Former Mayor Sally Nelson in a 2009 photo.

by Scott Schaefer

On Monday morning (July 11), we had a chance to speak with former Burien Mayor and founding councilmember Sally Nelson, one of two victims of a pit bull attack last Thursday (read our extensive previous coverage here) in the 15800 block of Maplewild SW.

Sally lives next door to the dogs’ owners, and she was bitten on the back of her right leg around 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 7th. She told us that she has “eight bite marks” on the back side of her leg, just behind the knee.

In our interview, Sally shares what it was like being attacked by “two terrifying dogs” she knew from next door, as well as how a cloth bag full of mail may have prevented more serious injuries.

While the future of the now-found second pit bull “Bella” (recovered Sunday night and now in quarantine – read our previous coverage here) hinges on whether or not Sally presses charges (she told us she’s not planning to), Sally said “I don’t want any more pit bulls in my neighborhood.”

Sally also shares her concerns about Burien’s new CARES Animal Control – specifically about their lack of response to numerous phone calls, as well as recordings saying their voice mailbox was full.

“A neighbor told me he tried to call animal control about the loose put bulls all morning (Thursday July 7),” she said. “And he couldn’t reach anyone.” Burien CARES “is not giving adequate animal control and safety to the public in Burien,” she added.

Below is a full transcript of our interview:

Q: Tell us in detail what happened?
A: I had been downtown (Seattle) on Thursday, and when I came home at about 12:45pm and as I drove down Maplewild I saw police in front of my house and across the street and I wondered what had happened. So I pulled into my garage, came out and a guy from across the street told me what was going on – that “a woman with a child in a stroller had been attacked by two pit bulls that live next door to you.” He and another neighbor had come out after hearing screaming, and had driven the dogs off and called 911. So I wondered where the dogs were. Burien Police Officer Galusha came over and gave me an update, and told me what was going on. I knew the dogs, they had escaped before and I thought of them as very frightening dogs. The front door of the dog owner’s house was open. So I then decided to walk back up to my house. There are steps and a very dense hedge on the north side. When I got up to that area on my walkway, I could see the dogs, so I started walking more quickly. They ran over at me like 100 miles per hour, barking and nipping at me and I was terrified and I screamed and they bit me on the leg. The officer came up and I got in the house and looked at my wounds and my leg, and shortly after that he shot and killed one dog. I heard just one shot. The whole thing was just awful and terrifying. And what’s interesting about what happened to me is that I had a cloth bag with my mail in it when I walked up to my house, and I dropped it when the dogs started attacking me. A detective found that bag with blood on it and teeth marks from the dogs. And that bag probably saved me from bigger wounds. So that turned out to be a safeguard from a more serious injury. Medics came and looked at my wound, wrapped it up and told me to get a tetanus shot from my doctor. My Doctor looked at it, told me to keep it clean, and it’s now black and blue but it’s healing. There are eight teeth marks on the back of my right leg behind my knee. I’m not sure which dog bit me, or if it was both – it was like it was all in slow motion, it was really terrifying – these dogs are big and powerful, like hunters.

Another neighbor called Animal Control and never got any response – he told me he called them five times, because these dogs had been out for a while by the time I got home.

Q: What was going through your mind when it happened?
A: It was like everything was in slow-motion – it was terrifying.

Q: Have you ever been bitten by a pit bull or other dog before?
A: Never, and I’m a dog lover. I’ve had dogs all my life.

Q: Were these dogs known to you?
A: They were known to me because they belong to my neighbors, and I can see the back door of the house that they rent. I had seen them before, pawing at the doors trying to get out. That’s when I first called, but I never got a call back. Renters have lived there since April or maybe longer. They have two little kids. They came over and apologized to me this weekend, and told me the pit bull was a rescue dog. I said “a pit bull that’s a rescue dog should be put down.”

Q: The future of the found pit bull hinges on whether you plan on pressing charges. Are you planning on doing that?
A: No, I am not going to press charges. But I’ll tell you, if I hadn’t had been carrying that cloth bag full of mail, I would definitely press charges. My leg is recovering fine so I’m not going to do anything.

But I’ll tell you this – I don’t want any more pit bulls in my neighborhood.

According to one of my neighbors, the dogs have escaped before by ripping the back door down. I wasn’t here at the time though so I’m not sure. I called the landlord and told him it was unacceptable to have dogs running in the neighborhood. He basically said “see ya, bye…we’ll take care of it.”

I would hope that the landlords would decide to have “no more animals in that house.” It makes me feel bad, because these were pets to their kids, but with the history of pit bulls being mistreated something should be done.

I don’t know if the city has a policy of putting animals down. And what’s their policy on animal control, what’s their policy? Who’s really manning the store? It’s got to be that someone’s answering the phones, because when citizens call and get a recording that the voice mailbox is full that’s unacceptable.

