Attacking dogs
a real threat

By Staff
Dec. 21, 2003
Dogs are territorial animals and mean dogs seem more territorial than most. That's why it's absolutely essential that dog owners take responsibility for their dogs' behavior.
The Dec. 11 attack by a pack of dogs at a Marion home-business on Jaime Telfeyan, 23, a Weems Community Mental Health Center case worker, left her bitten and bruised. She may be lucky to be alive. Bernice Martin, the owner of the dogs, said Telfeyan should have heeded signs on a fence warning of dogs at her family's place of business, Martin Body Shop.
Four of the dogs, taken by Lauderdale County Animal Control and quarantined in Meridian, may be back at Martin's house by Monday if they show no signs of viciousness or disease.
Telfeyan described the incident as an attack by six dogs three pit bulls, two boxers and a black dog she said looked like a lab. Marion Police Chief Kevin Taylor says the incident is under investigation and there is a dispute over how many dogs actually attacked.
One dog attacking a human being is too many. Had Telfeyan been a young, defenseless child, the result could have been even more tragic.
The incident raises an old question: Who is responsible for enforcing animal control ordinances? The town of Marion has an ordinance, but no means of enforcing it. Lauderdale County does not have a leash law, but it does have an Animal Control unit that can "assist" at times; there seems to be a difference of opinion on what the word "assist" means.
What seems clear is that no dog, neither stray nor pet, should be allowed to attack a human being. While a county-wide leash law would be a good idea, dog owners must take the responsibility for ensuring their animals are under control at all times.