Family wants tougher dog bite penalties

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Police have arrested a man whose pit bulls viciously attacked a woman last month. The woman is relieved but her family is not happy about the fact that the dogs' owner is only being charged with a misdemeanor, which is the stiffest charge under current Indiana law.

The woman who helped craft the current law said getting the dog attack laws on the books was a fight. In 1993, legislation made dog owners criminally liable if their animal seriously hurt or killed someone.

The legislation stemmed from a 1992 attack when two pit bulls attacked Caress Garten while she strolled along a Fall Creek trail. She lost a third of her lower leg and then spearheaded the '93 Indiana dog bite bill. She now hopes legislators will toughen the law.

"I do think the punishment needs to be tougher. I think a D felony could be pushed through for serious bodily injury," said Garten.

Police arrested Lee Carroll Tuesday morning after his dogs viciously attacked a 68-year-old Brenda Hill on January 25. Hill was taking out her trash when Carroll's pit bulls dragged her off her porch.

"I don't want to live through nothing like that again," said Hill.

Doctors were forced to amputate one of Hill's legs. Carroll will receive a maximum $5,000 fine and a year in jail.

Gregory Gilbert doesn't know whether his mother will ever be able to return to the home she loves.

"I think it's appropriate -- a serious bite such as my mother's...five years, right off the top," said Gilbert.

It's cases like Hill's that keep Garten working on behalf of dog bite victims.

"I feel incredibly sad and frustrated that I haven't been able to do more," said Garten.

Garten continues to work to toughen the laws regarding dangerous dogs, and she's often the target of those who oppose her work. She even asked 24-Hour News 8 to disguise her face. She wants to prevent serious dog attacks by pushing the city council to require owners of dangerous breeds to spay and neuter their dogs as well as carry liability insurance.