Pitbulls are aggressive dogs and are more likely to kill. True or false?

[BikeWriter]

Inquiring minds want to know!

"FATAL DOG ATTACKS"
Breeds Involved
Pit Bull and Pit-bull-type dogs (21%), Mixed breed dogs (16%),
Rottweilers (13%), German Shepherd Dogs (9%), Wolf Dogs (5%),
Siberian Huskies (5%), Malamutes (4%), Great Danes (3%),
St. Bernards (3%), Chow Chows (3%), Doberman Pinschers (3%),
other breeds & non-specified breeds (15%).
http://www.fataldogattacks.com/statistics.html

Choose the answer you think closest to the truth, or provide your own.

[matcom]

1. ALRIGHT!

:popcorn:

[BikeWriter]

3. Ha ha ha ha ha!

:popcorn:

[RetroLounge]

57. Exactly what I was thinking...

:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:
:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:
:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:
:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:
:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

[kick-ass-bob]

83. this is subpar.

only one post per minute.

The good ones have 3 per minute (like sitting on benches)

:eyes:

[matcom]

103. sitting on benches is LEGENDARY!

:D

[DS1]

2. They're more ABLE to kill when they do have aggresive tendencies

than say, a Chiuaha

But, this thread, like all the others is going to end up in a flameware.

I'll be up here on post #2 looking down on it all :-) (fuck you matcom)

[WindRavenX]

4. your underestimation of the killing powers of a chiuaha will be your end

:popcorn:

[DS1]

6. Drop the popcorn

*chomp* :popcorn:

[WindRavenX]

7. are you calling me short???

Bastard :evilgrin:

[DS1]

11. Are you suggesting I've some heightism in me?

I'm but pure, you mad woman!

[WindRavenX]

12. I am suggesting you discrimate on my lack of vertical clearance

You bigot!!!!!11111 :P

[DS1]

16. You're not vertical clearance disadvantaged, you're

crawlspace habitat maximizing

[WindRavenX]

19. when you're looking for a crawlspace to hide in

You'll remember me :hide:

[DS1]

22. I try not to associate my friends with cramps

:D

[BikeWriter]

10. I've heard their jaw strength is like 2,000 lbs PSI. Other dogs...

have a third or less of that.

[DS1]

13. I've heard that their teeth have teeth

that move back and forth, and act like an electric kitchen knife

and that they are bulletproof in over 99% of their body, and the only way to kill them with a bullet is to aim for the anal pore

[WindRavenX]

17. I hear they have lasers on their backs

Making them second only to sharks with lasers on their frickn' heads as to being the most dangerous animal known to man.

[youthere]

70. OH YES! Triple point score for Austin Powers/Dr. Evil reference!

Throw me a frickin' BONE people!

[BikeWriter]

I had one the step-Son taught to hang onto a tire...

You could swing him around while he hung onto it.

[Shell Beau]

55. With a silver, holy water, garlic covered bullet at that!

[FuzzySlippers]

90. I dunno. This looks like a vicious killer to me.

[BikeWriter]

93. ACK! Vicious dog!

[johnnie]

5. Yeee Haw

:popcorn:

[MissMillie]

28. I'll share my junior mints if you share your popcorn

deal?

[johnnie]

43. Sure...

:popcorn: :popcorn:<----- yours.

[BikeWriter]

31. Hee hee hee! I knew this would be a good one. :-)

:popcorn:

[johnnie]

44. Yup

The "killer dog" thread is always a good stand by.

[flvegan]

8. Well, you've made 2 assertions

1. That pitbulls are aggressive dogs.
False. In some situations, a pitbull may be aggressive. So might a cocker spaniel or a lab. Some pitbulls may be aggressive due to training and lack of socialization. So might a cocker spaniel or a lab.

2. That pitbulls are more likely to kill.
Vague, therefore no true/false about it. Kill what or whom? In what situation.

Blame the deed, not the breed.

Additionally, I cry bogus on the "pit bull and pit-bull-type dogs" standard. What is that, specifically, "pit-bull-type" anyway? Looks like one, mixed with one (which would then bleed over into the next category of "mixed breed dogs" too)? Looks like someone with a website is trying to produce a little spin.

