Talk of Lufkin

By Melody

August 21, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

It is the responsibility on any pet owner to ensure the safety of others whether it’s a pet or person. I own 3 pitbulls and they are very gentle and great with kids but honestly with a cat I really don’t know how they would react. Accidents do happen and I have had to give an animal away becouse of an attack on another animal (I just don’t stand for that type of behavior). If these animals have attacked before the owner should be held responsible. I just wonder though if these dogs would have been just ordinary dogs or mutts would this story receive this type of news coverage? In my oppinion probably not. I feel that it is ashame to condemn an animal for it’s breed. I do feel sympathy for the owners of the cat and I know no matter what the animal is dog or cat you love and care for it deeply. I just believe that the owners should pay and not the animal. Pitbulls are loving and very loyal when raised in the proper environment and they are beautiful living creatures that deserve a better deal in life than they are given and this is due to the fact that their human owners show a lack of responsibility to them and to others around them.

By JERRIE BARNETT

August 22, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this

WELL WHAT THE HECK? DOGS ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO LIKE CATS ANYWAY! I HAVE A FULL BLOOD PIT AND HE IS A BIG BABY, HE LOVES EVERYBODY AND THAT IS WAY I WANT I WANT, AND HE DID LIKE CATS UNTIL A CAT SLAPPED HIM AND SCRATCHED HIM AND AFTER THAT HE DOES NOT LIKE THEM ANYMORE,I ALSO HAVE A SCHNAUZER ,A GERMAN SHEPARD AND A ENGLISH BULLDOG/BLUETICK HOUND THAT DOES NOT LIKE CATS. I HAVE 4 CATS ALSO BUT THEY KNOW WHERE THEIR PLACE IS AND IS NOT AROUND THE DOGS. JUST BECAUSE A DOG KILLS A CAT DOES NOT MEAN IT WILL HURT A PERSON THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CATS AS WELL DOGS AND PEOPLE. YOU CAN NOT PUNISH A DOG FOR WHAT COMES NATURAL TO THEM. AND PEOPLE NEED TO QUIT STEREO TYPING PIT BULLS. THE LABRADOR RETRIEVER HAS BITTEN MORE PEOPLE THAN ANY OTHER BREED. BUT DO YOU HEAR OR READ COMPLAINTS ABOUT THEM. OF COURSE NOT.

By Melody

August 22, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this

Just another quick note…..Do you know the worst breed to buy a child for a pet? It’s the dalmation. Ask any of the parents that rushed out to buy their child a dalmation after the movies and then turned them over to shelters due to the number of “incidents” between the dog and child. Oh and by the way if it were a pitbull the “incidents” would have been vicious and dangerous dog attacks the only difference is the name of the breed.

By Siamese

August 22, 2008 7:18 AM | Link to this

I have never seen a cat attack a human being in my life so how can you compare a cat to a dog??? I’m not saying all pit bulls are mean either but I have seen lots of dogs attack people, kids, other animals…can’t say that about a cat. Dogs shouldn’t be allowed to roam in other people’s yards either, as in this case. That’s why these towns should enforce their leash laws.

