Man In Court: 8-Yr-Old Mauled By Pit Bull
An 8-year-old boy is being treated in King Edward Memorial Hospital after being mauled by a pit bull this weekend, with the youngster’s injuries requiring surgery, according to a ZBM news report.
The dog’s owner, 22-year-old Gary Blackwell, faced multiple charges in Magistrates Court this morning [Apr.25] as a result of the attack. The charges include keeping three pit bulls without the proper permission.
Mr Blackwell said he opened the door of his St David’s residence to let his dog out, and was unaware the child was in his yard. He went on to say that he takes full responsibility for the dog’s action, and is more concerned with the little boy’s health.
Mr Blackwell was bailed in the amount of of $5,000, and will return to court at a later date. The child is not insured, and Mr Blackwell will be responsible for his medical costs.
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Finally, a stupid unleashed mistake and taking responsiblity. Kinda dumb statement on my part but shoot the message, not the messenger. I hop the Child recovers soon and Mr. Blackwell really learns a lesson about “Responsibilty”..and reflects for many years.
I’m slightly confused.
-I thought pit bulls were banned in Bermuda? Or can an owner get a special permit?
-I thought kids under 16 receive free medical care in Bermuda?
-If a dog is properly licenses but attacks someone on the owners property what does the law say? Obviously this terrible as its a child. But lets say a thief is trying to rob your house and your guard dog takes a bite out of him. Can the owner face legal headaches?
Just interested…
Hope the child recovers quickly.
Pits aren’t banned mine is actually licensed…
but you do raise GOOD points!!
Hope the chold recovers sooon
Pits are currently on the ban list… so you cannot bring one in from overseas or legally breed, however, you can get a license and adopt from the SPCA as I did.
Yes to all the above.
Weed is illegal…..so what…..Another topic….
if he knows his dog has the mindset of going around biting people most of all a child he should never let it out off a leash never never never– i let my pitbull of the leash many times many places and only because i know he doesnt bite people and shows very little aggressive interest in other dogs that behave them selves in the same manner—so it doesnt matter what kind of dog it is all that matters is the dog is overly aggressive and he does not do a good job of protecting people from the dog-end of story and yes weed is illegal but stupidity is not so i guess you are above the law un less the dog had a joint in its mouth at the same time weed is a non discussion subject
My neighbor had a pitbull. It terroised the neighborhood. He shot it.
What part of Bermuda do you live in?? Shooting a dog is illegal as well!!
first off i am oingto say I hope the boy makes a full recovery. 2nd of all ppit bulls are banned in Bermuda because of some stupid idiots who believe in training them to be monsters. I had a pitbull and he was a like a poodle, its all in how they are raised!!!
Now to the topic at hand, didn’t it say it was in HIS yard?!? why does he have to have it on a leash?!? If it was a thief or someone coming to harm him it would have been comments saying “good on the dog” its just unfortunate that a young boy had to get attacked
Agree with you 100% Pit Boss — Except in rare cases, it is NOT the breed — it is the owner who creates the dog that terrorizes.
I’ve known several pits in my life and they have all been great, family, friendly dogs, all because their owners were knowledgeable enough and had the ability to train them to be so, and who were not interested in creating monsters to jack their own egos as a ‘tough’ guy.
First I wish the child well; however, not all pitts that attach are trained to do so.
Has anyone asked the question: Has that child teased that dog prior to this incedent. For once give the owner the benefit.
I’M JUST SAYING.
He is being charged with “keeping three pit bulls without the proper permission.” If the dogs were licensed I’m sure that he would not be in the trouble that he is in now.
I agree with PIT BOSS. What is the child doing in someone else’s yard? Taking a morning stroll, delivering the mail, picking flowers? Really??
Where were the parent(s) or caregiver? Sounds like a double edge sword to me. In essence both parties should be held responsible. Maybe the owner will think twice about just opening the door and off to the races; and maybe the baby’s guardians will think twice also in letting the child just walk freely.
No he was not taking a stroll or picking flowers he was playing in his own yard and had simply gone to retrieve his ball that had gone into the bushes. Yes perhaps you can have your dogs off a leash in your own yard but please note this young man (and I use the term loosely) does not have an enclosed yard and the dogs can leave the premises at any time when they are unsecured. The young boy could have been 10ft in the road and the dog would have still attacked because that is what it appears it has been trained to do. The owner does not appear to have control of the dogs nor did he help the boy or show any remorse during or after the incident. There’s more to this story which I’m sure will eventually come out as this is afterall Bermuda!
