Pint-Sized Pooch Stops Aggressive Pit Bull From Killing 8-Year-Old
For Immediate Release:
March 29, 2013
Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382
Chilliwack, B.C. -- On Tuesday, March 19, an 8-year-old girl named Jenna was picking up golf balls near her grandparents' home when a neighbour's large, aggressive dog burst through a gate, knocked her to her knees, and bit her head. That's when Jenna's grandparents' tiny dog, Honey, ran to Jenna's rescue, barking furiously at the much larger pit bull until his attention turned to Honey and he released his grip on Jenna, giving his guardian the chance to pull him off her. Jenna needed hundreds of stitches and may still require plastic surgery, but she is recovering from her terrifying ordeal—and Honey, described by Jenna's grandfather as her best buddy, is there to comfort her.
For saving Jenna's life, Honey will receive a Small Dog, Big Hero Award from PETA along with a special "doggie bag" full of vegan dog treats, a comfortable new harness, and a fun toy.
"Every dog who finds a loving home is fortunate—but, as Honey demonstrated, so are the families who earn the love of a cherished companion," says Senior Vice President of Cruelty Investigations Daphna Nachminovitch. "PETA hopes Honey's selflessness and bravery will remind everyone of the many rewards of sharing our lives with animal companions—and the importance of valuing their devotion by becoming the best guardians possible."
PETA asks guardians to ensure that their dogs are not a threat to anyone and to take special care with breeds such as pit bulls—dogs who are too often bred to be as aggressive as possible. The group urges everyone to spay and neuter all dogs of any breed and never to chain them, which can make them aggressive, and also encourages anyone with the time, willingness, ability, and resources to care for an animal properly to save a life by adopting a homeless animal from a shelter.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.