Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2009 > January > 14 > Entry
Should pit bulls be banned?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Are pit bulls a danger to the public?
Thomas County Sheriff Carlton Powell thinks so. Powell has asked county officials to consider banning the breed from his county.
Recently, pit bulls were blamed for the death of a 5-year-old Thomasville girl. The girl died after being mauled in her yard by the family’s pit bulls. Other counties have sought to have pit bulls and another breed, Rottweilers, banned.
But there is stiff opposition to bans on specific breeds, advocates instead argue for more responsible ownership.
What do you think? Should pit bulls be banned? Is the breed (and pit crossbreeds) more inherently aggressive than others?
Services »
Comments
By honeycloud
January 14, 2009 1:04 PM | Link to this
ABSOLUTELY YES I know the dog lovers are going to be upset but I just know there is something wrong when you see and hear about this breed of dog and people are more upset about the dog getting picked on than they are about a child being injured and even killed. In the last 10-15 years, with animal rights groups becoming more aggressive and more successful with fighting for animal rights, human life and safety is taking a back seat to the protection of an animal. I’m sorry but I believe humans have rule over animals and if a dog kills a human being it should be put down without any question. Everyone knows this dog breed is usually unpredictable and will attack without having an aggressor but it goes a step further than most any other dog breed and it tries to kill versus just a biting act. I’ve seen countless people angry and in denial because they have such a close bond to their dog. Unless the dog attacks and kills their own kids, they will blame everything else and come up with excuses. The fact is,the dog is vicious by nature.
By Baby Eater
January 14, 2009 1:10 PM | Link to this
Pitbulls are amazing dogs… The ones I’ve known were raised from puppies in loving environments and they are very sweet. I can’t say that for all my friends that have rotten, nasty little dogs that are always biting your ankles. MMMMMM, Boxers are sexy too…
By Voice of Practicality
January 14, 2009 1:13 PM | Link to this
The problem with such legislation is that many dogs that people refer to as “pit bulls” are not actual pit bulls. Further, what fraction of a dog’s pedigree must be a pit bull to make the dog illegal. Also, how would this be proven, by a DNA test? There must be heighten criminal liability for the owners who make the dogs even more agressive than their natural tendancy. Of course, after a human is killed or even seriously injured the dog should be euthanized.
By Dana
January 14, 2009 1:19 PM | Link to this
Why punish the dogs because of immature owners. I have a pit bull and she is very gentle because I trained her that way.
Stop trying to punish animals because of the misbehavior of humans. I am not an animal rights junkie by no means, but at some point, people have to be made responsible for their actions
By Dana
January 14, 2009 1:20 PM | Link to this
Why punish the dogs because of immature owners. I have a pit bull and she is very gentle because I trained her that way.
Stop trying to punish animals because of the misbehavior of humans. I am not an animal rights junkie by no means, but at some point, people have to be made responsible for their actions
By Dana
January 14, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this
Why punish the dogs because of immature owners? I have a pit bull and she is very gentle because I trained her that way.
Stop trying to punish animals because of the misbehavior of humans. I am not an animal rights junkie by no means, but at some point, people have to be made responsible for their actions
By Another point of view
January 14, 2009 1:28 PM | Link to this
It’s NEVER the dog but the owner that has failed. Pits are one of the most people friendly breeds there are, unless you tie them out and dont socialize them.
Don’t blame the breed. Blame the deed.
By Brian, Decatur, GA
January 14, 2009 1:33 PM | Link to this
Pit bulls are not inherently vicious dogs. They become vicious because people train them to be vicious and to fight. It is not fair to ban a whole breed of dog just because some people raise and train them to be aggressive and vicious. Any dog will become aggressive and vicious if their owner raises them to be that way. Let’s not condemn or ban the dog, deal with the real problem, owners who train their pit bulls to be mean and aggressive.
By TheTurk
January 14, 2009 1:33 PM | Link to this
ABSOLUTELY BAN THESE ANIMALS I am a dog lover and a dog owner. This breed has been bred to be a fighter and a killer. It is in the genetic makeup. They are also ferociously LOYAL to their owner… but nobody else. That’s the problem. They will absolutely destroy anything or anybody that encroaches into their territory or gets near their owner, then find the owner and lick them in the face with their bloody tongue and ask for praise for protecting! This is their nature.. not their fault, but their nature. Those of you that own these animals… how can you control your dog when you aren’t home, and the neighbor’s 4 year old chases his basketball into your yard???? You never know when the genetic makeup is going to kick in… I know they are nice to you! What about your neighbor, though??? I simply cannot understand owning this animal. It is like leaving a loaded gun on the table for kids to play with… give me a break. BAN THEM, already.
By TheTurk
January 14, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this
ABSOLUTELY BAN THESE ANIMALS I am a dog lover and a dog owner. This breed has been bred to be a fighter and a killer. It is in the genetic makeup. They are also ferociously LOYAL to their owner… but nobody else. That’s the problem. They will absolutely destroy anything or anybody that encroaches into their territory or gets near their owner, then find the owner and lick them in the face with their bloody tongue and ask for praise for protecting! This is their nature.. not their fault, but their nature. Those of you that own these animals… how can you control your dog when you aren’t home, and the neighbor’s 4 year old chases his basketball into your yard???? You never know when the genetic makeup is going to kick in… I know they are nice to you! What about your neighbor, though??? I simply cannot understand owning this animal. It is like leaving a loaded gun on the table for kids to play with… give me a break. BAN THEM, already.
By Brian
January 14, 2009 1:37 PM | Link to this
Pit bulls are not inherently vicious dogs. They become vicious because people train them to be vicious and to fight. It is not fair to ban a whole breed of dog just because some people raise and train them to be aggressive and vicious. Any dog will become aggressive and vicious if their owner raises them to be that way. Let’s not condemn or ban the dog, deal with the real problem, owners who train their pit bulls to be mean and aggressive.
By sharon
January 14, 2009 1:43 PM | Link to this
I do not think that bit bulls should be band. But I do think the owner should have to register the dog with the city stating that they know that the dog could be a threat to humans and that if their dog hurts anyone there is a one year jail sentence for that. If people are still willing to take the chance with the dog I say let them.
By Baby Eater
January 14, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this
Because a ban is going to be soooo effective, right? Keep your damn kids out of my yard, or they deserve to be ripped to shreds by my sweet little pit!
By Voice of Practicality
January 14, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this
The bloggers that want the ban still have not suggested a method by which to efficiently delineate between a “legal” breed and an “illegal” “pit bull.”
By heather
January 14, 2009 1:46 PM | Link to this
First of all, pitbulls are not a protective breed by nature, so to thing they would “tear up” anyone that stepped into their yard and then lick their owner with a “bloody tongue” is totally ridiculous. My dogs would issue an intruder directly into my home if they thought he had treats or would rub their bellies. Pitbulls are a product of their upbringing. They are so dedicated in their need to please humans, that they can become what their owners make them in their efforts to please. As a pitbull owner, I do believe there should be stronger laws regarding ownership of these dogs. Perhaps you must have a license to own them….have them spayed/neutered in order to own….have license and health certs to breed them….have all of these precautions in place and then have punishment in line for non-compliance. I know personally I would be more than willing to follow any guidelines like those if it meant the breed as a whole would have to suffer less at the hands of morons who only want them for negative reasons.
By heather
January 14, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this
First of all, pitbulls are not a protective breed by nature, so to thing they would “tear up” anyone that stepped into their yard and then lick their owner with a “bloody tongue” is totally ridiculous. My dogs would issue an intruder directly into my home if they thought he had treats or would rub their bellies. Pitbulls are a product of their upbringing. They are so dedicated in their need to please humans, that they can become what their owners make them in their efforts to please. As a pitbull owner, I do believe there should be stronger laws regarding ownership of these dogs. Perhaps you must have a license to own them….have them spayed/neutered in order to own….have license and health certs to breed them….have all of these precautions in place and then have punishment in line for non-compliance. I know personally I would be more than willing to follow any guidelines like those if it meant the breed as a whole would have to suffer less at the hands of morons who only want them for negative reasons.
By Baby Eater
January 14, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this
sharon: banned, not band. Consider reducing the amount of meth you smoke.
By Pam
January 14, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this
Definitely YES. Banning them today is none too soon. They are unpredictable and will at some point revert to their natural instinct which is to kill. Neighbor kept saying his pit was a big baby. Came in our yard, murdered our pet of 13 years. Guess what,the pit is dead too! Shouldve sued but didnt. No use for these animals.
By jeff
January 14, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this
This is easy…Ban reproduction of them…I know there are people that have them that “raise” them properly and all…But heck, you can raise a Lion not to attack as well….Just ban reproduction of them…let the current ones live….Easy,,,period…..end of story…
By Bulldawg
January 14, 2009 2:06 PM | Link to this
No.
By Lisa
January 14, 2009 2:07 PM | Link to this
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Its not the breed, its the owner!
These dogs are absolutely the most precious animals when they are raised right. They are protective over their owners/property but act like clowns and all they want to do is please their owners.
I have a two-year old nuetered male pit who plays with toys, especially the ones that squeek, he sucks on a pillow like a baby who sucks his thumb and he loves the other 2 small dogs that he lives with.
Awesome breed when you have an educated and responsible owner.
By Allen
January 14, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this
I am appalled when ANY animal hurts or kills a human. In the case of dogs, it is the OWNER’S fault. I had a pitbull for over 10 yrs, she never harmed anyone, ever. One of her 8 puppies showed signs of aggression and was taken by a farmer who lived miles from anyone else. It’s called making right choices. Pitbulls should NOT be banned.
By Lisa
January 14, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Its not the breed, its the owner!
These dogs are absolutely the most precious animals when they are raised right. They are protective over their owners/property but act like clowns and all they want to do is please their owners.
I have a two-year old nuetered male pit who plays with toys, especially the ones that squeek, he sucks on a pillow like a baby who sucks his thumb and he loves the other 2 small dogs that he lives with.
Awesome breed when you have an educated and responsible owner.
By knowledge is power
January 14, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this
Please educate yourselves on this breed before offering any criticism. The breed is not the problem, bad owners and media hype are. Why not apply this profiling to humans - Minority Report anyone? Face it folks, the media serves us the stories we want to hear about and by viewing these comments it is obvious most of the public is eating the vicious pit bull story up with a spoon and asking for more.
By Boxer
January 14, 2009 2:10 PM | Link to this
Yes.
By kevin littell
January 14, 2009 2:10 PM | Link to this
Ban Pitbulls????
NO! when these dogs are raised in loving enviroments they are the sweetest,most loving breed to be found.
By Bigtone
January 14, 2009 2:11 PM | Link to this
Yeah there many variations of the breed. The AKC recognizes the American Stafforshire Terrier which is often confused with the Pit Bull Terrier. How do you enforce that? It can only be done through DNA testing…even then positive ID would be difficult.
By knowledge is power
January 14, 2009 2:12 PM | Link to this
Please educate yourselves on this breed before offering any criticism. The breed is not the problem, bad owners and media hype are. Why not apply this profiling to humans - Minority Report anyone? Face it folks, the media serves us the stories we want to hear about and by viewing these comments it is obvious most of the public is eating the vicious pit bull story up with a spoon and asking for more.
By Albert E
January 14, 2009 2:12 PM | Link to this
Ban these dogs from being able to live in densely populated areas.
Why would anyone subject their neighbors to the fear of having to live nearby these unpredictable dogs capable of killing or disfiguring at the flip of a switch?
By Blkshepherd
January 14, 2009 2:12 PM | Link to this
as a owner of german shepherds who will bite you should you enter my property but not necessary if they got loose(which they have and I have been citated) they have never attacked anyone. I do occasionally have to chase off kids as well as adults for picking at them while they are in their own yard. I will say some folks have absolutely NO right to own these animals. sorry. In fact some folks should not even have children much less pit bulls. I just shake my head at how poorly some children are raised with parent that look like complete idiots and dont know where their children is half the time. I agree its the owner not the pit. But theres something seriously wrong when that Pit bull attacks and mauls to death your own child. For that reason alone I could not own a pit. Although I have watched kids pick at my shepherds,throw things over the fence then when I confront them, I have to argue with their idiot parents whom are generally more stupid than their kids. I feel sorry for the pits, but if these attacks continue. That is one breed that will eventually be banned. I almost had a pit come after me un provoked. what made it bad is I did not have my shepherds who would have died to protect me with me at the time, they were locked up behind my fenced in yard. Many folks have NO business owning a pit bull. sorry but its true.
By Lets ban STUPID PEOPLE
January 14, 2009 2:13 PM | Link to this
I have owned pitbulls for over 15 years. Its not the dog, its the people. I think we should do an IQ test for people who get pittbulls. Its the people not properly training their dogs. Lets get together and ban STUPID PEOPLE (not in reference to mentally challenged)! Pitbulls are a mixture of terriors and bulldogs. So lets ban them both, sorry UGA, Thomasville Highschool, Fresno State and all you Jack Russel owners. But you can no longer keep you dogs too
By Proud American Pit Bull Terrier owner
January 14, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this
Absolutely not! These animals are not unpredictable and are not naturally aggressive towards humans. In fact, they are bred specifically to NOT be aggressive towards humans. They are very people friendly and naturally very good with children - they have been called the “nanny dog” in Europe for that reason. Also, it is not true that they are loyal only to their owners. Our american pit bull terriers have never met a person they haven’t want to snuggle up with and give a sweet lick on the face. They are extremely people friendly. The owners are who should be punished. Yes, there are owners out there who try to train their dog to be aggressive, thinking it will be a good guard dog, and owners who abuse and neglect the dog/s, which can also make the dog aggressive. Any one bother to find out how the owners treated or raised the dog that attacked? Counties would be much better off proposing a no-chaining ordinence then banning any breed since chaining has been directly linked to dog aggression. Also, most people don’t even know what an american pit bull terrier looks like. Any mutt they see in the street, especially if it happens to be aggressive, they automatically say it’s a “pit bull”. It was proven that the news reported a deadly dog attack in CA was by a pit bull. Much later, and not highly published, was the attack confirmed to be by a labador retriever. People who want to ban the breed are ignorant and uninformed and obviously believe anything they read and see in the media. People need to do some research and educate themselves.
By Albert E
January 14, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this
Ban these dogs from being able to live in densely populated areas.
Why would anyone subject their neighbors to the fear of having to live nearby these unpredictable dogs capable of killing or disfiguring at the flip of a switch?
By Aaron
January 14, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this
Ban them for the safety of everyone…
By MUTT_H8R
January 14, 2009 2:18 PM | Link to this
I call BS on anyone sticking up for pit bulls. The facts are the facts, these dogs are notoriously violent AND UNPREDICTABLE, no matter what the upbringing.
“My pit is sweet” , “My pit is precious”, blah blah blah. If you wanted a sweet and precious dog you had a million other breeds to choose from. Why didn’t you get a lab? Tell the damn truth. Don’t lie to everyone about how you got a pit bull becuase they are sweet and precious. What a crock.
By Brian
January 14, 2009 2:19 PM | Link to this
I think this argument is rediculous. Pit bulls are kind and gentle dogs just like any other dog. They are not agressive and dangerous animals by nature. They are taught by a human to act this way. If you want to ban something I think you should ban ignorant human beings. A lot of people do not understand why dogs behave the way they do and if more people were educated on the ways to train and act around dogs it would be less of a problem. I think it is heartbreaking that animals are punished and killed everyday because people do not treat them appropriatly.
By Megan
January 14, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this
My boyfriend and I recently got our first dog together, a 3 month old pit bull puppy. While nervous at first about bringing a pit bull home to an environment with small children and cats, I have found that our pit bull is a big softie… She has developed a very loving, affectionate, playful relationship with our 3 cats and although a little rambunctious around children (especially those who don’t necessarily pay her any attention), is very good around children. She only barks to signal that she wants attention from the cats and rarely chews or nibbles on anything other than her toys. She loves to lay on the couch and prefers to stay indoors with people rather than outside with other animals. Having known the owners of the mother pit bull, I am confident that our puppy will develop into a fine, well mannered dog despite its breed’s reputation.
By its not the dogs
January 14, 2009 2:21 PM | Link to this
In my neighborhood (Memorial Dr Stone Mountain) these are the dogs of choice by the young men who walk up and down the street all day, everyday, with nothing better to do. The dogs serve as an extension of these young mens’ insecurity. Their constant need to be feared and perceived as tough. I laugh at this insecurity. This ridiculous folly where these young men have mistaken fear for respect and can no longer tell the difference. They are pathetic people and the poor animals with the padlocked chains around their necks are nothing more than a perfect symbol for their pitifulness.
We don’t need to ban a breed of dogs, we need to help a generation of young men who have anger and insecurity in their hearts and minds instead of respect and knowledge.
The sad truth is, for many, its too late. If you don’t get to these kids before they are around 14, its too late. There is little that can be salvaged.
I am writing from experience. I ask every man out there that has learned right from wrong in this society to take one of these children and mentor them before its too late. Fix these young men so that they don’t do to their sons what thier fathers did to them and so that they don’t buy dogs to mask their insecurity that later attack children.
There are a million young men in prison because they are angy with their fathers.
By Children First
January 14, 2009 2:22 PM | Link to this
Ban the breed. Why is it such a big deal? Its not like there aren’t other breeds out there…duh, there are MANY. So what difference would it make if this particular breed that clearly has a greater propensity to attack when unprovoked, is banned? Its a dog…dogs don’t vote and pay taxes. No one should be so wrapped up in “Pitbull rights” that they need to fight for their survival…please. Go get some other docile dog to be your family friend. Ban the pits.
By Pompano
January 14, 2009 2:22 PM | Link to this
I have owned one of these animals before, and those of you that have commented that they are not vicious by nature are correct.
However, the problem with the breed is that they are so big and powerful. Once provoked, there is no such thing as a minor pitbull attack. It is quite easy for them to seriously hurt someone - even when their intention is not to do so.
Also, a trait that has been bred into them is once the dog makes the decision to attack (or defend themselves), they typically do not cease the attack until the victim (be it human or another animal)is dead.
By Josh
January 14, 2009 2:22 PM | Link to this
They are waaay too unpredictable. You can raise them the right way and give love, etc. etc…but they can snap at any second. They SHOULD be banned.
By dj
January 14, 2009 2:22 PM | Link to this
I vote to ban them. I don’t care what anyone says, I have never heard of a lab killing someone, only pit bulls.
By Jimmy Crack Korn
January 14, 2009 2:22 PM | Link to this
Im from Thomasville, lets try to get rid of racism first… then we can worry about dogs, lets ban the people who jacked up the economy, or drivers over 70, or gossiping @ work, the end of football season
By larry
January 14, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this
Anyone who claims to be a “dog lover” and is favor of this ban is an absolute liar. If we stepp up enforcement and punishment (to felony status) of the owners of pit bulls who do damage AND outlaw every aspect of dog fighting and make those aspects all felonies, we will make far more inroads into this “problem”. Pit bulls aren’t even in the top ten of dog breeds which bite!
