LETTERS: Neighbors uneasy
To the Editor:
When I read last week's "Letter To the Editor" from Jack Swain, I felt sick. Tragedies that we read about in newspapers and hear about on the TV news shows are happening right here in Marion
A few weeks ago I called the police department to thank them for coming to my rescue when a dog jumped out of an upstairs window, ran across the street, and attacked my dog. This happened while we were out walking. The young police officer was very nice and extremely helpful. I was so thankful he came by when he did.
Today I called the police to ask what had been done about the Pit Bull. He informed me there was nothing they could do since there was no ordinance against vicious dogs in Marion. I understand that and hope that will be changed. What most upset me was that the officer told me it had been blown out of proportion and how did I feel about Rottweillers. I told him about the same as Pit Bulls. He then told me the dogs just had a bad reputation — that all were not vicious dogs. He said that of the two Pit Bulls at the Labelles, one was a four month old puppy and the adult dog has only gotten loose one time. That was the time he killed the Swain's little doxie, Andy. Now, are we supposed to hope the dog doesn't get loose again and kill another family pet or possibly a child walking down the street?
Jack Swain told me they can't have their great-grandchildren at their house again while the dogs are there. And I avoid walking my dog Dakota down the street (my own street) because if the dog got loose "for only the second time," I would probably be killed trying to protect my dog.
I've always been curious about the people that want to own Pit Bulls. They surely don't choose them for the same reasons I chose my dog. When I've heard the awful stories about Pit Bulls attacking children or pets, the owners almost always say they (the dogs) were gentle around their children and can't believe they killed someone's child or pet. Or they say, "it was the only time they had every gotten out!" Give me a break!! The first time the Labelle's Pit Bull got out it only killed someone's beloved pet. Do you want to walk your dog down the 300 block of North Roosevelt or have you children ride a bicycle there?
Vicki Jackson
Marion