By neighbor

August 22, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this

I AM THE OWNER OF THE PIT BULL WHO ATTACKED THE DOGS IN HUNTINGTON. I DO APOLOGIZE TO THE CAPPS FAMILY FOR THE INCIDENT. THE CAPPS ONCE HAD A PIT BULL THAT WAS REMOVED FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD FOR GROWLING @ PEOPLE THIS DOG WOULD COME TO OUR PORCH AND SIT THERE AND NOT ALLOW US TO COME OUT OF OUR HOUSE WE WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL IT LEFT OUR YARD TO COME OUTSIDE. THE CAT LUCY WAS ALSO A REGULAR VISITOR. I CAN UNDERSTAND THEIR HURT OF LOSEING THEIR CAT, OUR ANIMALS ARE VERY SPECIAL TO US SO I KNOW THAT LUCY WAS A GREAT ADDITION TO THEM AND AGAIN I APOLOGIZE. OUR DOG HAS BEEN WITH US SINCE WE MOVED TO HUNTINGTON AND WE HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS IN HUNTINGTON WITH HIM HARMING OR HURTING ANYONE. IT IS A NATURAL INSTINCT FOR DOGS AND CATS NOT TO GET ALONG. IT WAS A ACCIDENT ON OUR BEHALF DUE THE FACT THAT THE DOG BELONGED TO US .WE HAVE HAD ONE THE DOGS SINCE HE WAS 6 WKS OLD THIS WAS JUST SOMETHING THAT WAS OUT OF OUR CONTROL, WE ARE VERY RESPONSIBLE WITH OUR DOG. EVE THPUGH THE CAPPS SON HAS HAD OUR DOG IN THEIR YARD SEVERAL TIMES I DO NOT BLAME THEM FOR THE INCIDENT

By cassie

August 22, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this

From the article, it appears that the owners of the dog are nothing but trash. The son and friends confronted the cat owners son, and they also never paid the bill from the vet. They do indeed to be nothing but trash.

By cassie

August 22, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this

From the article, it appears that the owners of the dog are nothing but trash. The son and friends confronted the cat owners son, and they also never paid the bill from the vet. They do indeed to be nothing but trash.

By cassie

August 22, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this

From the article, it appears that the owners of the dog are nothing but trash. The son and friends confronted the cat owners son, and they also never paid the bill from the vet. They do indeed to be nothing but trash.

By Amber

August 22, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this

My mother’s poodle whom had just given birth to puppies, was killed about a month ago in Huntington also by a neighbor’s pit bull. The pitbull is usually gated up, however, happened to be out on this day when he came into my mom’s yard and attacked my mom’s poodle. The sheriff went to talk to the neighbor and they ended up paying damages, but as far as I know now they not only have to keep their pit bull in the fence, but also chain him up while in the fence. They are currently working on deeming him a dangerous dog.

By Mark

August 22, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this

This story doesn’t mention that this is the second time that one of the dogs in question attacked the same cat, which was old and had been declawed. As far as the reputation of the pitbull breed, if a person was in their front yard and an unknown pitbull was between them and their home staring them down, what reasonable person wouldn’t be scared for their saftey? I hope it never comes to it, but I would be inclined to put several holes in it to assure the saftey of myself and my loved ones.

By LISHA

August 22, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this

OK I UNDERSTAND THAT A CAT IS A GENTLE ANIMAL BUT I HAVE SEEN CATS ATTACK OTHER ANIMALS AND NOT BECAUSE THEY R MEAN BUT IT IS IN THEIR NATURE AND JUST LIKE DOGS ARE NOT SUPPOSE TO ROAM OTHER PEOPLE YARDS CATS SHOULD NOT EITHER. ANIMALS ARE LIKE PEOPLE WE GET COMFORTABLE WITH THINGS. LIKE DOGS AND CATS LIVEIN TOGETHER OR BEING AROUND ONE ANOTHER. I DO NOT THINK THESE PEOPLE INTENTIONALLY LET THEIR DOG OUT TO ATTACK THIS CAT, IT JUST HAPPENED. WE AS PEOPLE ARE SO CONCERNED WITH SMALL THINGS THAT WE FAIL TO PUBLICIZE THE THINGS THAT ARE SO MUCH MORE IMPORTANT, LIKE RACIALISM,AND THE THREATS PEOPLE MAKE TO TO OTHERS WHEN THINGS OF THIS NATURE HAPPEN.

By neighbor

August 22, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

THANK YOU CASSIE SO MUCH FOR THE COMPLIMENT. AND I GUESS U WOULD AGREE THAT IT IS OK FOR THE SON TO TERRORIZE THE CHILDREN FOR THE ACTIONS OF THEIR DOG AND TO MAKE RACIAL SLURS, AS WELL AS THREATS ON THEIR LIFE. THIS THING WITH THE DOG GOES FATHER THAN U KNOW, AND I HAVE NO REASON TO EXPLAIN TO YOU. YOU HAVE A BLESSED DAY, SWEETIE!!!!

