Name: Morgan McFarlin
Victim: Adult, Pet
Location: Walking in my neighborhood, Ohio
Year of attack: 2022
Tell us about the attack
I was walking my elderly pug near in the condo community where I live. Moments later, a tan pit bull was within inches of my pug’s small head. By the time I was on the ground, extending my left arm to separate the pit bull’s head from that of my pug, the tan pit had already attempted its first bite. For 45 long and agonizing seconds, the pit bull sprang up, teeth gnashing, with repeated attempts to bite my dog and biting my arm instead. Despite the pit bull’s owner being a large male, he was unable to gain control of the enraged pit bull. A second pit bull entered the scene and the attack directed towards my pug continued. The owners were unable to gain control of the pits, with the pits continuing to break out of the choke holds. In the end, my coat was torn, my left arm bitten, but the pug physically unscathed. I saved my pug but this was hell.
How has your life changed as a result of the attack?
I previously had a misconception of pit bulls, believing them to only be aggressive towards people or pets that posed a threat. I am now acutely aware of their attack potential and their aggressive demeanor.
I am now entirely unable to feel at peace outside the confines of my own home, especially when I have to take Evie (the pug) outside to use the bathroom. I am fearful for myself, my pet, and the many other people and pets that live (and also walk) in this community. This was an unprovoked and explosive attack, and I fear that I will not again feel the peace and comfort that I previously did, while taking my dog on a post work, evening walk. I cannot put into words the degree of terror and helplessness I felt, knowing that I was fighting for the life of my beloved pug, and quite possibly my own life as well.
Legal Consequences
The police were called and a report filed promptly after the attack. The owners of the tan and grey pit bulls would not answer the door for the police. They provided me with the full name of the owners, which I then used to contact Animal Control. An officer came to my home and took pictures, my victim statement, and then charged the owner with having one “dangerous” and one “nuisance” dog. Failure to control, failure to restrain, and failure to register the pit bulls were also cited. The pit that bit me is being quarantined for 10 days.
What would you like people to know as a result of your attack?
Beware of this breed. Beware of their potential to inflict catastrophic damage, and by God, if you have one, ensure that they are adequately restrained at all times! I now believe firmly that legislation to ensure the safety of the general public through breed specific legislation is imperative.