LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Article on dog attack doesn't tell the whole story

I am so disappointed in your total inability to report the WHOLE story (Three dogs attack GB man, Jan. 25). By chance did you even attempt to contact the true victims. Upon doing so did you happen to notice the DO NOT TRESPASS SIGNS, DOGS, CALL THE OWNERS FIRST!! It appears to me as well that the animals were on private property surrounded by an electric fence. Your article is also incorrect in the fact that you state the gentleman was approaching the property when in fact he ignored all signs and warnings and began to trespass. As a voter I have to ask, Does Mayor Pro Tem Clay Ford encourage trespassing on PRIVATE PROPERTYto do his campaign bidding. Does Mayor Pro Tem Clay Ford, believe that he and his campaign workers are above the law and can enter wherever they wish despite the request of the homeowner?

It appears to me that the true victims here are the precious family that reside in the home that houses those beautiful animals. You see, your Mr. McDaniel CHOSE to ignore all signs and warnings, he chose to walk on that private property, and because of his neglect, the owners of those beautiful dogs will suffer by having the lives of those most loved animals taken from them. I have to ask, who will explain to their sons that their family pets were punished and killed because an adult had no regard for their property or home.

Thank you,

Stacy V. Cook

Cantonment

Article an example of sensational journalism

I live out of your area and read the article about the "vicious" attack on the internet. I believe your story (Three dogs attack GB man, Jan. 25) is an example of "sensational journalism." If three dogs the sizes of Great Danes and German Shepherds actually attacked someone, there would be more to show than a few scratches and a non-torn jacket.

I don't know if your paper or your writer or your editor is part of any "animal rights" groups or are in favor of breed specific legislation, but I believe these dogs and their owner are being railroaded and manipulated to illustrate a non-existent problem.

Please stay away from sensationalism and write the truth. Someone appears to have entered private property and was "greeted" by several large dogs, none of which apparently (even from your own article) were in the slightest "vicious."

Sandra Davis

Lake City, Fla.

Article leaves questions

Do you have additional details on this story? Was McDaniel on the owner's property? If so, was the property fenced or was there any signage regarding trespassing? Was the owner home at the time of the incident? The article mentions scratches, but were any bites recorded? In no way do I want to minimize the event, but the article wasn't clear on the above.

Mrs. Emery

Member Great Dane Rescue

NE Fla/Great Dane Club of

America/Great Dane Club North

Central Fla

Give law-abiding dog owners a chance at safety

I am a resident of Gulf Breeze proper, and owner of a small dog. I love taking long walks around the fantastic peninsula with my dog. However, I have noticed a significantly high number of unleashed, aggressive dogs in Gulf Breeze proper that make me fearful to walk my small dog in this neighborhood; more so than any other neighborhood I have ever lived in. I have resorted to carrying mace, a large stick, or other personal protective gear to fend off would-be attack dogs. The recent front page article (Three dogs attack GB man, Jan. 25) indicates that the attack happened on private property, though it did not indicate if the attack happened behind a fence or in a house. If the dogs were just 'hanging out' in the front yard, unleashed, I believe the owner should be held accountable, due to leash laws in this area. I believe the dog-owning residents of Gulf Breeze would appreciate to know what area of Gulf Breeze (GB proper? subdivision? etc) and/or street the attack happened on so that we do not walk our dogs anywhere near this house. I realize that policing every aggressive dog owner is a daunting task, but at least give us friendly, law-abiding dog owners a fighting chance by telling us how to avoid a potentially deadly situation, for both the leashed dog and the owner!

Sincerely,

Kimberly Salinas and

Peanut (the dog)

Gulf Breeze