Q: What’s your stand on pit bulls – should they be banned in Burien?
I don’t know. From my own personal experience I’d say ‘Yes’ because you’re totally vulnerable, it’s terrifying to be attacked. But what we need is responsible pet owners. People should understand that their dog may be dangerous and they need to be educated about their dog’s potential viciousness.

Q: What are you thoughts on CARES, Burien’s new Animal Control Group?
A: I have concerns about their ability to be reached, as well as their ability to respond. A neighbor had trouble finding their phone number, and was told by someone to call Five Corners Veterinary Clinic. Five Corners then told her to call the new animal control; she called, left a message and never heard back from them. I called city hall about this and a woman there said that they were still “in training.” Then I heard someone else tried to call and got a “this mailbox is full” recording. This is not giving adequate animal control and safety to the public in Burien. The city opted out of King County Animal Control because of costs, and decided to create its own animal control unit. Far as I know, Burien was the only city that opted out of an opportunity to negotiate a new contract with the county like other cities did. Other cities made new deals with the county, but not Burien.

CARES, Burien’s new Animal Control, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. They can be found online here, or reached via telephone here: (206) 81-CARES (206-812-2737).

And if you haven’t taken it yet, please vote in our Poll below (NOTE: this survey is our own; far as we know, the City of Burien is NOT considering banning pit bulls):

The escaped pit bull dog involved in last Thursday’s attack on two women in Burien – including former Mayor Sally Nelson (read our extensive previous coverage here) – was found and recovered Sunday night (July 10th).

The dog, named ‘Bella,’ was limping, with scrapes on her underside. She also had a Taser dart embedded in her from last Thursday’s incident when recovered.

“We had spotted the dog in the area over the weekend,” said Debra George of Burien CARES Animal Control. “So we knew she was around. Apparently she wandered into the back door of her owner’s house, and they called us.”

The pit bull is now in possession of Burien CARES, and is currently being treated for her injuries. Debra George says that she will then enter a mandatory 10-day quarantine.

What happens next is unknown. From our initial research, the City of Burien has no specific law regarding dog bites, and it appears that this may fall under the state’s jurisdiction.

“The owner of any dog which shall bite any person while such person is in or on a public place or lawfully in or on a private place including the property of the owner of such dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness,” reads the state’s website on dog bite liability, or RCW 16.08.040.

“All animals that have bitten, breaking the skin, must be quarantined,” reads King County’s website. “Animals threatening, attacking, or otherwise posing a threat to public safety may be deemed dangerous.”

Debra adds that the dog will likely be returned to its owners, who will be cited and made to prove that it’s up-to-date with its shots, and that it can’t escape again.

“This dog was limping, and was very frightened,” added George. “She had been through a lot.”

We will be updating The B-Town Blog with more information as we gather it, so check back often.

Burien's Maplewild Ave SW was blocked in the 15600 block Thursday as police scoured the area searching for one of two pit bulls involved in attacks on two women.

Story & Photo by Scott Schaefer

Former Burien Mayor and founding City Councilmember Sally Nelson was one of two women attacked by two pit bulls Thursday afternoon (July 7) around 1 p.m. in the 15600 block of Maplewild Ave SW.

Police officers shot and killed one of the dogs, while a second one escaped.

There was a huge police turnout, including numerous cruisers, aid units and a chopper overhead assisting in searching for the second pit bull, which was not found.

Several Burien and King County Sheriff’s cruisers were on the scene as was BTB Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer, who spoke with Brandon, a neighbor who heard a woman screaming and called 911.

Former Burien Mayor and founding councilmember Sally Nelson was attacked by a pit bull on her property Thursday afternoon (July 7).

“I was home watching TV when I heard screaming,” he said. “I came out of my home and saw two pit bulls running around, and a woman with a stroller injured. I checked on her, saw that she and her kid were both okay, then called 911.”

Brandon says that police responded quickly, and tried unsuccessfully to catch the loose dogs with a Taser. However, some 30-minutes later, Sally Nelson came out to talk with the police. As she was returning to her home, she was attacked and bitten in the leg, and reports are that police pulled the dog off her and shot it right there in her yard.

Maureen Hoffmann, who lives in the neighborhood, confirmed that the second victim was indeed Sally Nelson.

Here are some more details:

• Neither woman was seriously injured; reports are that Sally Nelson apparently just got a tetanus shot and stayed at home.
• Maplewild was blocked for a while as police scoured the area for the second pit bull.
• The first pit bull lay dead in the back of a truck owned by Burien CARES, the new animal control. This was witnessed by Schaefer on the scene.
• Debra George of Burien CARES says that the still-escaped pit bull is “mostly red, with a little bit of white.”

by Scott Schaefer

“I just want to get my smile back…”

Those words came from the disfigured mouth of Burien resident Jeanette Cunningham, who we met at the Farmers Market on Thursday, Aug. 26th.

