I thought this story was shocking enough when I read that a pet piranha actually bit off the tip of a toddler's finger recently. I mean we always hear about the dangers of dogs and small children, but I never really stopped to consider the fish tank. Of course, most people don't put piranhas in the fish tank ... but that's another story.
This incident happened last week in Chicago, and an 18-month-old girl was the victim. According to the Chicago Tribune, when the family first saw the bleeding remains of their daughter's finger, they feared it was their dog, a 65-pound pit bull, that was responsible. But after an ambulance whisked her to the hospital, doctors told them it was no dog bite.
The father -- who was still at home -- quickly realized what must have happened after the family called with the news, and then he did something really shocking.
He plunged his hand into that fish tank, grabbed one of the two piranhas, and gutted the thing. A spokesperson for the sheriff's department told the paper:
He had no fear; these were truly fatherly instincts. He grabbed a knife and cut it open and found her fingertip right there.
He took the fingertip to the hospital where they tried to reattach it. It's unclear whether it worked or not, but that's a pretty intense dad demonstration of love regardless.
I would hope I could do the same, but I'm not sure. Of course, I'd never keep piranhas in my house either, which sounds like a pretty bad idea from the get go with small children around. I'm thinking maybe a nice new goldfish should perhaps be their next pet.
Do you think you'd be able to do what this dad did? Do you think it's irresponsible to have piranhas as pets if you have small children?
Image via The_gut/Flickr
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Comments 83
So now we judge people on the type of pets they own? Ok then if you have a cat you are a serial killer..since many of them owned cats. Its a freaking fish. That was in a tank. chances are she did the curious child thing and stuck her hand in...like all kids at that age. So I guess its safe to say there must be a lot of kids living in little protective bubbles out there. Everything in life has the potential to cause harm. Now were the fish in a bowl on the living room table that would be different. Not a fan of pits but they know their dog the best..I hope
Some people are so ignorant. ANY dog can bite the tip of a finger off a toddler, Pit Bulls are not 'more' likely to so. In fact little dogs tend to be more aggressive. (Chihuahuas, & Yorkshires for example). And what does it matter what kind of fish they had? It's a fish, they're there for decoration. Toddler probably was testing boundaries and this time "bit off more then she could chew". Sometimes kids need a sharp lesson to get it though their thick skulls, and unfortunately a girl got hurt. But to judge these parents because they have piranhas and a pit bull just makes yourself look like a fool.
Its really nice to see everybody supporting the pits. I dont understand how people can judge about something they know nothing about. I wouldnt own any other dog. My daughter is like the little girl on looney toones elvira im going to love you and kiss you and hug you. And she doesnt leave the dogs alone shes all over them everyday from the moment she started walking and they have never once showed any aggression whats so ever in 4 years
I would never have a "pet" piranha around my young child (my son is 16 months)...ever! For reasons that children are so inquisitive, period! As far as that Pitbull remark...they're NOT a "mean" breed! The deranged owner is at fault! :( Just as Wolves are NOT as they are perceived, vicious wild animals! Anyway...
the father wanted to save his daughter's finger (I'm sure) in hopes that it could be re-attached. I would have done as this father had done without hesitation!!!
More eye-rolling at the Pitbull comments! Sad that people don't care to educate themselves on some things!
The only comment I have is to the woman who said she got chased by two pitbulls. You should never run from a dog because they have a natural instict to chase, whether agressive or not. The best thing you can do if you encounter a loose dog is to pay attention to its body language(also avoid making eye contact). Is its tail wagging? If so, it just wants to play, no need to feel threatened. Is it growling? Then this is when running is the worst thing you could possibly do. Its the dogs way of warning you to back off. Back away slowly(DO. NOT. RUN.), until the dog stops growling. Then, you can slowly walk away. It doesnt matter what dog you come accross, if you run, it will chase you. The best thing you can do is to stop blaming the one breed and know what to do if you encounter ANY loose or stray dog.