Dogs Bite People Almost Daily
In Montgomery Co.

May 7, 2008
www.newschannel5.com/

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Animal control officers in Montgomery County have responded to an average dog bite call a day since July.

The latest serious attack happened Monday and involved a pit bull mix and a 7-year-old boy in Clarksville.

"He's a good kid," said Chris Miller. "He doesn't deserve this. That's for sure."

Seven-year-old Alex Miller is recovering from wounds he got when a pit bull mix. Miller said his son was playing after school when the neighbor's dog attacked Alex.

"He broke the chain, came around the house and grabbed the first child that he got to, who just happened to be my son," Miller said.

Dog owner Clyde McCullough said it's the first time his pet ever attacked someone. He is sorry Alex was hurt.

"I was more concerned that the boy was okay than the dog. Like I said, it's a family pet and we love the dog to death, but you know, but the little boy is more important than the dog," McCullough said.

What happened to Miller is not unusual. In the county, animal control officers said someone is bitten just about every day.

They report more than 300 bites in the past 10 months or about one incident a day.

Miller said people need to be more responsible with their pets.

"I think he's definitely going to have a drastic fear of dogs for a long time. I try to tell him he doesn't need to be scared to go outside. I don't want him to be afraid of the world," he said.

The dog that attacked Alex is being observed for rabies. The dog is quarantined in the owner's garage. McCullough said he'll be put down after 10 days.