Five children left unattended with pit bulls

A Toledo, Ohio mother of four was charged with child endangerment on August 28th when police officers found five children home alone in a house filled with pit bulls and a loaded rifle, according to the Toledo Blade. Alison Gilmore allegedly left the children unattended in the house the family shared with the dogs, and it was apparent that pit bull fighting had occurred on the premises. A picture window overlooked a makeshift pit in the living room, where there was dried blood, dog fighting collars and chains. Police found nine pit bulls in and around the house and garage, with one locked in a bedroom, according to WTOL Channel 11 News. The dogs had scars showing signs of fighting. Police were warned by the children that the dog locked in the bedroom, “bites really bad.” The kids ranged in age from 2 months to 9 years and have all been taken into the custody of Children Services. One child, whom Ms. Gilmore was baby-sitting, was allowed to go back to his mother. Not only is dog fighting illegal in the state of Ohio, but it also teaches dogs to be vicious towards everything around them, including humans. According to Toledo Police Officer Barb Jackson, as reported by WTOL, "Pit bulls are basically loaded weapons."