An 80-year-old Jacksonville man is learning to walk all over again after two pit bulls mauled him at his daughter's Westside home, and his family is demanding the dogs be taken off the property. The attack left deep wounds on his legs, put him in the hospital, and left relatives stunned that a judge allowed the dogs to stay after his daughter asked to keep them.
News4JAX identified the victim as Carl Graham, who was rushed to UF Health Shands with at least five bite wounds after the attack at a house off Kirkland Road. Graham told the station, "All muscle, that's what he bit. All muscle," as family members said his legs had been mauled. Animal Care and Protective Services officers reported that a smaller dog went after him first, then a larger dog joined in, and the owner finally drove them off with a stick.
Judge Allows Dogs To Stay, For Now
A panel of five ACPS officers unanimously concluded the dogs were dangerous and recommended they be removed, and the agency went to court asking for a temporary removal order. Instead, a judge denied the request after Graham's daughter pleaded to keep the animals. The ruling said Graham had been advised not to enter the property and that the dogs "were protecting the property at the time the victim opened the gate," according to News4JAX. ACPS leaders told reporters the owners refused to cooperate with officers and would not hand over the dogs without a warrant.
What The Law Requires
Under the City of Jacksonville health code, owners of dogs officially labeled dangerous must carry liability insurance of at least $500,000 per animal or post a $500,000 surety bond and follow strict confinement and muzzling rules, according to the City of Jacksonville. At the state level, Chapter 767 of the Florida Statutes details how dogs are classified as dangerous, the notice and hearing requirements, and when animal-control authorities can order a dog impounded or destroyed after causing severe injury or death, as outlined by the Florida Senate.
Family Demands Accountability
Graham's relatives say they were never told about the investigation or the court proceeding and describe the judge's decision as devastating. They are calling for someone to be held accountable and for the dogs to be removed from the property. For now, the animals remain there under a dangerous-dog designation, and the owners must secure the required insurance and comply with the safety rules. If they do not meet those conditions, the dogs could ultimately be euthanized.