By Ed Jones
January 14, 2009 2:24 PM | Link to this
It is completely irresponsible to ever allow a child to be around a Pit Bull. There is something genetically encoded in them that springs an aggressive response without warning. These dogs have instinctive aggression problems. Therefore it is irresponsible to own one, and irresponsible to allow them to reside in a populated area. They should be banned.
It is not the owner or media hype. That is an excuse. It is an unpredictable instinctive behavior issue with this breed of dog.
WAKE UP - PROTECT OUR CHILDREN. One child’s life is worth the eradication of the entire breed. How many more children do we have to read about that were killed by Pit Bulls? and yes, it usually is a Pit Bull. That is not media hype.
Don’t hide behind platitudes, like “there are not bad dogs, only bad owners.” Surely, we are smarter than that. Ban the dogs, and make their owners legally liable as well as the exposure to very costly civil suit.
Ed Jones - Norcross
By Halsey
January 14, 2009 2:26 PM | Link to this
Pitbulls should be treated like guns: They should require a permit. The permits should be given only to people who meet certain requirements such as no felony record.
By Tigerfan_in_GA
January 14, 2009 2:26 PM | Link to this
YES AND SOON I read articles in news at least once a week where someone is killed or severly hurt by pitt bull dogs. They serve no useful purpose and should be illegal.
By bozo
January 14, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this
NO! Stiffer fines for irresonsible owners. Eventually the message will get across.
By larry
January 14, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this
Ed Jone of Norcross - you’re an idiot; and you don’t know what you’re talking about. There is no more “genetic encoding” of pit bulls than there is of any other breed.
By Joe Hamilton
January 14, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this
Yes, all pit bulls should be banned!! They’re evil creatures.
By Proud American Pit Bull Terrier owner
January 14, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this
To MUTT_H8R … the truth is that american pit bull terriers score better on temperment tests then golden retrievers and over 10 points higher then greyhounds! So your claim that they are notoriously violent and unpredictable is completely false. Also, labs have been known to committ voilent attacks on humans as well. There was a case where a baby was killed by a pomeranian - you want to ban those dogs too? Unfortunately, the media has sensationalized this stereotype and people are too ignorant to find out the truth. Also, dog attacks are notoriously overreported as “pit bull” attacks. Most the time the attack is by some random mix of unknown breeds but is reported as pit bull “because if it attacked it must be a pit bull”. Yep, there are lots of breed to chose from but I chose my american pit bull terriers because they truly are wonderful family pets.
By Red Nose Pit Lover and Proud
January 14, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this
By MUTT_H8R
January 14, 2009 2:18 PM | Link to this
I call BS on anyone sticking up for pit bulls. The facts are the facts, these dogs are notoriously violent AND UNPREDICTABLE, no matter what the upbringing.
“My pit is sweet” , “My pit is precious”, blah blah blah. If you wanted a sweet and precious dog you had a million other breeds to choose from. Why didn’t you get a lab? Tell the damn truth. Don’t lie to everyone about how you got a pit bull becuase they are sweet and precious. What a crock.
EWWWWW…You are nasty, nasty, nasty….
Lab’s dig and run! That’s why I dont have one of them.
Sheppard’s shed
Rott’s have the tendency to get sick - CANCER
Boxer’s slober too much
Pug’s just look wierd to me
Pom’s look like they are fur balls with leg’s
Pit’s are beautiful, short haired, active, fun and loving dogs!
You should buy one but with an attitude like yours, it might turn on you AND BITE YOU!
By Children First
January 14, 2009 2:30 PM | Link to this
THANK YOU ED JONES!!!
By to Brian
January 14, 2009 2:30 PM | Link to this
Lets get one thing straight (especially for Brian). Pit Bulls are NOT a natural breed. It was created by man. Fact is this breed was created to “kill”. This animal has built-in instincts that are made to attack. Does not matter if you raise it from a puppy in a great environment or not. No one can tell when the “kill” instinct will pop up in its mind. they can be as gentle as a poodle one day and kill your kid the next.
Anyone who has a pit bull for a pet does not have the education to make this judgement. This breed should be banned, period!!!
By Ed
January 14, 2009 2:31 PM | Link to this
Baby eater - you are a sick and disgusting individual. You need and should seek psychological help. The kind of macho based gnorance you display is a big factor in this particular problem.
By John
January 14, 2009 2:31 PM | Link to this
BAN DACHSHUNDS Not the American Pit Bull Terrier. Dachshunds are vicious animals that bite everything…..
By Southern Lady
January 14, 2009 2:32 PM | Link to this
It seems the Michael Vick case of animal abuse went unnoticed by some stupid people. You people who are against all Pitt Bulls have done nothing to properly educate yourselves about the breed. Every animal on earth will have a “bad apple” born that way, human beings included, but every animal is not born mean. Most animals, Pitt Bulls included, are fine unless they are raised and taught to be mean and destructive. There are many organizations available on the web and probably in your area where you can properly educate yourselves on how wonderful and smart the Pitt Bull breed is, but you people only have eyes for bad news about the breed and probably all bad news period. Cocker Spaniels and Fox Terriers are breeds that bite the quickest. Are you going to try to ban those breeds as well? What about German Shepherds, Poodles (yes Poodles), and other small dogs. The fact is that small dogs will attack more quickly and without warning than Pitt Bulls. Get your heads out of the sand, see if you are “Smarter Than A Fifth Grader” and properly educate yourselves about Pitt Bulls because you obviously don’t know what you are stating. These comments are also directed to the Sheriff of Thomasville, Georgia. He is so used to seeing dogs abused and trained to be mean that he cannot see the good in any breed, especially Pitt Bulls.
By Stephanie
January 14, 2009 2:33 PM | Link to this
I personally dont believe the PIT BULLs are the ones to be banned. Screen owners, enforce the law a little more. its all about the owners. Some people would like it if CHILDREN could be banned in public places because they cry, kick, scream…. I have even had a kid run into me accidently one time and he kicked me afterwards!!!!!! Ban the owners not the breed. And while the pit bull who attacked the little girl deserved to be put down, no one KNOWS whether she was disturbing the animal (throwing rocks, hitting it) I know when I was a child I would hit my dog (not hard i was 3) playfully all the time. You cant blame a pit bull & i think everyone who believes they should be banned REALLY have a closed mind and need to stop living in your “perfect” little world with your “perfect” little poodles & dachsunds & Labs (dashcunds are the most aggressive dog breed, read about it!!!!)
By michael
January 14, 2009 2:34 PM | Link to this
absolutely not. pits are raised accordingly. if you love they will love. should we be selective in people too?
By Southern Lady
January 14, 2009 2:34 PM | Link to this
It seems the Michael Vick case of animal abuse went unnoticed by some stupid people. You people who are against all Pitt Bulls have done nothing to properly educate yourselves about the breed. Every animal on earth will have a “bad apple” born that way, human beings included, but every animal is not born mean. Most animals, Pitt Bulls included, are fine unless they are raised and taught to be mean and destructive. There are many organizations available on the web and probably in your area where you can properly educate yourselves on how wonderful and smart the Pitt Bull breed is, but you people only have eyes for bad news about the breed and probably all bad news period. Cocker Spaniels and Fox Terriers are breeds that bite the quickest. Are you going to try to ban those breeds as well? What about German Shepherds, Poodles (yes Poodles), and other small dogs. The fact is that small dogs will attack more quickly and without warning than Pitt Bulls. Get your heads out of the sand, see if you are “Smarter Than A Fifth Grader” and properly educate yourselves about Pitt Bulls because you obviously don’t know what you are stating. These comments are also directed to the Sheriff of Thomasville, Georgia. He is so used to seeing dogs abused and trained to be mean that he cannot see the good in any breed, especially Pitt Bulls. I would not trust that Sheriff to protect me because he is so one sided and blind to the truth.
By put-upon-pitties
January 14, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this
NO, NO, NO! American terrier pit bulls were, at one time, the most popular dog in American. What changed? The dogs? NO! Stupid, insensitive, scumbags who decided they should fight them. These are sweet, anxious to please dogs. They need to be given obedience training, but they make good pets. When sad incidents like this child’s death happen, responsible people look behind the headlines. Don’t rip the dogs; rip the Michael Vick’s of the world and their ilk who have no sense and sensibility!
By jarrett
January 14, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this
I do not believe that a ban is called for that’s kinda like dog racism. anyone ever hear about the Pomeranian that attacked a infant and killed it, or how about how mean the golden retriever can be ? i have a pit and she is 1and a half and around 65 lbs. her name is ellie mae and she lives with me and two other dogs one is a mini schnauzer that is a year old who bullys my ellie and ellie is scared to death of her but the get along going on walks together and playing ball in the living room . i think the problem lies within the back yard and slum neighborhood breadings where their is no care and training. there is no way to determine what is pit is with all the diffrent types for instance an American Shropshire terrier witch looks just like a pit but is not but that is just my two cents
By Valerie
January 14, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this
No, we will not ban this breed or any breed for that matter. It’s not just pit bulls that are aggressive!! Ya know, Miami-Dade county has a pit bull ban, but I don’t see ANY progress in that city what so ever. I don’t believe those who wish to own a pit bull should be questioned and analyzed. I think anyone who wishes to own ANY dog should be questioned and analyzed. It’s irresponsible pet owners who keep their dogs in the backyard on 2’ leashes. WHY even own a dog? If I were that dog, I’d go on a ravashing rampage too! We need more law enforcement to crack down on those idiots.
This is just so ridiculous. I can’t believe this is even being questioned. Call them what they are…American Pit Bull Terriers.
BAN THE DEED, NOT THE BREED!
By Jeannine
January 14, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this
ABSOLUTELY!- Noone in their right minds should own a pit bull. They only put other people at risk of getting attacked, not to mention children.
YOU ARE STUPID IF YOU OWN A PIT BULL
By put-upon-pitties
January 14, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this
NO, NO, NO! American terrier pit bulls were, at one time, the most popular dog in American. What changed? The dogs? NO! Stupid, insensitive, scumbags who decided they should fight them. These are sweet, anxious to please dogs. They need to be given obedience training, but they make good pets. When sad incidents like this child’s death happen, responsible people look behind the headlines. Don’t rip the dogs; rip the Michael Vick’s of the world and their ilk who have no sense and sensibility!
By John
January 14, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this
BAN DACHSHUNDS Not the American Pit Bull Terrier. Dachshunds are vicious animals that bite everything…..
By michael
January 14, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this
absolutely not. pits are raised accordingly. if you love they will love. should we be selective in people too?
By dont ban pits
January 14, 2009 2:37 PM | Link to this
Ed just said some of the dumbest things I have ever heard. I guess that is you they call you Mr. Ed and you like in Norcross. It is not fair to sit up here and talk about banning pittbulls when there are much bigger things to talk about. These dogs have been demonized, but it is the people who do this. There are a lot of factors why these dogs turn out this way, but it is not because it is in their genetics. German Shepords are much more aggressige (naturally), so are Dalmatians, and chows.. all these dogs rank as more dangerous dogs than pits.. If we get rid of pits, lets get rid of deer hunting, hunting in general (if you are not hunting to eat) abortion, guns, cotton candy and gum.
By Tiff
January 14, 2009 2:37 PM | Link to this
I am the owner of two pits. They live in my home with my 3 children. I have had them every since they were 2 months old and they are now 4 years old. They also sleep in my son’s room at least 2 to 3 times a week. You have to learn your dogs’ behaviors. Just as you would a spouse. And the things that you know will cause them to get excited or anxious, don’t do it, or be aware. To make a long story short, don’t own them if you do not have to time or patience to train or be intentive of them. They are not dogs meant for everyone to own. You don’t hit them, throw them around, yell at them, beat them…..etc. If you do not understand what it entails to own one, DON’T!
By On the fence
January 14, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this
I have only met one Pitt in my life and he seemed nice. I have no place to slander them either way, but I do watch Dogtown and even some of the Pitts on the show who once belonged to Michael Vick and were treated horribly were able to be reformed. My brother was bitten by a German Shepard when we were kids because it was dark and he could not see and was just protecting his owner. It isn’t just a breed thing. I do think that there are some breeds that are easier to train to be agressive then others. I agree that owners should be held responsible, and they should face jail time if their dog bites/attacks anyone and knowing this if they still want to have one then go for it. I also agree that some kids will just walk up to a random dog, without knowing it and it scares the dog (I have seen my Golden Retriever puppy cower if a kid comes at her too quickly), this triggers the fight or flight response. If a stranger came at you quickly you would either run or fight. I am not condoning bad behavior of owners though, they should face some sort of consequences.
By put-upon-pitties
January 14, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this
NO, NO, NO! American terrier pit bulls were, at one time, the most popular dog in American. What changed? The dogs? NO! Stupid, insensitive, scumbags who decided they should fight them. These are sweet, anxious to please dogs. They need to be given obedience training, but they make good pets. When sad incidents like this child’s death happen, responsible people look behind the headlines. Don’t rip the dogs; rip the Michael Vick’s of the world and their ilk who have no sense and sensibility!
By Mark
January 14, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this
Looks to me like some people here are spouting off about something they know nothing about. Pits are wonderful pets if you train them to be. You can train a lab to be vicious. I like the IQ idea. Most of the problem pits are raised by blacks and rednecks to be their penal extensions. Pits raised in a loving environment make great pets. Remember Petey on Spanky and our gang? He was a pitbull, and loved children. Pits aren’t born mean. They are made mean by fools. Thx to the people here who support pitbulls. The rest of you are uninformed idiots.
By GaPeach
January 14, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this
Don’t ban the animals because the owners are irresponsible. This is ridiculous. Any animal can be dangerous if it’s taught to be that way. Its not the breed, its the owner.
By Matt
January 14, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this
PEOPLE, WILL YOU PLEASE REALIZE THAT YOU ONLY NEED TO HIT THE POST BUTTON ONE ( 1) TIME!!!
By Denise
January 14, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this
Absolutely not. Pit bulls are not the only dogs that can harm or kill. Any dog that has teeth can and may bite. I don’t really even like dogs - and I’m scared of lots of them - but I know 3 pit bulls that don’t scare me. Their owners keep them segregated from their company when they have guests. As many have said, it’s not the dog it’s the owner.
By On the fence
January 14, 2009 2:39 PM | Link to this
I have only met one Pitt in my life and he seemed nice. I have no place to slander them either way, but I do watch Dogtown and even some of the Pitts on the show who once belonged to Michael Vick and were treated horribly were able to be reformed. My brother was bitten by a German Shepard when we were kids because it was dark and he could not see and was just protecting his owner. It isn’t just a breed thing. I do think that there are some breeds that are easier to train to be agressive then others. I agree that owners should be held responsible, and they should face jail time if their dog bites/attacks anyone and knowing this if they still want to have one then go for it. I also agree that some kids will just walk up to a random dog, without knowing it and it scares the dog (I have seen my Golden Retriever puppy cower if a kid comes at her too quickly), this triggers the fight or flight response. If a stranger came at you quickly you would either run or fight. I am not condoning bad behavior of owners though, they should face some sort of consequences.
By On the fence
January 14, 2009 2:39 PM | Link to this
I have only met one Pitt in my life and he seemed nice. I have no place to slander them either way, but I do watch Dogtown and even some of the Pitts on the show who once belonged to Michael Vick and were treated horribly were able to be reformed. My brother was bitten by a German Shepard when we were kids because it was dark and he could not see and was just protecting his owner. It isn’t just a breed thing. I do think that there are some breeds that are easier to train to be agressive then others. I agree that owners should be held responsible, and they should face jail time if their dog bites/attacks anyone and knowing this if they still want to have one then go for it. I also agree that some kids will just walk up to a random dog, without knowing it and it scares the dog (I have seen my Golden Retriever puppy cower if a kid comes at her too quickly), this triggers the fight or flight response. If a stranger came at you quickly you would either run or fight. I am not condoning bad behavior of owners though, they should face some sort of consequences.
By Southern Lady
January 14, 2009 2:39 PM | Link to this
The person who has never heard of a Lab killing someone must have missed the article last year where a 6 month old lab puppy killed a baby. The parents left the baby unattended in a jump seat int he same room with the puppy and supposedly could not hear the child crying while the puppy chewed off the childs foot and then killed it. Give me a break, please. Those parents were at fault. You people against Pitt Bulls are against dogs, period. Just admit it. You are always looking for something to find fault with and cannot see the good in some dogs and in some human beings, too. Small dogs attack and bite more quickly than large dogs. You probably also would abuse a dog for no reason, either.
By Tiff
January 14, 2009 2:39 PM | Link to this
I am the owner of two pits. They live in my home with my 3 children. I have had them every since they were 2 months old and they are now 4 years old. They also sleep in my son’s room at least 2 to 3 times a week. You have to learn your dogs’ behaviors. Just as you would a spouse. And the things that you know will cause them to get excited or anxious, don’t do it, or be aware. To make a long story short, don’t own them if you do not have to time or patience to train or be intentive of them. They are not dogs meant for everyone to own. You don’t hit them, throw them around, yell at them, beat them…..etc. If you do not understand what it entails to own one, DON’T!
By On the fence
January 14, 2009 2:40 PM | Link to this
I have only met one Pitt in my life and he seemed nice. I have no place to slander them either way, but I do watch Dogtown and even some of the Pitts on the show who once belonged to Michael Vick and were treated horribly were able to be reformed. My brother was bitten by a German Shepard when we were kids because it was dark and he could not see and was just protecting his owner. It isn’t just a breed thing. I do think that there are some breeds that are easier to train to be aggressive then others. I agree that owners should be held responsible, and they should face jail time if their dog bites/attacks anyone and knowing this if they still want to have one then go for it. I also agree that some kids will just walk up to a random dog, without knowing it and it scares the dog (I have seen my Golden Retriever puppy cower if a kid comes at her too quickly), this triggers the fight or flight response. If a stranger came at you quickly you would either run or fight. I am not condoning bad behavior of owners though, they should face some sort of consequences.
By Really?
January 14, 2009 2:40 PM | Link to this
“Everyone knows this dog breed is usually unpredictable and will attack without having an aggressor but it goes a step further than most any other dog breed and it tries to kill versus just a biting act.” WTF?
This is a perfect example as to why these animals get a bad name - they are stereotyped. Why not ban everything with a bad wrap? I got bit by a poodle once, let’s ban them. They can’t be trusted! Or perhaps only those who don’t have felonies can own poodles - I would feel much safer if that law was passed.