By steve

August 22, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

ANGELINA COUNTY HAS NO LEASH LAW. THIS COUNTY IS GETTING TOO BIG NOT TO HAVE ONE. OUR ELECTED ” GOOD OLD BOYS” ARE GOING TO HAVE TO STEP UP AND PASS SOME LAWS. EVERY PET OWNER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACTIONS OF THEIR PETS. YOUR PET DOES DAMAGE AT ANOTHER PERSON’S PROPERTY, THEN YOUR RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR IT. ACCORDING TO THE STORY, THE OWNER WAS THERE AT THE ATTACK AND DIDN’T CONTROL HIS DOGS. WHAT AN IDIOT!! HOW LONG DOES AN INVESTIGATION TAKE, WHEN BOTH PARTIES CAN AGREE THAT AN ATTACK TOOK PLACE?

By Hal

August 22, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this

Pit bulls aren’t good pets and are dangerous animals. I’m a dog owner/lover but I would never have pit bulls (especially because I have children). If I had an issue with my neighbor’s dogs killing my pets, I believe I would humanely shoot the animals with my 12 gauge. Not sure exactly where this happened, but, if you’re outside Huntington city limits then that is a legal option!

By Darrell

August 22, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

How many times do we hear of a ‘Pit’ saving someones life? The only time we hear of a ‘Pit’ is for dog fighting, or hurting someone or their pet. It is time that Huntington see the inherant dangers of ‘Pit’ bull ownership and take steps to hold the owners personally liable for attacks on people, and or other pets.

Why does it seem that the only people who want to own a ‘Pit’ are people with something to hide…

By Bud

August 22, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

Kill the dog….

By Lab Owner

August 22, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

To the person who said Labradors are more prone to bite, you might want to check up on your facts: www.dogsbite.org. I agree any dog can bite and be dangerous, but the statistics speak for themselves. My husband owned a pit bull who he loved and felt was perfectly safe, but wound up getting rid of after seeing aggressive behavior towards children. We had him since he was a puppy, and he had never before done this … but all it takes is one time.

By Kyle

August 22, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

I’ve been a dog and a cat lover for many years and I must say that Dogs & cats generally don’t mix to well. Now with that said, I’ve had both dogs and cats in my home that love each other and will play with each other. It depends on how you raise them. As far as this incident goes, I do believe that the dog should undergo testing to see if it has any problems. If it does, then have the dog release, tagged, and the owners forced to keep it on a leash or behind a fence for a period of time. However, in all fairness if that was my cat, I probably would have shot the dog, but that isn’t my call to make.

By flyfisher

August 22, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

I know that Pit Bulls do get a bad rap, due to idiots that choose to train them to fight for sport. The problem with them, different to some other dogs, is that their jaws are so strong, and CAN do so much damage. As for dalmations, I have had at lest 6 and the only biting incident I know of, is a biscuit, that came flying out the door too slow. (may it rest in pieces) My dogs went to schools, hung out at parks with me and my kids, took rides on fire trucks and had lots of great photo ops. Never a problem, I THINK luck AND training may have played a part on the great behavior, and attitude. In all seriousness to the case here, If I remember correctly from my rambling around in Huntington, and I had reason to know things like this at the time, Huntington had a leash law on DOGS. There has never been such a law regarding cats, that I am AWARE OF, I may be wrong. They also may have repealed the leash law since they did not have the $$$ set aside for a dog catcher, or animal control officer for a good while. I do not reside there anymore, but I am very familier with both parties in this case, if My assumptions are right. (I know about assumptions too) Both families are good folks. It looks like an unfortunate incident occured. One thing that comes to mind, and I am NOT an attourney, I did not even spend the night at….Oh! Nevermind! I won’t GO there! WE ARE RESPONSIBLE for the actions of our ANIMALS, just like we are OUR KIDS! Either way, it looks like somone owes some vet bills, and a very sincere, “I am Sorry!” would go a long way.

