05/21/2026
Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the woman who tragically lost her life in Cocoa yesterday following a dog attack. Situations like this are devastating for everyone involved, including the animals.
This is not meant to be a debate about breed. Any dog is capable of biting. However, we also have to be realistic about capability and damage potential. Pound for pound, certain powerful breeds are capable of causing far more catastrophic injuries than many other breeds when an attack does occur. And when multiple dogs become involved in a pack mentality situation, the risk of fatality increases dramatically regardless of intent or prior behavior history.
The conversation needs to be about responsible ownership, recognizing warning signs, and keeping dogs properly secured and managed.
As pet owners, we have a responsibility to know our dogs, manage them appropriately, and keep them secure at all times. Loving a dog also means being honest about behavioral concerns, aggression, prey drive, escape tendencies, or bite history. Ignoring warning signs, minimizing incidents, or passing a dog along to another home without full disclosure can place people, other animals, and the dog itself in danger.
There is no shame in seeking professional behavioral help, strict management, or having difficult conversations when a dog is no longer safe. Responsible ownership is not just about loving our pets when things are easy , it’s about making hard decisions when necessary to protect both the community and the animal.
Please leash, fence, secure, and advocate responsibly. One preventable tragedy is one too many.
