Terrifying pit bull attack proof why Kennewick, others must reassess dangerous dogs | Opinion

The recent death of Billi Cameron after two pit bull mixes attacked her should prompt Kennewick City Council to revisit a 2019 decision that ended strict regulation of dangerous animals.

The incident also should serve as a tragic reminder to all dog owners that they have a responsibility to keep their pets under control.

The attack occurred on Sept. 20. According to a relative’s report, two pit bulls first attacked Cameron’s pug. When she rescued her dog, the pit bulls turned on her.

A neighbor saw what was happening and intervened. He used his cane to beat back one of the dogs and allow Cameron to retreat to her home. The other pit bull chased her, and the neighbor followed, driving off that dog so that she could get into a bathroom.

Benton County Sheriff’s deputies responded to Cameron’s 911 call and contained the dogs, but it was too late. The dogs had viciously mauled Cameron, and she died that night at a local hospital after two surgeries.

Cameron, 65, didn’t deserve any of this. A husband, family and a community mourn her unnecessary and tragic death.

The sheriff’s office knows who owns the dogs, but as of this writing has declined to release names or any other details to the public. Justice demands greater transparency and accountability.

Cameron lived in Tri-City Heights, one of the unincorporated neighborhoods surrounded by Kennewick. It’s a small area north of Canal Drive that long has resisted annexation and is far from rural. It’s a de facto part of the city.

For decades, Washington allowed cities to ban or heavily regulate dangerous dog breeds. Kennewick, like dozens of other cities, had strict rules or outright bans for pit bulls. The city required owners to muzzle pit bulls when in public, for example.

In 2019, state lawmakers weakened the enabling law. Under the new law, cities can have tough regulations, but they also must exempt dogs that received good canine citizen certification from the American Kennel Club or other similar organizations.

That was too much hassle for Kennewick City Council, which repealed the local ordinance rather than amend it.

In light of Cameron’s death, Kennewick should reconsider that decision, and other local governments should take a look at adopting rules of their own.

Both the Richland municipal code and Benton County Code do not address pit bulls. They only impose strict regulations on animals that the “poundmaster” or animal control authority first determines to be dangerous or potentially dangerous, and that typically occurs only after a dog has already attacked someone.

Kennewick, Richland and Benton could model new rules on Pasco’s.

In Pasco, pit bull owners must maintain appropriate confinement, purchase insurance and notify neighbors that a potentially dangerous dog resides nearby. Dogs that pass a good citizen test are exempt, as state law requires.

Not that this is just a government regulation problem. Pet owners are personally responsible for their animals’ actions. That means more than just picking up poop in the park.

Owners must ensure that their pets are under control and do not harm people. When they fail, they must be held accountable.

Pit bull boosters insist the breed is no more dangerous than any other, but Americans have seen enough headlines about pit bulls mauling people to know better.

A Prosser mother and son spent several days in the hospital last year after pit bulls attacked them.

Almost all dog owners say their precious pup is safe. “They are the sweetest, friendliest puppies,” they insist, right up until they bite.

Every dog has an animal’s instincts that can turn violent under the wrong circumstances.