By Mandy

August 22, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

My comment is directed towards the Huntington Animal Control…I have called several times to report litters of kittens and other stray cats in my yard and on my vehicles and I have never been called back. I don’t want other peoples pets on my property no matter what type of animal it is, I mean if I wanted a cat or a dog then I would buy one. I live in the same area in Huntington and I wish someone would do something about all of the stray cats in this subdivision because I am sick of having baby kittens in my drive way and in my yard and garage. If the pet owners don’t want their pets any longer then take them to the pound or get them spayed. Until the law enforcement does something about ALL of the animal issues they shouldn’t be picking on just one “incident” because it’s a Pitbull. Maybe I should go and get a Pitbull so I can get rid of all these cats and kittens in my yard!

By nikki

August 22, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

just to let everyone know that are knocking pits I have 3 small children and live in the country with 2 pits that are loving and very protective of my children and i have heard of more incidents where poodles and small dogs biting than I have of pits biting. And the only people that have pits are not people with something to hide they are just fond of that breed they are beautiful dogs and it depends on how you raise them.

By Ronny Bailey

August 22, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

I would have killed the dogs back in December. I know it’s against the law, but if they had been executed then, the neighborhood would have been safe since then. If the authorities won’t take care of the problem, sometimes you have to do what needs to be done yourself and deal with the consequences later. Forgiveness comes a lot easier than permission.

By DEBBIE

August 22, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

PLEASE REMEMBER THERE ARE TWO SIDES TWO EVERY STORY AND WHAT HAS BEEN PRINTED IN THE PAPER APPEARS TO BE ONLY ONE SIDE. ANY BREED OF DOG WILL CHASE A CAT THAT IT IS UNFAMILIAR WITH. CHASING CATS DOES NOT MAKE A DOG DANGEROUS. I AM INCLINED TO BELIEVE THAT THERE IS MORE TO THIS STORY THAN IS BEING TOLD.I AM ALSO SUPRISED THAT A PERSON WOULD LEAVE THEIR 10 YEAR OLD DECLAWED CAT OUTSIDE UNSUPERVISED WHICH IT OBVIOUSLY WAS SINCE THE CAPPS HEARD A NOISE AND WENT OUTSIDE. IN MY OPINION THAT IS ANIMAL CRUELTY AS THAT CAT WAS DEFENSLESS AND OLD. LOOKS LIKE THIS IS A CASE OF IRRESPONSIBLE PET OWNERS ON BOTH PARTIES. I AM ALSO SUPRISED THAT THIS IS THE BIGGEST NEWS THE PAPER HAS TO REPORT. WITH THE WAR, ECONOMY,GAS PRICES, CRIME AND UPCOMING ELECTION YOU’D THINK SOMETHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN A DEAD CAT WOULD MAKE FRONT PAGE.

By Faith

August 22, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

Please tell me this article is a joke. A dog attacks a cat and it is now being deemed a danger to people in the community. Oh, please give me a break. It is called prey drive people and every dog has it to some degree. Hey, you better start confiscating ALL terrier breeds who have a high prey drive and you better start with the jack russell terriers who will kill everything in sight (ie.small prey, that is). I definitely agree that this dog owner is irresponsible for allowing his dog to be off his property, but simple leash laws/fines should control this issue. I would like to see legislation that forces all dog and cat owners to confine their pets. This is a law in some counties. Hey, I don’t hear anyone complaining about all the wildlife those nasty cats are killing - for the fun of it! Lock up your cats if you want them to be safe from roaming dogs, eagles, coyotes, or a whole host of predators, and do it for the local wildlife who will be spared for your cats.