[BikeWriter]

24. I produced a source. If you wish to prove your point, please...

provide substantiation.

[flvegan]

26. Okay, from Karen Delise (also, your source)

I'll make 3 points. Pay close attention to the very last sentence in Point 3, okay?

Point 1:
Victim Profile
79% of all fatal attacks were on children under the age of 12
12% of the victims were the elderly, aged 65 - 94
9% of the victims were 13 - 64 years old

The age group with the highest number of fatalities were children under the age of 1 year old; accounting for 19% of the deaths due to dog attack. Over 95% of these fatalities occurred when an infant was left unsupervised with a dog(s).

The age group with the second-highest number of fatalities were 2-year-olds; accounting for 11% of the fatalities due to dog attack. Over 87% of these fatalities occurred when the 2-year-old child was left unsupervised with a dog(s) or the child wandered off to the location of the dog(s).

Point 2:
Overwhelmingly, the dogs involved in fatal dog attacks were unaltered males.
From 2000-2001 there were 41 fatal dog attacks. Of these, 28 were attacks by a single dog and 13 fatalities were caused by multiple dogs.

Of the 28 single dogs responsible for a fatal attack between 2000-2001;
26 were males and 2 were females. Of the 26 males, 21 were found to be intact (the reproductive status of the remaining 5 males dogs could not be determined).

Point 3:
While at times informative, statistics on fatal dog attacks can also be misleading. For example, a number of cases were a Pit Bull, Rottweiler or GSD were counted as causing a human fatality were in reality the direct result of gross human negligence or criminal intent (i.e. discarding a newborn in the yard where the dogs were kept, or cases of extremely emaciated animals, or cases were the dog was ordered or encouraged to attack the victim).

This study was conducted not to determine which breeds of dogs caused fatalities, but rather to examine the circumstances and events that precipitated an attack. Knowing how many Pit Bulls or Rottweilers caused a human fatality has little applicable value, only when examining each case individually can we hope to gain insight into the HUMAN and CANINE behaviors that contributed to these tragic events.

[BikeWriter]

29. That's why I voted Pits were more likely...

to be allowed to be aggressive by their owners. I've known good ones and bad ones.

[flvegan]

33. 2 things:

For sake of this poll, compared to the other breeds listed, you are right, and voted as such. Well done.

However, in general, that isn't true. There are a number of other breeds that are (by a higher ratio) allowed/made aggressive by their people. Cane Corso, Presa Canario, Dogo Argentino...the list goes on. All very nice dogs, when raised properly. Too few (by ratio, again) are. These are, of course, much more rare, and therefore little data exists on their lists of attacks.

[BikeWriter]

41. Agreed. A friend had two Fila Brasileiros...

He was given them because the owner lived on an island and they had killed every other dog on the island. I believe they have pit bull blood in their breeding, though.

[flvegan]

47. If they're pure Filas, then

they're practically direct descendants of the Molossus, as is the Corso. Filas are MASSIVE, too. Not a dog for an inexperienced handler, either. Meant to hunt and defend, loyal to a fault.

[BikeWriter]

58. Yep, these two were bad asses...

He had them in six foot cyclone fences, they got out anyway.

[friesianrider]

34. For the love of God...

Hasn't this issue been hashed...and rehashed...and rehashed...and rehashed ad nauseum? Many people have proven flvegan's point. Many, many, many times. I have a hard time believing you missed these discussions because sometimes you've been a part of them.

BW I really do like you a lot, but it seems like you continually post things like this relating to animals/Pits/vegetarians/meat just to deliberately antagonize and upset people.

[BikeWriter]

45. Hey, I happen to like Pit Bulls, although I despise...

how some of them are raised and trained. If this thread upsets you there is always the Ignore button.

[friesianrider]

Okay...

I'm just saying. This thread doesn't upset me at all, which is why I've responded to it. I was just making an observation that in my opinion you sometimes have a tendency to deliberately start flamewars (usually directed at animal lovers, vegetarians, etc) just to get people rialed up.

