Dewey Citizens speak out against Pit Bull Dogs at Monday Council Meeting

Dewey, OK-- A citizen's group appeared before the City Council Monday night to speak out against pit bull dogs.

"We're concerned about pit bulls running loose and not controlled," Frank Goerend said.

Goerend said he had a cat that had been attacked and mauled by a roaming pit bull. After rescuing the cat from the dog, "the vet was able to save our cat but we were handed a $150 veterinarian bill," Goerend said.

He said the dogs left his property and killed a neighbor's cat.

"There have been incidents in the area of pit bulls running after kids," he said referencing the recent attack in Bartlesville of a 6-year-old boy.

In that case, the child, Noah Cross, lost part of an ear, had fractured bones in his cheeks and an eye socket and required 1,000 stitches as a result of the attack. The boy will likely require many surgeries to repair the damage, according to reports.

The dog was later euthanized by a local veterinarian.

"We had a neighbor that was afraid to leave her house because there was a pit bull on her property," Goerend said. "It's common to see them loose."

In reference to the Bartlesville attack, he said, "We don't want that to happen here."

"Right now we're talking about pets (being attacked)," Goerend's wife, Wynema said, "but we are in fear for our children Š It's a real problem."

Dewey City Manager Bruce Johnson said there is a possibility that there will be a hearing in Dewey Municipal Court to decide if the dogs involved in the attack on the cats were vicious. He said a dog is considered vicious if it bites another animal or a person.

"We're aware of the problem," Johnson said. "We've already had a couple of cases with pit bulls attacking other dogs and having to be put to sleep."

Johnson also commended the Goerends for calling the police.

"We need citizens like you to come in and tell him (the judge) what is happening," Johnson said.

Dewey City Mayor Joe Franco agreed, saying, "I would encourage any citizen that is afraid to call the police Š Don't take chances."

 

*shakes head rapidly*

 

when will people open their eyes an see it is not the dogs but the irresponsible ass owners.