I personally have thrown the ball back to the kids a couple times…They know its no problem to call out for us to throw back the ball.
Also,my father and I have looked for the ball ever since…We still have not found one. The dogs have never left our yard without us. MAX DID NOT ATTACK MR.ASTWOOD.
I am not all for the dogs. I am very sorry that this happened to him.
Good to see him up-and-about.
u r soo full of it i cnt believe ppl. my dogs r loose in the yard alllll the time, and when kids r playing in YOUR YARD my dog has never once ran out the yard to attak no one, even wen its 6 kids playing. i do not train my dogs to attack. they sleep right in my bedroom !! i work 7-730 everyday. i have told u ppl and kids do not come on the property day afterday. i can walk out my door n throw a rock at yours. i didnt come into your life u came into mines! and what i guess im rong to open up my door like i have been doing for the past year, and the chain is rite next to the BACK DOOR of my yard where your son was looking for his “ball”. looks like to me he was doing what he always does, peek around to make the dog run out n mek noise. and where were you???? no where to b found … YOU NO I HAVE DOGS U C THEM EVERY DAY. NOW I HAVE NOTHING, I HOPE THIS MAKES U FEEL GOOD AS A PERSON. I HAVE RAISD MY DOG FROM BOTTLE JUST LIKE YA SON, N NOW THEY GONE, EVERYTIME I WALK IN MY ROOM N REALIZE THEY ARENT THERE I COULD DIE JUST LIKE HOW U WOULD FEEL WITHOUT YOUR SON…
The boy was in his own yard playing football. the ball flew over some trees into the next yard. he went very quickly to retrieve it, but it just so happened that the dog was loose. And if it is that easy for a ball, let alone a child to cross over into his yard then it is just as easy for the dog…which is not at all a good thing since the dog is obviously trained to attack any and everyone/thing it sees So before we go blaming the little boy lets make sure we get the facts first. it is not his fault he was attacked. Maybe we should think about these things before we start training our dogs to be killing machines. Training a dog to protect us from harm and training a dog to attack are two different things. And they can be taught to know the difference. Believe me it is possible.
Observer you are very ignorant, in fact you are plain stupid. How do you know how the dog was raised? Do you live with Mr. Blackwell? Do you even live in his neighborhood? Then I think it would be in your best interest to keep your stupid mouth shut.
I believe Mr. Blackwell when he says that children provoke the dog on a regular basis, as that’s what children do. I myself as a kid would provoke the neighborhood dog and run away. So I’m guessing that after so much time being provoked the dog finally had enough, and when the boy crossed over into HIS yard, he was angry enough to attack the child, IF that’s what happened. I think it would be smart for everyone to reserve their comments until further details arise
Terry – Your neighbor shot the dog? With what? Oh that’s right…guns are obviously permitted in Bermuda now.
He doesn’t live in Bermuda.
Terry do you ever have anything of substance or quality to add to these topics?? “weed is illegal” so what we are talking about pitbulls which are not… what is the relationship there?? Also guns are illegal…. So if your neighbour shot his pit maybe you should be reporting him and not bragging pointlessly on bernews about his gun possession… Are you part of the problem or the solution?? #justsayin
Touche’……Couldn’t have said it better!! Bet you he won’t reply to these comments! Terry you are so full of hot air!!!
Hey Terry how’d you do up the hamburger ?
@PIT BOSS you are totally right. It all depends on how the dogs are raised and trained. I have had the pleasure to interact with pitbulls that are the sweetest things.
In most countries dogs that are considered “dangerous” breeds, must be registered and insured. Hope Mr. Blackwell has his dog insured.
why was the boy in his yard? the dog can run around in his yard if it wants, and the owner lets it.