*ducking out of the thread now and getting back to my IPE paper*

[BikeWriter]

76. LOL! I AM an animal lover, with the exception of feral animals

[DS1]

9. Okay, this needs some sort of catalyst

Pit Bulls are more dangerous because you have to back up and run them over a few times

:hide:

[bridgit]

14. true enough, they do have a knack for mauling the defenseless...

as well :hide: "back up and run them over a few times" just to persuade them to release damnit!!

[LynneSin]

20. Yes, but what if the catalyst is some harmless kid playing with the pit?

:shrug:

[DS1]

23. There's no such thing as a harmless kid

They are all up to something, and all of them could be potential terrorist murder-bombers

[Midlodemocrat]

32. So, do you think I should take the arsenal away from my son?

[DS1]

35. No, I think he needs to take it to school and set an example

:D

[Midlodemocrat]

38. Shit, yeah, that is all I need.

Wouldn't put it past the little fucker, though.

Just kidding, he really doesn't have an arsenal. At least, I don't think he does.

[DS1]

42. By that age, I did

and it was used with great restraint - to ensure repeated usage

[Midlodemocrat]

46. He does have a replica of the LOTR sword, however,

and a replica of Anakin's light saber, not the toy, the collector's item. Maybe I should check and see if they are still in his room?

Oh, wait, I don't know where he lives.

[DS1]

56. I had a BB gun, blow gun, ninja stars, bow and arrow

with aluminum frame arrows and metal tips, slingshot w/1/4" steel ball ammo

[Midlodemocrat]

61. He does have an airsoft gun. I hate that thing. Little green pellets

all over the damned yard.

All the kids have them. :eyes: The kids even have airsoft parties.

Being totally non gun, it is really hard for me. My husband had a BB gun as a kid, so he understands, and my brothers did as well.

I do make him wear goggles to protect his eyes and he has been instructed never to shoot at anyone above the waist. The whole point of these guns is a softer variety of paintball.

[DS1]

62. hmmm, mine was potentially lethal

copper BBs at 790 feet per second

[Midlodemocrat]

64. And yet, you turned out so sweetly. Totally snark-free.

Maybe there is hope for my son.

[Shell Beau]

60. He might need it after that bully!!!

:P

Just teasing. I am really glad he is okay! I am not making light of the situation really I think you handled it very well!!

[Midlodemocrat]

68. LOL. Thanks.

:thumbsup:

[LynneSin]

15. My friend had a pitbull

It was a home filled with love for 4-legged animals. First time I met the pitbull he crawled up into my lap like he was some sort of lapdog. Filled with love.

Then she went on vacation. She had been using a reputable kennel for years for her dogs and this was the 3rd time the pitbull had been kenneled there (she had 2 other dogs for years longer than the pitbull.) The 3 dogs were kepted in one large runner cage that had both indoors and outdoors room for them. She had no problem rooming them together because they were such good buddies at home.

But that fateful 3rd time something triggered in the pitbull and he ended up mauling to death her oldest dog, a lab/dashound mix that she owned for over a decade. No one knows what trigger the pitbull to get violent but she did. Not only did my friend lose a long time beloved pet (the dog was the sweetest loveable girl you'd ever met) but the pitbull also had to be put to sleep.

No she didn't raise the pit from infancy, but the pit was only about a year old when she first adopted her.

These dogs can be the most loving pet but something can trigger then to get violent and when they do they're extremely dangerous.

My opinion: All pit bulls (and other dangerous dogs) should be registered and to receive your registration you must give proof of the dog being fixed (I see pits all over my neighborhood and they don'l like fixing them since breeding is a good source of income). If you want to breed pitbulls then you need to go through special registration. And all pit bulls who are outside of the house should be leashed and muzzled.

They are a dangerous dog and they, along with other dangerous dogs (like the Canario) should be monitored.