It is always a sad story when a person is harmed/killed by an animal, but banning one breed of dog isn’t the answer. For simple-minded people…maybe, but I for one am sick of all this bad mouthing.
By JCD225
January 14, 2009 2:41 PM | Link to this
Whoever said Its not the breed, its the owner is an idiot.
Certain situations (smells, sounds, movements) can trigger an attack.
I would say ban pit bulls and also ban my girlfriend’s Maltese. I guess the difference between the two is a Maltese bite usually requires going to CVS for bandages where as a pit bull attack usually involves going to the ER and getting your arm reattached.
People…these dogs have killed people. Not just one person, but several. Get a clue
By dandy
January 14, 2009 2:41 PM | Link to this
NO Way Bulldogs are fantastic dogs, But unfortunately they don’t get to choose their owners..
By Ed
January 14, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this
Genetic encoding or instinct is what makes a Border Collie herd, a Lab love to swim and retrieve, and a Pit Bull fight to the kill. Animals and people have personality and behavior tendencies that we are born with. Most everyone is aware of this. One would have to be completely unaware of your surroundings and learn nothing from your interaction with animals and people to believe otherwise.
By k
January 14, 2009 2:43 PM | Link to this
The dogs should not be banned however they should not be adopted by people who have no idea how to handle them or by people who only want them in order to train them to be aggressive.
By JCD225
January 14, 2009 2:45 PM | Link to this
Whoever said Its not the breed, its the owner is an idiot.
Certain situations (smells, sounds, movements) can trigger an attack.
I would say ban pit bulls and also ban my girlfriend’s Maltese. I guess the difference between the two is a Maltese bite usually requires going to CVS for bandages where as a pit bull attack usually involves going to the ER and getting your arm reattached.
People…these dogs have killed people. Not just one person, but several. Get a clue
By are you racist too?
January 14, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this
The way I see it is if you’ve never owned a Pitbull then you really don’t have the right to pass judgement on them. You who think they should be banned are making uneducated assumptions about these dogs and that’s just ignorant. I guess most of you are racist too, huh? I’ve owned Pitbulls for many years and have never had one that would attack anyone. However my dogs did grow up in a loving house with lots of attention to go around. I think if you’ve never owned a pitbull you should educate yourself, now!! The internet’s a wonderful thing. Maybe you should goggle Pitbulls and read something on the history of the breed. You’ll discover that for one , agressiveness toward humans was bred out of these dogs. They were also ,as stated previously by another blogger, considered “nanny dogs” at one time because of thier watchfulness over children.Educate yourself people rather than letting the press do it for you!!
By **PITLOVER**
January 14, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this
I agree with all those above that know it is the humans that are to blame, not the dogs. I have 4 Pit Bulls and they are my babies. They are sweet animals and love to make their owner happy…just leave the dogs alone and figure out what humans can be banned!!!!
By Dawg92
January 14, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this
These animals should come with a “lethal weapon” type tag, stating that if the animal kills or harms an innocent human being, the owner will take full responsibility and be prosecuted as if he or she had committed the act themselves. If there were a law in the books such as this, I believe we would see a huge drop in ownership of this breed of dog. And don’t give us this “it’s the owner not the dog” garbage. How many times do you pick up the paper and read about the border collie that ripped some poor kid to shreds. It’s the breed.
By mecqtate
January 14, 2009 2:48 PM | Link to this
I think that you should send them all to PETA. They’ll love them into good behavior. Also, PETA should be contacted regarding the death of the precious angel. I wonder what their take is on that…????
By mecqtate
January 14, 2009 2:49 PM | Link to this
I think that you should send them all to PETA. They’ll love them into good behavior. Also, PETA should be contacted regarding the death of the precious angel. I wonder what their take is on that…????
By Proud American Pit Bull Terrier owner
January 14, 2009 2:49 PM | Link to this
I just cannot believe the ignorance I am reading on here by those of you want to ban these dogs. Name a breed who hasn’t bitten a human? There isn’t one out there. Name a breed that hasn’t killer a child or baby? Not many out there. Even the cute little toy breeds and the beloved labs and retrievers have killed. The other thing that I haven’t seen in this story is where was the owner? How was this dog treated? Was the child alone with the dog? And was the child taunting the dog? You think that’s irrelevant? Well, it’s not but it’s interesting how no one has even brought that important issues up. Also, where is the proof this attack was actually by a pit bull? What if it was a lab or lab mix? Are you same people going to demand a ban on labs? There is more then enough proof out there that even pit bulls who were used in dogfighting have been rescued and rehabilitated to be great pets. People, educate yourself!
By Ed
January 14, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this
I think Stephanie probably means well, and I would bet she is a nice person as are most of those who have posted. However, does anyone in their right mind really think that a five year old should be killed by a dog for hitting it or throwing rocks at it? I would hope that everyone would think just a little more critically about what your are saying before you heap more ignorance on this issue.
And Megan, please, please reconsider your decision to trusts you Pit Bull with your precious small toddlers. Could you live with yourself if something happened. It would not matter that your dog was sweet as pie up until then.
By Bobbymahlon
January 14, 2009 2:57 PM | Link to this
BAN PIT BULLS you cannot trust them just check their record and I own a dog and I’m a animal lover.
By abc
January 14, 2009 2:58 PM | Link to this
Nobody gets a pit bull because they’re a supposedly sweet, loving and docile breed. The dangers are well known. They should be banned.
If you want a dog, adopt a retired racing greyhound.
By pitowner
January 14, 2009 2:59 PM | Link to this
all of you pit haters know your facts before you jugde,guess what breeed has the highest attack rate on its owners or children?? not pits.so,stop hating and get one!!also ,look at how many pitbull attack related deaths there are per year then blog!!
By Kathy
January 14, 2009 3:00 PM | Link to this
I being a owner of a pit-bull and rottie, I say no. I got both dogs when they were 8 weeks old and they are now 4 & 5 and still they are very sweet and mild mannered. The pit guards my mother and 18 month old grandson as if they were her puppies. It’s all about socialization!! Besides in my opinion any dog can bite and maul a child i.e. I had a minature boxer bite me in the face for no reasonwhen I was 8 and had to have surgery so its what you make of if!!
By Stimpy
January 14, 2009 3:01 PM | Link to this
KEEP THE DOGS! Get rid of REPUBLICANS!!
By Tigerfan_in_GA
January 14, 2009 3:02 PM | Link to this
BAN THEM!!
I read the same lines in articles from parents whose pitt bulls killed someone……”I don’t know what happened…ours was always so sweet.”
They’re like tigers…they can be trained, but the killer instinct is still there waiting to come out one day. Those of you that own them with small children are insane.
By Andy
January 14, 2009 3:05 PM | Link to this
This is a tough subject. Part of the problem isn’t necessarily the dog but the dog’s owner and the reasons for getting such a dog. Call me racist, but there are lots of black people who buy a pit bull because it is seen as a status symbol. Not all, people who buy these dogs are black, I’m not saying that, but there is a difference in someone buying a dog like this for a symbol and someone who buys this dog because they care about, know about, and are willing to help train this breed of dog. You can’t buy these dogs and think you can treat it like Fluffy the teacup poodle; that just isn’t the case.
By Kenny 13
January 14, 2009 3:05 PM | Link to this
I like Pitbulls myself, but to deny that the breed is high risk is just silly. They were breed to be fighting dogs, that is a fact, and not an uneducated one. I have seen both some of the sweetest and meanest Pitts and the Owner does have alot to do with it but tell that to the Mother of a child killed by your dog. The comment above that said a child deserves to be ripped to shreds for being in dudes lawn…wtf, that help your side of the debate, idiot. I think an all out ban is unwarrented but requiring a special permit is totally fair, especially since all the Pit fans agree how they are raised is so important.
By Fred C.
January 14, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this
I believe that banning a particular breed could quickly become a nightmare. Today the breed at issue are Pit Bulls, tomorrow it might be German Shepards or whatever happens to be a breed that someone happens to dislike. The real answer is to make the owners assume responsibility for their pets. If someone chooses to keep a type dog that is known to be potentially unstable, then they should provide facilities that would protect the dogs as well as any humans or other animals that might happen to be in the same proximity. I don’t own a Pit Bull and probably would never do so, but I know people that have Pit Bulls that are nice dogs that have never been agressive to people or other animals.
By KLK
January 14, 2009 3:07 PM | Link to this
Yes, and even a bigger YES! There are too many stories of harm, stories of breeder abuse and are a menace to society. They are bred to be vicious and worse on our streets than a thug. I also feel for the animal when they are abused and trained for fighting and protection. That should be reason enough to ban them. When I see someone with a pit bull, I automatically label the person as uneducated and trying to protect “something”. Rotweilers should be banned also, but let’s start with pit bulls.
By BORRIS
January 14, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this
The hell with banning pit bulls. I say genocide is the answer. Kill them All. I have been shooting pit bulls for close to 9 years now. Anytime I come across a pit bull unleashed, I shoot to kill. So if your lovely pit bull turns up missing, chances are, your dog is dead. I sleep well at night knowing that chidren can play safe. Genocide these four legged “yard sharks”. Now.
By Mark
January 14, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this
JCD225 Dawg92 Ed
You are 3 of the uninformed idiots I was referring to…..
By Dot
January 14, 2009 3:10 PM | Link to this
To Jeanne - I’d rather be stupid than ignorant like you and not know it.
All of my dogs have been “rescue” animals. I have had many and if I could have located the “humans” that mistreated these animals I would be in jail right now.
I currently have a Rottie(11yrs old with bone cancer) and a pit bull 3 yrs old. The Rottie was on death row 8 yrs ago, wild unruly but with love and care she is now the sweetest girl I’ve had. The pit bull was left in a box in the middle of a busy highway with 5 other pit bull puppies at the age of 5 weeks old. I say ban the humans that mistreat poor animals - and yes God has a special place for them.
I had my pit fixed and he is scared of his own shadow. I don’t leave either of my dogs in my fenced in, marked beware of dogs back yards when I’m not at home because of the cruelty people do. Likewise when I have company over I put them into one section of the house because of peoples misconceptions and animals sense when you don’t like them.
The reason you don’t hear or read about the other breeds than bite/kill is because the media does not write about them. Only the “pitbulls”. I agree that it takes special people to have these animals - should we banned all the owners that tied them up, fought them, and abused them? Now that I might consider.
By pitowner
January 14, 2009 3:11 PM | Link to this
To the comments by stimpy. AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!
By anyone
January 14, 2009 3:11 PM | Link to this
Ban them. Gas them. Make ‘em gone. Didn’t anybody notice… that most of the children killed by pit bulls— are killed by “the family pet”? The story is the same every time. “He’s usually so sweet— I don’t know what happened.” It’s the dog. They are a breed violent by nature, and cannot be trusted.
By Ed
January 14, 2009 3:12 PM | Link to this
According to a recent study on the increase in dog attacks, the Clifton study, “Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Presa Canarios and their mixes are responsible for 74% of attacks that were included in the study, 68% of the attacks upon children, 82% of the attacks upon adults, 65% of the deaths, and 68% of the maimings. In more than two-thirds of the cases included in the study, the life-threatening or fatal attack was apparently the first known dangerous behavior by the animal in question. Clifton states:
I think this will become and insurance issue very soon. That will provide some very effective deterrence. I know there are many studies out there. The biggest problem here is that these dogs kill rather than injure.
By Helene
January 14, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this
In Europe, the law requires that owners of these dogs declare them and they must obtain a certification to keep their dog.
By cch
January 14, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this
Want fewer pits? Enact and enforce meaningful spay/neuter laws to reduce the pet (and pit) overpopulation. Ensure that puppies are only bred by reputable breeders, who breed for temperment as well as for physical characteristics. As long as backyard breeders are allowed to let their dogs have accidental litters, or otherwise produce offspring that might have poor temperments, we will continue to have dogs of many breeds or mixes that don’t fit into our society.
By former pit
January 14, 2009 3:15 PM | Link to this
I am a former pitbull owner. He was very sweet and docile. I had raised him as a puppy and he never wanted for love and attention. He did however love me and only me even though he had been socialised. He was always nervous around people, children especially. I couldn’t trust him. One minute he would be affectionate to my friends and the next he would want to attack. He could NEVER be around other dogs either. I do not feel I made him this way as my present dog is the best! Love’s everyone, wants to play, hardly even barks! These dogs are just not good family pets, period. They are watchdogs, fight dogs, and maybe police dogs. While I realise it would be a difficult law to write they do need to be banned. Also, the people who have these as family pets need to be charged with child endangerment. You are putting your children’s lives at risk and it can be prevented! I will always choose my family’s saftey over a dog. I will continue to pray for you children’s saftey.
By Antony
January 14, 2009 3:15 PM | Link to this
I have seen thugs walking around Atlanta with unleashed pit bulls. The only purpose of owning a pit bull is to intimidate others. Pit bulls do not merit the classification of “dog.” Dogs are “friends” of humans, not weapons or time-bombs to be used against them. Please support legislation banning pit-bulls.
By Ed
January 14, 2009 3:18 PM | Link to this
According to a recent study on the increase in dog attacks, the Clifton study, “Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Presa Canarios and their mixes are responsible for 74% of attacks that were included in the study, 68% of the attacks upon children, 82% of the attacks upon adults, 65% of the deaths, and 68% of the maimings. In more than two-thirds of the cases included in the study, the life-threatening or fatal attack was apparently the first known dangerous behavior by the animal in question. Clifton states:
I think this will become and insurance issue very soon. That will provide some very effective deterrence. I know there are many studies out there. The biggest problem here is that these dogs kill rather than injure.
By Gael
January 14, 2009 3:18 PM | Link to this
Unfortunately, Borris’ comments are exactly the mindset of those pitbull owners who mistreat not just one breed of dog but others as well. Let’s call this ‘mental deficiency’. It is the owners who turn their breeds into the type of dog that would be considered ‘wild and uncontrolable’. Being a pitbull owner, I am so glad a lot of the comments here come from folks that can see through it all. By the way Borris, please let us know where you live.
By mecqtate
January 14, 2009 3:22 PM | Link to this
I,too, owned and breeded Pitbills. My dogs were sweet, mannerable and well trained. However, some breeds are more agressive than others. Such as Dobermans, Rottwiellers,Pittbulls etc. These are working dogs..!!! Their job is to protect their owners and property of their owners. My Father breed Bird Dogs as he was a Quail Hunting Guide. One of the best..!!!! However you cannot expect a working dog to be anything but what he has been breed to do. WORK…!!! Think of them as soldiers..!! Soldiers have to kill sometimes…It’s the nature of the beast…!!!!!
By SaveOurRepublic
January 14, 2009 3:22 PM | Link to this
Absolutely not. The government has far too much regulatory power as is, so they don’t need any more!
By wkeef
January 14, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this
When I was a boy of perhaps 7 or 8 my Dad gave me a Pit Bull but only after invetigating the breed due to its reputation.
The dog was my pet for several years and never gave a minute of problems. I feel that Pit Bulls, as well as other breeds, can be trained to be aggressive. I am sorry for humans who encounter aggressive behavior from these dogs but, in my opinion, it is due to human influence in the dog’s upbringing.
I am not in favor of banning this or any other dog breed.
By bell
January 14, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this
Some said that a pit-bull owner should register their dog with the county. I agree, and if the dog turns violent, the registered owner would have to serve time. Makes sense, it would force the owners to raise the dog properly knowning that if the dog seriously hurt someone, then they could do time.
By Mr.Cheech
January 14, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this
Band ALL dogs and cats…unless they’re wild and free, or being consumed for FOOD!
By kj
January 14, 2009 3:27 PM | Link to this
Pitbulls? Let’s just ban Bulldogs and Bulldog lovers and this state will be much better off!
By spaqrta_bubba
January 14, 2009 3:28 PM | Link to this
I would like to see several vicious breeds banned, but I realize that’s harder than nailing Jell-O to a tree. The next best alternative is to send dog owners to prison for a mininm of 15 years when their “sweet little loving pet” maims or kills someone, especially a child. It wouldn’t solve the problem, but it would help.
By Mark
January 14, 2009 3:28 PM | Link to this
Judging from some of the comments here, it is obvious that we’re in the south. SOOOO many illiterates…..
By spaqrta_bubba
January 14, 2009 3:31 PM | Link to this
I would like to see several vicious breeds banned, but I realize that’s harder than nailing Jell-O to a tree. The next best alternative is to send dog owners to prison for a mininm of 15 years when their “sweet little loving pet” maims or kills someone, especially a child. It wouldn’t solve the problem, but it would help.
By spaqrta_bubba
January 14, 2009 3:31 PM | Link to this
I would like to see several vicious breeds banned, but I realize that’s harder than nailing Jell-O to a tree. The next best alternative is to send dog owners to prison for a mininm of 15 years when their “sweet little loving pet” maims or kills someone, especially a child. It wouldn’t solve the problem, but it would help.
By Sarah
January 14, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this
Why not ban thugs like Mike Vick and his ilk from living in the world we live in. BAN THUGS !!!!!
By Jacketnation
January 14, 2009 3:33 PM | Link to this
Yes, Pitbulls have attacked and killed even their owners. Rottwiellers are no exception either. That is what they were bred to do. Even if they are treated with gentle kindness pitbulls still attack and kill other dogs, cats, and many times humans including little children
By Joe
January 14, 2009 3:33 PM | Link to this
Ban them! I wish we could do away with the whole breed. I’ve been around enough pits to know they are a danger. Don’t give me the “its how you raise them” line either, you are kidding yourself. Go tell that to the “dearly loved family pet” people who’ve had a loved one killed by one of these dogs. These dogs are dangerous and their owners need to wake up to that fact!
By Diane
January 14, 2009 3:35 PM | Link to this
I say ban them or else require someone to register them and have a permit, just like if they have a wild animal. That still wouldn’t make me feel at ease if my neighbor had a pit bull, especially with 2 small kids (who have been taught never to pet a dog without asking permission first, by the way).
The problem is that pit bull lovers won’t admit that these dogs have had a fight-to-the-death instinct selectively bred into them for the ring. Just as some dogs have the instinct to herd, or retrieve, the pit bull will fight do the death once he attacks.
Even if you have a sweet, lovable pit bull, how can you be 100% sure that instinct won’t ever be triggered? Maybe by children running & making that high-pitched squealing while playing? Or what if a child does go in your yard to retrieve a ball?
I lived in Miami before & there were many incidents of pits mauling & even killing humans, some were even their owners. But the one I’ll never forget was a pit that got out of his fenced yard & attacked a neighbor that was just out walking. He screamed for help & several neighbors came to his aid, some armed with brooms & one even beating on the dog with a length of pipe. The dog had a death grip & his instinct was not to let go no matter what. Someone finally got a pistol & shot him… and they said that, even dead, his jaws were locked onto the victim.
