Runner attacked by dog in Hawaiian Paradise Park

: One of the three punture wounds

Runner Bitten by Dog in HPP

One of the few perils that I’ve encountered as a runner is irresponsible dog owners that allow their dogs to roam free.

I’ve had an ongoing problem with such a person over the past few years who believes that, and I quote, “my dog has as much right as you to be on the street and if you don’t like it find someplace else to run.”

I’m partially at fault because I did not notify the Humane Society the 10 to 12 times that the dog came running after me, barking and growling.

Everything came to a breaking point on Thursday, April 14, when Tasha, the name of the pit bull mix, decided to escalate our relationship by taking a bite – leaving three prominent puncture wounds just above my right ankle.

I have since filled a police report and have notified the Humane Society.

This was the second complaint filed against the same dog within the last two months and, according to the Humane Society, the owner of the property must now appear in court.

The message I’m trying to send here is to contact the proper authorities whenever a loose animal threatens your right to walk or run on public property and do not wait until it actually bites you or someone else.

Tasha lives on the corner house of Shower Drive and 24^th Street.

This was the third time in the past 25 years of running that I have been bitten by a loose dog. Do not let irresponsible pet owners deter you from running or walking.

The Hawaiian Paradise Park Community Association provided the following link to the Big Dog following his dog bite:

http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/statestatutes/stushiset.htm

April 15, 2011 - Posted by waynejoseph | Editorial | dog bite, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Humane Society, Police Report, Tasha

10 Comments »

wow, so sorry to hear of your dog bite–take care of it and glad that you went to file a report on them-have a neigbor that lets their “baby pit-bull” out as I start out in the early morning hours and as much as I try to talk to them in a civil manner, sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do!!!
By the way, lost my friend, Rick yesterday morning-that’s the fellow I gave my BIIM finishers shirt too-glad that with every step i took during the marathon it was in his honor-a true marie fan—

Comment by marie kuramoto | April 15, 2011 | Reply
Two words… Whack Stick!

Hope your better soon.

Comment by Damon | April 15, 2011 | Reply
OMG..What if it had been a child? My daughter walks down Shower every morning to meet her friend and catch the school bus. She walks right past that house. Something should have been done immediately. Take the dog away!

Comment by Steve | April 15, 2011 | Reply
I read the link the Humane Society gave you.Seems to me they protect livestock more than the public! What a disgrace.Tougher laws are needed to protect people against irresponsible dog owners.

Comment by Tina T. | April 15, 2011 | Reply
Why didnt they take the dog or at least have them place it in a kennel like they used to do years ago? What are they waiting for a dog to kill someone like they did a year ago in HPP? This is a hazard to everyone!

Comment by Helen | April 15, 2011 | Reply
Well first of all, don’t ever forget the 2nd amendment. Secondly, if I go jogging in an area where I know there is a “dog problem” I at least bring a big stick with me. So now then, according to the law, in reference to the statement: “My dog has as much right to be on the street” – NOOOO!!!, according to the “Leash Law”, the animal does not, and must be restrained on the property. So now that the dog has attached someone on a “public street”, by law it must be put down. All of these laws have been in effect for many years and should be basic knowledge to anyone who takes on the liability of owning a dog. Like I always say: “Assholes are one thing, but “STUPID ASSHOLES” are a whole other ball game.” And just for the amusement, my birthday was April 14th: The same day that Lincoln was shot, the Titanic sank, and you were bitten by that damn dog.

Comment by Ezra | April 15, 2011 | Reply
- Happy Belated birthday! Hopefully you have been having great birthdays – didn’t realize that the Titanic and Lincoln all happened on April 14.
  
  I know the second amendment well, but would feel strange carry one with me during my runs. You’re right about the Leash Law, but it lacks TEETH.
  
  Comment by waynejoseph | April 15, 2011 | Reply
Everyone needs to call the Humane Society any time they see a loose dog! People need to be proactive before someone gets mauled or dies from all the stray viscious dogs.
I love my dogs but they are always restrained.
We need to tell our elected officials about improving the laws.
Give H.Society more power.
Jon

Comment by Jon | April 16, 2011 | Reply
Hey Wayne,
I’m a runner in HPP and live at the corner of shower and 24th! (a few houses in) I run with my little puppy in the area every day. What does Tasha look like? There is a grey dog that roams the area with a spike collar… is it that dog?

Comment by jessica kirkwood | June 8, 2011 | Reply
- Hi Jessica,
  You got the house correct, he is right at the conner house of 24th and Shower Drive.
  Tasha is a brown dog – a pit bull mix breed and weighs between 40 and 50 pounds. The guy now has her chained to the back of the house, so it should be safer to run in that area. I’m still waiting for the prosecutors office to bring him in front of a judge. Call the Humane Society if you see any dog off a leash. Good luck!
  
  Comment by waynejoseph | June 8, 2011 | Reply