PREVIOUSLY: The folks at Burien CARES Animal Control are in possession of this white female Pit Bull puppy, estimated to be around six months old and found Friday, Dec. 30th on 21st Ave SW and SW 114th Street:

“She’s very sweet, but a bit nervous if left alone,” they said in an email.

If you recognize this puppy, please contact CARES immediately at buriencares@gmail.com or (206) 81-CARES.

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.

With the news of Thursday’s pit bull attack on former Burien Mayor Sally Nelson and one other woman (read our coverage here), the Comment Wars have been flying fast and furious on The B-Town Blog, between both the anti and pro-pit bull camps.

“When is Burien going to get on board with several other cities and ban this breed from our city,” reads a Comment from Julies. “If we wait, many cities around us will ban the breed which will drive the owners of this breed to seek refuge in Burien that tolerates attacks on innocent victims such as children, adults, big dogs, little dogs, cats.”

Another Reader called RECOND1940, who claims to be a friend and neighbor of the dogs’ owners says: “The dogs did not run off biting people it happend in there yard the mayor tried putting the dogs back inside the house, I know exactly whats going on because my whole family is out there looking for the dog kaleb.”

There’s a second Comment War happening on our Facebook Page as well (with 54 and counting on Thursday’s story), which you can read here.

To read the Comment threads yourself, click here for ones on the original story, and here for today’s update.

Some of the more interesting Comments we’ve read include:

Bernice Bellamy says: (July 7, 2011 at 5:16 pm)
Given how screwed up Burien’s Animal Services are maybe this is just karma. Sorry someone was hurt and very sad to hear a dog was killed and I’m sure the other one — when found – will be shot and killed by the cops, too. This is what happens when you have irresponsible owners, an irresponsible city council and a city manager that doesn’t have a clue about animal care and control. Sad for all animals in Burien with the awful system they have now.

Eaton B. Verz says: (July 7, 2011 at 5:17 pm)
Now that’s how you take care of a vicious dog on the loose! City council please take note! That officer eliminated the problem and saved the cost of transporting it toYakima! Now, let’s find the owner. I’m sure CARES is hot on the trail…….

local says: (July 7, 2011 at 6:14 pm)
A helicopter? For a DOG. Really,Burien? Could you please use that money to shut down the crack house next door that I reported a few months ago?

Julies ays: (July 7, 2011 at 11:48 pm )
I live in this area and last year I had a pit bull in my backyard that easily cleared a 4 foot fence more than once. I have 2 dogs, 2 cats and a 2 year old grandchild, fortunately none were in the back yard at the time and when I attempted to scare him away from my glass door, he didn’t budge till he left on his own terms.

Why do I have to be worried about a loose unpredictable breed like a pit bull to enter my fenced yard. When is Burien going to get on board with several other cities and ban this breed from our city. If we wait, many cities around us will ban the breed which will drive the owners of this breed to seek refuge in Burien that tolerates attacks on innocent victims such as children, adults, big dogs, little dogs, cats. With so many breeds to choose from why would someone want a dog like this unless they need protection from what ? Drug dealers ?? Gang members ??
Do you want your daughter or son, (many times a child will not survive an attack)grandchild, elderly parent taking a stroll, you, walking your dog or your cat in his own yard. Let’s think about the rights of the innocent not the rights of those who wish to own a breed such as this.

kaleb says: (July 8, 2011 at 2:01 pm)
recon19d40 – well trained dogs will not run off and bite people because someone broke into their house. the dogs weren’t even on their own property when someone was bit. it’s getting really old to hear about all the wonderful, calm, great dogs that are perfect around children and the dog ends up attacking or kiling someone. it doesn’t matter if it’s a pit bull or other breeed. know your dogs.

a pit bull that “likes to nip like a puppy” hasn’t been properly trained. you don’t let any dog continue with that behavior especially a large dog. these dogs were not trained and socialized like they should be.

RECON19d40 says: (July 8, 2011 at 2:07 pm)
were you there? the dogs did not run off biting people it happend in there yard the mayor tried putting the dogs back inside the house, I know exactly whats going on because my whole family is out there looking for the dog kaleb. I have a dog that does the same thing and if she was mauled by the dog and felt threatened why would she try and put the dogs back in the house so nothing happend? I am sure you would rather think the owners are horrible people you know nothing about these dogs

Eaton B. Verz says: (July 8, 2011 at 4:41 pm)
Vicious dog attacking people = dead dog…happy outcome! All of recons spewings do not alter the fact of two attacks. Dogs that attack should be removed fron society. Dogs are born in litters, humans, not so easy to replace. Sorry, no sympathy here….

