Name: KimmyPo
Victim: Pet
Location: street, Florida
Year of attack: 2021

Tell us about the attack

I was walking my dog in my neighborhood. I saw a large pit bull and walked the other direction. I heard screaming and turned to see the pit bull straining on its leash. It pulled its owner over, who then lost control of the leash. The pit bull ran at us at full pace. I sprayed mace at the pit bull with no effect. It attacked my Yorkie mix with no provocation, it was on top of him. I jumped on top of the pit bull and began hitting her, spraying with mace, and pulling, neither of which had any affect. She would not release her jaw grip. The pit bull owner finally pulled her pit bull off. My dog survived with 8 stitches to his neck. My dog is 18 lbs, the attacking pit bull was about 65 lbs. Survival likely only because of mace distraction and my jumping on top of the pit bull prevented her from shaking him. Not advised for your personal safety but I didn’t think twice to do whatever it took to save my dog.

How has your life changed as a result of the attack?
My dog has a drain tube in his neck, has to be hand fed, and is scared of every noise. The vet charged us almost $700. I am scared to go on a walk. I used to feel protected with the mace but that was not effective this time. I will buy a stun gun but no guarantees that will work either.

Legal Consequences
The pit bull owner paid the vet expenses. She will also be cited and fined. Investigation into dangerous dog designation has been started. I am told the pit bull would not be deemed dangerous even if my dog died. For that, it has to attack a second time, either a person or an animal, but we will see the outcome. The investigation is ongoing.

What would you like people to know as a result of your attack?
Carry protection, don’t hesitate to defend your animal, and be sure to report any aggressive dogs, and of course report all dog attacks to protect others!