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UPDATE: Garland County pit bull attacks bring calls for ban on breed


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UPDATE: The 12-year-old bit on Saturday by a pit bull was not castrated, is walking regularly, and has been returned his home in Garland County, according to his mother Shana Barnett.

Garland County Sheriff Deputies initially believed the severe bite to his groin would likely end with the drastic procedure. However, after a trip to St. Joseph's Mercy Health Center, his mother says he only needed stitches.

Barnett has heard the calls for a pit bull ban and does not support one.

"I don't think a pit bull ban will do anything," she said. "I'd rather see stronger laws. They tried to ban pit bulls in Little Rock and owners just moved them to North Little Rock."

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GARLAND COUNTY - A string of four dog attacks on children and pets in three days in Garland County has prompted calls for a county-wide ban on pit bulls.

After the most severe pit bull attack, a 12-year-old was castrated because of his devastating injuries. Most recently, a beloved black Labrador was mauled to death by two roaming pit bulls Monday afternoon.

"He was so loving and caring and gentle and he could be so protective on the other side," said David Roeck, of his 2-year-old pet lab, "Bear."

It was just too tough to protect against being outnumbered and "Bear" died at his favorite resting spot.

He says he's devoted to now finding out who the dogs belong two and finding justice for "Bear."

"He was viciously attacked by two different pit bulls," said Roeck, "and you can see in the video when they just kept coming back and coming back and attacking him and locking on him until he was killed."

His graphic home surveillance video captures the fourth animal incident in three days.

Two Garland County juveniles were injured by pit bulls on Saturday. Misdemeanor charges were filed against the owners of the dogs believed to be responsible.

"I'm appalled at the county that all they got charged with were misdemeanors and these children were disfigured and changed their entire lives," said Roeck.

The attacks have already got the attention of local officials.

"We haven't done enough to protect the people," said Mary Bournival, Garland County Justice of the Peace.

She says a county-wide ban on pit bulls will be discussed at next Quorum Court meeting on September 17.

"I would prefer to ban the breed than to continue allowing these to happen," said Bournival.

That's the best news Roeck has heard after a grueling start to the week, as he plans to fight for a pit bull ban in memory of his beloved lab.

"He was like one of my children," said Roeck. "I have suffered every emotion imaginable since this event and I'm sure it's not over yet."

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