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AKITA INVOLVED IN INCIDENT WITH CHILD AT AKC SHOW
by Dannielle Malcolm
Bakersfield
CA - April 1, 2007 - Police were called today to
the Kern County Fairgrounds to investigate an incident involving an Akita dog
and a 9 year old child. The American
Kennel Club sanctions the event, held by
the Kern County Kennel Club annually. Thousands of exhibitors and spectators
were in attendance.
According to witnesses, the child was walking
near the show rings unsupervised when she suddenly came face to face with the
110 lb Akita dog. The child threw her arms around the dog's neck, reports say,
when the unthinkable happened. The dog began enthusiastically licking the girl's
face as his tail wagged briskly.
"It was awful", said one bystander, "there was nothing we could do. That dog was
just giving that child every once of love he had and no one did a thing to stop
it". Another witness, who took video of the event, said "This happens all the
time; I don't know how it hasn't made the news before now".
One spectator, who declined to be named, told reporters "The sounds were just
heart wrenching, all that laughing and giggling. It made me smile so hard my
face hurts. I plan to sue for pain and suffering".
The
handler of the dog admits this is not the first time such an incident has
occurred, and that the owners were "well aware of the stable, loving and patient
temperament of this dog". She further admitted that she would continue to permit
the dog to act in this manner in the future. The owners were unavailable for
comment.
The five year old male Akita apparently has a history of sudden, unanticipated
acts of joy. The large, powerful dog has been sighted at a number of recent
events happily greeting fanciers and families. “I don’t know why we are being
singled out”, stated the handler, “I’ve seen dozens of other Akitas acting in
the exact same way.” She went on to offer examples of similar incidents
involving Rottweillers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, and more. “If people just
opened their eyes to the social side of these beautiful dogs, these incidents
wouldn’t seem so random or surprising.”
Akitas are a member of the AKC’s Working Group, a classification of dogs who are
renowned for providing specialized services and tasks to their owners. Akitas,
which originated in the Honshu district of Japan, were revered for their hunting
and guarding abilities as well as their intense loyalty.
Police state that the handler, who was noticeably unrepentant, was cited for
Reckless Entertainment. The dog was given roasted chicken treats and was not
taken into custody.
Handy links:
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If Dogs Had Wings, Flying With Your Companion Animal
Breed Police aka: Paw Enforcement