HOW MANY people must Kane bite before the Animal Control Commission realizes that he's a threat to the Millersville community?
The 5-year-old pit bull is racking up a list of victims. If he gnashed a notch into his collar for each person he's attacked, he'd have four right now.
When the dog was a year old, he scratched a 66-year-old woman who was trying to protect her cat. He bit a 7-year-old boy last year. In August, according to a police report, the dog and another pit bull owned by the same person mauled a 14-year-old girl, biting her leg, nose and arm. Since, a man has reported that Kane recently attacked him. Neighbors told the commission that the dog runs loose through their community. It's a public menace and threat.
Animal Control Administrator Tahira S. Thomas made the right call when she determined that Kane should not get a chance to bite again. She ordered that the dog be put to sleep.
Ms. Thomas understands the right of dog owners, but she is more interested in protecting the community against vicious dogs. Her agency has euthanized 22 dangerous animals so far this year.
But the animal control commission irresponsibly rejected Ms. Thomas' order this time. It wants to return Kane to its owner with a warning. Although the 14-year-old girl, for some reason, did not testify in the case against Kane, the commission has enough information about the attack and enough history to determine that the animal is dangerous. The panel cannot go soft when public safety is at stake.
Fortunately, the commission doesn't get the last word. Police Capt. Thomas Suit, authorized by the police chief to oversee animal control, will weigh the panel's recommendation against Ms. Thomas' order and decide.
We urge Captain Suit to answer the loud cry to protect citizens from Kane.