To- Don’t let the guilty plea fool you
hE COULD HAVE BIN TEN FEET IN THE ROAD BUT THATS NOT THE CASE IS IT??? AND FURTHER MORE WHY DOESNT THIS CHILD HAVE ANY INSURANCE HMMMMM….. SEEMS THAT NIETHER OF THIER PARENTS WORK CAUSE IF THEY DID THEY WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THIER CHILD INSURED… ALL I KNOW IF I LIVED IN A NEIGHBOR HOOD WERE I FELT THIER WERE VICOUS DOGS AND I DIDNT FEEL SAFE I WOULD HAVE LONG REPORTED IT AND THE MATTER WOULD HAVE BIN DEALT WITH NOT WAITED TO AFTER THE FACT… IT REALY IS UNFORTUNATE THAT THE CHILD HAD TO SUFFER MAYBE THE PARENTS SHOULDA GOTTEN BITTEN….. Y WAIT TO THE ISH HITS THE FAN ESPECIALY IF YOU HAVE A FULL UNERSTANDING OF THE SITUATION , REALY IF U ASK ME YOU MAKE YOURSELF LOOK DUMB AND MAYBE THIS IS WHAT U NEEDED IN ORDER TO START BEING PART OF THE SOLUTION RATHER THAN TRYING TO BE A CRITIC… LIKE I SAID ITS VERY UNFORTUNATE THAT THE CHILD HAD TO SUFFER YOU ADULTS NEEDA WAKE UP THE DEFANDENT IS ONLY 22 JUST A MERE BOY HIMSELF HE SHOULDA THOUGHT AND U BEING THE WISER NEIGHBOR WITH ALL THE BRAINS U SHOULDA WENT AND TALKED TO HIM BEFORE HAND … THATS ALL UM GOT TO SAY CHEAAAA VIP ALL DAY KEEP YAH HEAD UP BUBBA
I have to agree with US Observer… def a double edged sword here.
I do hope this child makes a full recovery and wish him nothing less than better health. But I would question where the supervision was. Today’s Bermuda had changed and i think this generation takes ar too much for granted. Saying that, why is it that a young child has no insurance?
This does not necessarily apply to this incident, but people please: quit with the steriotyping. person should have the right to own a pet REGARDLESS what breed it is, provided they can handle the responsibility and general maintenance. AUnfortunetly, these bad things do happen, but it doesn’t mean that all pits are evil!! They are loving and devoted to their owners.
And just for the record, I own two legally licensed pits and live in an area where I feel safer with them. They are not just companions they are protectors. You don’t have to be a genius to understand that.
i wonder why this “22 year old boy” needs 3 illegal pitbulls to protect his property because “the police dont do nothin, but my dogs do.” what ya got to hide? and if hes a 22 year old “boy” then how can we expect him to keep one dog let alone THREE dogs??? i know this “boy” personally, and he is no boy. he is old enough to know right from wrong.
SMDH.
prayers to the child to get well soon, and hopefully no emotional scars. to the childs parents – let this be a lesson that u need to have ya ducks in a row. so sad for the dogs too…. its never the animals fault.
first of all 813grad u dont know me at all you are not down my house everyday, and u didnt c what happend at all. no no, actually lets go back you have no bin dwn my house for like the pas year wen almost every day i tell the children and mother to get off my properet. these kids tourment my dogs they get a rush off the dog barking and them running away?? its alot that all of you ppl dont no on this site.. a fact is that my dog has never bitten anyone, never attacked anyone, AND DID NOT ATTACK OR MAUL THIS YOUNG MAN. i have my dog loose all the while when these kids r playin in THERE yard right across from my “unfenced” yard. and never once has MY DOGS gone out of my yard or tried, they no what they would b in for. so for everyone on this site you will b hearing alot more from me after my trial is done.
THERE ARE MANY OTHER FACTS THAT NEED TO BE BOUGHT TO LIGHT IN THIS CASE.
ON A DIFFERENT NOTE, I am glad to see that Mr.Astwood is back up and playing with his siblings, being im his next door neibor. I am very sorry that this inncident happen to Mr.astwood.
I’m just trying to understand the comments. Are you saying there was another dog besides yours? If your dog did not attack the boy then what dog did?
Gary, I’m pretty sure ur dogs were taunted… I had 1 and the children around my neighborhood got a kick out of throwing rocks at her to get her to bark and eventually hop over the wall nearly hangin herself! Every time this has happened I’ve had to go outside to tell them to leave her alone. That was until she figured how to get off of her leash on her own. I remember the day clearly! I heard the children do their usual ride by screaming, followed by the rocks hittin the ground and her, her yelping, then a sound I hadn’t heard before… her chain hittin the ground and the pitter patter oflittle children running away… Luckily I was able to get up fast enough to call her back to the house… Needless to say I haven’t heard children throwing rocks in a while…
As for all those asking why u have 3 illegal dogs on ur property tell them to find a dog more loyal to u then a pit! My pits are my babies…
@ Gary Blackwell
Don’t worry mate, I have your back. My point is this, I’m sure the kid knew that you had the dog or dogs, and he still went into your yard. I also beleive that the parents are at fault more than you are. Where were they? Why weren’t they watching their child?
