On November 22, 2024, my family’s life was forever changed. My 7-year-old grandson, Cason, was viciously attacked by our neighbor’s dog—right in our own front yard. This attack was unprovoked, brutal, and has left lasting scars, both physical and emotional. Now, I’m sharing our story to urge lawmakers to reform North Carolina’s outdated dog bite laws before another innocent child suffers like Cason has.

We had been dog-sitting for our next door neighbors when their dog, a 150-pound German Shepherd-St. Bernard mix, escaped their home. Cason was walking towards our front door when the dog charged at him from behind and tackled him to the ground and began to maul the back of this childs head. I fought desperately to pull the dog off my precious grandson, but the sheer strength of the animal was overwhelming. Thankfully, my husband was able to intervene by putting the dog in a choke hold, pulling the beast off of us. Once the dog was off of us, we were able to run inside.

Cason suffered seven deep wounds to his head, four of which reached his skull. He was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. Today, while his body is healing, his spirit has been shattered. 

Before the attack, Cason was a joyful, outdoors-loving child who rode his bike, played basketball, and spent hours laughing with his friends in the yard. Since the attack, that joy has been replaced by fear. He’s too terrified to play outside, and his once-bright world has been dimmed by trauma.

Meanwhile, the dog that attacked him remains right next door. Our family now lives in fear, unable to feel safe even in our own yard.

Why We Need Change:

North Carolina’s “one-bite rule” protects dog owners over victims. Under this outdated law, a dog’s first attack does not hold the owner accountable unless they had prior knowledge that their dog was dangerous. But what about the first victim? Why should any child or adult have to bear the brunt of such a law’s failure?

This isn’t just about our family. It’s about every family who has children, grandchildren, or loved ones who deserve to feel safe in their own neighborhood.

A dog’s life should not be valued over human safety. It’s time for North Carolina to implement stronger laws that hold dog owners accountable after serious attacks, regardless of prior knowledge of the dog’s behavior.

Our Proposed Solution:

We’re calling on state lawmakers to reform dog laws to prioritize public safety. Specifically:
 1. Dogs that cause severe injury in unprovoked attacks should be removed from residential neighborhoods.
 2. Owners of dangerous dogs must face stricter penalties for failing to prevent attacks.
 3. North Carolina should end the “one-bite rule” and hold owners accountable for any attack that causes serious harm.

We are not seeking to vilify all dogs. This is about protecting innocent lives from animals that have demonstrated they are a danger to the community.

Please Join Us in Fighting for Justice!!!

Cason’s story is not unique—there are countless others who have suffered due to weak laws that fail to prioritize human safety. We cannot let this continue. Let Cason’s pain be the last. Let his story inspire change.

Please sign this petition to demand justice for victims of dog attacks and to ensure safer neighborhoods for all North Carolinians. Together, we can make sure no other family has to endure what ours has.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and standing with us.

With hope and gratitude,
Tracy S. Smith

Below I have attached articles documenting other dog attacks close to home in North Carolina. Please sign this petition so we can get these laws changed.

https://www.cbs17.com/news/digging-deeper/am-i-going-to-die-cumberland-county-family-speaks-out-after-daughter-attacked-by-dog-with-violent-history/

 https://wcti12.com/news/local/sheriffs-office-investigates-dog-attack-that-killed-8-year-old-in-jacksonville

https://www.wbtv.com/2024/08/22/police-dog-bites-drags-3-year-old-down-northeast-charlotte-driveway/