Public Support

My daughter was bitten by a dangerous dog which was completely unprovoked when she was 5yrs old. This dog had bitten 2 other people before and absolutely nothing was done. If the dog had been destroyed the first time, then my daughter wouldn't have the scars on her face and PTSD that she has today at 18yrs old. The dog bit her 1mm from her eye, around her mouth, her nose, and inside her mouth. This required 10 stitches and very painful cleaning and dressing changes multiple times per day. Unfortunately my neighbor allowed his dog to roam free in our neighborhood when there is a law that says dogs must be leashed, kept on the owners property if unleashed, and under an owners control. My neighbor had not immunized the dog for rabies in 6-7yrs. (He couldn't remember). My neighbor took no responsibility or accountability for his dog and said, "well, u can take your daughter to whatever doctor you want, but i don't feel that that is my responsibility " (for payment of medical bills). The point is this dog bite of my daughter and this should of never happened. If the dog was destroyed the first time it bit, my daughter would have never been bit. One time is too many with any bite from a dog. This bite of the 7yr old is serious and absolutely could of killed this child!!! Once a dog bites it will absolutely bite again!!! Next time it will kill a child!!! Change the laws so no other person will be bitten or killed by this dangerous dog, otherwise you will be responsible for their injuries and or death!!!

I am so glad you are using your voice! Our dog was attacked by two pitbulls in our front yard. Our 3-year old and newborn baby were in the yard, and our dog stood in front of them. I fully believe they would’ve gone after the kids if our dog wasn’t there. It took 4 grown men to get the dogs off our dog. Animal control didn’t even quarantine the pitbulls despite many requests due to a parvo outbreak at the animal shelter. Additionally, we live in a neighborhood (Magnolia Reserve) where pitbulls are a restricted breed but the HOA won’t remove the dogs. Every day we are fearful that an attack will happen again. Something needs to change!

NC is number 4 in the country in dog attacks. The few laws around dogs and their enforcement is minimal. People routinely violate leash laws, dogs roam neighborhoods without a leash or collar. It is impossible to stop nuisance barking despite every county in NC having laws against nuisance barking because Animal Control requires more from a complaint against dog owners than the criminal justice system does against criminal defendants. Most stores have have laws against pet animals being brought into establishments but these are poorly enforced and people routinely being pet dogs and emotional support animals (which are NOT protected by the ADA the same way service animals are) into places like restaurants, grocery stores,.and even drug stores and hospitals. I grew up with dogs but modern dog culture has taken things to the extreme and the one-bite rule in NC is an example and one of the main reasons we are so high in dog attacks. Common sense measures and actual dog law enforcement is required to bring safety and normalcy into the forefront.

I was also attacked by a dog while walking in my neighborhood and was severely injured. I called police and animal control. They weren't able to do anything because I was the first person to report any problems with that dog.

I personally was attacked 2 years ago, the dog is still in our neighborhood. I don't go outside anymore in our neighborhood. I understand his fear. It's negatively changed my life probably forever, I hope this boy can get therapy and joy life again. Just terrible the dog has more rights than the boy. I love animals but if a human injured another human of this magnitude it would have jail time and probably a restraining order not to be within so many feet of the victim so why not remove the dog from the neighborhood aka dog restraining order to give the boy some peace.

I was walking my 1 year old Goldendoodle on a leash in his own golfing community neighborhood when we were attacked by a loose Belgian Malinois. The dog had accidentally gotten free from his home and immediately attacked my dog. It took two grown men to choke the Malinois out before it would release its teeth from the back of my poor Goldendoodle. This event has caused great traumatic stress for me and my pet. The dog has never attacked before so my hands are tied and I have to live in the same neighborhood with it so close. I cannot imagine what this sweet little boy and his family are going through after being so viciously attacked by a neighbor dog. It's not fair and the laws have to change!

Our family has had similar experiences with supposedly friendly dogs. My husband ended up with 40 something staples in his legs and my mother-in-laws chihuahua was attacked by a neighbor’s dog and lost an eye and an ear.

I live in a different state but I sincerely feel for the family. I imagine what I'd do if it was one of my kids. It's heartbreaking to even think about. What happened could've easily been prevented by the owner. As dog owners it's their job to make sure their dog is properly trained and whatnot. I've never agreed with the 1 bite rule. Especially if there was no provocation by the victim. There is a reason why a attack happens one way or another it's just that being human we may overlook signs. I know many would see it as punishing the dog but I see it as doing them a favor for ending up with a unsuitable owner. Before a attack there's usually warning signs prior. Subtle they may be but are still present. Many dog owners overlook such seemingly minor warnings. A dog just doesn't instantly think about attacking. There's a reason for every action they do unlike us humans. It takes a real owner to truly pay attention to their canine companion.

I’ve had this happen to my child. Also my nephew (different dog). His mom didn’t get rid of said dog and my nephew @ 4y/o had to have facial plastic surgery etc. Please sign this!!! Babies & humans have to come first no matter how much we love our animals!

Our sons friend was attacked by 2 dogs when he was 8. I am a dog owner and love my fur babies however we must protect our precious children. The trauma it causes, both physically and mentally, to a young child is heartbreaking.