[jane_pippin]

50. Well put. n/t

[Taverner]

18. This is a once-great breed ruined by the scum of the earth

Pitbulls used to be great family dogs, very loving and very sweet tempered. Then the scum of the earth ruined this breed by breeding the most aggressive pups and drowning the rest of the litter.

Now they are doing this with Mastiffs and Rottweillers.

I swear you should have to file papers and get a license to have a dog. :grr:

[LynneSin]

27. I have to agree with that one

All Pit Bulls should require special registration in which the owner must show proof that the dog has been fixed. Breeders would require permits that show they are proper breeders and not what you just described above (the most agressive of the litter and the rest being drown).

When a pit is outside of the home the dog must be on a leash and wearing a muzzle. BTW, those dogs can tear down a screen door.

I live in a neighborhood where pitbulls are plentiful. The apartment manager has banned all dogs above 25lbs and will toss you out on the street if they find you with one above that weight. My lease also expressly says "No Pit Bulls"

I would also have to agree with any other violent nature dogs. If we regulate the pitbulls they'll just go after other agressive dogs and make them the new 'pitbull'

[jane_pippin]

48. whoops...responded to wrong post. d'oh.

[miss_kitty]

21. I'm stocking up on snacks!!

:popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:



For my dog:


For my cat:

[Pithlet]

25. When a pit bull attacks it is more likely to be fatal

than many other weaker breeds. I think that's the important distinction, and one that is true of other larger more powerful breeds as well. A lot of people like to lament "You never hear about it in the news when it's a poodle". That's because poodle attacks are fatal less often. There are physical differences between the breeds, and some ARE more powerful than others, and it's stupid to ignore that. It doesn't mean that owners of the less powerful breeds shouldn't be careless in thinking their dogs are safer. Some of the smaller breeds can be just as aggressive, easily. But, their bite is inflicted by smaller jaws and smaller teeth, and it's easier to defend your face and throat from a smaller, lighter weight dog.

There is no doubt that irresponsible owners of the dogs are the real problem, though. The dogs aren't inherently evil killers unless they were trained to be. They're just doing what dogs do. It's a shame that irresponsible owners ruin it for everyone else.

[LynneSin]

30. I had a poodle bite

It required a tetanus shot but no stitches. Yes, the only time I was ever bitten was by a poodle.

The reason for this is the jaw. You take a look at a Poodle jaw (or many of the other non-violent dogs) and their jaws are much smaller than the pit bull which is built with a humongous lower jaw

[Pithlet]

36. My bite was from a poodle, too

I wonder if that was the subconscious reason for me to pick that breed as an example. Poodle lovers note, I do like poodles and don't think they're any more dangerous than any other dog of comparable size :)

I'm glad the first response isn't a flame. Because really I think that the misconception that pit bulls, or rotweillers, or *insert large powerful breed here* are no different than any other dog is what is dangerous. If every single owner of these types of dogs understood that that the consequences of their dog biting may be more serious, then they might be less likely to be complacent. Because I'd be willing to bet that many of the incidences where a pit bull killed were not from gangsters who trained their dog to kill, but from owners who got lazy or were complacent thinking their dog would never kill. How many times do we see the owners quoted as saying their dog was so sweet and wouldn't hurt a fly?

It's not that I don't think pitt bulls or rotties or chow chows or mixes with those breeds don't make good pets, or that they're evil. The coolest dog I ever knew was a Rott/Chow Chow mix named Grizz. I just think responsibility is key, and part of responsibility is knowing the dangers and preventing them.

[Cannikin]

37. Vicious golden retriever must be stopped

You never hear that in the news.

[SOteric]

92. What great picks!

And what a sweet looking dog!

[BikeWriter]

101. LOL! He looks like a killer!

[friesianrider]

39. BikeWriter...

I posted this before up above but wanted you to see it:

Hasn't this issue been hashed...and rehashed...and rehashed...and rehashed ad nauseum? Many people who wanted to say something on this issue have said their piece. Many, many, many times. I have a hard time believing you missed these discussions because sometimes you've been a part of them.

BW I really do like you a lot, but it seems like you continually post things like this relating to animals/Pits/vegetarians/meat just to deliberately antagonize and upset people.