In an attempt to get some idea of where our Readers stand on this issue that doesn’t involve name-calling, we’ve created a simple Poll – please take it and let’s see what the public (or at least the BTB audience) thinks (NOTE: this Poll is our own; far as we know, the City of Burien is NOT considering banning pit bulls):

One of the two pit bulls involved in Thursday’s (July 7) attack on two women in Burien is still on the loose, and residents in the area are warned to be ‘wary.’

As we reported from the scene Thursday, the second of the two female attack victims was former Burien Mayor and founding councilmember Sally Nelson, who was bitten in the leg before a police officer pulled the dog off her and shot it dead.

The attack happened just before 1 p.m. Thursday in the 15800 block of Maplewild SW, causing a large police turnout, aid and fire units, the blocking of the road, and support overhead from King County Sheriff’s Chopper One.

We spoke with Debra George of Burien CARES Animal Control Friday morning (July 8), who said that the pit bull involved in the attack has not yet been found. It has been described as mostly red, or “rust” or “copper” colored, with a little bit of white and wearing a silver choke chain.

“We talked with the owners at 8 a.m. this morning,” Debra said, “and they still hadn’t found it. Our guy Mike was also out looking until 9 p.m. last night, and is out again today searching.”

Debra warns residents in the area to “be cautious if you see a pit bull or other dog off-leash. Best bet is to be careful, stay away and call us at (206) 812-2737.”

CARES employee Mike chased the escaped pit bull up Maplewlld, and Debra thinks it’s still down in that area somewhere.

“Also, I’d like to let your Readers know that the pit bull that was put down was shot just once, not eight times like some people are saying,” she added. “Other shots may have been fired at the time, but that dog was hit just once.”

UPDATE 6/3/11 7:30 p.m.: Carmelita Smith sent us an email with some good news – her dog Sati has been found!

Here’s a note from her:

Sati has been found!

Thanks to a good Samaritan who saw her and took her in we have recovered our dog.

This was due to those of you who looked, supported, and sent emails.

Thank you all! Be blessed!

- Carmelita

BTB Reader Carmelita Smith reports that she lost her medium white female pit mix (the smaller white dog pictured above, left) from South 106th Street on the morning of May 28th, and she’d like viewers to keep an eye out for her.

She describes the dog thusly:

All white, blue eyes, and pink leather collar.

Named “Sati.”

Any good Samaritans who find the dog are asked to please email her ASAP: carmelitawho@gmail.com.

Image from a poster made by letter Writer Walter Cunningham.

Yet another article concerning Burien’s animal control.

Reading this from an intern made me sick:

“Dr. Kasper has euthanized many healthy dogs due to requiring additional space for her boarding dogs. These dogs were great dogs and very healthy. They have paid the ultimate price due to the horrible management of the animal control services taking place at Companion Animal Medical Center”

But yet Burien deems a dog “dangerous” and then releases it ??? WOW!

BURIEN what gives you the RIGHT? to take a “dangerous dog” that caused serious injury and disfigurement to someone in your community, and release it into someone else’s community !!! Don’t tell me it’s the law. Burien had the option well within the law to euthanize a vicious, uncontrollable, aggressive, “dangerous dog” that was harmful to the community.After deeming the dog “dangerous” Burien decided to return it back to the owners, with an order to remove the dog from the city after violating city code. Was this dog dangerous, aggressive, vicious, or uncontrollable? There was a hearing held at Burien’s city hall Sept. 21st, 2010 where the owners of the dog appealed the decision to remove the dog from the city for violating city code, in which Burien upheld their decision to release the dog and ban it from the city. Here is a quote from Leslie Kasper (Buriens lame Animal control authority) referring to the dog at the hearing. “We were not able to move him between kennels or cages without being on a catch pole which is a long ridged pole used for animal control” Another quote from Chris Ingalls reporter from KING 5 news after the same hearing. “Animal control here in Burien says because of the viciousness of the attack and the aggressive nature of the animal it declared this dog dangerous in the eyes of the law” James Lynch of Fox news reports, “It’s probably some of the worst injuries that I have ever seen in a pitbull attack. “KOMO News Commentator Ken Schram,”What the heck are they thinking” “The owner of the pit bull was told to get the dog out of the city.”"What the hell is the sense of that?” “Sending a dangerous dog off to be some other city’s problem is an asinine and stupid policy.” Jeanette’s Attorney, Chris Davis after the hearing.” The city is simply avoiding it’s responsibility to the public at large by allowing the dog to be shipped off to another jurisdiction and letting that jurisdiction deal with a potentially lethal animal.”

