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Man kills 2 roaming pit bulls in Magna

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Boyd | 3:03 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
RedShirt: I'm talking about this specific case. There is something that seems very unusual about this incident, starting with the fact that the guy somehow got a point-blank headshot off on one of the dogs. He admits to having taunted the dogs to get them to chase him as opposed to the family, which sounds noble, but could have made an innocent situation worse by provoking riled up dogs to attack.

I'm not suggesting he should go to jail for what he did -- but I do think he should be fined. If all you need is a perceived threat, where does that line get drawn and who determines it? Can I just start shooting randomly whenever I feel physically threatened? What about people who feel physically threatened by chihuahuas?

Anyone who simply dismisses it is just in denial too, suggesting that he only had this one option available to him.
boyd hater | 3:44 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
boyd i hope you get attacked by pittbulls and that no one comes to your resuce. you are in denial and should check yourself into a mental health facillity. when did animal lives come before human lives? I think you should back away from your computer and go hug a tree
Boyd | 5:10 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
@ boyd hater:

Uhh, at what point did I say anything about animal lives coming before human lives? The two dogs didn't attack anyone. He could have shot the gun to startle the dogs, which sounds like what had occurred (one dog point-blank, the other twice, probably while it was running away). But instead, he somehow got the dogs to chase him instead and proceeded to shoot them both. How do you distract two "vicious" animals from attacking?

Additionally, have you ever been attacked by a dog? Barking is a warning -- they rarely bark while attacking. I'm more afraid of a growling dog than I am of a barking one.

I think you should actually read what I write as opposed to twisting it into something you think I'm saying.
Comments continue below
Christmas Pit Bull | 5:20 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
We had a lovely Christmas this year! Our son's Pit Bull, who was on a chain within a 6 foot high chain link fenced area within their fenced back yard, somehow got loose about an hour after my son fed him, got out of the fence and attacked the neighbor's little dog (three times, as the dog's owners tried to stop him). My son now has two citations to go to court for, paid a $250 vet bill to his neighbor,and gave him a $40 gift card as an apology.
The dog had never offered to bite before, but my son was unable to break him of lunging at people either, with the best of hard work. He loved that dog, but Pits can turn agressive suddenly, and his did.
My son also has three small children. They are now safe.
We spent Christmas Day putting the dog down and burying him. Lovely!
And by the way, there was NO ONE at animal control to take the dog in on Christmas Day.
Unless you are into dog fighting, there is no reason on God's green earth to own a Pit Bull. They have outlived their usefulness.
Get a human life, man! | 5:27 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Excuses, excuses, and one excuse after another on here. The guy with the gun did the right thing. Human life before a biting dogs. That's how it is.
Bad Dogs are everywhere.. | 5:36 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Those nasty little Chiwawa's etc. should all be put down. I have two across the fence and they are the curse of the neighborhood as they charge at people, bark constantly, and nip at their heels. No one needs this from a dog. Especially those loathsome creatures.
On the other hand, my grandson owns a pit bull, and it is very, loving and gentle.
Humans first | 5:56 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Re 5:36pm
Yeah, Chihuahua's are definitely sharp little biters with mighty bad attitudes as well.

I am also going for HUMAN life first! The man who shot the dogs was in the right in doing so, good for him. I don't care what size or breed a dog may be, if they bite and attack shoot them all.
Put them all down | 6:30 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
I know a little boy who lost his eye many years ago from a Pit Bull bite. These are extremely evil dogs!
VegasBaby | 9:00 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Last year in Las Vegas two babies in two separate incidents were killed by Pits that were unneutered "family dogs." There are always plenty of Pit puppies for sale, yet half of the dogs turned in the shelters here are Pits. Sadly, most of them end up being euthanized instead of adopted.
Outlaw the muts | 9:36 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
Pit Bulls have killed lots of people. i agree with others that they are a very wicked pet. they are NOT mans best friend.
A.J. Marksen | 3:37 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
For those who may not understand the investigation of this use of a firearm it is very much like having a root canal with no pain management drugs. I know from personal experience that the investigation was deep and quite prejudiced. The police do not like anyone including themselves discharging a firearm when there is no reason to.