Jeanette “lost” her smile when she was attacked by a pit bull while crossing a Burien street on July 24th. Her face was disfigured in the attack, with the majority of the damage done to her mouth and chin area, caused by the dog jumping up and biting her face.

She has had surgery, but will be needing more.

Jeanette needs her “smile back,” because she works as a Server at a local hotel, and we all know how important smiles are in that industry.

Jeanette’s friends will be holding a Benefit Auction to help raise money for her day-to-day needs on Tuesday, Aug. 31st, from 7pm – 10pm at The Mark Restaurant, located at 918 SW 152nd in Olde Burien.

They’re seeking help in two ways:

1. Donations for the auction. Any type or size of item would be very appreciated. Drop any item off at Mark Restaurant or call and they will come pick them up.
2. Guests for the auction. Show up Tuesday, Aug. 31st, starting at 7pm and bid on some really cool Auction Items. There will also be Drink Specials along with appetizers.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Benefit Auction for pit bull mauling victim Jeanette Cunningham.

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 31st from 7pm – 10pm.

WHERE: The Mark Restaurant, located at 918 SW 152nd in Olde Burien (206-241-MARK).

INFO: For more info on dog bite law in Washington State, click here to download a PDF doc called “When the Dog Bites” by Attorney Christopher M. Davis.

From an email:

Help us help our friend!

A wonderful friend to the Mark Restaurant and to many in the community, Jeanette Cunningham, was attacked by a pit bull in Burien on Saturday, July 24th.

The pit bull disfigured her face, with the majority of the damage to her mouth and chin area. She has had surgery, but will be needing more corrective surgery.

Her husband has been absolutely amazing. He has been by her side and taking wonderful care of her. Unfortunately, he has been laid off, and is just now going back to work part time.

Her friends and colleagues would like to put together a benefit auction to help raise money for her day-to-day needs.

Pit bull attack victim Jeanette Cunningham just wants her smile back.

Story and Photos by Scott Schaefer

Tuesday afternoon (Mar. 2nd) around 2pm, a potential domestic disturbance 9-1-1 call in Burien turned into the shooting death of a Pit Bull at an apartment near the intersection of 4th Ave SW and SW 155th.

According to a King County Sheriff’s officer on the scene, the Pit Bull escaped from its apartment when its owner, who was unrelated to the original disturbance call, heard some commotion. The dog then allegedly “charged” a cop, who shot it in self-defense. The officer (or possibly another officer) then had to “euthanize” the injured dog by shooting it again, possibly numerous times, according to witness accounts.

The dog’s body was covered in a yellow tarp when we arrived, as Animal Control officers and police continued to investigate the scene.

A neighbor who witnessed the attack told us that he felt the Pit Bull had endangered and scared other residents and children before.

UPDATE 3/3/10 Noon: We just received a response from Burien Police Chief Scott Kimerer, who said:

There is an ongoing investigation of this case so I will need to be somewhat brief in my response.

I can tell you the officer was not bitten.

Dog attacks happen occasionally and like any life/safety issue, the Officers are trained to respond to the level of danger using necessary force.

Some of the other questions may be answered in the course of the investigation.

- Chief K

Here are photos we took on the scene shortly after it happened (WARNING: one pic includes visible dog blood):

The deceased Pit Bull's body lies under a yellow tarp.

At least four Burien Police cars and two Animal Control units were on the scene.

Blood from the shot Pit Bull was still visible in the apartment driveway.

As if wondering what had happened, this dog stuck its head out the window of a car as it passed the scene.

The 16-year old Burien girl who was accused of using her pit bull Snaps “like a weapon” against two women in SeaTac on June 21st was sentenced to 14 months in a juvenile detention center Thursday morning (Oct. 22nd).

The suspect, who is not being named because she is underage, had trained her pit bull to attack, according to charging papers (read our June 22nd report here). She plead guilty last month to second-degree assault, third-degree assault and being a minor in possession of alcohol.

Thursday she apologized in court in front of the victims, saying she needed treatment for anger management and substance abuse.

Court documents (view/download PDF here) allege that the female suspect and a group of three White Center boys were found abusing the animal on June 21st before the two women were attacked by the dog. One, a 63-year old woman, was assaulted by the girl before being bit on the thigh and hand by the pit bull.

Another female victim, 41, was attacked by the dog while the girl assaulted her, punching her in the face and knocking her to the ground, according to King County sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. John Urquhart. She was severely mauled on both arms and required surgery at Harborview Medical Center.

Prosecutors did not file charges against the three boys.

As we previously reported, “Snaps,” the pit bull was seized by King County Animal Care and Control, and at one point was close to being euthanized, but was released in September and is now living peacefully at the Olympic Animal Sanctuary in Forks.

Here’s a Before and After pic of “Snaps” showing his current disposition at his new home: