A horrific incident took place in Tennessee on Wednesday, October 6, 2023, when two young sisters were mauled to death by two pit bulls belonging to their mother, Kirstie Bennard. The mother also suffered severe injuries while trying to protect her children from the attack. The father, Colby Bennard, was not at home during the tragedy. The dogs were taken into custody by the local animal control agency and the investigation is still ongoing. This article will provide a detailed account of the Joshua Wiley Tennessee accident and its aftermath.

What Happened on That Fateful Day?

According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, the attack occurred around 3:30 p.m. at the family’s five-bedroom, $360,000 house on Sylvan Road in Millington, Tennessee, a suburb of Memphis. The victims were identified as two-year-old Lilly Jane Bennard and five-month-old Hollace Dean Bennard. They were pronounced dead at the scene by the paramedics. The mother, Kirstie Jane Bennard, 30, was a respiratory therapist at Regional One Health. She was transported to the hospital in critical condition. According to reports, she is ‘holding on,’ but has decided not to pursue her health further. The father, Colby Bennard, 35, is the president of a Harley-Davidson dealership in Memphis. He was unharmed during the incident. He has been married to Kirstie for five years. Lilly Jane and Hollace Dean were the only children of the couple.

The motive behind the pit bulls’ violent behavior is still unknown. It is unclear whether the dogs were provoked or had a history of aggression. The dogs were removed from the Bennards’ home by the animal control agency. It is not known whether the dogs were euthanized or not. The Sheriff’s Office declined to comment further on the case, citing the ongoing investigation. It is also unknown whether any criminal charges will be filed against the owners of the dogs.

Who Were the Pit Bulls?

The pit bulls that attacked the Bennards were reportedly owned by the mother, Kirstie. She had two of them, named Zeus and Apollo. She had posted several photos of them on her Facebook page, showing them as playful and loving pets. She had also referred to them as her ‘babies’ and ‘fur babies.’ In one post, she wrote, ‘I love my boys so much. They are my world.’

However, in another post from eight years ago, the father, Colby, had referred to the pit bulls as ‘house lions’ while talking to Kirstie. He had also joked, ‘They are going to eat you one day.’ It is not clear whether these were the same dogs that attacked the family or not. Some sources suggest that the dogs were adopted from a shelter a few years ago, while others claim that they were bred by the Bennards themselves.

How Did the Community React?

The Joshua Wiley Tennessee accident has shocked and saddened the community of Millington and the surrounding areas. Many people have expressed their condolences and prayers for the Bennard family on social media. Some have also offered to help with the funeral expenses and medical bills. A GoFundMe page has been set up by a friend of the family, Joshua Wiley, to raise funds for the bereaved family. The page has raised over $50,000 so far. Wiley wrote on the page, ‘This is the most tragic thing I have ever witnessed in my life. I can’t imagine what they are going through. They need all the support they can get.’

However, some people have also criticized the Bennards for owning pit bulls and blamed them for the tragedy. They have argued that pit bulls are inherently dangerous and should not be kept as pets. They have also questioned the parenting skills of the Bennards and accused them of negligence and irresponsibility. Some have even suggested that the Bennards should face legal consequences for the deaths of their children.

What Does the Research Say About Pit Bulls?

Pit bulls are a type of dog that includes several breeds, such as the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Bully. They are known for their muscular build, powerful jaws, and tenacious temperament. They were originally bred for fighting and hunting, but have also been used as working dogs, guard dogs, and companion dogs.

Pit bulls have a controversial reputation in the public eye. They are often portrayed as vicious and unpredictable animals that are prone to attacking humans and other animals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pit bulls were involved in 66% of the fatal dog attacks in the United States from 2005 to 2017. However, the CDC also cautions that these statistics may not be accurate or representative, as they are based on media reports and not on official records. The CDC also states that the breed of a dog is not the only factor that influences its behavior, and that other factors, such as the owner’s actions, the dog’s training, the dog’s health, and the dog’s environment, also play a role.

Pit bull advocates, on the other hand, claim that pit bulls are unfairly stigmatized and discriminated against. They argue that pit bulls are loyal, friendly, and intelligent dogs that can be trained and socialized to be gentle and obedient. They also point out that pit bulls are often abused, neglected, or exploited by irresponsible owners, which may contribute to their aggression. They also cite studies that show that pit bulls are not more likely to bite than other breeds, and that the severity of a dog bite depends on the size and strength of the dog, not on the breed.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Such Tragedies?

The Joshua Wiley Tennessee accident has raised many questions and debates about the safety and responsibility of owning pit bulls and other dogs. While there is no definitive answer or solution to this issue, some possible steps that can be taken to prevent such tragedies are:

• Educating the public about the characteristics, needs, and risks of different dog breeds, and helping them choose the right dog for their lifestyle and environment.
• Spaying or neutering dogs to reduce their aggression and prevent unwanted breeding.
• Providing dogs with proper training, socialization, exercise, and stimulation to keep them healthy, happy, and well-behaved.
• Supervising dogs around children and other animals, and keeping them on a leash or in a fenced area when outside.
• Reporting and intervening in cases of animal abuse, neglect, or cruelty, and holding the perpetrators accountable.
• Enforcing and complying with the existing laws and regulations regarding dog ownership, licensing, vaccination, and bite prevention.
• Supporting and promoting the humane and ethical treatment of all animals, and respecting their rights and welfare.