By Faith

August 22, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Please tell me this article is a joke. A dog attacks a cat and it is now being deemed a danger to people in the community. Oh, please give me a break. It is called prey drive people and every dog has it to some degree. Hey, you better start confiscating ALL terrier breeds who have a high prey drive and you better start with the jack russell terriers who will kill everything in sight (ie.small prey, that is). I definitely agree that this dog owner is irresponsible for allowing his dog to be off his property, but simple leash laws/fines should control this issue. I would like to see legislation that forces all dog and cat owners to confine their pets. This is a law in some counties. Hey, I don’t hear anyone complaining about all the wildlife those nasty cats are killing - for the fun of it! Lock up your cats if you want them to be safe from roaming dogs, eagles, coyotes, or a whole host of predators, and do it for the local wildlife who will be spared for your cats.

By Faith

August 22, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

Please tell me this article is a joke. A dog attacks a cat and it is now being deemed a danger to people in the community. Oh, please give me a break. It is called prey drive people and every dog has it to some degree. Hey, you better start confiscating ALL terrier breeds who have a high prey drive and you better start with the jack russell terriers who will kill everything in sight (ie.small prey, that is). I definitely agree that this dog owner is irresponsible for allowing his dog to be off his property, but simple leash laws/fines should control this issue. I would like to see legislation that forces all dog and cat owners to confine their pets. This is a law in some counties. Hey, I don’t hear anyone complaining about all the wildlife those nasty cats are killing - for the fun of it! Lock up your cats if you want them to be safe from roaming dogs, eagles, coyotes, or a whole host of predators, and do it for the local wildlife who will be spared for your cats.

By Faith

August 22, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Please tell me this article is a joke. A dog attacks a cat and it is now being deemed a danger to people in the community. Oh, please give me a break. It is called prey drive people and every dog has it to some degree. Hey, you better start confiscating ALL terrier breeds who have a high prey drive and you better start with the jack russell terriers who will kill everything in sight (ie.small prey, that is). I definitely agree that this dog owner is irresponsible for allowing his dog to be off his property, but simple leash laws/fines should control this issue. I would like to see legislation that forces all dog and cat owners to confine their pets. This is a law in some counties. Hey, I don’t hear anyone complaining about all the wildlife those nasty cats are killing - for the fun of it! Lock up your cats if you want them to be safe from roaming dogs, eagles, coyotes, or a whole host of predators, and do it for the local wildlife who will be spared for your cats.

By Bonnie

August 22, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

I don’t care for cats but if I owned a cat and someone’s dog came in my yard and attacked it, I would shoot the dog. It doesn’t matter what kind of dog it is, it should be confined to it’s own yard!

By Faith

August 22, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

“How many times do we hear of a ‘Pit’ saving someones life? The only time we hear of a ‘Pit’ is for dog fighting, or hurting someone or their pet. It is time that Huntington see the inherant dangers of ‘Pit’ bull ownership and take steps to hold the owners personally liable for attacks on people, and or other pets. Why does it seem that the only people who want to own a ‘Pit’ are people with something to hide…”

Actually, it is this kind of ignorance that helps to sell papers as well as pass breed specific legislation that effects responsible pit bull owners. The only reason you fail to read positive pit bull articles is because they do not make the headlines and people like you will ONLY read the headlines. See www.lawdogsUSA.com if you want to see amazing pit bulls that are working in bomb detection, narcotics, etc. There are pit bulls working as service/therapy dogs all over the world, again you won’t read about them. See www.wallacethepitbull.com to see an exceptional disc dog as pits are amazing at dog sports (agility, flyball, disc, etc).

I also resent your stereotypical and unfounded view of pit bull owners being of the criminal element (I assume this is what you meant by your comment). You are wrong! Pit bull owners have been/are celebrities, lawyers, doctors, architects, etc, etc, but you won’t read about us. (www.fabbseattle.org/?page_id=48). I, personally have volunteered time with the municipal court and police department which required passing intensive background checks and I own two pit bulls. Again, your observations based on media hype and your own biases are wrong! The only reason this article even made the news is because a pit bull was mentioned and the dog in question may or may not be a pit bull.