I can’t imagine other dogs (dobies, german shepherds, etc) not letting go… but these dogs have a different instinct bred into them. May not be their fault, but that instinct is buried in them just the same. I would hate for even a “sweet” pit bull to live next door.
By Rooster
January 14, 2009 3:35 PM | Link to this
Absolutely…to all of those that clain their pitbulls are raised properly, or that they are “guarding” parts of their family is delusional. No matter how nice they are treated or raised, the fact is that in a stressful situation the breed is genetically inclined to attack, and attack to kill. You cannot change the DNA, it’s simply not possible. They can be trained and loved and all of that, but the first time a little kid goes running up to a pitbull they get on edge as if being attacked.
And of course all breeds have at one time bitten a person, but nowhere do you find a commonality of extreme mauling or death within one breed.
Yeah, pitbulls should be banned, they are not getting a bad rap, they are being observed for what they are….overly nervous and highly aggressive in stress situations….they rarely just bite, they kill.
By Latonya
January 14, 2009 3:36 PM | Link to this
I don’t feel pit bulls should be banned or any other breed. The owners should be banned. There are so many people walking around with those dogs and don’t have a clue as far as taking care of them. They are breeding the dogs with other animals and with there siblings. They are giving the dogs different kind of things to make them mean. They are not mean dogs but the owners are making them that way. If you raise your dog in a loving and gentle environment your dog will become loving and gentle.
By Blkshepherd
January 14, 2009 3:36 PM | Link to this
Rather its a pit bull or a poodle. why oh why would you let your dog go un leashed? I have seen some idoits walking with the leash in hand and the pit bull loose. One nearly attacked my german shep puppy in a apt complex years ago. The dummy of an owner was about 300yds away calling his unleashed dogs. Man did I lay into him. Almost gave me a heart attack. I own four shephereds and the only time they are off leash is behind their fence in their yard. No I dont trust my shephereds off leash and would never allow them to run unsupervised around NEVER. You don’t know what is going on in that animal head. Kids pick at my shepherds to the point where they dont like children. BUt i keep a close eye on them and they are never loose when I am not home but occassionaly one gets loose but wont jump the fence. You come on my property thats a different matter. Whats sad is some of the folks in the hood I owning pits cant even feed themselves or their children. If the economy gets any worse we wont have to worry about Pit bulls as their owners can barely affored to feed their own crazy selves.
By Close to Home
January 14, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this
‘My child was murdered’ Father tells horror of death by pit bulls
by Patti Dozier, Thomasville Times Enterprise
THOMASVILLE — A little girl killed by pit bulls 10 days was to have gotten a new bicycle the day she died. She had mastered riding a bike without training wheels the day before her death.
“My child was murdered by three pit bulls,” David Peppers, the child’s father, told Thomas County commissioners Tuesday morning.
Commission chambers at the Thomas County Courthouse was filled with people for and against pit bulls.
“This is what was taken from me; full of life,” Peppers said, holding up a large color photo of his strawberry-blond daughter for commissioners to see.
Peppers and the child’s mother are divorced. The girl, Cheyenne Peppers, lived with her mother. Two adult pit bulls and a puppy were family pets and killed the child at her home.
The child’s father was to take his five-year-old daughter bicycle shopping the day she died.
“Are we going to wait around for another tragedy?” he asked officials, pointing out the death several years ago of a Thomas County child killed by a dog.
To catch and kill is a pit bull’s purpose, Peppers explained.
“That’s what they do. I know lots of people who have them. That’s your right,” Peppers said.
He said that if someone has a firearm and kills someone with it, the individual is held accountable.
“If you have a dog that kills somebody, you should be accountable for that,” he added.
Peppers saw — “with my own eyes” — his daughter’s injuries at the hospital. “I wouldn’t wish that on anybody.” he said.
He also saw his little girl’s “still body” in a casket.
“This little baby’s not going to school this week,” he told commissioners. “She not coming home to her daddy.”
By Allen
January 14, 2009 3:40 PM | Link to this
My neighbor has a pit bull. I’m not necessarily in favor of banning the entire breed (how exactly would that work anyway?) but if this particular dog came near my kids, my pets, or me when running loose, as he often does, it would be a moot question for him.
By BC
January 14, 2009 3:40 PM | Link to this
I guess the question is why does this breed(Pit Bull) kill people? There are many dogs out there that are mistreated by their owner but don’t kill people. Why do Pits feel threatened enough to rip out someone throat? Is it worth the risk to human life to take a chance on whether someone has mistreated this animal or not?
By Mark
January 14, 2009 3:43 PM | Link to this
Joe
Dogs will do what they are trained to do.
Jacketnation
Get a clue. Pits aren’t meant to be bred to be mean by responsible owners. It’s the MVs of the country that give the breed a bad name. Both of you are another 2 of the uninformed idiots I was referring to….
By JOYCE WOOD
January 14, 2009 3:46 PM | Link to this
ABSOLUTELY, BAN,BAN,BAN. iWAS OUT FOR A WALK 4 YEARS AGO AND WAS ATTACKED BY A PIT BULL, 8 YRS OLD AND BELONGED TO A FAMILY WITH A SMALL CHILD ABOUT 4 YRS OLD. THE ANIMAL BLINDSIDED ME FOR NO REASON AND KNOCKED ME DOWN AND BROKE 2 RIBS BIT AND MAULED ME. i AM 70 YRS OLD AND STILL REMEMBER THAT DOG BREATHING ON MY FACE. THE OWNER COULD NOT OR WOULD NOT GET NEAR THE DOG RIGHT AWAY TO PULL HIM OFF OF ME. A WITNESS IN A CAR NEARBY WAS AFRAID TO GET OUT TO HELP ME. TIL THIS DAY I AM SCARED SOME ANIMAL IS GOING TO COME OUT OF THE BUSHES AND GET ME. WAKE UP YOU PEOPLE, I LIKE SMALL DOGS ONLY NOW, THE PIT BULLS AND BOXER PIT BULLS ARE A KILLER BREED ANIMAL AND THEY WILL CHEW YOUR FACE OFF OR YOUR CHILDS, READ THE PAPER AND SEE ALL THE REPORTS OF OWNERS CHILDREN GETTING ATTACKED. THIS IS AN UNPRODICTABLE ANIMAL, YES AN ANIMAL. DO NOT BUY ANY OR BELIEVE ALL THESE PIT BULL LOVERS THAT SAY THEY ARE SO SWEET.
By S
January 14, 2009 3:46 PM | Link to this
NO - people say the same things about Rottweilers and I’ve personally known 2 that were among the sweetest dogs I’ve evr had the pleasure of knowing!
By LET THE TRUTH SPEAK
January 14, 2009 3:49 PM | Link to this
As usual most of the people who have an opinion against this breed have never owned one. They are too lazy to FACT FIND and RESEARCH the breed. The FACT is that if bred and raised correctly this dog will not bite or maul anything. If not then yes, they are dangerous. Hey guess what?? The same thing goes for ANY breed of dog!! Yes, they bite really hard, so does a dozen other breeds of dog!! Yes, they are powerful, so are a dozen other breeds!! The downright truth is that it is easier for society to KILL something off than it is to hold owners responsible. We need tougher laws and actually even tho I am all about an individual right, I would welcome seeing a background check and mandantory classes before owning one of these dogs. The dogs are wonderful, some owners are SCUM.
By LET THE TRUTH SPEAK
January 14, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this
As usual most of the people who have an opinion against this breed have never owned one. They are too lazy to FACT FIND and RESEARCH the breed. The FACT is that if bred and raised correctly this dog will not bite or maul anything. If not then yes, they are dangerous. Hey guess what?? The same thing goes for ANY breed of dog!! Yes, they bite really hard, so does a dozen other breeds of dog!! Yes, they are powerful, so are a dozen other breeds!! The downright truth is that it is easier for society to KILL something off than it is to hold owners responsible. We need tougher laws and actually even tho I am all about an individual right, I would welcome seeing a background check and mandantory classes before owning one of these dogs. The dogs are wonderful, some owners are SCUM.
By Billy
January 14, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this
It’s the @$$holes who raise them to be “killers and fighting” dogs that should be put down. I don’t want to hear about how strong a dog’s neck is, or how long it can hang from a rope while biting it. What purpose does it serve? To make one’s shortcomings on being able to defend themself like a man impress me? I’m betting that the family who had the dog most likely trained it to be tough, or something similiar. Not to make that the blame of what happened, but sorry, these dogs don’t act that way “just because”!
By Billy
January 14, 2009 3:52 PM | Link to this
It’s the @$$holes who raise them to be “killers and fighting” dogs that should be put down. I don’t want to hear about how strong a dog’s neck is, or how long it can hang from a rope while biting it. What purpose does it serve? To make one’s shortcomings on being able to defend themself like a man impress me? I’m betting that the family who had the dog most likely trained it to be tough, or something similiar. Not to make that the blame of what happened, but sorry, these dogs don’t act that way “just because”!
By What now???
January 14, 2009 3:52 PM | Link to this
Yes, they should be banned.
I have owned multiple dogs of multiple breeds for 40 years. Dogs retain their instincts for generations, regardless of the training and home life it receives. A Sheltie often retains its herding instincts, aGerman Shepherd retains its guard dog instincys, a Beagle retins its instinct to hunt rabbits, a Lhasa Apso will instinctively guard bedrooms…and a Pit Bull retains its fighter instincts. Most of the children or family pets killed or maimed, were not killed by do fighting dogs, they were killed by “friendly” family pets who one day suddenly went berserk. It is their instinct.
By Scientist, dog owner and realist.
January 14, 2009 3:52 PM | Link to this
The laws that need to be passed here should not be based on breeds and characteristics but on responsible dog ownership. Good dog owners with wonderful dogs should not have to pay for the destruction irresponsible pet owners have caused in putting a horrific name on certain breeds.
Laws such as no dog is labeled a threat until deemed necessary, for instance but not limited too dogs that escape from their owners and are picked up by animal control can then be determined if they are a “dangerous dog” which then allows for the owner to be warned that the next time this animal will be fixed. We can not base what dog to breed based on what they look like or how big there jaw is, it is bad enough that you tell someone that they can not have these breeds in certain rental properties based solely on looks, how is it any different then racial profiling in humans, I can not live somewhere because my dog has no tail and a wide head and jaw and is muscular, you may as well tell me I can not live there because I am white or because I am Jewish.
It is my hopes that instead of jumping to ban and limit certain breeds we will look at all dogs an dog owners as a whole and focus on where the problem lies, with in irresponsible dog owners that are causing those of us that cherish our dogs as our own pets to have to fight for our rights to keep our children. I own a 100 lbs of the sweetest dog you could ever come across. He loves going to the dog park and socializing with other animals, he has never met a stranger, he comes with me every Sunday to my grandmothers retirement home and gets loved on and keeps the elderly people at the home entertained for hours, at the very worst he may try to crawl up in your lap or drool on you. He also goes with me every week to the domestic violence shelter that houses woman and children, there he acts as a therapy dog for the children and they jump all over him and love him to pieces. At the park, little kids run to see him and rub his belly. My dog is the love of my life and many others and he is a rottweiler.
). He is not an exception either, in fact, I rescued him from a BAD, IRRESPONSIBLE pet owner, a man who had him chained to a tree in a back yard for the first two years of his life and beat him up everyday, I have had him for over three years now and he has the sweetest soul you could ask for in a companion.
What would be a better law is to help these irresponsible people realize that these are amazing creatures and with the right home and right owners a dog will love you unconditionally regardless of its breed. Please don’t punish good dogs and good owners, education is key in this issue. Its my breed today but your tomorrow. The only face transplant ever done was due to a black lab biting its owners face, do you really think we should just start banning breeds because of “adverse events”. Please consider you don’t hear that we should ban a small breed not because they bite less, in fact they tend to bite more but because they have a smaller jaw, resulting in smaller damage, you can not blame an animal for how it looks and its characteristics.
To be useful, legislation must be effective, enforceable, economical, and reasonably fair. Recently, a resolution has been placed before you that fails all of these tests. This legislation is motivated by fear and lack of relevant knowledge. It is discriminatory, impractical, and unenforceable. Worst of all, it will not solve the problem. These breeds have been the subject of irresponsible and sensationalist reporting across the country. The media and the inexperienced would have you believe that these breeds are vicious and should be prohibited. The plain fact is that there is no relationship between the type of the dog and the number of incidents. If your town has 100 German Shepherds and 1 Poodle, you’ll soon learn that the German Shepherds are responsible for 100 times as many incidents as the Poodles. Does this mean that German Shepherds are intrinsically vicious? Of course not. Taken as a whole, breeds such as rottweilers, German Sheppard’s, pit bulls and akitas and mastiff breeds have proven their stability and good canine citizenry by becoming ‘Search & Rescue dogs, Therapy dogs working inside hospitals, and family companions for years. A five year study published in the Cincinnati Law Review in 1982, vol. 53, pg 1077, which specifically considered both Rottweilers and “pit bulls,” concluded in part that: - statistics do not support the assertion that any one breed was dangerous, - when legislation is focused on the type of dog it fails, because it is … unenforceable, confusing, and costly. - focusing legislation on dogs that are “vicious” distracts attention from the real problem, which is irresponsible owners. In light of the studies, the facts, and the discriminatory nature of the proposed legislation, we urge you to take the following actions:
Reject the current request to ban by breed.
Work to establish reasonable guidelines for responsible pet ownership, and encourage legislation that supports owner responsibility without reference to specific breeds.
Study after study shows that ANY dog, regardless of breed, will be whatever its owner makes of it….nothing more, nothing less. Owners can and should take responsibility for their pets. We suggest that the appropriate policy is “blame the owner, not the dog.” If a dog attacks a person, the law should treat it as though the owner attacked that person.
Please reconsider and retract your breed specific resolution. Please do not punish responsible owners who maintain their dogs as companions and members of the family; dogs that do not pose a threat to anyone. Why should we be punished simply because irresponsible owners of the same breed of dog have not “ethically and legally” protected others from injury? Voting for this proposal as it stands will harm both the law abiding, responsible dog owners and the victims, but it won’t solve anything. Thank you for your time.
By Billy
January 14, 2009 3:53 PM | Link to this
It’s the @$$holes who raise them to be “killers and fighting” dogs that should be put down. I don’t want to hear about how strong a dog’s neck is, or how long it can hang from a rope while biting it. What purpose does it serve? To make one’s shortcomings on being able to defend themself like a man impress me? I’m betting that the family who had the dog most likely trained it to be tough, or something similiar. Not to make that the blame of what happened, but sorry, these dogs don’t act that way “just because”!
By STACEY
January 14, 2009 3:56 PM | Link to this
I agree with Dana. It’s the owners, not the breed. People are responsible for their animals actions. Pits are not the only dogs that have attacked. If you are going to own any dog. It takes dedication and work. I have 4 dogs myself they are Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, Boxer mix and yes a Pit Bull. None of them are aggresive. Some people need to do their homework.
By andthensome
January 14, 2009 3:56 PM | Link to this
They can be great dogs. So can rottweilers. However, all-too-often, the wrong owners get ahold of these animals and mishandle them. Then, before you know it, some human, or another animal is dead and it’s too late. So, yes, unfortunately, these animals should be banned. There are not enough responsible owners out there. Case in point, my neighbors live in a $400,000 house. They have several pitbulls. In a cage-like kennel and tied to a stake in the ground. These people don’t have a fenced-in yard, so their beloved pets never get any exercise. Think they’re risks for aggressive behavior if they get loose? You bet. So, yeah, ban the dogs because not enough responsible people are taking ownership of them.
By KJ
January 14, 2009 3:59 PM | Link to this
At the very least, anyone who wants to own a pit should have to obtain a special license.
And don’t give me this “Pitbulls only rank 49th on the Schleppelheimer Dog Aggression Scale.” You say Dachshunds are more aggressive? Guess what, Dachshunds aren’t capable of killing a person. The worst he’ll do is shred your ankles a bit.
Regardless of breeding, instinct, etc., you have a dog that’s physically capable of killing people, along with a whole lot of irresponsible people who own one for image’s sake.
And quit acting like it’s the end of the world if you’re not able to get a pitbull. There are 100+ other breeds out there, pick one and STFU.
By BC
January 14, 2009 4:01 PM | Link to this
Its been well documented of so called “Family Pits” killing people. These people were not training these dogs to be killers. It in there blood.
By John
January 14, 2009 4:03 PM | Link to this
Not no but HELL NO. Let me point out something about this particular story you not read on the AJC. First of all the father and the sheriff both say that these dogs were family pets. Well the local news reporter from thomasville says the dogs were chained in the backyard. Well I regularly chain my dog up NOT you know why because she is a family pet. A family pet is a dog that gets regular love and attention not a dog chained up the yard. No matter what the breed of the dog a dog is only a mirror of its owner. Here is another thing that p** me off I bet no one on this blog can point out to me a true American pitbull terrier. You know why because so many dogs are called pitbulls that arent actually pitbulls. This ridiculous to even argue this father says they were family pets so why isnt he being held accountable for his dogs actions. The local news reporter also says that animal control was called to the address several times. Once again I would like to know what they found upon arrival? The local news reporter also says the child was alone in the backyard. I have a real problem with this story because it seems in some accounts the dogs were family pets and in some it seems the dogs may not have even belonged to the family. I will say this it is easy to jump on a bandwagon but make sure before you go on witchhunt you have ALL the details and not just the ones you read about. Call the sheriffs dept. or animal control and get their side of the story also.
By sean
January 14, 2009 4:05 PM | Link to this
I have a English Staffordshire Terrier. Amy. She’s little. She’s not knee high on me. She’s a little chunky though.
She’s black & white just like the one on the AKC website page. People freak out when they see her because of the simularities with the Pit Bull. She’s not. She’s actually the one that my other dogs pick on because her personality is nonconfrontational. She prefers lap time & hugs to anything else.
It’s to a degree the dog, but to the large degree, it’s the person. You have an ugly person, you have an ugly dog. To make it fair, let’s ban the Pit, put them all to sleep once & for all. But at the same time, let’s go the prisons in the state & put all the prisoners there down too since they’ve all broken the law of man as well as the dogs.
By sean
January 14, 2009 4:06 PM | Link to this
I have a English Staffordshire Terrier. Amy. She’s little. She’s not knee high on me. She’s a little chunky though.
She’s black & white just like the one on the AKC website page. People freak out when they see her because of the simularities with the Pit Bull. She’s not. She’s actually the one that my other dogs pick on because her personality is nonconfrontational. She prefers lap time & hugs to anything else.