The dog�s owners are to blame here plain and simple. The fallacy of this story is that people honestly believe that the police and animal control can have the response times required to deal with the threats in a modern society. While I do not condone ANY vigilantism it is incumbent upon each of us as law abiding citizens to take the required steps to protect ourselves. I have had a CWP for 15 years and the last thing I want is a gun toting wacko causing issues for the thousands of permit holders in Utah who are taking advantage of a constitutional right.

For those who side with the animals over the humans I am sure that the use of a lawyer is being looked at as we speak. Animals are more important than people aren't they?

NOT...



mollyrambo57 | 9:31 p.m. Jan. 3, 2009
yah try and get animal control out on a weekday let alone a weekend or holiday, and waiting to act could have meant dead people instead of dead dogs, this is the fault of the owners of the dogs not the man who shot them, i had one trap me in my house on my porch and police asked me if i had somewhere to go and i made the mistake of saying no, they wouldn't come and animal control wouldn't either, next time it will be the 3 s's, shoot shovel and shut-up,, animal control refused to come out until 9 am the next morning so i guess you have to get bit or trapped during business hours huh, and as far as i am concerned he probably saved lives and trama, medical and emotional, give the guy a medal, and to the fool who was thankful a small child wasn't shot, you need some serious help if you think a dog and a child look alike, it took work and responsibility to get that license to carry i know i have one, crooks don't take the time, responsible citizans do
People calm down | 10:58 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009
I have a pit bull/Labrador retriever mix.

He is a loving dog and guess what.... licks everyone he meets. Heck he loves meeting strangers more than seeing me sometimes. Killer dog..... right

My brother owns a pittbul/chow/german shepherd mix.

Guess what...its a wuss! His wife broke into the house cause she locked herself out and what did the dog do? Run to a corner and start whimpering, whining, and barking. Killer dog? Right.....

I guess Im trying to say if you raise a dog right ( meaning you train that humans are ALPHA DOG) and love him he will treat you alright.

Mary | 11:14 a.m. Jan. 5, 2009
All dogs are kind and loving to their owners. Just because you think your dog is so sweet and better than a human or a little child's life, and you prefer a dog over having a REAL child, doesn't mean he will not bite or kill a stranger. If you remember right, ummm, your dog is an ANIMAL and he/she thinks like an ANIMAL and in noway thinks like a human being. Some humans need mental help so that they can learn and discern the difference between ANIMAL and MAN.
Anonymous | 12:31 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
My neighbor has a Pitbull on a chain and, everytime we pass their house, it looks like he wants to rip our necks out. I wonder what is going to happen if he gets off that chain. If I am around when he does, I hope I have my gun.
Good for him... | 12:42 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
...for not waiting until someone was mauled before taking action against an agressive animal.

Human life will always come above animal life.

Those who forget this need to rethink their priorities, no matter how much we all love our pets.
TO: Boyd | 1:21 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
You have WAY too much time. You need to go volunteer for animal control, and yes you can shoot any animal you think is a threat to you. You can shoot any animal you want. It will be up to the police to determine if it was ok or not. It was up to the police to determine if this was the right thing to do.
Me | 1:56 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
I think a lot of people making comments did not bother reading the story. The pit bulls where going towards a family and acting aggressive. This is a no brainer. The man was right in shooting the dogs. Hello, there was a family in danger people!! Should he have called animal control while watching this family get mauled? I think it is hilarious reading comments about how friendly and lovable pit bulls are.
Anonymous | 2:14 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
An idiotic comment (RED SHIRT) made below "Would have felt better about the dogs being put down if they had injured somebody or killed someone's pet first?" are you kidding me? Someone has to be injured or attacked to realize it's a legit threat?? OMG Keep your animals on your property, plain and simple. I don't want to see your scroungy mutt running around beggin for scraps cause you don't have the time or effort to maintain it! It comes in my yard, it's fair game!

