Rottweiler Kills Suspected Robber

[FAFO]

The Associated Press
"TUXTLA GUTIERREZ, Mexico (AP) - A Rottweiler guard dog mauled and killed a suspected robber in a luxury house in this southern Mexican city, and officials say the animal will be put to sleep. State police agent Ruben Lopez said the dog, named Chato, attacked the suspect in the garage of his owner's house when the alleged robber was trying to make off with stolen goods.``The animal practically destroyed him with bites,´´ Lopez said.The Red Cross said the dog had pulled off the man's right hand, destroyed one of his feet and caused severe damage to his head. The dog would be tested for rabies and put to sleep, the state attorney general's office said.The Prosecutor's office said it had not yet decided whether to bring charges against the dog's owner.It was the second death this year attributed to a Rottweiler in Tuxtla Gutierrez, the Chiapas state capital."

What aren the laws in the US in a similar situation ? I know that in Brazil , the onwer would be protected by the law , at least the court decisions have been determined in favor of the owner of the dog.

[CricketNCisco]

Same in Texas...the owner is protected from a criminal suit by law if the dog bites a trespasser. Not sure whether the burglar could still sue under civil law.

Cricket

[ragman]

FAFO, could you pass me the link of that article?
thanks

[Stacy White]

I believe this is the same incident that was discussed on Rottie-L, an e-mail list for Rottweiler folks. One of the points discussed was the stability of this dog and if he caused this extent of damage to the intruder, would he have done the same if confronted with a small child that wandered into the area.

I'm not trying to condemn the dog, but wanted to offer another point of view.

------------------
Stacy White
slw9300@earthlink.net

[CricketNCisco]

This isn't a matter of viewpoint. If my dog bit someone's hand off, among other injuries, I would ever trust my dog around anyone (including me). Of course, I have a pet dog, not a trained protector.

The question wasn't whether the dog is trustworthy; the inquiry was about laws in different countries. In Texas, your dog can legally kill someone who is trespassing on your property. Right or wrong, it's the law.

[BIGWRIGHT]

CricketNCisko imagine this your walking with your dog down the street. Your playing with your dog everything is great then some guy comes up tries to rob you. Your dog reacts and bites the guy protecting you is he/she a bad dog? Does trust come into play after that?

People own guns I personally like a dog most smart crooks usually steer clear from any house with a dog. The dog lets you know he's there and promises you safety from intruders or untrustworhy people. Anyone owning a rottweiler should be prepared to know that they are a protective breed and will defend you with their life. They shouldn't be scolded or put to death for doing what they naturally are bred for. I own a rottweiler for protection because that's what I want I know what this dog is capable of doing and by owning one except having him as a protector as well as a loyal family pet.

Anyone owning a rottweiler should also take the responsibility of knowing what their dog is capable of and that to them you are theirs not the other way around and they will make sure that noone hurts their masters. I bought my son a boxer who is great friendly dog but if you touch my son or try to hurt him he will become a tiger that's love for him I don't get mad knowing that he will do it because he knows the difference.

When you look at your Rottweiler in his eyes you will see a noble dog that says Nobody will hurt you tonight not on my watch not ever. I like that feeling of knowing if it came down to it I would be ok. I wrote a poem about my first Rott's protectiveness I'll try and find it.


P.S. Any idiot who tries to rob or break into a house with a Rottweiler on Guard deserves what he gets!!!

[CricketNCisco]

Bigwright,

If I were specifically training Cisco in protection, I would agree with you about the trustworthiness of the dog *after* a vicious attack. The dog is doing his job. As it is, I am teaching Cisco that people are friendly, teaching him not to bite, generally teaching him to be more pet dog than guard dog. That is why I would not trust my dog if he ripped someone's hand off...he has not been trained to that level of defensiveness.

I do feel more secure just having Cisco, and appreciate it when he barks at odd noises, particularly when we are camping. He is, however, under my protection instead of me being under his protection. It is his job to bark at an intruder...it is my job to decide whether or not to shoot the intruder.

We both agree that the dog in question in the thread is not to blame...he was doing his job. My dog's job is to bark, then look to me to see what the next step should be.

Cricket

[Fergy]

I agree with Bigwright, anyone trespassing onto anothers property to steal is willing to take the chance of being confronted and then dealing with a person or dog whichever it may be. How many times have we read horror stories of rapes and mutilated bodies being found in homes after robberies. If I came home and found only bones left of some #%*@!!, I would pet my dog and say "Good- Boy". And yes, I would still also trust him. He is only doing what by nature he is suppose to. A Rottie with the right temperment knows what is a threat and what is not, hence the ZTP. I would also make every effort to save his life after such an event.