2019: Three fatal pit bull attacks in close sequence cause grave concern in Michigan. Two of the attacks just a week after Responsible Citizens for Public Safety held a tribute to victims and survivors in Lansing on the steps of the Capitol. The tragic fatalities should indicate to Michigan legislators that pit bulls are indeed a dangerous problem and that the time is now to legislate to protect public safety. Data proves that pit bulls are responsible for a disproportionate number of canine related fatalities. Common sense should dictate that restrictions on pit bull ownership should be implemented for the safety of the public. Breed Safety Laws (BSL) have been proven to save lives when enforced. These three brutal mauling fatalities should be the death blow to HB4035, a preemption bill that would strip local governments of their authority to restrict pit bulls or other dog breeds in their communities. The bill was introduced by Rep. Jim Ellison (D) of Royal Oak. Mr. Ellison’s wife is the director of the Royal Oak Animal Shelter and a pit bull advocate.
In Hazel Park, where a ban on pit bulls was repealed in recent years, Benjamin Cobb, age 4, was mauled to death by a pit bull his mother was ‘fostering’ on October 29, 2019. The dog killed Benjamin within hours after it was brought into the home. That pit bull has been euthanized.
Brandy Joy O’Dell was killed by her own pet pit bulls on November 1, 2019 in Bay City. The pit bulls were taken by animal control. Craig Goulet, supervisor of Bay County Animal Services and Adoption Center, confirmed that the dogs were pit bulls. Goulet said he couldn’t comment on their behavior or if they could be designated as aggressive. The dogs are currently quarantined. It’s unknown what will happen to them, according to Goulet.
Emma Hernandez died in August after neighbor, Pierre Cleveland’s three pit bulls pulled 9 year old Emma off of her bicycle and mauled her. Cleveland was charged with 2nd Degree Murder and faces prison.
