Recently, the city of Hazel Park, Michigan, lifted their ban on pit bulls. According to the Huffington Post, the city is no longer enforcing its prohibition on pit bulls, and is allowing its residents to register this aggressive breed of dog. Pit bulls can be extremely dangerous. Many studies have shown that they rank high in the number of dog bites and dog attacks for aggressive dog breeds. However, in this instance, a pit bull saved a domestic abuse victim, which ultimately lead to the proscription being lifted.
According to My Fox Detroit, Hazel Park resident Jamie Kraczkowski, was saved by her beloved pit bull during a domestic violence attack. Jamie told My Fox Detroit that her boyfriend at the time, Jamie Dopke, became drunk, angry and eventually violent. She said that’s when her dog, Isis, stepped in. When Jamie’s head hit against the wall, Isis then ran over and bit Dopke’s pant leg. After the incident, Dopke told officers that Kraczkowski’s dog attacked him, requiring 30 stitches.
Pit bulls were involved in 64% of dog bite deaths in 2014.
Although, occasionally, pit bulls can be involved in heroic acts like these, they are typically considered very dangerous dogs and are involved relatively frequently in dog bites and attacks. According to DogsBite, 42 US dog bite fatalities occurred in 2014, with pit bulls contributing to 64% of these deaths. According to the Canine Journal, in the United Kingdom there is the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991, which states that it is illegal to own a pit bull, along with other dangerous breeds, without specific exemption from a court. These dogs must be muzzled and kept on a leash in public. In addition to this, they must be registered, insured, and neutered. This act was put in place due to various incidents that resulted in death or serious injury. It will be interesting to see if US Courts or Michigan Courts decide to follow in the UK's footsteps.
If you have been injured by a dog bite, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.