The people who owned these animals you are a disgrace to society. You want to cry about the loss of your dogs that obviously never spent enough time at home because they were too busy wondering the neighborhood? How about you take a lesson in human dignity and you send an apology letter to all your neighbors who suffered the annoyance of YOUR animals!
That way you might ensure your "new" pets won't be receiving the same treatment!
Stanley | 2:36 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
To 1:21
People don't need to be working at the dog shelter like you suggested to know a mean dog when they see one. This guy did the RIGHTEOUS thing in killing the two pit-bulls. If he hadn't killed them someone could have been killed in cold blood. I think if you have a ounce of a brain in your head?!?! Perhaps you may realize that human life should always come before any animals life.

Perhaps there would not be animal shelters if people took care of their animals. It sounds like you have more than enough time to spare as well. Perhaps you need to spend more time at the animals shelter helping out instead of make stupid comments.
Sarah | 3:06 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
I would have just run the dogs over with my car. It would have saved two bullets.
There are no bad dogs... | 3:18 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
only bad owners. That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. I have owned dogs my whole life. I have been around people who raise dogs. There are dogs that are bred for different duties. Why do you think most guard dogs are Rottweilers? What was the German Shepherd bred for. Pit Bulls are bred for fighting. It is plain and simple. This is the animal that gives people the most problems. Many insurance companies will not insure a house that has Pit Bulls. If I saw a Pit Bull in my yard I would probably shoot it too. They are not the kind of animal that needs to be roaming the community. An animal will revert back to its natural tendency. You might have a Pit Bull that never hurts a flea, but most of them are very aggressive. That is why they get a bad rap. Maybe this owner should be thanking the guy who shot the dogs for saving her millions in legal settlement for injuring or possibly killing a person.
TO: Stanley | 3:30 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
From: 1:21
Before telling someone they are stupid there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. I am on the same page as you, my comment was to an earlier comment from someone else. So you might want to read a little more carefully. Maybe go look at Boyd's stupid comment.

2. Grammar check "you have a ounce of a brain" should be "you have aN ounce of a brain". This just makes you look bad.

3. Arguing on the internet is like running in the special Olympics....

If a dog is attacking someone I see and I have a chance to stop it, you bet I would use a gun if necessary.
Dog RuleTheSimpleMinded | 3:29 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
PitBull kind of dogs should be out lawed, and the sooner the better. People should also be doing what I'm doing now, and that is taking pictures of owner and dogs who trespasses into my yard to have their dog do it's duty every morning. Why should my yard become a sewer for those who are too lazy and inconsiderate for the rest of the human race, to clean up their own stinky dogs mess. Areas where dogs go poop make it unsuitable for children to play in our parks and everywhere else nowadays. Even where dogs are not allowed in the mountains and water areas--- People do not obey rules.
Sandra | 4:36 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
Pit Bulls are a very evil dog. It take a very evil person to even own one of these bred-fighting dogs, and knowing that it could murder a innocent human.
Anonymous | 5:01 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
Pit bulls aren't evil. Agressive, often yes. But the term 'evil' implies that they know exactly what they're doing. A dog doesn't have a knowledge of right and wrong.

I think this guy was justified in shooting the pit bulls to protect others. Aggressive dogs should be put down. But there are good pit bulls out there; my aunt owns one. There's no problem with pit bulls in and of themselves; just when they get out.

Human life obviously comes first. But keep in mind that pets almost always have someone who loves them. However, those owners need to make sure that the dog is properly contained. It's always a nuisance to be walking my Aussie and have some little yip-yip come rushing at her and riling her up.