It’s to a degree the dog, but to the large degree, it’s the person. You have an ugly person, chances you have an ugly dog. To make it fair, let’s ban the Pit, put them all to sleep once & for all. Genocide applied to the breed. But at the same time, let’s go the prisons in the state & put all the prisoners there down too since they’ve all broken the law of man, just like the dogs did.
By mes
January 14, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this
All pit bulls are not evil, All blondes are not dumb, All ????? are not terrorists, not all ???? are muggers. The magic word here is ALL. My pit bull who is 6 years old (I have had since he was 5 weeks) invites people in the house as long as you rub his tush. He sits outside on the front porch (no fence) and people walk by and they wave at him. He is the neighborhood pet. He has been attacked by the mean labs in the neighborhood. He will bite someone if they raise a hand to a child. We have been kicked out of Tucker Days because he is a pit. Thank goodness we listed him as a pitoodle (pit and poodle) or we couldn’t keep him in DeKalb County. Please keep your children from playing in my yard!!! My dog doesn’t play in yours
By CobbDogLover
January 14, 2009 4:08 PM | Link to this
I agree with the comments on those who say people need to start taking responsibility for their actions! I have several friends with pitts, and anyone who says it is in their blood to kill is an absolue moron! I have seen more attacks by chiwawa’s and small ankle biters, however, the media portrays large breed dogs as viscious! How about the county should focus on more important issues like the economy!
By Mark
January 14, 2009 4:09 PM | Link to this
What now???
It is not their instinct. It is how they are raised. Do some research before you spew your ignorant beliefs. That is if you can read of course. I once got bit by a Lab, so it must be in their instinct as well?
People, instead of banning pits, we should ban blacks from owning them. They don’t want pits as pets. They only use them to look like they’re bad thugs, hence mistreating them. Open your eyes and see what’s happening here.
By Dexter Bateman
January 14, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this
Absolutely not. The preoccupation with Pit Bulls as the boogyman breed is typical of our country’s scapegoat fear factor mentality. If it weren’t pit bulls, the media would find some other breed to demonize. It’s silly to think that if you banned this breed that children would suddenly stop being mauled. I doubt if this had been a golden retrever in this case, there would be this much discussion. Then you have to look at who are calling for bans: politicans and policeman (gee I wonder how many innocent people those two professions have killed? Maybe we should ban them.)I’ve been the proud owner of a pit bull for almost 6 years and my experence has been that they are the most gentle and kind breed I’ve ever delt with. Banning them, much like banning drugs and prositution, will do little if anything to stop the issue. Just another meaningless gesture by our elected leaders to show they are doing something. Hold the owner responsable, don’t punish the rest of us and our loving pets, because someone is not capable of managing their animals.I suppose I’m more concerned about someone on the highway killing me because they were talking on their cell phone, but I know better then to think that the cell phone lobby is going to let that happen. To those of you who want to ban the breed. Stay in your houses, the world is a scary place, if the pitbulls don’t get you, I’m sure there’s some imagined threat out there that will.
By Laura
January 14, 2009 4:14 PM | Link to this
The truth is that most mauling and deaths by dogs are caused by Pit Bulls. The statistics prove this.
How could anyone describe a Pit Bull as “cute”? They are the ugliest dog I’ve ever seen.
Let’s put the life of humans above these beasts, and get rid of these useless animals.
By Amber
January 14, 2009 4:14 PM | Link to this
Absolutely NOT! I can’t believe this is even a discussion. Pit bulls are not by nature the killing machines that some of the ignorant posters on this blog want you to believe. The pit bulls you hear about attacking people have been FAILED by their human tormentors. Pits and pit mixes can be wonderful, loving family members, and all banning them in certain places does is create a false stigma that people uneducated about the breed may mistakenly believe.
By George I Know!!!
January 14, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this
People please, educate yourselves on the breed before you make ridiculous comments that Pits are genetically encoded to be aggressive. While my heart goes out to the families of those that have been killed by “supposed” pit bulls, I have to totally disagree with you. I have owned “real” Pedigreed Pit Bulls for over 27 years and I have never had even one that was aggressive towards people. I do agree that it takes a person of a certain calibur to be a Pit Bull owner; not just any Joe should have one. But, ban the breed, please people, are you so stupid as not to recognize what that would mean? If they ban Pit Bulls now, that will only open the door for those that hate other breeds to seek to have them banned as well. Next they will be coming after your sweet little Poodle, or Jack Russell, or whatever kind of toy dog you own. How will you feel then, when they are seeking to ax your breed into extinction? In the meantime leave me and my 4 APBT’s alone or may have them to attack you and lick you to death.
By Another point of view
January 14, 2009 4:19 PM | Link to this
Halsey, I agree. Owners of these dogs should be required to take classes and train their dogs. I have 2 presa canarios that are totally social but protection trained. I have a responsibilty to the community to make sure my dogs can function in any enviroment. Thats why we train and then retrain. Btw, you’ve NEVER heard of a protection trained dog killing anyone or attacking unnecessarily.
The owner that ties their dog out back and doesn’t expose it to humans is loading it up for failure.
Probably 80% of the people that have dogs shouldn’t.
By Baby Eater
January 14, 2009 4:19 PM | Link to this
To the people that support the ban, and especially the people that think you have to be crazy to own a pitbull: you’re a bunch of PUSSIES! Your kids are being raised to be pussies, too. If you’re a sorry p*** that’s afraid of pits, stay the f* away from them. Don’t get your p*** nose into other people’s lives.
By Baby Eater
January 14, 2009 4:21 PM | Link to this
To the people that support the ban, and especially the people that think you have to be crazy to own a pitbull: you’re a bunch of PUSSIES! Your kids are being raised to be pussies, too. If you’re a sorry p*** that’s afraid of pits, stay the f* away from them. Don’t get your p*** nose into other people’s lives.
By Mark
January 14, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this
Laura Let’s ban all women named Laura because they were bred to be stupid. Now be a good woman and do the dishes and cook supper…
By JUST A DOG
January 14, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this
Why is this even being discussed? There is no inalienable right to own a pitbull or any dog for that matter…so if a community wants it banned, so be it
By Dexter Bateman
January 14, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this
I agree with Mark. To say the breed is ugly is a matter of opinion. I’ve seen some pretty ugly dogs but I don’t want to ban them. Aren’t there enough laws already? Are we any better off? I live what is considered a pretty crime ridden part of town. A guy got shot to death last week down the street from me, so when I see a pit bull, I don’t cower in fear, I just laugh at people’s fear of the breed. Thats part of the reason the country is going to hell, people would rather live in fear then face it. Both Helen Keller and Teddy Roosevelt had pitbulls, back then people had balls. Now people just talk…
By Stephanie
January 14, 2009 4:33 PM | Link to this
First of all, BLKSHEPARD please do NOT sit here and say that pit bull owners cannot afford to feed themselves so soon enough we wont have to worry about em. I happen to own two very smart very interactive pitbulls, I have a huge backyard and no I do not let them out without a leash. But we CAN afford to put dinner on our tables and our pits see their vets regulary. Do NOT make that assumption I know plenty of other people who own pits and have a nice home and plenty of food for the family! You people are RIDICULOUS!! I bet 88% of you are republican too and think sarah palin is a saint.
By Reluctant
January 14, 2009 4:38 PM | Link to this
It seems to me that the vast majority of people in support of the ban are people who have no experience with the breed other than what they have heard or read from the media. And those are the same people who could not tell a Pit bull from an American Bulldog, Boxer, Cane Corsa, etc. I get comments all the time on my “pit bull” - I have a white Boxer.
By AF
January 14, 2009 4:38 PM | Link to this
“Responsible ownership”. The problem is that someone has to die before it can be determined who has not been responsible.
No. There have been too many deaths attributable to pitt bulls. They should be banned n any highly populated area. Further, any owner of a pitt bull should be required to entirely fence property where the pitt bulls live, post signs every ten feet at the heighth of both a child and an adult, and be banned from taking the dog to any public place, even a vets. Let the vet have to go to the property where the dog is kept.
By MARY EVANS
January 14, 2009 4:38 PM | Link to this
BAN THE OWNERS. IT IS THEIR FAULT. DOGS, NO MATTER THE BREED, IF RAISED IN A LOVING ENVIRONMENT ARE A JOY.
By Pedro
January 14, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this
Baby eater - your pit should have your name. It probably already has your IQ.
By Mel
January 14, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this
Those of you who say leave the poor dogs alone, go talk to the parents of the children who are ragaged to death by these animals. I am tired of seeing these dogs roaming about my neighborhood with no collar or ID. The next time one of them chases your elderly parent down the drive, or runs after your small child, rips down your fence chasing a squirrel, I wonder if you’ll lean over and hug and kiss the pit?
Unless you can find a way to license the dogs and owners, they don’t need to be in any residential area. If you need to walk the dog with a giant choke chain, they don’t need to be around people.
By Joe
January 14, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this
Boy, why is it I never hear about labs or poodles or any other freakin’ breed attacking and killing people? I only hear about pit bulls.
Must be a conspiracy.
By Trizzle
January 14, 2009 4:41 PM | Link to this
Well, the same could be said of Rotts and Dobies, and chows. I didnt get a chance to read the entire blog, but even if the dogs are banned, people will still have them, and then what? Yes it is the owner’s responsibility to raise the dog in an environment that doesn’t include fighting or biting or destroying things. I have a chihuahua and she is VERY socialized and loving. Get her around a child that attempts to pick her up and she will get snipped. Its from fear. They are scared of children they don’t know because they can get so easily hurt. So…She is always leashed and when a child approaches I inform them it’s not a good idea. I then tell the parent that it’s not safe. I worry because I dont want my dog to be put down for biting a person so I make it my responsibility to ensure that doesn’t happen. People that own dogs that have a history of aggression should 100% look out for people around their pets. If they have a fenced yard, place signs for no trasspassing and for dangerous dog. Anything outside of that should be closely monitored and people should be cautious when taking them out of their environment. I can say that when I see a Pitt, I turn and walk away. I do not care to be a victim, if that is where it’s going. The same is said for Chows. They are known for turning on their owners. Please just excersize responsibility when caring for these types of dogs, or any for that matter!
By Joe
January 14, 2009 4:41 PM | Link to this
Boy, why is it I never hear about labs or poodles or any other freakin’ breed attacking and killing people? I only hear about pit bulls.
Must be a conspiracy.
By Christen M.
January 14, 2009 4:42 PM | Link to this
NO, NO, NO, NO…A THOUSAND TIMES NO!! I am so sick and tired of hearing people pick on Pit Bulls. ANY DOG CAN BE AGGRESSIVE!! For God’s sake, the meanest dog I’ve ever met was my aunt’s Pomeranian. I’m convinced the media has some vendetta for Pit Bulls, which in turn has scared so many people in to believing their these ferocious monstrosities. Other breeds of dogs attack people every single day, but it’s funny…you only seem to hear about Pit Bulls. I have a Pit Bull that I trained, socialized and took an active interest in as a responsible pet owner. She is six years old, and has been around lots of children, adults and other animals without ANY incident. She LOVES them all, not just me as her owner. She is the most loving dog I’ve ever owned, hands down. Pit Bulls are extremely smart and powerful. Sure, if trained to be aggressive or neglected, not properly cared for or looked after, then I can see the potential for trouble. BUT THAT GOES FOR ANY BREED OF ANIMAL!! If you want to try and eliminate dog attacks from occuring, you’ll need to ban every single dog breed. Maybe we should start requiring people to be licensed to own pets like guns. The wrong people will still find ways to get them, but maybe there will at least be more control over who should own them…like people who want to properly care for and train their pets.
By AF
January 14, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this
“Responsible ownership”. The problem is that someone has to die before it can be determined who has not been responsible.
No. There have been too many deaths attributable to pitt bulls. They should be banned n any highly populated area. Further, any owner of a pitt bull should be required to entirely fence property where the pitt bulls live, post signs every ten feet at the heighth of both a child and an adult, and be banned from taking the dog to any public place, even a vets. Let the vet have to go to the property where the dog is kept.
By Courtney
January 14, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this
I have a Pit bull she is a year old and she is the mosty loveable dog. My two year old neice fed my dog a dog treat and my dog knew not to harm her. With that being said it has nothing to do with the breed itself but everything to do with the person that raised the dog. The master of the dog should be held accountable due to mis-treatment and lack of training. If top dog trainers that work with pitbulls on a daily basis say they are the most lovable dogs then it has to mean that the owners of these vicious dogs should be inspected by the Dog Humane Society.
By Ken Dudley
January 14, 2009 4:44 PM | Link to this
When was the last time you read or heard, “Child/man/woman mauled/killed/mutilated by Labrador Retriever or Cocker Spaniel or Beagle?” I’m sure there are gentle Pit Bull Terriers, but more often than not that’s the breed that injures or kills some child. Usually it’s unprovoked. Even if it isn’t, it’s just not worth the risk. Get rid of all of them and most of your vicious dog stories will go away, not to mention dog fighting!
By Baby Eater
January 14, 2009 4:46 PM | Link to this
My pits name is Baby Raper, because he doesn’t just eat them. In the words of my beloved Howard Dean, “BYAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!” //arm pump//
By Susie
January 14, 2009 4:46 PM | Link to this
Absolutely NOT!! People need to read more about the breed and then they would know that these dogs were NOT breed to be human aggressive at all. Find out what the circumstances are around each attack. Were these dogs well socialized or were they chained up online become time bombs like any other breed would. Were they altered? This can affect how aggressive a god can become. I can’t believe that this is even a discussion. People never fail to amaze me how ignorant they are!!! Why don’t we EVER hear about all the other dog breeds that attack humans! I
By karol
January 14, 2009 4:46 PM | Link to this
I do NOT agree with banning pit bulls. Its crazy, it is not the pit bulls fault. Its the owners. Yes, they were bred to fight a LONG time ago and its people like Michael Vick that makes them mean, such as training them that way and/or not getting them neutered/spayed. Neutering and spaying pit bull, rott’s, chow’s, anytype of aggressive dogs plays a HUGE role on their personalities! I worked at a vet for 1 1/2 and I came across more aggressive rottweiller’s, chihuahua’s, minature pinchers, and chows. I understand that chihuahua’s,”min pins” are much smaller and can’t do “much” damage. I have a pit/lab mix and he is the BEST dog I have ever had. Hes the sweetest dog. He had been a little aggressive but after I got him neutered he would NOT harm a fly. I could understand permits to have a pit bull, background checks, fences, in side only anything like that to make sure they are going to have good homes. Or even like some of the humane society’s that have veternarian background checks such as previous dogs up-to-date on shots(?), spayed(?), neutered(?), aggressive animals in past(?) and so on. Don’s blame the dogs for what they become because of the owners.
By Cal
January 14, 2009 4:46 PM | Link to this
This is just a blatant attempt at pandering in order to generate page hits. Give it a rest. We all know both sides of the argument and to bring this up AGAIN serves no useful purpose. Sad that you have to stoop to such obvious levels to generate reader responses, as if it’s going to make a difference one way or the other. Hint: it won’t!
By Susie
January 14, 2009 4:48 PM | Link to this
Absolutely NOT!! People need to read more about the breed and then they would know that these dogs were NOT breed to be human aggressive at all. Find out what the circumstances are around each attack. Were these dogs well socialized or were they chained up ouside to a tree only to become a time bomb like any other breed would. Were they altered? This can affect how aggressive a dog can become. I can’t believe that this is even a discussion. People never fail to amaze me how ignorant they are!!! Why don’t we EVER hear about all the other dog breeds that attack humans!
By Nonya
January 14, 2009 4:49 PM | Link to this
I have both kind and quite frankly I wish they had the tendency to attack, specially some of you a**holes that have no clue. And how many of you tie your dogs to trees or fences and leave them out in the bad weather or even good ALL the time. I too would attack someone. Keep your kids from throwing rocks and taunting. Course they learn from their environment, just as our dogs are taught. Just like it’s not the childrens fault, it’s not dogs either. It’s the owners of both.
By Kim
January 14, 2009 4:51 PM | Link to this
Whatever, people do NOT need to read more about the breed…BAN THE DAMN BREED…pitbulls can die out like many other breeds have over the course of history. Big deal if there are no more pitbulls, if you love dogs so much go get one of the many other hundred breeds out there.
By Another point of view
January 14, 2009 4:51 PM | Link to this
There are many ways to evaluate a dog. Canine Good citizen and American Temperment Test is just 2. If your dog can’t pass those there needs to be remedial training or removal of the dog. When I took my dog through it there was a lab that had to be removed from the test he was so aggressive. Then again when you saw the guy at the end of the leash you knew why he was the way he was. The guy just didnt have the heart to correct the dog. That dog would bite ANYTHING that got within striking distance.
By Hank Sigfried
January 14, 2009 4:53 PM | Link to this
Yet another Modest proposition:
It seems to me that pit bulls are no less safe than home-raised tigers. Therefore, I believe everyone should be allowed to have pet tigers—as I do-so that we can all be FREE to experience the joy of these normally peaceful animals!
Yes, they do like eating mammals of any size smaller they they are, but unless they’ve been properly trained to hunt and kill by their mothers or guardians, they’ll probably only maim you or leave you with permanent brain damage if they choose to attack—believe me, I know!
As I’ve said before, NORMALLY, they just sleep— or are playful, loving animals—and don’t attack…except for those rare circumstances when they might be hungry, can smell your saliva, are provoked, petted the wrong way, or if their owner’s gang sign is shown without proper respect.
My life partner Bubba Roy would be appalled if he could read how intolerant some of you are being towards pit bulls — for surely — some of you might have some of that same misguided fear of tigers!
Satirically, and on behalf of Bubba Roy, who can’t type well these days,
“Hank” Sigfried
P.s. And if my pet tiger happens to escape and eat you, that’s just bad luck—or perhaps you were just irresponsible and weren’t carrying a taser or gun to fend him off as I do since Roy’s incident…
By Christen
January 14, 2009 4:53 PM | Link to this
NO, NO, NO, NO…A THOUSAND TIMES NO!! I am so sick and tired of hearing people pick on Pit Bulls. ANY DOG CAN BE AGGRESSIVE!! For God’s sake, the meanest dog I’ve ever met was my aunt’s Pomeranian. I’m convinced the media has some vendetta for Pit Bulls, which in turn has scared so many people into believing that they are nothing more than ferocious monstrosities. The media drives belief, and they have choice over what they report, and more importantly, what they don’t report. Other breeds of dogs attack people every single day, but it’s funny…you only seem to hear about Pit Bulls. I have a Pit Bull that I trained, socialized and took an active interest in as a responsible pet owner. She is six years old, and has been around lots of children, adults and other animals without ANY incident. She LOVES them all, not just me as her owner. She is the most loving dog I’ve ever owned, hands down. Pit Bulls are extremely smart and powerful, and HOW DARE ANYONE SAY THEY ARE USELESS. Sure, if trained to be aggressive or neglected, not properly cared for or looked after, then I can see the potential for trouble. BUT THAT GOES FOR ANY BREED OF ANIMAL!! If you want to try and eliminate dog attacks from occuring, you’ll need to ban every single dog breed. Maybe we should start requiring people to be licensed to own pets like guns. The wrong people will still find ways to get them, but maybe there will at least be more control over who should own them…like people who want to properly care for and train their pets.