[BikeWriter]

51. Children's safety is a topic that deserves much discussion...

A boy in West Harris County was mauled by two Pit Bulls today. I don't condemn them, just the owner.

[friesianrider]

54. Dear, please don't play that game, ok?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=4100204&mesg_id=4100331

And with your past of deliberately antagonizing people who love animals and posts like this, you actually expect me to believe that your motivations for posting this was because of your intense and sincere concern for child welfare? This discussion has been rehashed over and over and over and over. Let it go for just a few weeks, ok?

*ok. seriously doing my IPE paper now!*

[BikeWriter]

65. If you plan to psychoanalyze me, you'd best pack a lunch.

;-)

[yewberry]

87. And some tranks. nt

[BikeWriter]

96. ROFLOL!

:)

[jane_pippin]

40. When I was a baby a non-pit bull dog bit my face off.

I'm not kidding. Our family dog, a golden retriever/mutt--sweetest dog in the world by all accounts--was sleeping. I was learning to walk, fell down, and grabbed his "naughty bits" as I landed. That scared him so he whipped around and bit me in the face. My nose was literally hanging off of my face. I had to have reconstructive surgery and about a billion stitches.

My guess is that if the dog bit harder or in a different spot, I'd be dead now. However, this has not prevented me from becoming a "dog person." I love 'em. I just don't think large breeds ought to be around little kids because accidents can happen with any kind of dog, and nobody can watch either one of them every second of the day.

(Before I get jumped on, either way, my brother has a pit bull that he takes very good care of and takes precautions with when he walks her because they are a strong, unique breed and he doesn't want to see an accident like mine or worse happen. She is a sweetheart of a dog, and very friendly and calm, but that doesn't mean she wouldn't bite when threatened and that bite very well could be fatal. If a pit bull is "more likely" to kill my guess is it has to do with their strength, lack of quality treatment, or a combination of both rather than an overwhelming urge by the dog to kill people.)

I don't claim to have an answer to this debate, but there's my 2 cents.

Ok. Pass me some popcorn and some flame retardant pants now. ;)

[friesianrider]

49. I think that's a pretty reasonable response Jane.

As you say, any dog can and will bite and/or kill. It's just illogical to try and claim one breed is "worse" than others.

To me, if you buy into this whole anti-Pit thing then you also must buy into racial profiling since, essentially, that's what this anti-Pit hoopla is all about. All it is is scapegoating an entire group and giving people a false sense of security, not to mention resulting in punishing only the responsible and good members of the group in question (hope that made sense).

[jane_pippin]

59. But I think it's also irresponsible to ignore the strength of the breed

They are capable of hurting more than other breeds just based on how they are built, but I don't think that's a reason to dismiss the whole breed as killers outright.
If it was a pit that bit me as a baby I'm sure I would be dead simply because of how the dog's powerful body reacts. But again, I personally wouldn't have big dogs around little kids in the first place if it could be helped (and I think for the most part it can).

(And thanks).

[BikeWriter]

63. Every large dog should be well-trained...

I was raised with Chows and raised my own Children around them. The dogs were strictly raised knowing the kids mastered them, and were very protective of them.

[jane_pippin]

69. I agree...

but that was the case with the family dog that bit me. (post #40). He was very protective of me and a very gentle dog. I just happened to surprise him and he reacted. It was just a bad accident, that's all.

[BikeWriter]

80. That really sucked. The only accident...

we had was a slight bruise on one of the kids from playing too rough with one of the dogs.

[jane_pippin]

97. Ha! Tell me about it!

I was only 9 months old so it isn't like I remember it but I do have a little scar left from it. (Doctors worked wonders in my case.)

I'm sure what happened to me was not typical of dog/kid roughhousing.

[BikeWriter]

105. One of my step-Daughters Grand Parent's dog...

nipped her on the lip. He was an older terrier, and very cranky. She's never had a problem with any of ours.

[Shell Beau]

71. I have a chow mix now. I have to say that

their mouths are almost as wide as a pits. Being a careful owner is key.

