I know this couple.I have pit bulls myself.The sheriff shouldn't have put his hands into the dogs pen. If you do not know the animal you should have enough knowledge to stay away instead of forcing and acting first.They are very protective animals.Wednesday night John was told to restrain the dog inside or muzzle Joe so when the law was called out to the house Both parties should have went to jail instead of having a one side story.Domestic Violence should require both people instead of just one.As the sheriff he should have let the John put Joe up instead of forcing into the house first.If this was done,then the dog would not be dead especially when the dog was in his on house.I do think our law enforcement should handle things better than they do.Pit bulls are beautiful,loving,and nice dogs if they're raised propertly.