Kaos' Owner Defends Pit Bull's Actions
www.salisburypost.com
By Jonathan Weaver
NOVEMBER 24, 2004, ARROWWOOD,NORTH CAROLINA -- The owner of a pit bull that bit a 31-year-old man Friday says his dog has never reacted as he did that night and that the victim said repeatedly he was at fault in the incident.
Jason Miller, 21, said Ronnie and Dawn Huffman were at his Arrowood home when he arrived home Friday evening. Dawn Huffman has said she was at the home visiting her friend, and Ronnie Huffman stopped when he saw her there.
Miller said he was outside playing with his dog, Kaos, which had been chained to a tree. Miller was tapping the tree and the dog was jumping, which is a normal exercise routine, he said. Ronnie Huffman came outside to watch and eventually walked over to tap the tree himself, Miller said. Miller said he warned Huffman repeatedly to stay back while the dog played. Huffman "was within the chain's reach," Miller said.
Huffman told the Post that he was outside watching the dog jump and had just turned to get his wife, who was inside, when Kaos attacked him. Miller said Huffman turned toward him while he was near the tree and that's when Kaos bit Huffman's right leg. "I yelled 'Kaos' and hit him in the head," and the dog let go, Miller said.
The Huffmans called an ambulance after returning to their home across the road.
Ronnie Huffman told the Post that he used his free leg to kick Kaos in the head to make him let go.
Miller, who moved to Salisbury from Florida in April 2003 to attend Mooresville's NASCAR Technical Institute, said his dog is not a danger. "My girlfriend has three children," Miller said. "Kaos was raised around children. He's a family dog."
Miller said his mother kicked him out because he owned a pit bull, but after she saw how the dog acted, "now she's got one."
The Huffmans told the Post they have been in contact with an attorney to recoup their losses and medical bills.
Ronnie Huffman received 37 stitches to his right leg and was ordered to stay off his feet for at least 10 days, he said.
Miller said Dawn Huffman asked him for money to recoup her husband's medical bills and lost time at work. Miller said he would like to help as much as possible, but he can't right now since he is in school. "I'm strapped just to get by right now," he said. "If I had the money, I would have handed them the money.
"All I care about is getting my dog back and making (Huffman) happy," Miller said.
Kaos will remain under quarantine at the Rowan County Animal Shelter for at least six more days. Miller told an Animal Control officer that Kaos had all his required shots, though he had no documentation. Animal Control officials say they must treat the dog as though it has not been vaccinated.
