Dogs shouldn’t attack.. Any breed. Pitbulls have a bad name, though I have never met a bad one. Many people think that little cute Jack Russ’s are harmless. They can be very vicious.
Anyways, the story sounds suspicious to me.To me it sounds like the Pittbulls were actually engaging the Russel. By instinct thats what Pittbulls do. Thats what MAN bread them to do.
Possibly the owner of the Russ was so mad about his beloved dog getting mauled that he added the children as a defense.
I think if the Pittbulls wanted to maul the children, at least one of them would have been injured, then the russel save the day story could work better .
As it stands, I believe there is more to this one sided story.
Fact….German Shepards attack more humans per year than Pittbulls. Many other breeds do too.
I also believe that any dog that attacks should be dealt with because of its act, not its breed.

While I’m sure the exact specifics of the story may differ, I think that thinking that the idea that the pitbulls were simply ‘engaging’ the terrier is a little far fetched. Dogs interested in engaging usually back off when the dog they are interested in shows anger. I completely agree that pitbulls get a bad rap because some of the owners raise them to be vicious…..but that kind of invalidates your claim that they were only engaging the terrier because “That’s what MAN bread them to do”……you have no idea what their owners bred and raised them to do. Normal attack behavior also dictates that you disable the largest threat first, so no, the pitbulls would not have attacked one of the kids if the terrier was still showing signs of aggression.

And now onto the math. Statistics are fun. Yes, German Shepards probably have a higher count of attacks on humans than pitbulls…..any idea of the difference in overall population comparison of the two breeds? I would put money that if you compare the two rates by percentage of attacks by population count…..pit bulls would have more…..but that goes back to the original point. There are no bad dogs, just bad owners.

You need to get your facts straight. In North America, American Pitbull Terriers are responsible for 85% of all viscous dog attacks. If you are incorporating K-9 German Shepherd dogs that subdue criminals into your statistical analysis, then you have skewed the information.

In fact, in 1988, police in Calgary, Alberta were dispatched to neutralize a Pitbull that was attacking a group of children. One RCMP officer emptied his .38 calibre Smith & Wesson service revolver into the dog, without actually killing it. This was one of three incidents that eventually forced the RCMP to change the standard issue sidearm from the .38 S&W to a 9mm S&W.

Furthermore, my girlfriend has a Jack Russell Terrier that confronted 3 Pitbull Terriers in a London Park five years ago. The dogs ‘engaged’ as you put it by biting his legs and back. Fortunately for him he has a very strong constitution and though he was bloodied, he eventually saw the Pitbulls off. It is a classic bully v bullied scenario. Once the Pitbulls realized that they couldn’t have their way with him, they backed off. Isn’t that what they teach people to do when confronted by a bully? Stand up to them?

More people should have Jack Russell Terriers.

I come from the southwest and Pit Bulls are kept for their aggressive behavior. Every year, there is at least one case of children being severely mauled by a Pit Bull. The only way the Pit Bull is going to change it’s image is by training the people that own Pit Bulls. Also, I have two Jack Russell Terriers. The 10 pound female is not afraid to stand down two full grown German shepards. So it does not suprise me that George would defend his “pack” from an outside attack.

To George’s owner, hoping he reads this: I am really sorry about your loss. Your dog was fantastic. In due time I hope you find yourself a new Jack. We have got one, called Bono. I hope he would defend us as well as your George did, if necessary.
Condolences
Jan-Eric in Stockholm, Sweden

Pit Bulls are by nature savage. This so-called mongrel, genetically deficient breed should be exterminated and made extinct. They are a menace to civilized society. Owners of Pit Bulls should bear the legal consequences of the maniacal behavior of their monstrous creatures.

Ive enjoyed reading these posts. I agree with all. Dog owners should be held responsible. Many people get dogs for guarding purposes. ok. Some just as pets.
I think the last post is a little like a “disgruntled postal worker” .
Bad dogs should be dealt with, all breeds.
My original idea was to show how people can use an idea or situation to their advantage. More or less how the public wants to hear it. Happens every day, especially in media.
Nice teeth Wendy!
I feel for anyone attacked by any dog, or any thing.
Anyhoo, G-night
Jaza

I have to laugh at the first two posts….