[BikeWriter]

86. Chows are typically an independent breed...

I've bred literally dozens and dozens. I have turned down prospective buyers who would not listen while I explained their temperament. Chows must be mastered or they may take over the lead. One thing I stress, a Chow has never bitten it's master, some owners have failed to master their Chows. My vet has told me he can tell which Chows he sees that are out of my dogs.

[Shell Beau]

88. Really? That is great that

you make sure to give your dogs to proper owners. They can be tough to deal with, but with patience and knowledge, it can be done. I love my chow mix. He is a chow/heeler mix. Heelers can be just as stubborn and aggressive as chows. We have been extremely careful with ours. He is very loving. He can be animal aggressive, but I take control when an animal is present.

[ProfessorGAC]

72. Absolutely Right!

I have a yellow lab, and from day one he was trained "NO JUMPING!" When he was a 10 pound puppy, jumping up on someone to greet him might have been cute. But, now as a 100# 5 year old, he could hurt somebody by knocking them over.

Any big dog has to be trained to understand not to be physical, even by accident.

Geez, we've got a new kitten in the house, and this big beast of mine won't even let her jump off the couch because he's so protective. But, he doesn't jump up on people. Good training is important with a big beastie.
The Professor

[BikeWriter]

89. No doubt in my mind, Professor...

I'll bet your Lab is a great one.

[ProfessorGAC]

95. Shhhhhh! Don't Tell Him That

I don't want him to get full of himself. I tell him he's a big ugly dog and nobody likes him. Of course, i'm telling him that while i'm putting food in his bowl, or giving him a treat, or mussing his face up while petting him! Well, i'm fooling myself anyway!
The Professor

[ProfessorGAC]

75. OOPS! Double Post

[Midlodemocrat]

73. I have a little dog, a mini dachshund and I won't let her around

little kids. She has the sweetest temperment of any animal I have ever owned, but you just never know. She has never bitten anyone, rarely growls, (except at the garbage men when they come into the back yard), but I wouldn't take the chance. I hold her until she gets used to the visitor or until the child gets used to her.

If the child is uncomfortable around her, I keep holding her. Not worth the risk, IMHO.

[youthere]

98. We have a mini-dachs too..

and I feel exactly the same way. Ours rarely barks and is timid as can be, but I still hold her when someone comes to the door because you just never know. It's just not worth taking the chance.

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

78. Well said.

Thanks!

[Shell Beau]

52. This past weekend we boarded

our dogs at the vet. One of my dogs got off of his leash before we got in the vet. I was having a hard time dealing with 2 big dogs pulling me in different directions as it was, so I let him walk into the vet without the leash. Before I could grab him to put it back on, a pit bull tried to attack him in the vet's office. The owner had to grab his dog and pick him up. The people at the vet came and grabbed my dog. The pit had already tried to attack a small puppy and another dog that came in there. I have no problem with pits. I know they get a bad rep. But I have to say I was much more nervous with that dog being a pit than I would have if it were any other dog. I also told the owner that he needed to put that dog in a kennel if he plans on it being around other animals. I know my dog should have been on his leash. He was until he wiggled out of it. But I also expect owners to be responsible with their pets. If your animal is aggressive towards other animals, restrain them if you are going to be in a place where other animals will be. The pit looked and acted as if it would kill every animal that came in. I have never seen anything like it. My friend had a pit that was so loving to all creatures. It does depend on the dog, but pits being as big and stout as they are, they are much more intimidating!

[CBGLuthier]

53. There is a two year old here in OKC

who would raise his arm to cast a vote except a pit bull took it off a month ago.

And that's all I got to say about this subject. I have lost my will to fight and argue.

[Shell Beau]

66. Wow! How sad! Was it their pet?

Poor baby!!

[CBGLuthier]

82. neighbor's I believe

Didn't follow too closely as those kind of stories are upsetting.

[BikeWriter]

67. Aw shit, how tragic!

:(

[bamacrat]

74. Ive had two and they were the sweetest dogs.

If you mistreat any dog they will be bad.

