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Bad dogs? Or bad owners? State debates how to curb violent animal attacks.

Article Excerpt
Byline: Cara Spoto Daily Herald Staff Writer

SPRINGFIELD - In early November, three pit bulls mauled 10-year- old Nick Foley and a friend as they sold candy door-to-door in their Cary-area neighborhood.

The dogs escaped through a door propped open by a case of beer and attacked four adults, including owner Scott Sword, before being shot and killed by police.

In 2004, similar dog attacks left children and adults injured in Hoffman Estates, Palatine and Roselle. A year earlier, a jogger was mauled to death and another injured in the Dan Ryan Woods, a Cook County forest preserve.

As a result, state lawmakers have proposed an array of laws ranging from banning certain breeds believed to have a propensity for violence to stiffening fines for owners whose dogs attack.

Their actions mirror efforts across the country, but there's little consensus on how to best handle what can be an emotional debate pitting dog lovers against dog-bite victims.

Nick Foley was hospitalized for six weeks following the attack. He's now home recovering, said Polly, his mother.

"Personally, if I never have to see a pit bull again, that'd be great," she said. "But, of course, that's not going to happen."

Chances are she's right.

Although breed-ban proposals have surfaced in dozens of communities and several states, few appear to be having political success.

In Illinois, a pit bull ban was voted down in Bloomingdale and stalled in Chicago. Attempts at statewide bans quickly brought overwhelming opposition....