In my opinion….Pit Bulls
(The Tyrannosaurus rex, of the Canine World)
and the first two posters need to be exterminated.

The fact that they are trying to claim that a SMALL dog, would attack two supposedly DEFENSELESS PIT BULLS?!?!?!??!!

And they claim the story is ‘fishy’?

Please!

Where in nature would an example like that happen?

These two idiots are basically saying (by claiming that a SMALL Jack Russell, would attack TWO HUGE Pit Bulls)
that this happens all the time.

The Jack Russell attacking the Two Pit Bulls is the equivalent of a Zebra attacking an Alligator!

I live in a neighborhood in the south where the people chain their pitbulls to the “Gas Tank” so the gas company can’t come and shut off the gas, when people decide not to pay their bills, they also chain the pit bulls to the Pole where the Electric Meter is, that way it keeps the Electric Company from getting a correct reading.

Which proves my point….

THE PEOPLE THAT OWN PIT BULLS, KNOW THAT THEY SCARE PEOPLE!
That is the ONLY reason they own them.

The breed should be made extinct, along with the retarded owners, because retards like the first two posters, who are blaming this on the Jack Russell, need to be put to sleep.

C’mon people….. Pit Bulls need to go.

These Morons who defend Pit Bulls are no better than the P.O.S. Pit Bulls they defend.

Some of those that wrote the following comments obviously haven’t thought of the sacrifice this dog made. He gave his life to save children and you prattle on about how russells can be vicious. This is an article to remember a hero, not to blab on about which dog is vicious and which dog isn’t. When it comes down to it, every animal in general can be vicious…and the same with humans. Humans are downright vicious to each other as well as other fellow animals. We must look deep inside ourselves and think about how great George was to do something like that. Though they want to put the two Pit Bulls to death because of this incident, I am against that. Cruelty is not the way to combat other cruelty. I bet right now, George is in a far better place and enjoying himself. I am sure he still loves the family he lived with as well as those he saved, his friends. Remember, we do not own dogs because they are our friends. Alot of humans do not see that when clearly, they should. If the friends and family of George are reading this, I give to you my condolences in your loss. He is a special dog I am sure and should be comemorated. Upon reading the article, my first reaction was to cry because of such a brave selfless act. It was as if I felt the pain he was feeling at the time but not physically but emotionally. I have a Jack Russell Terrier of my own and he is the sweetest thing. Everytime I look at him, I see George looking out of his eyes. But when it all comes down to it, I am sure George is in Heaven or Paradise, remembering those he left behind and thinking about them. Again to the family, I give you my condolences but remember, I will never forget George or his courageous act. He will always have a place in my heart! :)

Jack Russell’s are a breed that are very courageous and very protective. The story does not shock me at all, and should not shock anyone familiar with Jacks. To say that the story sounds fishy is pretty heartless

As a former animal control official in Washington DC and New York, I can tell that indeed Pitt Bulls are highly dog agressive. We had some unfortunate indicdents in the shelters I worked at where pitbulls often mualled and killed other pure breeds such as GSDs, Dobies and Rotties. The only breed that I personally saw that could stand up to them was the Chow Chow. However, Pitss are not inherently people aggessive,quite the contrary they are very people centered and make wondeful companions. If socialized early, I think that any Pitt can live peacfully with other dogs and non canines. If not well socialized then indeed thay can be dangerous. I have no doubt that George was acting in a protective manner. Most terriers are tenacious by nature and George’s actions in the face of immposible odds are not unusual at all.

It’s no surprise that Jason has his facts all mixed up. The boy obviously hasn’t learned how to read or write yet.
Anyone who understands both breeds knows that pit bulls can and do kill. I have yet to hear of a JRT mauling a child. :-)
How dare him for sullying the name and honor of a brave dog who gave his life for his pack!
Here’s to you, George!

