As I previously reported, Edward Gierlach, 91, of Iosco Township, Michigan, and Cheryl Harper, 56, of Fowlerville, Michigan, were killed in separate attacks by a group of bulldogs on September 13, 2007. (See my post on September 14, 2007, entitled "Pack of Bulldogs Kills 2 In Separate Attacks.")
This week, dog owner Diane Cockrell was charged with two felony counts of possessing a dangerous animal causing death, and one count of allowing her dogs to stray, charges that could bring her 15 years behind bars.
Whether or not it can be proved that the owner knew the one dog was dangerous, there is another issue here that should not be missed. Cockrell was keeping multiple dogs and failed to properly confine them. When there are multiple dogs, there is the pack mentality which is known to be associated with severe maulings and killings. Dog owners should not have more than one dog large enough to seriously injury human beings. (For more, see my dog attack danger scale on the home page of Dog Bite Law by clicking the link at the top of this page.)
This week, dog owner Diane Cockrell was charged with two felony counts of possessing a dangerous animal causing death, and one count of allowing her dogs to stray, charges that could bring her 15 years behind bars.
Whether or not it can be proved that the owner knew the one dog was dangerous, there is another issue here that should not be missed. Cockrell was keeping multiple dogs and failed to properly confine them. When there are multiple dogs, there is the pack mentality which is known to be associated with severe maulings and killings. Dog owners should not have more than one dog large enough to seriously injury human beings. (For more, see my dog attack danger scale on the home page of Dog Bite Law by clicking the link at the top of this page.)