[Shell Beau]

77. They don't necessarily have to be mistreated.

Any owner needs to make sure their pets (any type of pet) are not a threat to others. But mistreated dogs probably are more likely to be vicious.

[BikeWriter]

79. I had one out of fighting dog stock...

He was very gentle with children, but deadly to dogs he didn't know until we got him trained.

[nini]

81. a friend has a pitbull and he's the sweetest dog ever

It sucks that so many people abuse them and raise them to be aggressive.


Buster was a sweetie and died not long ago of cancer :cry:

[bigwillq]

84. I think it's the owners faults.

I feel a dog is going to behave how it's taught to behave, much like humans.
Pit bulls have that stigma that they're suppose to be aggressive so owners train them that way. I don't think Pits are born aggressive, it's how they're raised.

[kick-ass-bob]

85. WHERE THE HELL ARE BEAGLES ON THIS LIST????

:grr:

[BikeWriter]

91. Rabid Killer Beagles from hell? I didn't see them.

:)

[kwassa]

94. Ever heard it called animal racism?

Here is our local conflict just outside of DC.

Showdown Intensifies on Pit Bull Ban
Pr. George's to Weigh Repeal of 9-Year Law

By Ovetta Wiggins
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, September 25, 2005; C01

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/24/AR2005092401326_pf.html


A proposal to scuttle a nine-year-old law that bars ownership of pit bulls in Prince George's County has turned into its own kind of rhetorical dogfight, with finger-pointing, hand-wringing and even allusions to racism.

The county imposed the ban in 1996 after a series of pit bull attacks, complaints from residents about dogs wandering the streets and reports of young men pitting their animals against each other for money, drugs or social status.

(jump)
Patricia M. Doty, an aide to Hendershot who lives in Calvert County and owns two pit bulls, calls the law "animal racism."

In an e-mail to council members, another proponent of repealing the law wrote: "We as an American people have recognized the evils of racism, understanding that negative stereotypes of cultural groups are often not the norm, and innocent citizens should not be punished. In the same way you must recognize the mistaken logic in" breed-specific legislation.

[BikeWriter]

99. I've seen radical rhetoric both ways. The trouble is...

You can't legislate responsible behaviour by the owners, training, and solid fences. You can totally outlaw the breed.

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

104. So... they ban Pits and losers turn to Rotts. Outlaw them and they

turn to German Shepherds?? Where does it end? I say that we go after the morans hard and heavy. If it's not Pits, it'll be another breed. For years and years, Pits did not have the reputation, it was Doberman's. All dogs are potentially fatal. Yes, all.

I don't understand how banning one breed will help anything.

[noonwitch]

100. The PB gene pool has been corrupted by unethical breeders

The breeders in many areas have been breeding the dogs to fight. Some bloodlines are completely vicious. Couple that with the breed's lockjaw, and you can have real problems.

I have met nice pit bulls over the years. Their owners tended to be nice people. They are not dogs to have if you have small children-many dogs freak out from active small children, and it's not fair to set the animal up that way. Labs and Goldens, or various kinds of huskies and malamutes are better dogs to have with small kids.

I had some neighbors once who had one of the most gentle dogs I've ever met. Max was a Rottweiler, a dog many think is vicious. I'm sure Max would have protected his family, but he was otherwise a gentle dog.

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

102. I found the meat of your link interesting....

"While at times informative, statistics on fatal dog attacks can also be misleading. For example, a number of cases were a Pit Bull, Rottweiler or GSD were counted as causing a human fatality were in reality the direct result of gross human negligence or criminal intent (i.e. discarding a newborn in the yard where the dogs were kept, or cases of extremely emaciated animals, or cases were the dog was ordered or encouraged to attack the victim).

This study was conducted not to determine which breeds of dogs caused fatalities, but rather to examine the circumstances and events that precipitated an attack. Knowing how many Pit Bulls or Rottweilers caused a human fatality has little applicable value, only when examining each case individually can we hope to gain insight into the HUMAN and CANINE behaviors that contributed to these tragic events."

[Avalux]

106. Locking

Intentional flamebait thread.