I’m the Mum of the 5 children saved by George. If you wish to learn more about what actually happened that day, George’s true character and how his death has made such an impact on our lives, then check out our site http://herodog.bravehost.com/

This site is a tribute to George, and his owner Alan Gay, who have been our neighbours for the last 6 years. George was loved and respected by our family as a pet, friend and we treated him like a family member. We do not have any bias regarding Pitbull dogs and you may be interested in reading our opinion regard this matter http://herodog.bravehost.com/breeds.html

Cheers for the comments here.

Wow, I guess it really is true, we fear those things we are most ignorant of. The APBT is a terrific breed of dog and happens to be one of the most stable canines ever bred. By the way, about 10 dog breeds are described as being a “pit bull”, so which dog breed is it that all of you are so afraid?? There is no breed of dog called a pit bull.

Most of you get your information and fear mongoring from the media. Do a little research on temperament testing, go out and actually meet a few American Pit Bull Terriers and stop acting like sheep controlled by the media. Ignorant!

Also, American Pit Bull Terriers were bred to have dog aggression, not human aggression. They are not a guardian breed of dog and aggression to humans is not the norm and is considered a serious fault in temperament. It’s more likely the dogs were actually going after the JRT to begin with. A smaller male dog would be a more like target than a group of kids.

Sorry to burst all of your bubbles but……….Jan 24 2008

By Valarie Honeycutt Spears
VHONEYCUTT@HERALD-LEADER.COM

Jeff Mozer said the Jack Russell terrier that attacked and killed his sleeping 6-week-old nephew Friday was a longtime family pet he trusted around his own baby and other babies in the family.

And Justin Mozer and Layne Crim were doting parents, he said, who took safety precautions and “tried to do everything just right,” Jeff Mozer said.

“This is the most freakish accident. It was a dog you would never think would harm anyone at all. And my brother was just really proud of the baby, it was his first,” Jeff Mozer said.

According to Jeff Mozer, the baby Justin Mozer, named after his father, was sleeping in the middle of a king-size bed about 3:15 p.m. Friday when, without warning, the Jack Russell terrier attacked and killed him.

The Fayette County Coroner’s office said Saturday that the cause of the accidental death was “traumatic asphyxia and blood loss due to dog attack.”

Lexington police Lt. John Gensheimer said Saturday that at this point there was no reason to file charges. Though police were continuing to conduct interviews, Gensheimer said, there was no evidence to suggest that the death was anything but an accident. The baby was alone in the room, and there were no witnesses to the attack.

The baby’s mother, whom Mozer identified as Layne Crim, was in another room when the attack occurred.

Layne Crim’s husband died in January 2007, leaving her with two sons, about 1 and 3.

Jeff Mozer said his brother had stepped in to become a loving father to those boys, too.

“I’m very proud of him,” Jeff Mozer said.

Mozer said he spent time with his nephew last week. “I held him and kissed him. He was beautiful.”

Justin Mozer, 28, was at work at a pool company when the attack occurred, Jeff Mozer said.

The baby had a crib, Jeff Mozer said, but on Friday afternoon he was napping on the bed.

Jeff Mozer said Justin Mozer had owned the Jack Russell for six or seven years. “The dog has been around my baby and other babies in the family. There has never been any reason for alarm.”

Jeff Mozer said his brother bought the family home at Seven Pines Drive, near Versailles Road and Alexandria Drive, about a year ago and was remodeling it.

The former president of The Lane neighborhood association, Pete Hagan, said that in September 2007, the association sent Justin Mozer a letter complaining about the behavior of pit bulls kept in the back yard. The letter, which Hagan e-mailed to the Herald-Leader on Saturday, said pit bulls routinely got out of the yard and frightened neighbors. But Hagan said he had no problems with the Jack Russell terrier, and he had noticed no problems with the pit bulls since November.

“We extend our condolences to the Mozers,” Hagan said.

Justin Mozer kept a pit bull in the back yard for protection, Jeff Mozer said, but that had nothing to do with the attack on the baby.

The two dogs were taken by Fayette County Animal Control at the owner’s request. The dogs’ fate was not known last night. Officials did not return telephone calls.

Jeff Mozer said his brother and the baby’s mother are inconsolable, as is the rest of the family.

“We will never be the same because of it.”