TARANAKI, New Zealand: A Jack Russell Terrier has heroically sacrificed itself to save five children from a savage attack by two pit bull terriers.
The terrier, named George, was playing with the children after they purchased candy at a neighborhood shop in the small North Island town of Manaia, according to the New Zealand Herald.
When the two pit bulls appeared and headed for one of the four-year-old boys, George started barking and rushed at them as the children ran away, his owner Allan Gay said.
"George was brave - he took them on and he's not even a foot high," Gay told The China Post. "He jumped in on them, he tried to keep them off. If it wasn't for George, those kids would have copped it."
Eleven-year-old Richard Rosewarne, one of the children who escaped the mauling, told the Post that George fought with the pit bulls to keep them off his four-year-old brother, Darryl.
"George tried to protect us by barking and rushing at them, but they started to bite him - one on the head and the other on the back," Rosewarne said. "We ran off crying and some people saw what was happening and rescued George."
But the heroic nine-year-old Jack Russell was so badly mauled that he had to put him down, Gay said.
Vet Steven Hopkinson, of the South Taranaki Animal Health Services Ltd, said the injuries were the worst he had seen, according to news.com.au.
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“He didn't stand a chance... These pit bulls should be banned. They're killers and it comes from them being bred for fighting.” Owner Allan Gay
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"The two pit bulls ripped the skin from his throat and chest and down his back," George's owner said, adding that the tough little terrier also "had a bad heart condition."
Gay, 69, said his dog died a hero. "These two pit bulls rushed up and were going for the little boy. George went for them, it's what he would do.
"He didn't stand a chance, but I reckon he saved that boy from being chewed up. These pit bulls should be banned. They're killers and it comes from them being bred for fighting."
Gay lives alone and George had been his faithful companion for about seven years. He inherited George as a young dog after neighbours moved away, according to News.
The pit bulls disappeared after the mauling, but police and council authorities later located the animals. The New Zealand Herald said an armed policewoman was present as they were cornered and loaded into a dog van.
The pit bulls were later destroyed.
This story brings tears to my eyes - those little dogs are so loyal and brave - pound for pound they have more heart than any of those bigger bullying dogs. I hate pit bulls as well - I can't think of one good reason why people want or need to own them. There are better family dogs, better guard dogs, better companions. Get rid of them, i say.
This dog's bravery underscores the adage: "It is not the size of the dog in the fight that matters. It is the size of the fight in the dog."
George fought to save those children. George is a Hero; a heavenly Dog.
I also have a jack Russell and have no doubt the brave little guy would fight to the death to protect me. I'd do the same for it if it came down to it, to be honest. You have to reward and encourage such honest no-strings-attached friendship.
I've been a huge fan of Jack Russel Terriers since I got hooked on Frasier! Remember Eddie? Too bad George had to be put down- I feel so sorry for the little guy, but also so proud of him. Goes to show how our little doggies go way out of their way to show how much they love us =)
yes myri, i remember eddie! too bad he died last year- you've heard about that yes? anyway i think jack russells are remarkable dogs- not just because of eddie on frasier. i have a friend who has one, his name is stan- and he's just downright adorable
Marsha, don't be so closed-minded about a certain breed! First of all, "Pit Bull" is not even a breed of dog. This sensationalized term is used by the media to represent any one of 7 dog breeds, as well as any dog that is crossed with one of these breeds, or slightly resembles one of these breeds or one of these cross-breeds. And even though the term "Pit Bull" encompasses so many breeds, crosses, and visually similar dogs, the media known to use the term even when the offending dog is not in this already vague category.
Also, if you noticed, there were no "neutral" parties interviewed in this story. Only the dog owner and mailable children. I know that if I was a dog and I saw a group of children with food, playing and having a good time, I too would "head" over. The fact that the Jack Russell attacked the "Pit Bulls" does not make him a hero - just a dog aggressive pooch who was loved and heralded by his owner.
Educate yourself before making such blanket statements about an animal classification that you obviously do not know anything about.
What a brave little dog. It's just so sad that he was so badly injured that he had to be put to sleep. Its a good thing that those pit bulls were destroyed. They deserved it. Who were the owners? Shouldn't they be made to pay also? At least George is now in dog heaven.
jack russels are one of the most loyal and most playful breeds around. they are so cute as well as smart. George is really a hero. as for those pit bulls, yeah they were destroyed but what about their owners? aren't they supposed to be charged also?
I have owned a "pit bull", and I currently own a Jack Russell. Let me start by saying that this story was told with a heavy bias that makes for more dramatic reading. The first issue I have is that the pit bulls were running loose. Has anyone held the owner of these dogs accountable? Who let's their dogs, much less pit bulls, run loose on the street?
Second, the eyewitness accounts say one of the pit bulls was heading toward a 4 year old boy. How do we know the pit bull's intention was to hurt, kill, bite, or harm the boy in anyway? Maybe he wanted a sniff and a pet. My pit bull loved kids, but would have eaten another dog that got near me or my children. I think the children told their story from a point of fear, and it was not unbiased. How sad that the dogs had to be put down because their owner was irresponsible. Couldn't they have been given to a shelter for adoption? There really are responsible loving pit bull owners in this world!!
I would also like to mention that my Jack Russell is one of the most wonderful, loving, intelligent dogs I have ever had! And I got him from a rescue. Please spay and neuter your pets, and adopt homeless adult animals!!
Pitt bulls are just as good of dog as any. I have Saved two Pitts at two different times, one is now 2 and a half the other is 3, they are the best Breed of dog i have every owned. Both females. I have never had a problem with either one of mine and they were Beaten, Straved, abandon,And had nothing left but their boney little bodies it was the worst thing i ever exprience.
I work in a Assisted Living and the woman and men their can't get enough of them I bring them both their ever sunday and they are well aware that they are Pitt Bulls. So its not EVERY single pitt bull! Theirs just a few who fall into the WRONG hands. MY two girls are very loving, GREAT around kids, Loyal Companions, and play great with all dogs of any size as well around my residents. I am really sick of people bad mouthing PITT BULLS, What people really need to do is Check out their owners. Because Most likey thats were it started. I am hurt you would push that breed away from the dog family. I was rasied with Labs and i was attacked by my own. ANY DOG can BITE. A few people that i know own Pitt Bulls and they are very loyal, great campanions, and play very well around other dogs. They do Everything a GOOD family dog can do and MORE!