By Gram
January 14, 2009 4:54 PM | Link to this
I had a friend with 2 “very gentle and wonderful” pit bulls…that is until they turned on her 8 year old son out of the blue and mauled him, nearly killing him.
The reason you don’t hear about other breeds attacking humans is because other breeds don’t go ballistic like pits for no reason. It’s inbred in them to be violent.
By Christen
January 14, 2009 4:54 PM | Link to this
NO, NO, NO, NO…A THOUSAND TIMES NO!! I am so sick and tired of hearing people pick on Pit Bulls. ANY DOG CAN BE AGGRESSIVE!! For God’s sake, the meanest dog I’ve ever met was my aunt’s Pomeranian. I’m convinced the media has some vendetta for Pit Bulls, which in turn has scared so many people into believing that they are nothing more than ferocious monstrosities. The media drives belief, and they have choice over what they report, and more importantly, what they don’t report. Other breeds of dogs attack people every single day, but it’s funny…you only seem to hear about Pit Bulls. I have a Pit Bull that I trained, socialized and took an active interest in as a responsible pet owner. She is six years old, and has been around lots of children, adults and other animals without ANY incident. She LOVES them all, not just me as her owner. She is the most loving dog I’ve ever owned, hands down. Pit Bulls are extremely smart and powerful, and HOW DARE ANYONE SAY THEY ARE USELESS. Sure, if trained to be aggressive or neglected, not properly cared for or looked after, then I can see the potential for trouble. BUT THAT GOES FOR ANY BREED OF ANIMAL!! If you want to try and eliminate dog attacks from occuring, you’ll need to ban every single dog breed. Maybe we should start requiring people to be licensed to own pets like guns. The wrong people will still find ways to get them, but maybe there will at least be more control over who should own them…like people who want to properly care for and train their pets.
By Lyle
January 14, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this
The reason you don’t hear about other breeds killing people is because they don’t get the coverage Pits do. Pit Bulls accounted for less than half of the dog related fatalities in the U.S. last year. In fact, a Pomeranian and a Dachshund were both involved in separate fatalities. You want to ban them, too?
I have two Labrador Retrievers that you do not want to mess with if I’m not around. Yes, they will hurt you should you try to enter my home without permission. Want to ban Labs, too? Get over it you whiny bunch of pansies. Don’t like living near Pit Bulls? MOVE! Maybe living next to a Rottweiler or German Shepherd is more comforting. Check the hospital reported dog bite statistics before you answer that question.
By lassie
January 14, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this
Yes. Ban the future ones and euthanize the existing ones. Irresponsible blacks have these dogs because they think it makes them look tough. These nasty rappers have glorified these dogs and now all the gangsta ghetto wanna be’s have them and dont have the sense to control them. Lazy owners. THE AGGRESSIVENESS IS PART OF THIS BREED. HOW STUPID CAN YOU BE. YOU DONT SEE ABUSED GOLDEN LABS EATING PEOPLE.
By Dexter Bateman
January 14, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this
Joe— the reason you only hear about pits in the media, is the same reason you hear about Britney Spears lastest trip to rehab: its the kind of empty headed s#%t people want to hear about. People don’t tune into the news to hear the truth, they want to hear about all the bad stuff that happened in the world but didn’t happen to them. It’s the car wreck mentality: people see a wreck and they want to look away, but secretly they want see the blood and the bodies. Pits are just the controversal dog for now, and like most of the pit bull owners on this list know, its another one of the myths that keep the news cycle rolling.
Baby Eater, don’t change. Babies taste good, urrrghhh….
By Donna P.
January 14, 2009 4:59 PM | Link to this
We should ban pit bull dog OWNERS. It is not the dogs’ fault; it is the owners’ fault when a pit bull attacks. Proper training is required for this breed. If someone wants to own a pit bull, they should buy one from an authorized trainer/breeder and get proper training on how to handle this breed.
By sb
January 14, 2009 5:00 PM | Link to this
Reality is: All dogs are capable of attacking. Another reality: Almost all fatal attacks are done by pitbulls.
When you own a pitbull, you infringe on your neighbors rights to enjoy their own outside space. Maybe you don’t care about your neighbors. So, maybe you aren’t as nice and loving as your think you are. And having established that you are an inconsiderate neighbor, now you want a pitbull. The day one of my neighbors brings home a pitbull is the day I buy a gun and I will shoot it as soon as it steps on my property.
By Harry
January 14, 2009 5:00 PM | Link to this
Banning a breed of dog is just plain stupid!
Just like hating or fearing a person because of their race!
It all depends on how they are raised.
Now, dangerous animals or dangerous people, they should be held responsible for their actions!
Our five year old Granddog is a so-called pitbull. She loves everyone, not just our family. She is around a lot of people and has never bite or even snapped at anyone. She loves other dogs and just wants to play. She has had another dog snap at her but she is not aggressive, even when attacked.
Fear and ignorance is not the way to approach the problem of dangerous people or animals.
By George I Know!!!
January 14, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this
Stephanie, wake up Dear, it’s the democrats that will wind up taking our Pits from us, and our freedom of speech, our right to keep and bear arms, the freedom of the press and anything else that they can take from us. Haven’t you figured out by now, that they are control freeks. They won’t stop till they control every move we make. They are SOCIALIST in disguise.
By purpleone
January 14, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this
Absolutely not…dogs do have a natural ‘disposition’ but it can be toned down or controlled based on the owner/master, how the dog is taught, etc. I had a sweetie, Niecy, and ppl could not believe she was a Pit but they could see it…she stayed in the house too and we had her fixed as soon as possible and she was the best dog ever. I even brought her around my child (dog was at my mom’s house) and she knew that was a baby and protected him (no, I didn’t leave the baby in the room alone with the dog) but she knew my child was a child so she didn’t try to get up on him when he was walking b/c she knew he was a little person and she could knock him down! I remember he even tried to stick a straw in her eyes and she made a funny noise to get our attention, to let us know, please get this baby, he is bother/hurting me and I can’t hurt him! We had her over 10 years…the best girl ever! She even knew and was embarassed when she became ill and she knew it was time to put her down. Miss you Niecy!
By Pedro
January 14, 2009 5:02 PM | Link to this
Baby eater - your pit should have your name. It probably already has your IQ.
By Kevin
January 14, 2009 5:02 PM | Link to this
Sure, there are some sweet pits. Sure, other breeds bite. But pits attack to kill, and they excel at it. Few if any other breeds regularly make the news for vicious killings (bully for you, whoever found an article about a single death caused by a lab - I bet it was a pit/lab mix). To the numerous morons who don’t believe dogs are predisposed to certain traits, you could not be more wrong. Man developed all of the breeds through selective breeding. We did it for character traits, not for looks. Some dogs were bred to shepherd, some to work, and some to kill. More often than any other breed, pit bulls are unprovoked killers. No one is proposing a mass extermination of pits. The sensible among us just want to stop the ongoing breeding of these killers. Find another breed and let’s let the thugs find a new interest, or rediscover an old one like mauling each other.
By Dexter Bateman
January 14, 2009 5:05 PM | Link to this
So if I hear lassie correctly. We need a Final Solution for all pits. Geez, no wonder they are such vicious man eating dogs, they are just trying to protect themselves from the Adolf Lassies of the world. P.S. Lassie was a dumb blond and he had a stunt double.
By Big B
January 14, 2009 5:07 PM | Link to this
American Staffordshire terriers are one of the most smart and loving breeds around. The REAL “Nanny Dog” is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Two completely different breeds, dont get the two confused. The real problem with ‘pits bulls’ is they aren’t AKC Registered dogs, They do not have any type of genetic pedigree plus, any reputable breeder will not sell any agressive pup, or bitch, which really goes for any breed. Without proper socialization and training, ‘pit bulls’ do not thrive very well in any type of environment. Most Dogfighting scum bags usually tie their pit bull to a tree for the majority of their short lives, or locking them in closets for hour on in. Very horrific training tactics. As an owner of a smaller version of an am. staff, the sbt, the bull terrier breeds really thrive in the environment of young child and positive reinforcement training. But there has to be a compromise, meaning every ‘pit bull’ owner, including am staff, and sbt’s should agree to spay and neuter, unless your a registered breeder. And agree to socialize the dogs from birth forward and graduate from a behavior training class. I wish the federal government would give me 1000+ acres for a ‘bully breed’ refugee, that way all of them wouldn’t have to die : (
By Lynda
January 14, 2009 5:11 PM | Link to this
Absolutely not. They are only mean if you train them to be. They get a bad reputation because people only hear about the idiots that train them to fight. People who train dogs to fight, should be treated like the dogs were and go thru the same training program. Let them see how they like it! This includes Mike Vick!
By JB
January 14, 2009 5:11 PM | Link to this
The breeds responsible for the highest number of bite-related fatalaties has ebbed and flowed over the years. It used to be German Shepherds but now due to media hype creating, yes, creating the poor reputation of the pit bull and a certain type of owner being attracted to this idea that pits make great watch dogs, the pit bull has become the scapegoat for these tragic incidents. What’s of course more tragic than the dogs being euthanized is the mauling of children and other animals, but to add insult to injury it’s sad that what had the potential to be a great family pet was not properly trained or cared for, resulting in the bite-related fatalities.
Breed-specific ordinances raise constitutional and practical issues. If you want to do something that would really help, focus your efforts on providing the proper training for pet owners and their children. Bites are preventable, but not through breed-specific bans.
By Lynn
January 14, 2009 5:13 PM | Link to this
Will banning pit bulls solve the problem? No. Sadly there are folks out there that want aggressive dogs, and a ban on pit bulls will only encourage people to train other breeds to be aggressive. The CDC reports the following “Fatal attacks since 1975 have been attributed to over 30 different dog breeds”. Would the ban then be extended to Rottweilers, Huskys, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers? It is true that certain dogs are bred for certain tasks, Rat Terriers and Herding dogs for example, but most dogs are bred as companions, including the Pit Bull
By wonder
January 14, 2009 5:16 PM | Link to this
I’ve trained my poodle to be aggressive but she still won’t bite a fly. Pit bulls are extremely dangerous by nature. Every single time a dog attacks and kills a child, 90% fo the time, it’s a pit bull. They should definitely be banned. I have a 2 yr old and I would hate for that to happen to any child.
By Nonya
January 14, 2009 5:17 PM | Link to this
TO BY Big B AMEN!
By JP
January 14, 2009 5:26 PM | Link to this
pits are not bad dogs…not if trained correctly. it is sad that a breed of dog is even considering being banned because humans choose to exploit them. i have two dogs - a pit and a lab. my pit is the sweetest most loving dog I have ever owned. on the other hand my lab is tempermental and not very nice to other people. Everyone is afraid of my pit just looking at her when they should be afraid of my mean lab. i have a nice big fenced in backyard and they only go outside the fence on a leash as i try to be as responsible pet owner as i can.
to MUTT_H8R - go get a lab. i hope it ends up like mine and bites your stupid ass when you mess with her when she is sleeping or try to take away a bone.
im about to have a baby and am probably going to have to look to finding my lab a new home because of her unpredictable nature. but the pit stays…the only thing she knows how to do is lick and love. i wish more people could be more open minded, train their pets appropriately and evaluate each on their own behaviors instead of putting a label on an entire breed.
i would love to see someone come and try to take my pit away from me…bring it!
By Kevin
January 14, 2009 5:26 PM | Link to this
Sure, there are some sweet pits. Sure, other breeds bite. But only pits regularly make the news for vicious killings (congratulations, whoever found an article about a single death caused by a lab). To the numerous morons who don’t believe dogs are predisposed to certain traits: man created all of the breeds through selective breeding and we did it for character traits, not for looks. Some dogs were bred to shepherd, some to work, and some to fight/kill. Guess where pit bulls fall? (Hint: Why do you think the M.Vicks of the world fight pits and not pugs?) Pit owners take note: no one wants to take away your precious killers-in-waiting, all of whom are surely perfect angels until the bloodbath begins. The sensible among us just want to stop the ongoing breeding of these potential killers.
By Kevin
January 14, 2009 5:27 PM | Link to this
Sure, there are some sweet pits. Sure, other breeds bite. But only pits regularly make the news for vicious killings (congratulations, whoever found an article about a single death caused by a lab). To the numerous morons who don’t believe dogs are predisposed to certain traits: man created all of the breeds through selective breeding and we did it for character traits, not for looks. Some dogs were bred to shepherd, some to work, and some to fight/kill. Guess where pit bulls fall? (Hint: Why do you think the M.Vicks of the world fight pits and not pugs?) Pit owners take note: no one wants to take away your precious killers-in-waiting, all of whom are surely perfect angels until the bloodbath begins. The sensible among us just want to stop the ongoing breeding of (and the niche demand for) these potential killers.
By Peter
January 14, 2009 5:28 PM | Link to this
Dogs bite but then they stop. Pit bulls attack and continue to attack until they kill. That’s why you don’t hear stories about other breeds. I think the owners are an equal part of the problem. It takes a certain skill to raise and own a pit bull and the vast majority of people I see walking pit bulls around don’t look like they have those skills in their skill set. They can’t even pull their pants up much less tend to the needs of a breed like a pit bull. If we demand IQ tests for pit bull owners the breed will vanish from the United States overnight since anyone of intelligence wouldn’t own one and the folks who want them wouldn’t make the grade with their double digit IQs.
By Mark
January 14, 2009 5:30 PM | Link to this
Gram I’d bet my bottom dollar that the 8 yr old taunted those dogs into attacking him. Pits are not “inbred” to be violent. You’re an inbred, so do you get aggressive?
By Mark
January 14, 2009 5:36 PM | Link to this
Pedro
Get out of our country, wetback.
By The Trurth Comes out
January 14, 2009 5:37 PM | Link to this
Pit Bulls make up less than 3% of the overall canine population in the USA yet account for over 50% of violent canine attacks and human death by canine attack. There is no doubt these dogs are unpredictable and even ones that have never shown any aggresive behavior will turn on a human. How many times have you heard the owner say in an interview it was the sweetest dog I have ever had JUST BEFORE IT KILLED OR ATTACKED SOMEONE. They have a screw loose no doubt about it. That being said I think it would be next to impossible to ban them I will however try my best to stay away from them. For all the doubters just google it up statistics dont lie.
By mjohnson
January 14, 2009 5:37 PM | Link to this
Nebraska proposed that all pits be muzzled in public, unless the dog passed a Canine Good Citizen test. Then they offered a deal on classes through the Humane Society.
As a pit owner, I’d be willing to do something like that. If my dog fails the Canine Good Citizen test, then she should be muzzled or restrained in public. But responsible pit owners aren’t the ones having trouble. Typically problems come from the dog that spent its life chained to a tree in the back yard.
How do you reach THOSE owners? If you “ban” a breed, most folks who skirt the rules will continue to do so and the responsible owners pay the price. That’s not fair.
By JP
January 14, 2009 5:37 PM | Link to this
BTW…the lady who had the first face transplant in europe a few years back was attacked by her lab. so there is more than one case.
By Blane McFarnersternski
January 14, 2009 5:41 PM | Link to this
What happened to the “A pitbull in every newborn’s crib” initiative? They are such wonderful critters.
By Mark
January 14, 2009 5:43 PM | Link to this
wonder
“Every single time a dog attacks and kills a child, 90% fo the time, it’s a pit bull.” Have any documentation to back that up? Didn’t think so….
By luckysnp
January 14, 2009 5:44 PM | Link to this
I agree, we should put the owner and the dog down.
By humbug
January 14, 2009 5:46 PM | Link to this
Almost any breed of dog will bite you.
A pit bull can be gentle and loving but they don’t just bite. For no known reason, and regardless of their owners love and affection, at some point they will attack a child, grownup, or other animal and their only goal is not to bite but to maim and kill.
They are dangerous and ownership of one should be illegal.
By Dexter Bateman
January 14, 2009 5:54 PM | Link to this
Sorry Peter, I don’t see a correlation been IQ and Pitbull ownership. Some people are just mis-educated about the breed, others are cronic Naderites who think that more laws are the answer to all of society’s problems. As it stands, I have a legal right to own the breed, I don’t want to kill or ban anyones pet, and lastly I don’t someones intelligence based on what breed of dog they own. If anything, that just shows yr lack of intellect. You’d think by some of the remarks on this thread that Pit Bulls are cancer, terrorism and AIDS all rolled into one but worse. Hey Chicken Little’s of the world, don’t look now but I think I think the sky might be falling. Nope just take yr meds and chillax, I’m sure that none of you and your loved ones will ever be face to face with, gosh I’m scared to even type words, a pit bull.
By Mark
January 14, 2009 5:55 PM | Link to this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJueekvhRDI
By Lynn
January 14, 2009 6:00 PM | Link to this
Truth comes out - that 3% is licensed dogs, not overall pit bull population
By Jud
January 14, 2009 6:00 PM | Link to this
I’ve been the fortunate owners of pit bulls for almost 40 years. They are the most intelligent, most comical, friendliest, most loyal breed I have ever been around. My dogs have never bitten anyone. My current pit is a neutered male who my vet says is the best dog they have ever boarded. He’s obedient, gentle and good around other dogs. Get over it, folks, it’s not the breed — it’s the breeder. If pits are outlawed, I’ll be a 60 year old outlaw who owns pits.
By Mark
January 14, 2009 6:00 PM | Link to this
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Istherealistofaggressivedogs
By Average Pit Bull
January 14, 2009 6:01 PM | Link to this
Hi I am an average pit bull, you may wonder how I am able to write this, being that my master is so dumb he doesnt even know what a computer is. I want to eat you all, and your children. We pit bulls want to take over the earth, one tasty human baby at a time. Satan and Bin Laden breed us for that reason. Be very scared. Stay in your homes. Put your undying trust in the media, and whatever you do for christ sake, don’t use your brains.
