Update on dog attacks: The fate of Buddy and Bear
Looks like the fate of Buddy and Bear, the two Rottweilers that attacked a 10-year-old in Davie on Friday, won't be decided by county animal control officers after all. It will be up to their owner, Victor Cantelmo.
County officials considered the attack "provoked," as the boy entered the fenced yard where the dogs were kept without permission to retrieve a baseball.
So what should happen next? Comments on our Sun-Sentinel Web site are running far in favor of no punishment for the dogs or owner, saying it was not the Rotties' fault that they went after a stranger intruding on their territory.
ANGIE BRENNAN, a Sun-Sentinel page designer,
lives with four dogs and one boyfriend. And has a lifetime of animal stories to share.
DIANE LADE, a reporter on the Sun-Sentinel's Help Team, has lived with cats, dogs, reptiles, fish, an iguana, and an armadillo.
CYNDI METZGER, editor of the Sun-Sentinel's Outlook section, is smitten with Bella, her poodle who regularly ignores requests to sit, stay and get off the ivory-colored sofa. 
JOHN TANASYCHUK, a Sun-Sentinel lifestyle writer, has lived with cats as long as he can remember. He and his partner currently share their home with three.
Comments
I don't think these dogs should be put down because they were in a fenced in yard and the child came into the yard and they are only doing their job and that is to protect the yard and home,but i do understand the pain this chail is in from his injurys.
Posted by: kelly | April 1, 2008 2:48 PM
It seems to me that the owner of the dogs expected them to defend their yard that is why they were there in the first place. I feel sorry for the child but you can't punish the dogs for this.
Posted by: Sherri Adams | April 1, 2008 3:23 PM
While it's true that the child was trespassing, why would anyone want to own dogs that are such a liability? What if one of those rotweilers were to dig a hole and get under the fence (which this breed is famous for) or what if police, fire or utility co. had to gain access to yard in the case of an emergency? If I were the owner, I would seriously consider either keeping these dogs in the house or getting rid of them.
Posted by: Judy | April 2, 2008 11:02 AM
The owner could better socialize these dogs, that could be of some help. also he could fix it so the dogs cannot dig under the fence. I think this situation is a no win for everyone involved.
Posted by: anthony | April 2, 2008 11:23 AM
It's not against the law for a homeowner to keep a dog for security. Further, it seems apparent that the dogs are kept contained and are not a threat unless someone violates their space.
How come questions about the dogs and their owner keep being raised, but no questions as to how the child has been raised? The child hasn't been taught to be afraid of dogs he doesn't know? The child hasn't been taught not to go in someone else's yard without permission? How about teaching the child to knock on someone's door first?
I feel bad for the child, but if people can blame the dog owner, then people can certainly lay equal blame on the child's parents.
Posted by: KCK | April 2, 2008 2:43 PM
Amen KCK! The dogs were defending their yard. My german shepherd mix would do the same if they came into our yard. However, while out of the house on a leash, she is a sweet friendly dog whom everyone loves. I definitely feel badly for this child, but unfortunately, no one taught him to be respectful of others' property. It's too bad.
Posted by: amy | April 3, 2008 9:06 PM