Let me cut right to the chase, the most important detail that we did not release because we were worried about the well-being of the family is that in the course of trying to capture the dogs early Friday morning...we turned and looked I observed, as well as four other deputy sheriffs, the dogs eating the ribcage on the body, Agnew said at an afternoon news conference. "The injuries were very severe."
...
Blackwood added that Stephens' dogs were a little bit neglected toward the end of this. Stephens left the dogs with her father, and Blackwood said he wasnt taking care of them it wasnt his responsibility.
The dogs had previously been indoor dogs and with her coming home maybe five times a week, they became more isolated. They were then kept outside in the cold in a kennel and only had contact with each other.
...
Agnew did clarify his initial statement that the animals were bred for fighting and said that a friend originally told them the dogs were rescued from an organization that rehabilitated dogs previously used for fighting."
Mauled by her own dogs: Sheriff releases grisly new details to end speculation
http://ktla.com/2017/12/18/mauled-b...leases-grisly-new-details-to-end-speculation/
I can't do the bully breed battle, but thought I'd share this. Sorry if it is a repeat.
This is horrific. Those dogs treated her like prey. They were not protecting her body, they were protecting their kill.
They did. And they were treated like prisoners of war.
Not really. Actually, a genetic marker is a gene, I don't think a specific gene has been identified in any of these breeds as far as behavior is concerned. But I believe many breeds demonstrate behavior consistent with their "jobs" as human companions.
ge·net·ic mark·er
noun
plural noun: genetic markers
a gene or short sequence of DNA used to identify a chromosome or to locate other genes on a genetic map.
Dogs are kept in kennels often, see animal shelters, but they don't usually kill because of it when they are adopted out.
That's true. These were animals, however, that had apparently been bred for fighting (rescues it appears), and weren't just "kept in kennels". They were kept in the fold and isolated with only each other for company, after having been indoor dogs.
So you're talking about previously abused dogs who were rescued and pampered only to be abandoned and neglected.
Dogs can suffer trauma and mental health issues just as humans can.
Breed characteristics are determined by autosomal microsatellite markers which are...genetic markers. That determines appearance and behavior.
https://academic.oup.com/jhered/article/94/1/81/2187309
I have my own opinions Bully breeds, but after reading the details of what Bethany went through and what her family is currently going through, I'm going to have to step away from this thread. Prayers for all involved.
I kind of thought that too, but I am not sure.I thought she got them as puppies. Were they actually rescues?
I think it's very possible she tried to break up a fight between the dogs, or get in between them and a smaller critter they were chasing. It's absolutely tragic. My heart breaks for all who know and love her.
Mauled by her own dogs: Sheriff releases grisly new details to end speculation
http://ktla.com/2017/12/18/mauled-b...leases-grisly-new-details-to-end-speculation/
I can't do the bully breed battle, but thought I'd share this. Sorry if it is a repeat.
I had 2 large dogs. One, an 80 lb. intact male lab, the other a 125 lb. spayed female Dane. I could NEVER take them on a walk together without a problem. Alone, they were fine. Together, they were horrible and could become uncontrollable in the blink of an eye. They were the sweetest and most obedient, loving dogs, until out on a walk together and then they were unpredictable and often uncontrollable. They were both trained professionally at great expense but even this was no guarantee that they would not pose a danger to a person or animal. I stopped taking them for walks.
It all has to do with the pack mentality and instinctual behavior. These dogs were likely excited by an animal in the woods and their instinctual behavior turned to her as she tried to exercise control.
These dogs breeds have been bred to kill for hundreds of years, it is in their DNA and it should not be a surprise when they kill.
I am sorry that her dogs killed her but not surprised.