This Jack Russell Terrier, named Boston, was picked up by the neck by an irate man, John Gibson, who lifted him over his head and slammed the dog to the pavement. Gibson was attempting to stomp on the small dog when others intervened and stopped him.
What provoked such an angry outburst? Boston nipped at his daughter’s midsection when she held him while in her arms. Gibson originally didn’t want his daughter to pet Boston after a Humane Society of Lucie County volunteer said it was ok.
An adoption event was held at a Tractor Supply store last Friday for the public to view adoptable animals they have.
Boston ended up with a compound leg fracture. He will have a plate inserted and is expected to make a full recovery.
Meanwhile, Gibson has been charged with felony animal cruelty.
Gibson’s daughter’s midsection was nipped but had no puncture wounds. She is fine.
My problem with this case is how those in charge handled this situation.
Why was the daughter allowed to hold Boston? We are supposed to be teaching children to respect animals. The daughter did nothing wrong. It was the adults, in my opinion.
The volunteer shouldn’t have allowed a little girl to hold Boston knowing he is scared of humans. Boston is not an attack dog but he is fearful of people. The volunteer of the Humane Society had a responsibility to know this and understand this type of behavior.
When a dog is fearful of people, they can bite. All they need is to build trust. Boston does love people but this little girl was a complete stranger. When a dog nips/bites out of fear, they usually are afraid of men and children.
I feel the Humane Society was negligent in the way they handled showcasing a dog who is fearful of strangers. Granted, the person originally holding Boston was a volunteer but she still should have known better.
What Gibson did was an act of violence toward a dog that never should have been allowed on his daughter’s lap. Why did he allow Boston to sit in her lap?
We know the reason for Boston’s outburst. What is the reason for Gibson to want to kill this dog? I have to wonder what his history is.
Boston will require six weeks of recovery after the surgery and will be up for adoption again.
plain wrong says
That volunteer should’ve known that any dog has the propensity to bite. I’m sure many people were around. All that activity and then being placed in a little girl’s life didn’t help the dog’s anxiety. The adults caused this to happen.
Gibson acted way out of control for the injury inflicted upon his daughter. I hope they don’t ever get a dog or any pet. No pet is perfect. If a pet does the slightest thing wrong, he will kill it.
Charlene says
As a parent, I understand the anger you feel when your child is hurt. You are there to protect him or her. The dog nipped at the child and didn’t break skin. His outburst and subsequent abuse toward the animal did not match up. This man has serious anger issues. I hope he isn’t this way towards his daughter. Totally out of line to want to kill the dog for ONLY nipping. Had the dog attemtped to maul his daughter, I could understand his behavior.
Shame on him! says
What a piece of dirt to hurt Boston. Don’t ever adopt to him!
Brandi L. says
Let me alone with this animal abuser. I will lift him up and throw him down to the ground. No, I can’t stoop to his level. At least, everyone knows who he is and no shelter will ever adopt to him. Piece of dirt.
Solange says
Now Boston is more afraid of people and will need more help to find a good, loving, and trusting home. Moron.
crying eyes says
That imbecile put fear into a dog that already was afraid of people. He did this in front of her daughter. How much did he want to traumatize her? The volunteer shouldn’t have allowed the girl to hold the dog. Their bear responsibility.
tpmcat says
Put him in jail!
Sheila says
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mandingo says
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