet
Location: Nature path along Olentangy River, Franklin County, Ohio
Year of attack: 4th July 2022
Tell us about the attack
On the 4th of July, I was enjoying a holiday walk on a nature path along the Olentangy River with my two leashed dogs, one small 18 lbs. and the other 40 lbs. We came across some people with two unleashed dogs, one of which was a 100 lb. pit bull.
The pit bull immediately launched an unprovoked attack on my larger leashed dog, pinning it to the ground by the throat and harness. One young man grabbed the pit bull’s collar and tried to restrain the pit. My dog was screaming. I yelled “He’s killing her!” but the owners could not control their pit bull. After no relief from the efforts of the owners, I reached my hand over the pit bull’s face and covered its nostrils hoping to get it to release its grip on my dog’s neck. My attempt to have the pit bull release my dog that way failed. But eventually the pit bull lost its grip when my dog slipped out of its harness to escape, and my dogs quickly ran away up the path.
How has your life changed as a result of the attack?
I am a 77-year-old male who has always been trusting of the safety of my dogs and myself while walking in the area of my neighborhood. Now, I have been robbed of that knowing that pit bulls are everywhere, even here. I will NEVER again have the pleasure of a relaxing walk in the woods. I will ALWAYS carry bear spray or weapon to defend myself and my pets. Fortunately, my dogs miraculously escaped, and after a bath and treatment of wounds with hydrogen peroxide there appears to be no permanent injury.
Legal Consequences
Unfortunately I had no opportunity to get the owners or attacking dog’s names, having to run to catch up to my dogs. Nor did they make an effort to follow us on the trail to make sure my dog was okay. As yet I have made no formal report to police. It has been 16 hours since the attack.
What would you like people to know as a result of your attack?
Be aware of the menace that pit bulls can be when uncontrolled. Carry a defence against them.