By trixie
January 14, 2009 6:03 PM | Link to this
I was wondering if any of the comments have been from the AKA or a VET? I had a Rott she was my baby. loved for 14 years and had to put her down due to sickness. When I got her my vet had some simple rules 1) make sure that you don’t bring any other pets into the home and no more children. Never hit her. Always keep the rules tight. Take her to a class and make sure that you walk her around other animals. Make sure everyone understands the rules of the house for the dog. This means any dog!!Yes I know that we hear about PITS and I have no desire to have one. But I think no one should buy one with out a vets imput.Every one who owns a pet should go to classes. I agree with some of you that alot of children are more vicious than pets. There are to many pet owners that DON’T take care of their pets any better thatn they take care of the kids. Parenting a pet is no different than child. Think about it. Now tell me who should we blame
By Laura Smith
January 14, 2009 6:05 PM | Link to this
i wish people would first of all distinguish between pure bred pits and pit mixes. It would be really difficult to get rid of all the pit mixes in a city, and completely unfair to those dogs without behavior issues. I volunteer at an animal shelter and the pits are the most misunderstood and agreeable ones there a lot of the time.
I think there should be restrictions on who can own a pit and how you become an owner, because it is obvious that there are irresponsible pet owners out there who have led to this problem.
German Shepherds and Chow chows have high incidences of biting as well, but they aren’t discriminated against at all.
The media is to blame, as well as dumb pet owners.
By Dozja's Mom
January 14, 2009 6:06 PM | Link to this
My pit was raised from a puppy and she is very kind and sweet and acts like a little kid. Owners are responsible for the dogs behavior, not the dog. Proof is that when my neighbours poodle attacked my pit, my dog didn’t bite back, she growled and got excited thinking she was going to play. The POODLE however, wasn’t playing, she wanted to rip my pit to shreds and my husband too. We did nothing to bring this on other than standing in our own yard. We supervise our dog while she is outside, the poodle owners just open the door and the poodle does as she pleases. So don’t blame the PIT for it’s behavior, blame the crappy owners of all dogs who don’t love and respect their pets.
By almieni24
January 14, 2009 6:10 PM | Link to this
The solution is simple: Huge Fines and Jailtime for those owners whose dogs attack family or the general public.
By Randall
January 14, 2009 6:13 PM | Link to this
Yes! They were bred to be vicious and I’d just as soon shoot one as look at it. I WILL shoot any pit bull that comes near one of my children. I wish the local governments would pass an ordinance, that if your dog (no matter what breed, that according to most pet owners are well mannered, trained, would never bite, etc.) violates the law by getting out of the fence and off the chain your provided for it, they should be shot on the spot to protect the public, i.e. humans and more importantly, children. If it is killed outside of it’s fence and not leashed that’s proof of the violation. Case closed. If that was the penalty, more owners would make sure they obeyed the law…..If you want your dog to chew up your own child that’s fine (and very warped) but your dog has no right to chew anyone elses child.
By dave
January 14, 2009 6:16 PM | Link to this
We would be MUCH better off by banning christianity and the TALIBANGELICALS that are in this state. Instead of banning Pit Bulls…ban churches and pastors. There are WAY more people that belong to churches that commit crimes and cause harm to others than ALL dog breeds combined. banning ONE breed is like banning negros or jews in our state. Pit Bulls are NOT our problem, religion is!
By Mike
January 14, 2009 6:19 PM | Link to this
Outlaw breeding, euthanize the dogs and let the breed go extinct. They serve no useful purpose except for the owners.
By almieni24
January 14, 2009 6:24 PM | Link to this
All you have to do is read this blog to understand the true condition of our country…dumb and dumber.
By kirkinga
January 14, 2009 6:25 PM | Link to this
Funny how people will listen to and do everything the cops say when it comes to human beings.We send people away for many years based on what one cop tells 12 people.People don’t blink an eye at sending someone away on the word of a police officer.
But when the cops say for safety reasons we need to ban this breed of dog, people go nuts.
How many people must die before we start getting tougher with this breed and it’s owners?
Sketchy people have sketchy dogs. Think about people who own pit bulls, despite the danger, they have these dogs.
If you’re not going to ban them, then require license, registration, and fees. Enact very strict laws with mandatory sentences. Your unmuzzled pit attacks, you’re a felon and you’re going to do time, at least 5 years minimum plus heavy fines.The more severe the attack, or if the victim is a senior, kid, police officer, you get 10-15 years. Someone dies, you get 25 to life.This should be seen the same as attacking with a deadly weapon with intent to injure or kill.
Start there first and if that doesn’t work, then talk about banning.
By Pit Bull Lover
January 14, 2009 6:27 PM | Link to this
Hey Mike, lets euthanize people like you and let your breed go extinct. That will be one less piece of s** in the world.
By Joe
January 14, 2009 6:33 PM | Link to this
No!Please research breed history and standards before you state things as fact.Human aggression is not an acceptable trait for an American Pit Bull Terrier.This is true especially in fighting dogs.During organized fights there would be two handlers and a referee in the pit with the dogs.No matter how intense the fight or injuries,human aggression was not allowed.These dogs would be immediately culled.It’s owners who chain their dogs.Who do not socialize their animals.Who give their animals substances such as steroids and cocaine to make them aggresive.Dogs such as the APBT are loyal and will do anything to please their owner.Do you think the dog knows this behavior may be destructive?
By Christina W
January 14, 2009 6:33 PM | Link to this
As usual animals suffer because of irresponsible people. It’s PEOPLE who make animals mean and a responsible owner would consider a dogs temperment and abilites BEFORE obtaining..some dogs are better with kids - some aren’t - again - it’s the PEOPLE’S responsibility and if some of the owners of pits would pull up their pants, get the grills off their teeth and treat these animals with respect and take care of them (i.e. spay/neuter, shots, training, proper containment NOT a @#$% chain stuck outside) instead of acting like they are an accessory then these problems would be less. And, parents need to keep their kids in their own yards and teach them respect for animals. I am SICK of animals getting the bad rap - hold the owners responsible!!
By B
January 14, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this
I’ve never heard of an “ankle biter” killing someone. That’s the difference. Also, a lot of these pit bulls that attack and kill are considered loving and sweet by their owners. The problem is, once they get angry, there is no stopping them. It’s easy to stop an angry Chihuahua that’s biting at your ankles… it’s much more difficult to fight off a 150 pound pit bull that’s going for your face.
By Dawg92
January 14, 2009 6:41 PM | Link to this
Wow, Mark sounds like a responsible pit bull owner! You’re spewing a lot of hate around and not doing much for the pit bull owner stereotype. So Mark, if you’re so sure about your beloved pit bull, would you sign papers that say you take full responsibility for your pit bulls actions if it harms an innocent person? Bet you wouldn’t.
The other “idiots” and I think you should check out this web site.
http://www.dogsbite.org/blog/2008/10/dog-bite-victims-group-releases-video.html
You are right about one thing, the owners of these dogs are at fault - for owning them in the first place.
By TW
January 14, 2009 6:41 PM | Link to this
Ceretain classifications of dogs should require the owner to register them as though they were a handgun. The owner of the dog that then kills the little girl should be treated the same as if he negligently killed her with a firearm.
By Joe
January 14, 2009 6:46 PM | Link to this
If you think an APBT is 150 pounds you have the wrong dog.American Pit Bull Terriers are generally 30-70 pounds.
By Pomeranians kill too!!!
January 14, 2009 6:52 PM | Link to this
Pit bulls are not inherently vicious dogs. They become vicious because people train them to be vicious and to fight. It is not fair to ban a whole breed of dog just because some people raise and train them to be aggressive and vicious. Any dog will become aggressive and vicious if their owner raises them to be that way. Let’s not condemn or ban the dog, deal with the real problem, owners who train their pit bulls to be mean and aggressive.
Right on! The only thing left out is that all dogs have the potential to attack. Retrievers are the biggest offenders but people like them so much that when they bite and kill, they are reported as ‘dogs’ in the paper. When it’s a Pit Bull or Rotweiller it gets highly publicized as a breed. A couple years ago a Pomeranian killed a kid. Did you hear about that one? Probably not. Did you know that the fireman’s dog, the Dalmation, is one of the most aggessive dogs and banned by most insurance companies? The bottom line is that dogs are animals and are just domesticated wolves. Hence, ANIMAL NATURE. Wake up people. If you ban one breed, you have to ban them all.
By Keith
January 14, 2009 6:58 PM | Link to this
This is like saying one race of humans is more likely to be violent and aggressive.
By Juice
January 14, 2009 6:58 PM | Link to this
As with guns, in the wrong hands is the problem …….The same applies to pits bulls…Should they be banned? Yes in my opinion…Too many child maulings associated with Pits…I understand and agree with the folks who own Pits and care for them properly and never have problems…But if you’ve ever witnessed 3 untrained ,abused and loose Pit Bulls terrorizing a neighborhood ….even Pit sensible Pit owners would agree to a ban…..Im a little more sensative than Mike though….Spa and Neuter all Pits eventually they’ll be extinct.
By Wil
January 14, 2009 6:58 PM | Link to this
I think that it is stupid, Dalmatians bite more people every year than pit bulls, dobermans, German Sheppard and rototillers combined, lets ban the fire dog. Any dog will bite you, it is the nature of every dog breed to bite if they feel threatened, think about how many poodles bite people every year, should we ban that breed also?
By Chris
January 14, 2009 7:03 PM | Link to this
Pitbulls are like sexual relations - they can be wonderful if you’re responsible but they can kill you if you screw around the wrong way.
That being said a ban isn’t a bad idea in principle but it’s unenforceable - what constitutes a pit bull? Are we talking AKC descriptions or one of the other classifications? What about “mutts” - if a dog’s paternal grandfather was a pit is that dog now a pit? If somebody gets a shelter dog that ends up being half pitt do the cops have to take away some kids pet and euthanize it? So while a ban has great intentions it is impractical to enforce.
I think what is enforceable is greater emphasis on dog ownership policies to try to prevent these tragedies like what happened in Thomasville. Enforcement of fence/leash laws would be a nice start - crack down on dog fighting as an issue and you eliminate some of the nastier dogs and their offspring. Or how bout when police see a dog that exhibits certain tendancies (like lets say they are making an unrelated house call and there is a nasty pit chained up to the front steps and looks half-starved) then certain steps can be taken to target individual dogs.
By Idiots
January 14, 2009 7:04 PM | Link to this
First, Pit Bulls don’t get over 100 lbs and are usually only around 50lbs. Second, the Pit Bull used to be the symbol of the US until all these new freak dogs were bred. And third, do some actual research - MOST ATTACKS ARE BY RETRIEVERS!!! THAT’S A FACT
By Craig
January 14, 2009 7:13 PM | Link to this
JUST THINK for one moment… The Name of the breed is PIT BULL!!! A Pit is a hole difficult to climb out of or get around. A Bull is a male animal dominant among a herd or HIS surroundings. C’mon Folks!!
By EW
January 14, 2009 7:14 PM | Link to this
Best dog I have ever been around was a pit. Unbelievably friendly and amazingly obendient. Only ever attacked by a cocker spaniel.
Personal responsibilty is a foreign concept in the U.S. People need to grow up a realize that hiding behind ignorance and finger pointing simply dumbs this country down.
By Jim
January 14, 2009 7:19 PM | Link to this
I say, don’t ban them, but make people carry $10,000,000.00 liability insurance on Pit Bulls. These are dogs that can turn Vicious instantly on strangers, it doesn’t matter the dog loves it owners. I suspect once an accountant view is put on this subject, people won’t want such an expensive dog!
By Realist
January 14, 2009 7:19 PM | Link to this
The biggest problem with pit bulls is that they attract idiot owners. Are the dogs dangerous? Yes, when owned by the wrong persons, or bred because of vicous tendencies. They are very athletic and are superb fighting and killing machines. Dogs themselves are very rarely bad or “evil”. As as alternative to banning a breed, maybe we need legislation (as much as I hate new legislation) that imposes a different standard upon owners of certain breeds. In other words, if you own a dangerous breed (however that is defined), you are on notice of possible “dangerous tendencies” and are held criminally and civilly liable for damages. Also, I think it is perfectly reasonable as a condition of probation/parole to prohibit convicted offenders from owning certain breeds, just like firearms. Dogs cam be likened to guns in that a gun is not a threat to society in the care of a responsible person, but can be a menace in the ownership of a criminally minded or irresponsible person. Not everyone should have the privilege of owning an animal that is easily capable of taking a life.
By rdhood
January 14, 2009 7:20 PM | Link to this
Pitbulls, bull mastiffs, and rottweilers are responsible for 73 percent of the total attacks, 66 percent of the deaths, and 72 percent of the maimings.
The numbers speak for themselves. Enough said!
By D Bag
January 14, 2009 7:23 PM | Link to this
When I was a child, I had the unfortunate experience of watching a pit bull maul another dog to death. No reason- it just got loose and the other dog was the first thing that it came to. Pit bulls are an in-breed, acessory type dogs that have horrible reputations. All of these blogs scream “hold the owner responsible”…The owners of these mutts would not have been able to have saved this little girl. Animals were put on this earth to be utilized by humans, and should not be higher on the food chain than us! Ban these dogs in areas of high population! Oh and a Pomerian killer??? Must have been one hell of a set of teeth! Ha! Boxers rule!
By rex
January 14, 2009 7:24 PM | Link to this
How do we distinguish between the good owners and bad? It’s easier to spot the dogs. The goal is to protect people from a species of dog that has a reputation for hurting people. If you count up all the dog attacks, the one dog that stick out is the Pit Bull.
Maybe ownership of Pit Bulls without registration of the animal would be grounds for arrest or a large fine.
To be fair, we could register all dogs over a certain weight.
I know people love their Pit Bulls, but, if they ate your grandchild one day, would you still love them?
By Justin
January 14, 2009 7:26 PM | Link to this
Ya know it’s funny…a few weeks ago a “Pit Bull” attacked a child…it “broke” through the fence…the story was on AJC…
HOWEVER….When they showed a video of the “Pit Bull”…
IT WASN’T A PIT BULL….IT WAS AN AMERICAN BULLDOG!!!!!
Just because it “looks” like a Pit Bull, does NOT mean it IS a Pit Bull!
Don’t believe everything you see, just because the media shows it to you!
Do your OWN due diligence and figure out for YOURSELF whether you believe it’s the PEOPLE that chain up these poor dogs outside all day long that make the dogs so mad for being left alone…
OR the dog that is MAD for being left ALONE when he wants to be inside with the kids playing!!!
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE CHAINED UP OUTSIDE 24/7…THINK YOU MAY WANT TO BITE SOMEONE????????????
By Incredulous
January 14, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this
“I don’t understand it. Buster has never killed anyone before.”
By The Truth Hurts
January 14, 2009 7:34 PM | Link to this
I think we should ban the dumb brainless people that want to ban these breeds…..these are igmorant stupid people that dont know anything about dogs. Any dog will become violent when you train it to be that way….Fine owners heafty fines if their dog attacks and that wuill take care of it. Dumb stupid politicians and their brainless followers…..
By Joseph Strictlypower
January 14, 2009 7:36 PM | Link to this
I have two pit bulls that are both very sweet dogs.
Don’t get me wrong, if you make even the tiniest movement once you enter my house, or should God forbid a child enter the room, one of the two of them will bite your arm off at the elbow, or of course the arm of the child. They usually will fight over which one gets to eat the arm.
By Incredulous
January 14, 2009 7:37 PM | Link to this
In recent years, the dogs responsible for the bulk of the homicides are pit bulls and Rottweilers:
http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/statistics.html
By Knowledge Is Power
January 14, 2009 7:41 PM | Link to this
To all the ignorant people out there…Do your research. Here’s a site to get you started… www.workingpitbull.com. When you are educated on the American Pit Bull Terrier and the history of the breed, only then can we talk.
By Fey Sucks
January 14, 2009 7:42 PM | Link to this
rd d hood stop making up figured and pulling them out of your azz dip s** oh weait here are some figures…..most bites by breed are cocker spanial 97% followed by Golden retreibver,,,,yeah cause i said it maybe someone wuill beleive it…..I bet you think your smart as well….dumb azz!!
By Joe
January 14, 2009 7:42 PM | Link to this
What is a “pit bull-type dog?
By JD
January 14, 2009 7:45 PM | Link to this
Don’t ban them….just make sure the owners have insurance on the dogs just in case they do attack someone.
By Mark
January 14, 2009 7:45 PM | Link to this
Dawg92
I spew my hate towards uneducated morons like you that are influenced by the media. Try thinking outside the box for a change. You anti pitbull idiots rise my bile. How can anyone like you be so stupid.
They certainly are better than Bulldogs…WOOF WOOF WOOF…..lol. I’d be embarrassed to admit that I’m a Georgia fan. It reflects your intelligence level.
By Incredulous
January 14, 2009 7:50 PM | Link to this
“…igmorant [sic] stupid people that dont [sic] know anything….”
Congratulations. Proving once more that you just can’t fix stupid.
By Chastity
January 14, 2009 7:53 PM | Link to this
I think you should have a license to own a pit bull and pit bull crosses. Along with taking classes. That way if they think that the “owner” is immature then they should not permit the “owner” the license. I know alot of prople who have multiple pit bulls and it all depends on how they are raised and trained. This way only the appropriate owners can own pit bulls. Also included in the calles they should send a person with the owner to make sure that home and yard is suitable for the dog. If treated correctly the dogs are incredible animals.
By GET out of here
January 14, 2009 7:54 PM | Link to this
I have owned pits and rotts and other breeds. The only dog that has ever bit me was a yorkshire terrier, mean little sucker! People please realize the dogs act the way they are treated,chained up in a back yard would make you mean too. Treated awful you act awful. All dogs will bite if provoked. Like someone stated a vast majority of these dogs that are reported to be pits are actually not. Love pits, good dogs as are other breeds
By PBRBuzz
January 14, 2009 7:55 PM | Link to this
If I’m going to get bit, I think I’d rather take my chances with a pi$$ed off daschund instead of your sweet as sugar pit bull. Here’s another study:
Study highlights The combination of pit bulls, rottweilers and wolf hybrids: 77% of attacks that induce bodily harm 73% of attacks to children 83% of attack to adults 70% of attacks that result in fatalities 77% that result in maiming
By Cheryl
January 14, 2009 7:57 PM | Link to this
The pit bull breed should not be banned becouse of irresponsable owners. The lack of education on an owners behalf is the main problem with any dog. You can take the cutest Lab or fuzzy Pomeranian and give it to an uneducated owner and it will perhaps turn on anyone! The most aggressive dogs i have ever seen are those tiny “lap” dogs you see in peoples homes who think they own the world. Yes, you can ban the pitbull or breed deamed “agressive” because of there breed, but what then? Which breed next? After the bully dogs and Rotties and so forth which dog will be labled dangerous next. Maybe those of you who think they should ban a pitbull and all breeds like it dont understand the full exstent to what your doing. Maybe if the government comes after your loved pet will you then understand how unfair and wrong it is. Why let a few cases of unresponsable ownership cause the millions of responsable owners to give up there pets whom they love, to be killed off one by one.It wont end with just this breed. A new breed will emerge after this one is gone, and new generation and new breed will be subject to the discrimination and anguish it has already caused so many people. Then again you have to ask yourself…”Why in Gods name was this small 5 year old child outside with a dog and unattended?” Where were her parents? I have much sympathy for them but I have to say the fault lies with them.
