Boston is among many cities across the country that have a pit bull ordinance in effect to protect residents from dog bites. Pit bulls are the leading cause of dog bite injuries in the United States, which is why this particular breed is singled out for restrictions.

"Cities, counties, states, and countries have found that pit bulls are so dangerous to humans and other animals that restrictions are warranted," the ordinance reads. The ordinance also specifically states that the dogs pose a "significant threat" to health and welfare of Boston residents and notes that pit bulls attacks of humans caused twice as many wrongful deaths than the nearest statistical competitor. The ordinance also goes on to list several vicious pit bull attacks that occurred in Massachusetts.

One 62-year-old woman was recently released from a hospital after enduring a serious pit bull attack. Authorities say that the woman was walking near a school when she was attacked by two, 90-pound pit bulls that severely mauled her head, left arm, and legs. The woman had to be put in a medically induced coma and doctors were deeply concerned that she would lose her limbs due to the severe trauma that she suffered.

"I've never seen an animal attack that resulted in this much tissue destruction," her doctor said.

It should be noted that this woman's case is not unique and hundreds of serious pit bull attacks occur in Boston and throughout the country every year despite the best attempt to legislate away the danger of a negligent dog owner.

Source: CBS New York, "Shashi Bala Sharma, L.I. Woman Attacked By Pit Bulls, Released From Hospital," Nov. 22, 2011