Woman Charged After Her Pit Bull Bites 73-Year-Old Woman; Sheriff Watson Says Stray Pickup Drastically Needed

  • Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Tammy Lynette Morales
Tammy Lynette Morales

Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson says an investigation is underway since Wednesday morning regarding an injury by a dog bite to a 73-year-old woman. Reports indicate the woman, Patty Debusk, was bitten in multiple places on both legs by a female pit bull as she walked on Maryland Circle near Dockery Lane.  

Ms. Debusk was treated at the scene then transported to Skyridge Medical Center by Bradley County EMS.  

Officers have charged the dog’s owner, Tammy Lynette Morales, 38, of Alton Avenue, with felony dog-at-large.  

“We have been having a rash of dog attacks on citizens and a high volume of dog-at-large calls," said Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson.  "Today, it was a 73-year-old lady walking that was attacked by pit bull dogs that the owner had been warned to keep restrained.  

"Due to the high volume of dogs running at large, deputies will make every effort to locate the owner(s) of the dog(s) and issue a warning.  If they fail to restrain their dogs as the law requires and we respond a second time, the owner of the animal will receive a written citation and be charged with a class C (dog-at-large) misdemeanor.  

"If a dog bites or attacks someone and causes bodily injury, the owner will be arrested and charged with a class E (dog-at-large) felony.  

“Currently, the Bradley County sheriff’s office is answering between seven to 11 calls of service each day concerning dogs running at large”, stated Sheriff Watson.   

The county had animal control services until March 2013 when the contract with the city of Cleveland lapsed and was not renegotiated by the County Commission. The sheriff’s office is not set up or funded to provide animal control, Sheriff Watson said.  

Sheriff Watson continued, “Currently, the county has no stray animal confinement or pickup services and it is only a matter of time until someone else is attacked, maimed and possibly killed by dog.  Last week, the County Commission asked me to provide a proposal to them for animal control services and we are currently working on preparing that proposal. In my opinion, we need a facility and proper enforcement of our Tennessee laws to make this successful. My proposal will include dealing with strays, as well as enforcing the existing laws concerning animals.  

“I want us to do all we can to prevent any further injury or loss of life to anyone. We will continue to strive to protect our citizens as best as possible. 

“Thank you all for everything you do and I appreciate your cooperation as we work to get this problem resolved.” 

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