A blog posting from one of the first two EMTs to respond to the scene. Kman says: ” I was one of the 2 first EMTs on scene to render aid to this patient. This dog was extremely aggressive and we were very concerned about our and the patient’s continued safety with this animal within striking distance. This poor woman will be disfigured for life and someone actually wants to keep this dog alive? Nurture or nature, folks it doesn’t matter…if a human had done this they would be locked up for aggravated assault and quite possibly attempted murder (doing 10+ in Walla Walla). Burien, pull your head out! Human Beings are lives, animals (especially vicious ones), are property. Protect your citizens and destroy a hazard that can cause further tragedy!!! ” End of EMTs statement.

A blog posting from a neighbor next-door to the owners of the dog. JD says: “This story is about the ridiculousness of Burien’s animal control law. This dog should be put down because it is dangerous and will harm another person if given the opportunity. I know the dog, the owners and I’ve met Jeanette. It’s all around a very bad situation. This dog was left outside day and night with little human interaction. It would bark for hours for no apparent reason and just prior to the attack it was sick or injured and acting strangely. I know this because I lived next to the dog. Go ahead blame Kiko, the breed or the owners but it’s not going to improve Jeanette’s situation. The city council needs to recognize that Burien has released a dangerous dog to another community where it can attack another human. This is ridiculous and wrong; all of us citizens will pay the price when the city is sued for a ton of money the next time Kiko attacks.” End of neighbors statement.

Before the incident on July 24th, 2010 involving Jeanette Cunningham,this dog had all ready bit two neighbors. One of the neighbors is (Buriens lame Animal control authority) Leslie Kasper’s aunt that was bit. So even though there were no formal complaints, she knew of this incident, besides the dog jumping up and nipping her in the arm the night she went to seize the dog from the owners.(as she stated in the hearing)

This removal order requires proof of both, the violation (which is obvious) and the appropriateness of the remedy animal control has imposed (which is irresponsible and WRONG). This removal order does not take any measures to prevent future neglect, abuse, animal care, or owner control. These dog owners do not believe their dog to be dangerous, or the owners to be neglectful. So the perception is that these animal care and control laws are for ‘other’ dogs, problem dogs, but not their dog.Burien’s dangerous dog laws, and animal care and control laws are a feel-good attempt to show the community that the authorities are taking action. Animal care and control laws are intentionally ‘ vague’ and ‘ interpretive ‘ by animal control authorities. Thus the facts of alleged animal care and control , is rarely ‘ pure ‘, and are a personal (opinion) ‘ interpretation ‘ of the animal control authority. In fact , many animal care and control city ordinances are flawed and may be considered unconstitutional for failure to provide victims notice and hearing before or after the release of an uncontrollable biting or vicious dog. However most cities do not release an uncontrollable or vicious dog that has caused serious injury and disfigurement to someone. Jeanette thought she was going to bleed to death before she could get medical attention that night. What has to happen to a person besides their face being permanently disfigured and scared for life, does someone have to die? before Burien determines that a vicious animal in violation does not belong in anyone’s community. Jeanette believes she took that bite so that she might have saved a child’s life, and part of the emotional healing is knowing that that dog can not hurt or possibly kill any other human being. She is having a tough time healing her emotional scars knowing that this dog has been set free. Every city and state should have a “dangerous dog” law that provides sufficient protection to the community. Burien’s city council members remind me of a bunch of 7th graders giving themselves an award before the community has even tested their new policies. Except for council member Lucy Krakowiak the only one on the council that has common sense.

For those readers that are not familiar with Jeanette Cunningham’s incident. On July 24th, 2010 at 8:55pm Jeanette Cunningham was the victim of an unprovoked attack by a pitbull mix on a public street in Burien.The dog was off of the owners property after leaving the property through an open gate while the owners were not home.After the attack, a 9-11 emergency call was made, medical aid arrived at the scene, but Burien police did not respond to the scene, Burien animal control did not respond to the scene. About 9:30pm Jeanette arrived at the trauma center at Harborview Hospital. I arrived at the same time the ambulance got there,as soon as I saw my wife covered in blood from her face to her feet I knew this was serious. She was in a state of shock, she pulled the gauze away from her face and said ” my lip is gone.” With her mouth closed you could see her bottom teeth, her gums, and part of her jaw. This was a life changing incident and I did everything I could to calm her until they could admit her. Once she was admitted, sometime after that Burien animal control was called to go seize the dog. Leslie Kasper( Burien’s lame Animal control authority) arrived at the dog owners home at the same time the owners of the dog arrived home, 11:36pm. The owners were not willing to give up the dog, so she called the King County Sheriff’s office for assistance, they arrived at 11:45pm and cleared the mess up at 12:05 am. Before police arrived Leslie Kasper was standing at the fence trying to convince the dog owners to give up the dog, and the dog jumped up at her and nipped her in the arm. Even after police responded to assist Leslie with help seizing the dog, police did not file an incident report concerning the initial incident. Meanwhile Jeanette was sitting there suffering in a trauma situation waiting for Burien’s Animal control to call the hospital back concerning rabies before they could proceed with surgery, 2 1/2 – 3 hrs waiting in trauma. So just realize that if you are ever attacked by a vicious dog in Burien be sure to make three 9-11 emergency calls,one for medical aid, one for Burien police assistance, and one for Buriens lame animal control assistance.