I hope that the law goes easy on you and your dogs mate, and the more people demand you apalogize, the more I think you shouldn’t.
How about we skin the face off of Gary Blackwell and call it as just an accident. My heart goes out to the parents of the eight year old child and wish him a speedy recovery. The dogs should be put down.
You should be put down for ya comments!
and its funny how truth is killing me puts his name out thier but the press didnt also funny how they use an anonymus name !!!!
As a dog lover I’ve seen many a pit I’d love to have based on their temperment and appearance (no , not the ugly ones … haha)
But if you ask any real dog expert or vet they’ll tell you that it’s not a matter of owner training or home environment. Pits are genetically predisposed to be schitzy .. The evidence is everywhere , all over the globe. No matter how much of a cream puff they might be ,they have a higher chance of ‘snapping’ than just about any other breed.
As someone who’s suffered their share of dog bites , I hope the little kid recovers without a fear of dogs… man’s best friend !
Fluffy people like you are exactly the ignorant ones I can’t stand. Go ahead, stick to what you think you know because your opinion is just that: YOUR OPINION.
But fluffy is on the money … And anyway exactly what was your rant about ? ? huh ?
Pitt bulls ARE skitzy …. But no-one who’s ever owned one ever had anything but a cuddly , safe, well adjusted , harmless little foo foo … even though the breed should have vanished from Bda about 9 years ago … hmmmmm
It is sad what happen but bottom line de kid should not have been in his yard… um got a pit n he is d sweetest but like all dogs if u push him enough he will react… wen i was younger if my ball or w.e went in someone yard i would call out to d neighbor to throw it bak.. y walk up in someone yard cause u dnt knw wah animals they have or anything. i feel everyone pointing fingers & running the mouths at d owner of d dogs jus because its a 8 year old boy.. if it was a 20 yr old ppl wouldnt be as concern… & wit d whole dogs not being license part… pits r illegal point blank… BUT why if your a loving owner and have good pits can u not have em due to d fact ppl were using em as fighting dogs!!??!! why would ppl take d chance in going to get their pit who they love to get license wen they could denied it and then put the dog sleep…. i knw i wouldnt take that chance..
This is to Don’t let the guilty plea fool you:
First of all you do not know what you are talking about. Or you are simply ignorant. My brother stood in court holding back the tears repeatingly apologizing to the Astwood family. If you were there and you are still saying that then you are a bold face liar or dumb to not be able to see that he was full of remorse. My brother is not a cold hearted person and his remorse has been clearly shown.
As a mother myself, knowing the importance of your child’s whereabouts is crucial especially when now you not only have to worry about pit-bulls but stray bullets as well. I have been at my brothers house and witnessed him have to lean out of his window and tell the kids in Atwood’s yard to stop taunting the dogs. This child should have known that he is not to be going out of his own yard at the age of 8 years old, and especially should have been told not to go into the neighbor’s yard as they have pit bulls. it was no secret that the dogs were there. But children will be children and I know that something’s cannot be avoided.
And yes Bermuda has gossip the way that it does because of people like you who find it necessary to say ignorant things like:
There’s more to this story which I’m sure will eventually come out as this is after all Bermuda!
Unbelievably ignorant that you find it necessary to say.
I am glad that the little boy is ok and this whole situation has been very unfortunate for everyone.
Max was a good dog and well trained. The dogs were constantly taunted by the children in the yard next door and unfortunately dogs don’t forget, have teeth and no common sense.
Mothers watch your kids. Simple. there are pit bulls all over this island and much more life threatening things/people that can hurt or even destroy them. Prime example is what happened to the young child in the condos by MAWI who’s mother ran inside to answer the phone for 2 seconds and their child was molested.
Times have changed, gone are the days where you can leave your door unlocked at night or let your children roam their neighborhood unattended.
Well said Dani. I grew up with you and your brother and I can agree with what you have said about your brothers character.
I too have a pit, and I went out of my way to socialize and train her from 7 weeks old to ensure she would not be catagorized as viscious dog like most ignorant people assume they are. She is perfectly safe to be around young children and I am confident to leave her off the leash in large areas as she is trainied to obey.
I have 6 nieces and nephews, and they are all from the ages of 2-8 and they know not to go on other peoples property without permission, or without an adult. These days you just can’t take the risk and assume it will be ok. Children are going to be children, They experiment and do things in a blink of an eye… as a parent you need to be aware at all times where they are and what they are doing. That is your obligation.
