Crime & Safety

Photos: Dogs Involved in Fatal Mauling

One dog remains at large.

Pictures of three of the four dogs involved in a fatal mauling have been released. The dogs are identified as mixed breed, but with possible "pit bull" influence by Animal Control. 

The three dogs, a mother and her two puppies, were involved in a brutal attack of an 80-year-old, double-amputee man in Harleyville. The fourth dog remains at large. Dorchester County Animal Control has been setting traps for the animal since the April 27 incident. 

Jessica Thornton, founder of nonprofit Find Love In Pit Bulls, said that while the two younger dogs appear to have some "bully breed" in them, the mother dog appears to have more Labrador retriever in her. 

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But, she said, the pit bull breed does not necessarily predispose dogs to human aggression. She also said that while pit bulls are a powerful breed, their bite is actually less powerful than that of a shepherd or Rottweiler. 

Thornton said this is not a case of a bad breed, but of a irresponsible owner.

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"First, the dogs were running loose. That is of utter importance and a prime example of irresponsible ownership. Owning any breed of dog or any animal period comes with responsibilities," Thornton told Patch. "All in all, it was a horrible situation and very devastating but responsibility lies within the owner."

Charges have yet to be filed against the woman who owns three of the four dogs. 


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