BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — A female pit bull that had been declared a vicious animal by the Martin County court system is now in the custody of the game warden after it is said to have attacked a pig.

A second dog was also involved in the attack.

Martin County Sheriff’s Deputy David Adams responded to a complaint from Sheriff John Kirk about dogs owned by Patrick Lee Blackburn running loose on Ratliff Town Road and attacking a pig.

The sheriff advised Adams that a white female pit bull had been deemed “vicious” through the court, and Blackburn was not complying with a court order as the sheriff had observed the dog running loose on the road.

When the deputy arrived at Blackburn’s residence, Blackburn’s fiancé opened the door, and a female pit bull exited from inside the home and ran free outside in an unfenced yard.

Blackburn allegedly admitted he had heard the female dog and a male pit bull fighting with something on the hillside but was unaware at the time that it was a pig.

Adams cited Blackburn for harboring a vicious animal and called the dog warden, who came and took the female pit pull into custody.

According to Sheriff Kirk, after being declared vicious by the court, the dog was to be contained in an enclosure at least 7 feet high or with a secured top and must wear a muzzle anytime it leaves the enclosure.

Adams found no enclosure and reported the dog was not wearing a muzzle.

“I love animals as well as the next person, but with ownership comes responsibility,” said Sheriff Kirk. “If you have a dog that attacks another animal, or God forbid an individual, you are responsible for medical or vet bills, which can add up quickly. If you choose to own a breed of animal that has the reputation of being aggressive or violent toward others, you are required to take every precaution necessary to prevent any problems. If you can’t comply with the law, you need to rethink owning the animal.”

Blackburn is set to appear in court Jan. 9, 2023.