Name: Will
Victim: Pet
Location: Hike near Pacifica, California
Year of attack: 2022

Tell us about the attack

My dog and I frequently hike up a trail above Pacifica. Two weeks ago my dog was attacked by an off-leash pit bull that initially appeared friendly. However, instead of playing, without warning the pit bull tried to bite my dog’s ear off. My dog (a 40 pound / 18 kg mixed breed but not a pit bull) started screaming immediately and her ear and perhaps life were only saved by me jumping on the pit bull and throwing him off her.

My dog had to have surgery, wear a cone for weeks and has scars on her ear. The vet said the wounds were very close to an artery and she could have died.

How has your life changed as a result of the attack?
Luckily my dog has largely recovered. She is a bit more wary around dogs but she is lucky to be largely ok. This is the second time she’s been attacked by, of course, pit bulls.

Legal Consequences
Unfortunately I was in a hurry to get my dog to the vet and I could not make sure any justice was done. At a bare minimum that pit bull should never be off leash.

What would you like people to know as a result of your attack?
Pit bulls are very strong dogs and even if they haven’t yet exhibited any aggression (I realize some may appear “sweet”) they’re ultimately just too dangerous to other humans and animals and they should be illegal to breed.