Pit Bulls Kill Dog
www.newarkadvocate.com
By MELISSA KNIFIC
December 1, 2004, NEWARK, OHIO -- Like many people who lose their pets, Doug Ashley is grieving. But for the 47-year-old Newark resident, the sadness also comes with frustration, and even some anger.
On Saturday, Ashley's German shepherd and husky mix, Whiskey, was attacked by two pit bulls while he was chained up outside his home at 759 Russell Ave. After an emergency trip to the veterinarian and hours spent nursing the dog's wounds, Whiskey died Sunday night.
"The dog was just whimpering in his sleep," said Cherish Ashley, 27, Doug's daughter-in-law who helped rush 6-year-old Whiskey to the vet for treatment.
Newark Police Department reports claim Whiskey was attacked around 3 p.m. Saturday by two tan and brown pit bulls owned by Ricky Jackson, 29, 745 Russell Ave., Newark.
Toby Wills, city dog warden, said Jackson faces two fourth-degree felony charges of failure to confine a vicious dog. Jackson was found guilty in May of a first-degree misdemeanor of failure to confine a vicious dog.
While Jackson wasn't available for comment, his wife, Cheri, said her husband will be filling out a police report today. "We were out of town," Cheri said Monday, noting she hasn't talked to the Ashleys since the incident.
Both Licking County and Newark Animal Control officers arrived at the scene Saturday. One pit bull -- which was later seized and impounded -- managed to get back into Jackson's house, but the other escaped. "It's not been seen," Wills said. "No one's made any calls about it."
Reports indicate Whiskey "was bleeding out of his mouth and neck area" when he was finally rescued. Doug, who was putting siding on a nearby house, arrived soon after being notified by his father, Marvin Ashley, 69. The owner immediately took Whiskey to Refugee Canyon Veterinary Services.
In total, 27 puncture wounds were counted; 14 of those were in the dog's neck.
"The vet said there was a chance," said Nicole Ashley, 25, Doug's daughter. The family was informed to bring Whiskey home and "keep him comfortable," along with regularly washing him and administering antibiotics and pain pills. Despite efforts to keep the dog alive, Whiskey died late Sunday.
Cheri Jackson claimed her dogs haven't caused any previous disturbances, but the Ashleys disagreed. "For two years, we have had problems with the two pit bulls getting out," Cherish Ashley said.
Her primary concern, however, is the safety of her 4-year-old son, Jacob, and children in the nearby Hazelwood Elementary School. Cherish has posted signs throughout the area warning residents of the pit bull at large.
Although Doug is angered by Jackson's alleged failure to control his dogs, he has other concerns. "I blame the city of Newark," he said, noting pit bulls shouldn't be allowed inside city limits. "I don't blame (Jackson)."
But Wills said, as dog warden, he can't do much besides issuing a maximum $100 ticket and presenting the complaint to the city law director. And unless there's conclusive evidence, it's difficult to charge an individual, he added. "If we don't witness it, and nobody wants to make a written statement, we cannot issue a citation," he said.
Currently, Newark residents who own a pit bull -- referred to by the city as a "vicious dog" -- have to follow several guidelines. Owners must have a locked enclosure for the dog and it must be walked on a chain-linked leash no longer than six feet.
Effective Dec. 16, additional measures will be mandated. Pit bull owners will be required to purchase a yearly $10 permit per pet, as well as provide proof of $100,000 liability insurance to cover loss of life and medical damages. Also, the dog must wear a muzzle when off its property.
If convicted of both felony charges, Jackson could face up to $10,000 in fines and three years imprisonment.
A judge will decide the fate of the pit bulls -- whether they are euthanized or given back to the owner.
The Ashleys want to make sure Jackson isn't given another chance. Besides losing Whiskey, Doug also has to pay off bills, including medical and cremation expenses. "Nothing's going to bring Whiskey back," Cherish said. "But there's a lot of damage every day reminding us of it."
