Dog bite incident sparks interest

Kim Spencer
February 19, 2006

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When Alan Conboy went to return a dead fish at PetSmart on Wednesday night, a large dog attacked him in the entrance, biting his leg and ripping his jeans.

Conboy, 36, of Greeley saw a couple exiting the store with two dogs that looked like Weimaraners. Both dogs were leashed, but one went after Conboy and bit his leg.

The owners of the two dogs handed Conboy $60 to replace his jeans and clean up his wound. Then they left the scene without giving Conboy any contact information.

Online readers took issue with the owners leaving, the store's policy of allowing dogs to come in and dogs not being muzzled.

"$60 for a dog bite? Bailing the scene after your dog bites someone is as bad as a hit and run accident, if not worse."

Others defended the store's policy of allowing pets to accompany their owners inside and downplayed the man's wounds.

"It was just a dog bite that wasn't serious. Fortunately, there wasn't a child involved. The persons entering PetSmart should be aware that there is always a possibility of being bitten, and they are entering at their own risk. What a bunch of wimps out there. Sure hope we never have a war in the U.S. These people will crawl in a hole with fright."

In reply, however, someone points out that any bite can be a big deal.

"Animal bites can be very serious, even without worrying about rabies. Puncture wounds do not always heal correctly. I know a couple of healthy people who lost work because of infected dog bites. Dog bites should always be taken seriously."

Some comments recommended dogs should be muzzled if taken to the store. Readers who responded took issue with that suggestion.

"We should not punish responsible owners and their dogs by making them use muzzles. For the few people that are reckless with animal care, there are also many more who do take the time to socialize and train their dogs to prevent these types of incidents."

Other comments recounted personal experiences or incidents they've heard or read about around the country.

As always, we welcome your feedback on any and all stories appearing in the Tribune.

City editor Kim Spencer writes a weekly reflection of comments posted on the Tribune Web site during the previous week. You may reach her at 392-4467 or spencer@greeleytrib.com.