By Rick Gill

August 22, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Typical redneck response by the dog owner! “If the cat had not been outside, it would still be alive!” If the dogs had been kept inside or restrained on a leash, the family’s pet cat would still be alive! The real issue here is infringement of an individual’s rights! We all have the right to be safe and secure on our own property and the folks that owned the cat are not being afforded that right! The dogs should be restrained and not allowed the slightest opportunity to do harm to any other living being, even if that being should just be another defenseless animal! If the dogs do cause harm, the owner should be held fully responsible! After all, the true nature of the pit bull breed is not to be a lap dog! They are dangerous and unpredictable, just as many other large breed dogs are!

By Josh Jackson

August 22, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

I was born and raised with pits. When I was a baby my mother would leave me with a pitbull to babysit me while she was in the bath or outside for a minute or two because she knew that anything that was going to happen the pit would handle it. To this day, many dogs later, she still owns pits, and her current pit wont bark at all inside the house, never hurts anyone, and is, as are most pits, the most loyal dog I’ve ever seen, including labs, who are so highly praised for friendliness and loyalty. blaming pits is just the most current in a long line of breed-specific fears that people are pushing on others. before it was dobermans, rots, pits again, german shephards, and the list goes on. all dogs who have since been found to be highly loyal, very friendly, and no danger to anyone if the owners are responsible. you can train a schiperkee or a teacup chihuahua to be an attack dog if you raise it the wrong way. you narrow minded east texas idiots make me laugh. but in all fairness, the open minded east texans are just fine. too bad theres not more of them.

By Josh Jackson

August 22, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

I was born and raised with pits. When I was a baby my mother would leave me with a pitbull to babysit me while she was in the bath or outside for a minute or two because she knew that anything that was going to happen the pit would handle it. To this day, many dogs later, she still owns pits, and her current pit wont bark at all inside the house, never hurts anyone, and is, as are most pits, the most loyal dog I’ve ever seen, including labs, who are so highly praised for friendliness and loyalty. blaming pits is just the most current in a long line of breed-specific fears that people are pushing on others. before it was dobermans, rots, pits again, german shephards, and the list goes on. all dogs who have since been found to be highly loyal, very friendly, and no danger to anyone if the owners are responsible. you can train a schiperkee or a teacup chihuahua to be an attack dog if you raise it the wrong way. you narrow minded east texas idiots make me laugh. but in all fairness, the open minded east texans are just fine. too bad theres not more of them.

By former_lufkinite01

August 22, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Debbie: Dogs chasing a cat indeed aren’t dangerous. Dogs who kill cats are. These dogs attacked the cat enough to injure it enough for the cat to die later. The fact that the dogs attacked the cat on the cat owner’s property is something worth noting. Animal control decided it was okay for a dog owner to allow their dog to wander into a neighbor’s yard and kill someone’s pet. That’s just great!

Also, the name of the paper is the LUFKIN Daily News. This happened in Lufkin and is newsworthy from a point of view that it could be educational to anyone who lives next door to a pet owner, and pet owners alike. In other words, everyone in Lufkin. Complain all you want about what the newspaper decides to print, but it is newsworthy.

By former_lufkinite01

August 22, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Debbie: Dogs chasing a cat indeed aren’t dangerous. Dogs who kill cats are. These dogs attacked the cat enough to injure it enough for the cat to die later. The fact that the dogs attacked the cat on the cat owner’s property is something worth noting. Animal control decided it was okay for a dog owner to allow their dog to wander into a neighbor’s yard and kill someone’s pet. That’s just great!

Also, the name of the paper is the LUFKIN Daily News. This happened in Lufkin and is newsworthy from a point of view that it could be educational to anyone who lives next door to a pet owner, and pet owners alike. In other words, everyone in Lufkin. Complain all you want about what the newspaper decides to print, but it is newsworthy.