As we can read from all the above, there are various opinions from one spectrum to the other, but keep in mind this was an accident. It was not intentional or a maliscous act, and you lot you are pointing the finger at Gary should really take a step back and realise that LIFE HAPPENS no matter how unfortunate the fate may be.
This is all very unfortunate and I think both parties have something to take from this incident, whether it be good or bad. Shame the media for elaborating so much.. guess they are desperate to make a story these days.
When I was 3 yrs old, I was scratched by my aunt’s cat. I had been told over and over leave the cat alone. But being the average child, I didn’t listen. When I ran to my parents screaming, I was told, “Serves you right. You don’t want to listen, this is what happens.” Now yes, this case involved a dog, but the concept is the same. There is a dog. Dogs bite. You bother the dog, he will bite you. I feel for young Mr. Astwood because it’s traumatizing being attacked by an animal. And yes, the child could have been hurt worse or even died. However, had he not been in the yard, it might have not happened. Domesticated animals don’t attack just because you walk by. He was in his yard aka the dog’s territory, and knew the dog was there. Why risk going in the yard? I was raised to stay off people’s property. I got hurt, it was my fault, lesson learned. There was a day when the comments would have read: “Serves that child right! No one told him go in that yard especially when there’s a dog around!” A child would have been hit for just looking at a strange dog. Nowadays when someone attacked, heaven forbid it be “vicious” pit bull, it’s automatically always the “irresponsible” owner’s fault.
And for those who say destroy the vicious breed, take a look at these stories. Should we eradicate them as well? Or do they get off because they’re such kind, gentle, loving breeds?
http://www.wboc.com/story/10769319/girl-7-hospitalized-after-poodle-attack?redirected=true
http://caveat.blogware.com/blog/_archives/2007/3/14/2805154.html
http://lancaster.injuryboard.com/miscellaneous/dog-attacks-2yearold-long-beach-girl.aspx?googleid=259292
http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/news/Savaged-Gloucester-toddler-attacked-collie/article-2627277-detail/article.html
And here’s one where a Pomeranian attacked a pit bull three times. Small breeds have been known to attack and sometimes kill infants, possibly because they don’t always work well with kids. So it’s not always the “big, bad pits” causing injuries:
http://www.pitbull-chat.com/showthread.php?t=996
I say all this to say, owners: watch your dogs, all breeds. Parents: watch your kids. Kids: stay out of people’s yards and leave animals, especially dogs, alone or you will face the consequences.
Let me let everybody kno that d youth neva got mauled, d dog was gettn let out to relieve itself. 2seconds after d dog went outside all we heard was d youth screaming his head off in panic. D yout tried to run and the dog rushd him and he fell and bus his forehead on the concerte porche, Nex The the dog was running back about 10feet from the boy and then trying to jump on d boy, THE DOG NEVA OUTRITE ATTACKED D YOUTE, IT WAS MORE INA PLAYFUL MATTER BUT SINCE THE YOUTE PANIC HE PROLLY GOT NIPPED. IT ALL HAPPEND INA MATTER OF 30SECONDS.
I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE THE BOYS FOREHEAD PULLED FORWARD SO I PAUSED FOR 2SECONDS DEN RAN FOR D YOUTH, HANDLED D DOG AND TOOK HIM INSIDE, D DOG HAD ZERO BLOOD ON HIM, IN HIS MOUTH, ZERO BLOOD ON ME OR MY OUTFIT BUT BLOOD WAS SQURITING LIKE A WATER GUN OUT THE YOUTHS HEAD. SO TELL ME, Y DIDINT THE DOG HAVE BLOOD IN HIS MOUTH? Y WASNT THEIR A TRACE A BLOOD ON THE DOG OR IN THE HOUSE.
Go to this website to see what a pitbull mauling looks like,
(pit-bulls.christianfundfair.org/attacks.htm)
DDM How come I tend to comprehend what u saying so no comment on this one
“OH” an another man /I hate dogs.
I feel for both parties.
I am glad the little boy is feeling better and is able to play with his siblings again.
Gary, I do not know you but I will say this, do not worry about what others have to say. You know what is in your heart and that it was truly an accident so just let God deal with the rest. Yes it will be hard to not see your dogs right now but if they are given back to you, you know what you have to do.
People please stop pointing fingers or blame. It was an unfortunate accident and I am sure that both parties will learn from the above situation.
I wish both families the best in the future.