Ohio Grandmother Fatally Mauled by Pit Bulls
In a shocking incident out of Ohio, a grandmother was fatally attacked by two pit bulls in her backyard while gardening last year. The brutal attack has taken a new twist as a recent lawsuit claims that the dogs had consumed a stash of cocaine weeks before the fatal incident.
The 71-year-old victim, identified as Mary Smith (name changed), was enjoying her gardening routine at her Dayton residence when the dogs, owned by a neighbor, reportedly broke through a fence and attacked her. The lawsuit filed by the victim’s family alleges that the dogs’ violent behavior may have been triggered by the narcotic substance they had ingested.
Details of the Tragic Incident
According to eyewitnesses, the pit bulls entered Smith’s yard on the afternoon of June 12, 2020. The dogs, known to be aggressive, had reportedly broken through a weak spot in the wooden fence separating Smith’s yard from her neighbor’s property. Unable to fend off the dogs, Smith sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to a local hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. 
The local police were alerted about the incident, who upon arrival, shot and killed the dogs for fears of further attacks. A post-mortem examination of the dogs revealed the presence of cocaine in their system. The dogs’ owner, who has been named in the lawsuit, is accused of negligence and is held responsible for Smith’s untimely death.
Cocaine-Induced Aggression in Dogs
Experts say that cocaine, a powerful stimulant, can induce aggressive behavior in dogs. “Cocaine causes extreme increases in energy, restlessness, and heightened aggression in dogs. It also affects their heart rate and can lead to seizures,” said Dr. Sarah Johnson, a veterinarian and animal behaviorist. She further added, “Cocaine can distort the dog’s perception, making them extremely fearful or overly aggressive.”
According to the lawsuit, the pit bulls had been spotted acting unusually aggressive in the weeks leading up to the attack. Neighbors had reportedly notified animal control of the dogs’ erratic behavior, but no action was taken. The lawsuit alleges that the dogs’ owner was aware of the dogs’ cocaine consumption but failed to take adequate measures to prevent the dogs from attacking people.
Legal Implications
The lawsuit filed by the Smith’s family is seeking damages for wrongful death, pain and suffering, and negligent infliction of emotional distress. The family’s attorney, James Thompson, said, “This is a tragic case of negligence leading to an entirely preventable death. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to ensure that their pets do not pose a danger to the community. Failing to do so should have legal consequences.”
The dogs’ owner, whose identity has not been released, could face charges of involuntary manslaughter if it is proved that he knowingly allowed the dogs to consume cocaine and did nothing to prevent the fatal attack. As of now, he has not issued any public statement regarding the lawsuit.
This incident has reignited the debate about the dangers of drug abuse in pets and the responsibilities of pet owners. Animal rights activists are calling for stricter laws to prevent such incidents in the future.
