That Bites: Dog Sentenced for Attacking Police Cars

The long arm of the law is now yanking on the leash of an aggressive pooch in the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee. As if the Chattanooga Police didn't have enough to deal with on March 14, they had to fend off an attack by pit bull mix Winston, who took a powerful dislike to several local cop cruisers, resulting in a few flat tires and a missing bumper or two. No actual police persons were harmed in the onslaught.

But according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, a grand total of four cars, including two police vehicles, were. Winston, possibly upset by the lights and sirens of the incoming police car, busted out of detention in his pen on the day in question like "a prisoner in a World War II German death camp," attorney Jim Andersen commented. After his battle with the car, Winston was rounded up by police and re-incarcerated in the McKamey Animal Center where POW Winston proved to be a "model prisoner.''

Perhaps it was his good behavior in the pen that convinced Chattanooga City Judge Sherry Paty to order the citation against the pup for being a "potentially dangerous dog" dropped after six months, if the court-ordered training is successful and no other problems occur. So, probation and anger management. Sounds like a fair deal, doesn't it?

Owners Michael Emerling and his mother, Nancy Emerling, said they planned to take Winston home after the court hearing and felt lucky that he'd have a chance to go through the court-ordered obedience training. But once bitten, twice shy. If Winston attacks again, things might not go as well in court. "If it were a person or a child (attacked), it could have been devastating," Judge Paty said. "I don't even want the remote possibility of that happening." 

However, the Ermerlings feel that Winston's good record of behavior with humans will continue. In fact, Winston hasn't ever been in trouble before the March 14 attack. Really, owner Nancy Emmerling said, good ol' boy Winston was never aggressive toward anything --other than lawn equipment. Good dog.

Related Resources:

• Car-eating dog set free (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
• Dog/Animal Bites - FAQ (FindLaw)
• Top 5 Dog Bite Prevention Tips for Owners, Parents, and Kids (FindLaw's Injured)
• Animal Attacks and the Law (provided by John S. Hoyt, Attorney at Law)