The city of burien’s bizarre “dangerous dog”decision is ridiculous and completely irresponsible. I want the city of Burien to know that they are the blame for putting my wife through emotional distress because of the horrible polices the city council has adopted. Burien’s city council voted not to join the new Regional Animal Services of King County. Instead they have patched together a makeshift system that let them release a “dangerous dog” into another community where it can attack another innocent human being. This is ridiculous and WRONG. Putting a “dangerous dog” in someone else’s city is not sound business or law. My wife can not begin to heal her emotional wounds knowing that the city of Burien has put someones life in danger by allowing a “dangerous dog” to be relocated in another city. That’s another scar the city of Burien has added to my wife’s emotional state of mind besides the physical and emotional scars she has from being attacked by a”dangerous dog.”The city of Burien should focus on creating laws that protect society. People who suffer from emotional distress suffer real losses…. Burien’s dangerous dog ordinance needs to be amended SOON ! Call Burien’s city council and let them know it’s time to amend Ordinance No. 543….. PLEASE.

PS. I don’t need to blame the owners or the breed. I just realize that most of the negative comments will come from people that have not had someone they love for life permanently disfigured by a vicious dog. It’s about having the right to penalize the vicious dog and the owners instead of setting the dog free with no requirements regarding owner responsibilities other than to remove it from the city of Burien, and having someone else experience their loved one being scared and disfigured for life.So say all you want about poor dogs or bad owners, this article has very little to do with the breed and everything to do with vicious dogs that attack unprovoked.

Oh by the way, congratulations on your Schrammie award for your idiotic policies Burien.

- Walter Cunningham

Attorney Christopher M. Davis wrote an interesting piece on his blog Tuesday (Sept. 21st), about his Burien client Jeanette Cunningham’s case about a “dangerous” pit bull dog that attacked her in July (we first covered this story here and here).

As many of our Readers will recall, Jeanette had to have major facial surgery to “get her smile back” because of the attack. 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. A fundraiser auction was held for her Aug. 31st, and over $5,500 was raised for her.

A hearing was held in Burien this morning, where it was discovered that Burien’s animal control department had already released the pit bull back to its owners. Apparently city laws only permit it to “ban” animals from city limits, not to destroy or euthanize the dog.

Davis writes:

This morning I attended a “Dangerous Dog” hearing in the City of Burien. The hearing involved an appeal by the owners of a dangerous pit bull dog. The owners were appealing the City’s determination that the dog was dangerous and should be banned from the city limits.

The dog owners, Gabriele and Juan Garcia, appealed the City of Burien’s decision to declare the animal dangerous and then ban it from the City. That determination was eventually upheld by the hearing examiner this morning (Tuesday, Sept. 21).

The dog owner testified this morning that the animal has since gone to live with relatives in the City of Yakima where it will likely live out the remainder of its life. What’s unclear is whether the City of Yakima has any idea that a dangerous dog is now living within its boundaries. My guess is that it has no idea, particularly when the City of Yakima also has a law banning pit bulls.

Nonetheless, I have to seriously question the wisdom of the City of Burien for not adopting a dangerous dog ordinance that allows it to euthanize an animal that has already seriously maimed and disfigured a human being within its boundaries.

Read the rest of Davis’ blog here.

Here’s a video report by Q13 Fox on this story:

Here’s another from KING-TV:

So what do YOU think? Should the city have euthanized the pit bull or not? Please take our Poll or leave a Comment below:

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.

The Seattle P-I is reporting that a Burien man is facing animal cruelty charges on claims that he beat and drowned his girlfriend’s Pit Bull dog.

According to the P-I, King County prosecutors say that on the night of Jan. 24th, Tyler E. Newman, 24, arrived at Five Corners Animal Hospital in Burien with the dead dog, a 5-year-old pit bull named Mada.

Staff at the animal hospital told investigators that Newman admitted, “I think I drowned my dog.”

Newman allegedly said the dog bit him when he was scolding it for urinating in his home. According to charging papers, Newman said he “just lost it” when the dog bit him again while he was attempting to bathe it.

Read the full story here.

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.