By debbie

August 22, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

NO ONE KNOWS WHERE THIS ATTACK ORGINATED FROM. THE CAT OWNERS WERE IN THE HOUSE WHEN THEY HEARD NOISE AND CAME OUTSIDE. FOR ALL ANYONE KNOWS THE CAT COULD HAVE BEEN ON THE PITS PROPERTY AND TOOK OFF RUNNING HOME AND JUST MADE IT HOME WHEN IT GOT CAUGHT. I CAN ALSO TELL YOU THAT AS A PERSON FAMILIAR WITH THS NEIGHBORHOOD AND ITS RESIDENTS, THE CAPPS THEMSELVES HAD A PIT AT THEIR HOME ONE TIME THAT TRIED TO BITE A CHILD AND POLICE WERE CALLED TO THE RESIDENTS. THIS PIT WHO ATTACKED THIS CAT IS A VERY FRIENDLY DOG AS I HAVE KNOW OF HIM. WELL KEPT AND RESTRAINED AND IT WAS ONLY ACCIDENT THAT HE WAS OUT AT THE TIME THAT THIS HAPPENED. ACCIDENTS HAPPEN. WHAT WAS WRITTEN IN THE PAPER WAS A DISTORTION OF THE TRUTH BY A PERSON WHO OBVIOUSLY BELIEVES IN “DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO”

By brandy

August 22, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

I’m not a cat lover at all.. But if this cat had been a child this would be a whole different story!!! Animal or human, makes no difference. The dog should be put to sleep regardless.

By Just crazy!

August 22, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

It thrills my soul to know that Lufkin, Texas does not have any bigger news than to put this story in the paper. I haven’t seen the news today yet, but I am sure this too will be there as well. Next time the neighborhood cat comes to my yard and terrorizes my dog at nighttime, I am calling the newspaper so I too can get my name in the paper!

By Just crazy!

August 22, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

It thrills my soul to know that Lufkin, Texas does not have any bigger news than to put this story in the paper. I haven’t seen the news today yet, but I am sure this too will be there as well. Next time the neighborhood cat comes to my yard and terrorizes my dog at nighttime, I am calling the newspaper so I too can get my name in the paper!

By Siamese

August 22, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

Just to answer a couple of questions…I was told by animal control that there is a leash law and it pertains to dogs AND CATS!!! What??? Wouldn’t we all look cute walking our cats down the road on a leash? I realize cats and dogs don’t get along but the part that makes me sick is the paper said they were standing there watching all of this take place.

By Lora

August 22, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Apparently I’m reading this artical differently. What I am focusing on is, this cat is asleep under a truck and the dogs “OWNER” was standing there watching his “2 pit bull dogs” tear this innocent cat apart. Why wasn’t the “OWNER” doing anything to control these dogs??? It’s not a question of the “BREED” of a animal, it’s a question of being a “RESPONSIBLE” pet owner.

By Bridget

August 22, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

While I am not fond of pitbulls at all, as well as a few other very tempermental and unpredictable breeds, the problem here is that people need to contain their animals. We live on 50+ acres. We have 3 dogs in which we keep contained in a 100x100 foot fence. We do this so that they will not disturb our neighbors, other animals, and for the safety of our own dogs!
We have asked our neighbors, who have 6 dogs(which all look underfed and mangy. Why have animals if you aren’t going to take care of them?), one of the 6 is a full blooded pitbull, and one is part pitbull. One evening my husband and I were observing a hummingbird in one of our bushes. As we walked closer to the bush, our cats, which follow us around the yard, followed as usual. To my surprise when I got to the bush the full blooded pit flew out of the bush. I am assuming the dog was hiding in the bush to go after my cat. However, I think I surprised him as much as he did me. Due to me surprising the dog, he came after me! IN MY OWN YARD!!!!!!!!!!!! Fortunately my husband had a full water bottle in his hand. He threw the water bottle at the dog, hitting him in his side, which caused him to fun off. Who knows what would have happened if he did not have that water bottle in his hand. I am very glad that this artical came out! Only because I feel that there is an on going issue in Huntington with people not containing their animals. If my dogs get loose I go after them and contain them immediately. I do not leave them to be an annoyance to my neighbors. During hunting season my husband can’t even hunt. ON OUR OWN PROPERTY!!!!!!!!!!!! Because our neighbors will not keep their dogs contained. The dogs run the deer off! Come on! What gives???????? My neighbors dogs have gone after me, gone after my cats, peed in my garage, left numerous land mines in our yard and flower beds, and have destroyed much of our landscape, which we have put a lot of time and money into. The bush the dog dove out of while coming after me, now has a huge hole in the middle of it. Once the dog that is part pit had my cat pinned up against the wall of my garage. MY GARAGE!!!!!!!
I wrote to The Lufkin Daily News in their FYI section asking who to contact to get something started to help resolve this problem. If anyone has any idea on what we can do to fight this on going problem, please let me know.
As for the owner of this cat I am sorry for your loss, but your cat should be contained. As for the owner of the pitbull, same to you. Please keep your animals contained. If not for anything or anyone else, for their own safety.

