Owner of Dangerous Pit Bulls Indicted
By: Candace Hutchins
Updated: February 12, 2008
A Lubbock grand jury handed down its first felony indictment Tuesday in response to the new dangerous dog law. 26-year-old Javance Johnson was indicted Tuesday after his two put bulls attacked a neighbor. Police say Johnson's two pit bulls attacked 77-year-old William Cox while he was walking his dog back in September. The pit bulls killed the small dog and left Cox with a broken arm and several bite wounds. The new law which went into effect just weeks prior to the incident says the owner of a dangerous dog could face felony charges if their unsecured dog attacks someone away from the owner's property. That means if Johnson is convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison and up to a $100,000 fine. Director of Animal Services, Kevin Overstreet, says this indictment sends a strong message to owners of aggressive dogs.
"I think it really makes people think, I'm looking at some jail time here. If I don't do what I'm supposed to do", says Overstreet, "We're doing all we can because we don't want god forbid a child to be hurt while they are out riding their bicycle and that can certainly happen if people don't open their eyes and pay attention."
The case now lies in the hands of the distrist attorney to decide if he wants to persue the charges. As for the dogs, they were euthanized the day after the incident.
