The grieving mother of a 5-year-old Alabama boy who was killed in April by a pit bull was reportedly terrorized by a different pit bull while visiting her son’s gravesite Sunday.
Johnna Harvard told a local ABC affiliate that she was visiting her son’s grave in Pell City when the dog charged at her and others. The dog even damaged the gravesite, she said.
“We were able to jump back in the vehicle and call 911,” she told the station.
Pell City Police Capt. Joshua Herren said an officer who responded to the call had to shoot the animal to keep it from attacking.
“As the officer started to back away, the dog charged the officer and the officer was forced to discharge the firearm,” he said.
Ms. Harvard said the officer “had to shoot” the dog.
“It charged, it was not going to stop,” she said.
Ms. Harvard argues there needs to be stronger leash laws and regulations, especially for pit bulls.
“We need to do something on a state level because that was the closest I’ve ever felt to death and I had that fear of being chased by an animal,” she told the station. “I felt like I felt what my son felt and no one should feel that way.
“These dogs are everywhere. They are not being properly leashed and cared for. That’s what caused my son’s death,” she said.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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