Recent dog attacks sparks conversations of accountability

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The family of a two-year-old boy from Pasco County said he’s still fighting for his life. 

It’s one of at least two dog attacks reported less than one week of each other in Tampa Bay. Another attack left a woman and her dog wounded after moving to St. Pete less than one month ago.

“The dog had fractured his skull,” said Marlene Bernier of Hudson. “He’ll never have a feeling in the back of his head again for life.”

Her two-year-old grandson Noah was mauled by a dog last Thursday while playing at the family’s front yard, Bernier said. He had to be flown to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, where he is still recovering, she said.

Bernier is describing the whole ordeal as a living nightmare.

“We’re just hoping to wake up from it,” she said.

Bernier said Noah’s health is a minute-by-minute situation. Some days have been worse, while others better. 

The investigation into the attack last week is active and ongoing. For now, Bernier is urging prayers and donations for the GoFundMe started by neighbors.

Nearby, another dog attack was reported Monday at Crescent Lake Park in St. Pete.

“I just can’t fathom that this happened,” Kathryn Cooper of St. Petersburg said. 

Cooper said she moved to the area three weeks ago and chose the neighborhood because of proximity to the park. Now, she said she’s not sure if she wants to visit for now. 

A pit bull type dog had escaped its collar and attacked Cooper’s West Highland Terrier, according to the Pinellas County Animal Services report. Cooper sustained bite marks to her face and neck, along with an injury to her hand.

Her dog Stephen sustained critical injuries. Cooper said it took her and two other people to stop the attack, adding the experience has left her traumatized.

“I’m just so glad that he’s still with us,” Cooper said of her dog through tears. “I was the one that took him to that park.”

The dog that attacked was under foster care nearby and the ownership of FLUFF Animal Rescue. President Kimmy Chandler stated in part that the house guest, not the foster parent, walked the dog unaware that the dog requires special care and escaped her collar. 

Chandler added the dog, named Freedom, had no incident of aggression since under being their care, but added the dog has a high prey drive and have staff on board to accommodate dog selective dogs.

“We would never knowingly place an aggressive animal into a foster or forever home,” Chandler stated in part. “We do not believe that Freedom is aggressive, but we failed her by placing her in an environment well out of her comfort zone.”

However, Cooper said she believes, through knowledge obtained of the dog’s history, the dog should’ve never been placed in the neighborhood and believes the dog should be surrendered to animal services.

“I say that as a dog lover and someone who rescues dogs,” Cooper said. “If nothing changes, that dog is going to kill someone.”

Since the incident, Chandler said the dog has been in quarantine. The organization is working with animal services on what needs to happen post-quarantine. 

Bernier, a dog owner herself, said she urges all dog owners to be more responsible.

“You should protect not only your pet but your community that you live in as well,” Bernier said.