By Bridget

August 22, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

Oh one other thing. We too called animal control and we were told there is NO leash law in Angelina county. Further, leash law is not a literal term. Leash law simply means you must keep your animals contained. Whether it’s a cat, dog, or unicorn! If in fact their is a leash law in Angelina County, why the heck are we having such a huge problem with people NOT containing their animals and getting away with it?

By Brent W.

August 22, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

I have always been a dog owner and have never had a dog to even bark at anyone other than a friendly playful bark. Dogs do as they are taught. I have seen some pits that are not bad dogs, but if you’ll just look around at pit owners you’ll find that the majority of them are thugs. I have yet to see anyone with class own a pit, now I know that I have not seen all pit owners, but just saying that the ones that I have seen are usually thugs. If I ever had a dog to harm another animal I would be at the veterinarian office with the owner ready and willing to pay any bills. I personally feel that anytime that I dog attacks another living thing, whether it be human or another animal that the owner should be held accountable, whether it mean a large fine or jail time. No town or city should be without a leash law, but I cannot imagine having a dog and not having my entire back yard fenced in. If someone cannot afford a fence, then they do not need a dog.

By tree

August 23, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

Not containing your pet is animal abuse and cruel, and I think the owners should go to jail and or fined for not taking care of their pets. And they should pay for any and all damages. Not enforcing the laws to make people contain their pets is wrong and we all need to do something about this very big problem. Thank you Lufkin Daily News for reporting on this problem. Question??, can I legally shoot an animal that is on my property causing the damage and terrorizing the neighborhood. Don’t we have any rights to protect or family, pets and homes?

By Stuck in East Texas Hell

August 23, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

You people are total morons……Maybe if you got out of the county that you were born in for at least one time in your petty lives you would learn that you are not the center of the universe. Learn that YOUR actions do affect the other people around you.

Lufkin Daily “DUH”….Thanks for another newsworthy story.

This place sucks.

By Cheer Girl

August 23, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

You do realize that you can litigate and you will win. Some may tell you that you cannot or that you would not win the case, but they are wrong. You can litigate and, not only will the owners be forced to release ownership of their dog to someone with a fenced yard, but you can list in the suit that you want a certain amount held from their wages until you receive your chosen amount, as well as attorney fees. Good luck!

By james

August 23, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

I’ve got a solution to all of this. Shoot the dog because, unfortunately, it is illegal to shoot the idiot owners who let their dogs run loose. Make sure you have a good story becaue it is also illegal to shoot a dog in certain situations. I love pit bulls but I don’t trust them further than I could throw them. I also love dogs, as I have seven of my own, which were all strays and are all kept confined behind a fence. That said, I’m not going to wait for the doughnut eaters to resolve the situation because they have more important things to do, like write tickets on 69S, and the hillbillies we’ve elected to the commissioners’ court are too scared of losing votes to actually enact a containment law in the county. As for “East Texas Hell”, nobody’s going to cry if you leave. I didn’t see a gate at the county line. The rest of you need to learn to spell (or type slower).