Dog News

Hero Pit Bull Mix Saves a Boy from Being Drowned by His Mother

by Melanie

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A mentally ill woman who had drowned one of her sons and was in the process of drowning the other was stopped by Buddy, another family’s pit bull, who dragged the boy away from a river in Australia.

On March 2nd, Buddy was at the Murray River in Moama, a town bordering the states of New South Wales and Victoria, when he saw a distressing situation unfolding in front of him.

A nine-year-old boy was trying to escape the clutches of a woman who was attempting to harm him, so Buddy came to the rescue.  He grabbed at the boy and tried to pull him away, inadvertently biting him.  He also bit the woman as she came after her son.

The boy survived, but had to be treated for his bite injuries at a children’s hospital in Melbourne.  As a result, Buddy was seized by rangers.  A petition was launched to save Buddy’s life, as he certainly would have been put to sleep for attacking a child.  The boys’ maternal grandfather even supported the initiative.

“I own a similar dog, and I know he was trying to save the boys – it’s their nature when they are raised with kids,” he explained to The Courier Mail.  “Let the ones who his actions affected decide.”

 

3.7.17 Hero Pit Bull Saves a Boy from Being Drowned by His Mother1

 

Buddy’s owners said he doesn’t have a history of aggression, and had never bitten anyone before. Police advised the Murray River Council that he was responding to “extreme circumstances,” and had likely been acting in a “reasonable defense” of the child.   The petition garnered over 50,000 signatures, and all the efforts made on Buddy’s behalf were successful.

“The New South Wales Police have advised council that they will not be seeking an order to destroy this animal,” said Murray River Council interim general manager Margot Stork.  “Our Rangers are passionate about animal welfare and we will always work with residents to ensure their pets are registered, micro-chipped, and provide any advice or assistance.”

This came as a huge relief to everyone following Buddy’s story, but most especially his distraught family.  They just had to make sure they registered and microchipped him.

“I just want to tell everyone that our boy Buddy is coming home,” owner Jess Smith said on the petition page.  “He has a few things to get into place before he comes home but the main thing is he is coming home.”

The unnamed 27-year-old woman’s 5-year-old son was found dead after she was arrested for trying to kill her 9-year-old.  She has been charged with murder and attempted murder.  The grandparents, who had the boys in their custody for the 18 months their mother had previously been in prison, are accusing officials of failing to act on the children’s behalf.

“I have one grandson left, because this brave dog took action as required,” the grandfather said.