LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A Louisville family said their three-year-old Husky, Ghost, died after four pit bulls entered a fenced yard in the Taylor Berry neighborhood — and that Louisville Metro Animal Services failed to remove the dogs from the neighborhood for more than a week following the attack.
Rachel McCarty said Ghost was staying with her blind mother-in-law and her dog, Zeke, while McCarty and her family were on vacation. She said the four pit bulls got into the fenced yard, and Ghost ran, pulling the dogs away long enough for Zeke to get inside. Ghost was trapped.
"All four of the dogs had him pinned up on the fence and were attacking him," McCarty said.
Ghost escaped under the house. McCarty said her mother-in-law called LMAS immediately and asked them to get him out. She said LMAS set a trap and told the family to wait. 12 hours later, Ghost came out bloody and badly hurt.
He died days later.
"It's really hard and very emotionally devastating," McCarty said.
After Ghost died, McCarty said LMAS told her those same dogs had killed another dog earlier that same day. She said even after Ghost's attack, the dogs were not taken into custody, but placed on what she described as "house arrest."
McCarty said hours after WDRB began asking LMAS questions, she saw the agency loading up the four dogs — more than a week after the attack.
"We lost a lot of trust in our animal services," McCarty said.
McCarty also said there had been multiple prior incidents involving the same dogs getting loose. And that neighbors know to avoid certain areas, and keep their children inside when dogs are loose.Â
Neighbors in the area said loose dogs are a recurring problem in Taylor Berry. Resident Tammy Mason said she recently saw a dog chasing a child in the neighborhood.
"He was running, the dogs were running to him," Mason said.
Councilwoman Donna Purvis, who represents part of west Louisville, said she has received more complaints about loose dogs than she can count.
"LMAS — they have their own issues," Purvis said. "They're really not staffed to handle a lot of the issues and concerns. We have to address this. This is life threatening."
Purvis said she asked LMAS to increase patrols in her district, and that the agency agreed to do so last month.
Now, McCarty said her son chose the words for Ghost's urn.
"He decided to put 'my hero and best friend — forever in our hearts,'" McCarty said.
But McCarty said Ghost should not have had to die a hero.Â
In a statement Thursday morning, LMAS said it was aware of social media posts about the incident, understands the community's concerns and is investigating the case.
"When Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS) responds to reports involving aggressive dogs, a bite to a person or dog attacks, officers must first assess the safety of the scene, identify and locate the animals involved, gather statements from witnesses, document evidence, and determine the appropriate enforcement action based on the facts of the investigation and applicable ordinances. While we understand that these situations are extremely emotional, our officers must ensure they have enough information to take legally appropriate action.
"The decision to impound a dog is based on the specific circumstances of each case and the authority provided under local ordinances and state law. Each case is evaluated individually based on the available evidence, the severity of the incident, public safety concerns, the owner's compliance, and the applicable legal requirements. Not every dog involved in an incident can be immediately impounded, but if circumstances warrant additional enforcement as the investigation progresses, LMAS can take action.
"Regarding reports of dogs that repeatedly roam or behave aggressively, we strongly encourage residents to continue reporting every incident to LMAS. Multiple documented complaints help establish a history of behavior, which is an important factor during investigations and enforcement actions. We also encourage anyone who safely can to provide photographs, videos, witness information, or other evidence that may assist animal control officers.
"If LMAS receives a report of loose or aggressive dogs, officers will respond based on the priority of the call, attempt to locate and safely secure the animals, investigate any ordinance or KRS violations, and take enforcement action when supported by the evidence. Depending on the circumstances, this may include warnings, citations, impoundment, or criminal charges when applicable.
"We understand the community's concerns regarding repeated incidents involving loose or aggressive dogs and remain committed to investigating these reports thoroughly and taking enforcement action consistent with the law and the facts of each case."
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