Pit Bull Attack

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By Sarah Gravlee

Story Published: Apr 17, 2009 at 5:30 PM MST

Story Updated: Apr 17, 2009 at 9:15 PM MST

BILLINGS - A Billings man is in the hospital after facing his second pit bull attack in just six weeks. Westley Fuchs, 35, is listed in fair condition at St. Vincent Healthcare.

On Friday afternoon he was attacked by two pit bulls as he tried to leave his basement apartment at 1103 Sunnyside Lane. A neighbor called 911and soon a whole slew of city officials crowded the small street.

"This is probably the worst pit bull attack that I've seen," said Animal Control Officer Nancy Lindstrom. "We found two pit bulls loose in the front yard and a third inside the house."

The dogs were stained with blood from the man they had just attacked, and continued to show signs of aggression. "They were barking, when we approached they were lunging at the fence, jumping up on it," Lindstrom said.

Just to be safe, Animal Control officers called for backup from the Billings Police Department. If the dogs got too close, officers were prepared to act.

"If the dogs got too close to an officer, we asked that they shoot the dogs because we all want to go home at the end of the day too."

Police said this was a particularly tense situation as the victim was basically trapped in the basement of the house as the dogs that just attacked him were loose in the front yard.

Officers were finally able to catch the dogs and Fuchs was able to get out of his home and on his way to the hospital. Lindstrom said the owner gave them permission to put the dogs down and they were euthanized Friday afternoon. She wanted to add that not all pit bulls are this aggressive.

Animal control officers said Justin Lingle, the owner of the dogs, was cited for two counts of dangerous behavior and one count of an animal at large. Each count could come with 6 months of jail time or a fine of $500 dollars. Lingle could also have to pay restitution to the victim.

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jenna said on Tuesday, Jun 28 at 2:16 AM

Properly research about pit bulls and you will find they ARE an agressive breed bred to attack.Its in their genetics.They will NOT let go when they attack.Yes this man threw rocks at the dog, his bad, but in most instances the attacks are UNPROVOKED!Pitbulls SHOULD be banned and removed from society. AND they SHOULD be put down if they attack people no matter if their fault or not. Once it attacks and tastes blood its going to be prone to attacking again!

Haha said on Saturday, May 14 at 5:31 AM

I love when people talk about poodles and pugs biting people. Ooh, how many pugs rip off your arm? How many poodles kill people? And duh, who wouldn't be throwing rocks and sticks at pit bulls BEFORE they launched an attack? I'm sure he didn't just leave his apartment and think, Ooh gee I'm going to throw a rock at a pit bull calmly sitting inside its fence enjoying the weather!

sarah said on Friday, Jan 7 at 9:35 PM

the guy was throwing rocks and sticks at the dogs before they attacked and he kicked cato so hard he was limping SOB deserved it they were acting that was because of the treatment from him. My boys were around these dogs and they never did anything to harm my 3 year old or 1 year old.

Sue said on Monday, Apr 20 at 9:49 AM

Buy a pit bull from a reputable breeder, where the dogs are bred for temperment and to be loving pets and you will have a dog,who with proper obediene training like any other dog, will be a good family pet. THE OWNERS ARE THE REASON THESE DOGS ARE LIKE THIS..TRAIN YOUR DOG. Take a look at the dogs rescued from Michael Vick, several are therapy dogs, after being abused beyond belief they provide comfort to others.

Dog Lover said on Sunday, Apr 19 at 12:06 PM

Its time to stop protecting the criminals and animal abuseres who breed pit bulls. The vast majority of these dogs are bred by dog fighters, drug dealers, gang members, or thugs looking to make a quick buck. These dogs are being BRED for aggression, the way labs are bred to retreive. There is no media conspiracy, its just a fact that these dogs are a major public health threat.

John Evans said on Sunday, Apr 19 at 10:18 AM

Give me a break. Most families I know have dogs, and the only ones who have ever attacked anyone are pit bulls. A collie might nip at somebody, but it won't attack them and send them to the hospital. Pit Bulls deserve their reputation.

Jason said on Saturday, Apr 18 at 5:36 PM

LOL i think the news has gone way to far with this pit bull thing.You know they here pit bull attack and bam they are on it..and the local dog pound worker is ready and willing to tell them what they want to hear to get there 2 minutes of TV time. Hey KULR my neighbor has 3 pugs one bit him on the lip and he had to get 8 stitches...WHERE WERE YOU THEN? oh wait they weren't pit bulls..Come on guys get over the modern day witch hunt for pit bulls.

Lance said on Saturday, Apr 18 at 4:17 PM

I find it intresting that we never hear about any other dog atacks but as soon as a Pit Bull atacks someone its headline news! ITS NOT THE DOGS FAULT!

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