In this case, putting the dogs down was right. But all of the cries of 'shoot them all' makes people look bloodthirsty.
San | 7:48 p.m. Jan. 5, 2009
Pit bull are evil. One killed my cat, and also he ate my neighbors pet bird.
Anonymous | 10:36 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Give it up boyd. There are witnesses to corroborate the story.
Janice | 10:55 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
PITBULL dogs have caused so much problems time after time and many lives have been taken due to this wild animal. It's well past time to out law these killer dogs. Time to put them all down. they are a mean angry breed, and bred for fighting. Now it's time to stop them and their owners!
bitten by german shepard | 11:03 a.m. Jan. 6, 2009
I was attacked by a german shepard in a neighbors yard. She knew I was coming over, but she forgot I was coming, and she forgot to put the dog away in it's cage. I was the 5th person to be attacked by the dog. I insisted it be held for 10 days at vets and then put down (or face a lawsuit) before it killed a child. It wanted to kill me, but I shook it off, and got away from it, (it had a teather on it's neck; it came at me wagging its tail, and then attacked) The wound healed in about 3 days, my shoulder motion healed in about 6 mos. but I am still afraid of german shepards because of that. The dog was put down, and the owner's insurance paid me a negotiated fee (after 3 offers from ins. co.). These agressive dogs do not belong in neighborhoods!--regardless of the breed. An alarm is about $30 a month and there is even one called Watchdog Security that is very good--signs have a picture of a doberman on it-- and it won't harm anyone--only call the police if needed. "Bitten"
Michael | 12:13 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
I read all the comments associated with this story. Some were intelligent while others were uneducated. Most people should not have dogs (or kids for that matter). It comes down to two things: owner responsibility and the law. If owners were responsible there would be no need for a law. But since there are so many irresponsible people, there needs to be a law. And it needs to be enforced which it is not. Neither the law or the enforcement work. I have a five foot fence around my property for the protection of my Greys. Anyone with any sense would have the same. I consider a fence to be one of my reponsibilities. The dog will suffer for the people who do not take the responsibility so the people should also suffer. The law should be more severe, not only fines but jail time. It should be a requirement to have a fence if you have a dog. If you can't afford one, then don't get a dog. Simple, huh????
None of this would have happened if...
Education is the key. Know what you are getting into. (If you don't understand this, don't get a dog.)
Anonymous | 1:11 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
very bad dogs
listen to yourselves! | 1:59 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Those who keep defending the breed. YOU PUT THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS AT RISK, putting a BREED OF DOG ABOVE HUMAN BEINGS. That is sick. Your arguments are so out in left field, it blows me away. BALANCE, people BALANCE. This man did the right thing. By the time animal control showed up, a family would have been attacked, possibly killed. No dog is worth risking an innocent, defenselses childs well being. Dogs can be great pets, but they are still just that. A CHILD is FAR more important than a freaking dog!!!!!!!!!
Bob | 2:46 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Pitt-Bull dogs need to be outlawed!
awsomeron | 2:48 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Good For Him. Dogs are supposed to be contained and on leaches. Sometimes there is just not time to call Animal Control you need to do what you need to do and do it now.

I like Dog but i do not own any. I do not want to close my yard in. I do not want to tie a Dog up, I do not want to walk a dog or pick up the Dog Poop, so not wanting to care for one, I do not have one.

My Neighbors have Dogs 4 at last count. They keep them clean and well cared for, and they usually let me know if something is going on in my yard.

I have Cats 3 and Rabbits 2, and 3 Fish Tanks. Gold Fish in 1, Sharks in another, and a Beta who likes to stay to himself in another. 1 Five Gallon Tank, one nasty fish. Oscars are fun but really dirty and need fresh gold fish to feed on. I tried an Oscar didn�t like him and I found a home for him.

People have the right to Walk, Jog, and be Out with out the threat of Dogs.


Bee | 4:01 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
People are not taking proper care of their dogs. Laws are being broken and laws need to be enforced.
Melaney | 5:41 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
Re awsomeron,
You sound like quite a nice person. I liked your animal story. Sounds like you really love them a lot while respecting others.

I feel like others on here that people should care for their pets and make sure that they aren't causing chaos in someone else's life who doesn't own them. It is up to us who own pets to respect the lives of those people who don't have pets and keep our pets under control.
Mom of 6 | 11:00 p.m. Jan. 6, 2009
I love animals too much to own one. They need proper discipline. My eldest child was traumatized when a great dane came bounding up to my door as we were trying to unlock the door. It scared both of us for life even though it was a happy puppy. She has passed on that fear to her siblings. I have tried to help my other kids to not have such a fear for worry that they will run from dogs which makes the problem worse. I thought my yougest was doing well with my sister's dog but my baby was trying to get by the "nice-dog-who-would-never-bite" to get to me and the dog bit him and now he has a scar. I would love to own a tombstone that says, "Here lies the last dog that messed on my lawn." This man is a hero to me.

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