By GET out of here
January 14, 2009 7:58 PM | Link to this
I have owned pits and rotts and other breeds. The only dog that has ever bit me was a yorkshire terrier, mean little sucker! People please realize the dogs act the way they are treated,chained up in a back yard would make you mean too. Treated awful you act awful. All dogs will bite if provoked. Like someone stated a vast majority of these dogs that are reported to be pits are actually not. Love pits, good dogs as are other breeds
By C.S.
January 14, 2009 8:01 PM | Link to this
Puh-LEASE. Pit Bulls aren’t the only vicious dogs out there. What’s next, Rottweilers and Dobermans? It’s the idiot OWNERS who need to be banned. If you feel the need to have an inherently aggressive dog, you should take responsibility and train it.
By mustang100
January 14, 2009 8:02 PM | Link to this
I don’t know about banning the breed, but I have seen plenty of IGNORANT owners that need to be banned from owning anything larger than the cockroaches in their cribs.
By Gary
January 14, 2009 8:05 PM | Link to this
Pitbulls are inherently dangerous, they were Bred to be dangerous! They have had dangerous traits bred into them to be killers in a dogfight ring. That’s what they were bred to do. it is part of their instinctual behavior to attack unprovoked. That’s not the kind of dog you want around children or that you leave running loose in your yard. I grew up with dogs for pets, 2 German Shepherds, Dachsund, Beagle. I would NEVER Own a PitBull!! Sorry it’s one Breed of dog I would never trust! even if I raised one from a puppy I would still always be wondering when it might snap and go into attack mode. The people that say they aren’t dangerous are probably alot of the same people that think it’s okay to keep a Rattlesnake for a pet. Or maybe you were totally surprised when the Tiger attacked Roy Horn because why would an animal that has killer instincts in it’s bloodline ATTACK someone that loved it so much! Hmm Gee! Wonder why. They should be BANNED pure and simple!
By What do you think?
January 14, 2009 8:09 PM | Link to this
OF COURSE PIT BULLS ARE DANGEROUS!!!!! I don’t care how many times people that own these very dangerous dogs try to say otherwise, but those dogs should be banned!!! Too many people have died or have become seriously injured by these animals! That is so sad that a child lost their lives because that childs family was too careless by owning those darn dogs that killed that child! Now they want to put those dogs to sleep…it’s too late now..the damage has already been done! I hope they get charged with manslaughter….or 2nd degree murder! May that precious baby rest in peace!!!
By Raymond
January 14, 2009 8:20 PM | Link to this
When it comes to thug blacks and ignorant rednecks owning them, YES!!!
Other than that NO they should not be banned due to the actions of those primarily interested in looking “tough”, which is not the same as actually being tough.
As I drive home I see the dogs attached to chains and tethered to a tree with no interaction at all and must wonder why the owners bought them in the first place…..very sad.
Let’s ban the bad owners instead.
By the way “Turk”, you obviously have no idea what you are talking about as those of us who have had, and worked with, pits do. Now sit down, shut up, and let the adults talk.
By Jessica
January 14, 2009 8:27 PM | Link to this
I used to work at a Veterinary Hospital and when I first started working there I will admit I was scared of Pit Bulls. But after dealing with them on a regular basis I came to love the breed. They will be good dogs if they are trained to be that way. I do not think they should be banned, I think that people who abuse them and only want them for fighting should be punished. Don’t punish the people who want them as a pet. If I owned one, it would be a spoiled inside dog, and would never be chained up in the yard. That is what makes them mean. Everyone who has a bad attitude about them only gets info on them from the news. Work with them, and maybe you will change your mind about them, they are not all bad dogs.
By Ztally
January 14, 2009 8:27 PM | Link to this
I agree with Ray.
The owners are the problem, Atlanta blacks want these dogs to add some ingredient obviously missing in them, or so they must think.
Ban the pit and guess what, the folks will move on to rotties, or shephards, or……….
Wake up folks, it’s the people.
By Jackson
January 14, 2009 8:38 PM | Link to this
All you fine folks who believe that pit bulls should NOT be banned and that the people who want them banned are somehow evil or uneducated, I invite you to try to buy a lion, or a wolf, or a tiger, or any of a number of animals that are…believe it or not, forbidden without special permits and special facilities. News to you, right?
I know you think for some reason that it’s just the owners that have made a few misunderstood dogs into killing machines. I know you think it’s somehow impossible that these dogs are “genetically encoded” to be killers. I invite you to the world of dog breeding that has gone on for many, many centuries, where certain traits are, yes, “breeded” into certain dogs.
Did you ever wonder why terriers are good diggers, or how retrievers got that name? Pit bulls have been bred for a certain purpose too, and yes, it is instinct with them. I’ve owned many labs and never trained them to be good retrievers or hunting dogs, it comes naturally. Can you imagine?
So when you piously proclaim that all dogs are created equal and that the senseless killing of children by pit bulls should continue so you can prove a point, try to keep in mind that adults are trying to keep the world safe.
Ban pit bulls, finally.
By Anthony
January 14, 2009 8:52 PM | Link to this
A few things as far as its their instinct to kill. Well if that’s the case then ban boston terriers also because the only reason the breed was originally created was to be a fighting dog. A dog chained to a tree is not a family pet, my dog sleeping on my knee as I type is a family pet. I talk to people who are having problems with their dogs. They always fail at these questions. Have you taken the dog to school? Do you take the dog for a good walk at least once a day? Do you make at least 15 mins for the dog to play and pet? Pits originally were the most popular family pet in this country. The dog in the little rascals was a pit bull. They were so good with kids they were called the nursemaids dog. The reason you don’t hear about other breeds killing and attacking is because it doesn’t making good news reading like pits do.
By justanopinion
January 14, 2009 8:56 PM | Link to this
These dogs should not be allowed in condos, apartment complexes, subdivisions and the like. If we just have to have pitbulls … perhaps allow owners to have them who live on properties of 20 or more acres and even then they must be confined to fenced areas.
By pits forever
January 14, 2009 9:08 PM | Link to this
HELL NO This is never the dogs falt it is ALL WAYS THE OWNERS
DONT BAN THE BREED BAN THE PEOPLE
By KJ
January 14, 2009 9:12 PM | Link to this
The retardation in these comments is saddening. For the last time:
OTHER BREEDS DON’T KILL BECAUSE OTHER BREEDS (with a few exceptions) AREN’T CAPABLE OF KILLING.
By Numba1Fan
January 14, 2009 9:33 PM | Link to this
First of all let’s be honest and just admit the obvious truth. 95% of the people who own pit bulls are either White trailer thrash rednecks or designer eyewear and bling bling wearing ignorant thugs. I wouldn’t want to live next to either of them or anyone with a pit bull. theySorry but pit bulls are not your normal loving family pets. Can we say MV7, lmao
By Patrick
January 14, 2009 9:33 PM | Link to this
YES THEY SHOULD BE! THESE DOGS ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. FELONS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE GUNS AND NON PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINERS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO OWN PIT BULLS. I GO FOR NO PIT BULLS ON ANY PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNED LESS THAN TWO ACRES! NATION WIDE.
By Leila
January 14, 2009 9:34 PM | Link to this
I believe that there are people who are afraid because they believe all of the media hype. I was attacked by two pit bulls while holding my 5 year old son. Now, I am a pit bull rescue. I once believed the media until I had rescued a pit bull being taught to fight. I personally rehabed her and she lived a full life with me. She is what turned me around. She was being trained to be vicious. I taught her the way a dog should really be. It took a while for her to trust me, but she did. I own 4 pits along with a boston terrier and 3 cats. I also have 4 kids. I have over 20 kids in my house at any given time due to all of my kids friends coming over. My pits have never been mean or anything to them. My one, yes, has attached himself to me but he is also loyal the rest of my family. He doesn’t get upset when anyone comes near me. Yes, he has to be touching me at all times, but he still allows others to come next to me. I walk him without a leash and have no fear what so ever that he will hurt anyone. Strangers walk right up to him and pet him all the time. I wish there were stricter laws regarding ownership of these amazing animals. You have to have a permit to have a gun, why not a pit bull? I would be willing to pay thousands of dollars to own a pit bull. Irresponsible owners wouldn’t. That is who should be punished, not the breed.
By perriann
January 14, 2009 9:34 PM | Link to this
Any place that has banned a specific breed of dog, like pit bulls, has found that the numbers of attacks do not decrease, but INCREASE. This is why many places that had bans for years, like the United Kingdom, are now removing the bans and instead focusing on dog owners.
For those saying these dogs are dangerous, consider this: according to reported numbers and populations, only 0.000002% of pit bulls ever attack someone. They are also the #2 most popular breed according to the UKC. They also have a better passing score than many popular dog breeds according to the American Temperament Test Society. These are all FACTS that you can find for yourself.
Another thing- the CDC study everyone uses to try and convince people they are dangerous was flawed. The people who published the study said they got their numbers from media reports, and since the media are often incorrect in identifying dog breeds, and tend to report a pit bull attack much more often than other dog attacks due to wanting to get ratings, the CDC will no longer study these numbers. In their report they say that what needs to be examined is the situation the dog is in, i.e. if it is chained, running loose, or intact. These are all red flags for any dog breed.
For those of you that believe in your hearts that the dogs are dangerous, consider doing some actual research on the subject. Your heart is for pumping blood, not deciding the fate of millions of dogs just because you get upset when you see an irresponsible owner’s dog do something that could have been prevented. Oh, and by the way, googling pit bull attack is not research. It is laziness.
By DeKalb Lifer
January 14, 2009 9:47 PM | Link to this
Ban pit bulls and the people who love ‘em.
I saw a girl at the park with a pit bull puppy. She had not trained the puppy to do anything. Yet she also could not control it. Her dog attempted to break loose and attack my kid. She blamed me for walking too close. She said my kid did not deserve to be in the park. Animal Control said if she had the dog on a leash it was okay. Only if my child was attacked would there be a problem.
I was riding my bicycle and a pit bull threw himself against the chain link fence, a few feet from the sidewalk. If the fence had not held, the postman and I would have both been snack food. The dog was not trying to greet us in a friendly manner. We were not aware of the dog until it struck the fence at full speed. We did not provoke the dog. We did not stay to complain. It was like looking at a loaded gun in the hands of a crazy person.
My buddy is paralyzed on his left side from being attacked at random while out walking his grandson. He threw himself in front of his grandson to save the child from the attacking dogs. The dogs were never found later. One was a pit bull.
It’s time in history and society that this kind of creature be removed. Completely and permanently.
By AtlMike
January 14, 2009 10:00 PM | Link to this
There should be a certain date set aside where ALL Pit Bulls must be brought to a vet to be euthanized. The entire breed must be exterminated. There is a certain gene in this breed where the breed can NOT be trusted. How many times do you read where the “sweetest” dog that had never shown any signs of agression all of a sudden mauls and kills a little child in the yard. Please make this an extinct breed of dog. Let’s get legislation started to chose a date and end the breed.
By Chad
January 14, 2009 10:02 PM | Link to this
“This breed has been bred to be a fighter and a killer”
Then you might as well ban every single breed of terrier. Please go to the AKC website and educate yourself on what the difinition of a TERRIER is. APBT’s are a terrific breed and as with all dog breeds you have the good and the bad. Nothing worse than non dog people trying to talk about dogs……fight the ignorance.
By CALIGULA
January 14, 2009 10:05 PM | Link to this
Don’t ban my children, I have six pitbulls, and they go everywhere I go. They are pretty famous around Atlanta with their Gucci shades and Tommy Hillfiger hoodies on. They have modeled in ads that have appeared around the world. They have done music videos and have been in two movies. All they want to do is play, kiss and hug people, have their picture taken, and be the center of attention. They love people and all the attention they get from them everywhere they go. All they are are big “hams”, and have been trained AND socialized since they were three months old.
By Incredulous
January 14, 2009 10:07 PM | Link to this
The point all you pit bull people are missing is that while many breeds of dog have a propensity to bite people (along with other animals), pit bulls have the physical capability to maim and kill—while most other breeds do not. This is why pit bulls and rotties are the top 2 breeds in terms of killing people in the U.S. They account for about 70% of all human deaths (where a dog is responsible for the death).
It’s not the incidence, it’s the severity.
By Holly
January 14, 2009 10:07 PM | Link to this
ALL DOGS BITE AND CAN ATTACK UNPROVOKED. There are 25 other breeds that look like “pit bulls”. And the attacks are often not pit bulls. CURRENT STATISTICS IN TEXAS INDICATE THAT CHILDREN ARE 5 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO DIE AT THE HAND OF A PARENT. So do we ban parents because there are a few bad ones?
It’s against our Constitutional rights. What are you going to do when they come for your dog? I agree that fatal dog attacks are an issue: but when have you ever heard of one by Chihuaha? Golden Retriever? Mastiff? They have all killed but it doesn’t make headlines.
I am in no way minimizing the tragedy and feel for the families who have suffered or lost a loved a one. True pit bull lovers will be the first to agree that any dog-pit bull or other-that bites a human or kills, should be put down immediately.
You have a right to bear arms, and there was a reference of the pit bull being like a loaded gun in the hands of a crazy person. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME THEY TRIED TO BAN GUNS? AFTER ALL, GUNS DON’T KILL PEOPLE DO.
The issue is the back yard breeders who are not breeding for companion dogs and the people who have a pitbull for all the wrong reasons. IT’S THE OWNER WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR TRAINING, NURTURING, AND RAISING A DOG THAT IS HUMAN COMPATIBLE.
If we ban pitbulls, then we should ban people who do drugs, kill people, engage in crime, abuse children, etc. etc. etc. Is that they kind of world you want?
People who hurt dogs (all breeds) will certainly hurt children and others. There is a direct correlation.
By Incredulous
January 14, 2009 10:13 PM | Link to this
Holly’s analogy is silly, but given that she espoused it, would she agree that pit bull owners whose dogs maim or kill a human being should be charged with attempted murder, murder, or involuntary manslaughter when the lovable canine (“who never killed anyone before”) does his or her handiwork?
By The Big Bug
January 14, 2009 10:16 PM | Link to this
I will now make it simple enough for even the most stupid of bloggers on this site.
You can’t ban the “pitbull” species legally and specifically because the breed is not even recognised by the AKC. Do you want to make them extinct? What would PETA say?
Now that we have put the banning issue to rest, let’s move on.
This is an amazing animal for a number of reasons the foremost being intelligence. I have been around a number of them that I would swear could understand the English language.
I could tell some amazing stories about these dogs but I gotta go. I would never own one again for liability issues in this litigious society.
One word: UNPREDICTABLE!
By Diane
January 14, 2009 10:19 PM | Link to this
The many people who have mentioned how dachsunds are known for biting don’t realize that they are making our point! I’ve been bitten by a doxie & growled at by others, yet I’ve babysat for my friend’s doxie & he was an angel. But overall, the breed is known for being high-strung & snappy.
Same with the pit bulls. I don’t doubt you when you say you have sweet, loving pit bulls. But, like all breeds, certain traits & temperments were selectively highlighted over the years. It was bred to be fearless in the ring & fight to the death. I believe that instinct is lurking in any pit bull. It may never attack someone. But if it does, this dog does far worse damage mauling & even killing it’s victims than in a typical dog attack. When that instinct is triggered, it does what it was bred to do.
My friend has an Australian Shepherd. Although it has never had any training to herd, it tries to round up the kids when they’re playing in the yard! Most labs love the water. Pointers instinctively point. Why can’t you acknowledge that certain traits were chosen in breeding pit bulls, also?
By Chad
January 14, 2009 10:20 PM | Link to this
“There is a certain gene in this breed where the breed can NOT be trusted”
Really? What gene is that? Please enlighten us on your extensive knowledge of canine genetics and dog breeds in general! I’m waiting on the edge of my seat! Or you can stop commenting blindly on issues of which you obviously no nothing about. Fools like yourself just lap up the spoon fed ignorance the media pours your way. Ignorant.
By Chad
January 14, 2009 10:21 PM | Link to this
“There is a certain gene in this breed where the breed can NOT be trusted”
Really? What gene is that? Please enlighten us on your extensive knowledge of canine genetics and dog breeds in general! I’m waiting on the edge of my seat! Or you can stop commenting blindly on issues of which you obviously know nothing about. Fools like yourself just lap up the spoon fed ignorance the media pours your way. Ignorant.
By Piece Keepr
January 14, 2009 10:23 PM | Link to this
I can t recall any news regarding a Bichon, German Shepard, or Bloodhound mauling anyone to death. If you want to look like a zero, walk a Pitbull wearing a wife beater..
By MOB_REDLION F*** BSL AND HATERS
January 14, 2009 10:33 PM | Link to this
HAHAHA THERES TOO MANY HATERS I HAVE THE SAME BSL IN MY STATE IT ISNT FAIR TO THE RESPONSIBLE OWNERS THAT ACTUALLY GIVE A S**! FOR ALL THAT WOULD LIKE TOO SEE THIS BREED DISAPPEAR YOU ALL CAN GO SUCK A DICK F*** BITCHES THERE ARE FAR TOO MANY AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER LOVERS AND THEY ARREEE GOOOINNNGGG NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WHERE!!!!!! F*** BSL FOR YOU THAT DONT KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE BREED AND HAVE YOUR MIND FILLED WITH ALL THIS BULL S** FROM NEWS AND PAPERS YOU SHOULD TAKE THE TIME TOO LEARN ABOUT THE BREED JUST LIKE YOU TAKE THE TIME TOO HATE ON EM. NO MATTER WHAT BREED IT IS THE DOG CAN BE AGGRESIVE. F*** BSL F*** BSL F*** BSL
By Chad
January 14, 2009 10:34 PM | Link to this
Terriers were created to go to ground and kill small vermin. They all have a high prey drive and are always looking for a scrap. The APBT is a TERRIER first and foremost. Please go the the AKC website and educate yourself on what makes up a terrier. The terrier group contains the smartest and scrappiest dogs on the planet; and terriers are not for everyone. But to single out the APBT or to paint it as a killer or something other than simply a DOG is purely ignorant. And no, there is no single recognized breed of dog known as a “pit bull”. The media loves to use this when they have no identification of the breed in question. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a homegrown American hero dog…….
By Mike
January 14, 2009 10:36 PM | Link to this
Kill all the pits!!!!!!! It’s just a dog and besides you can always get a new one.
By Mike
January 14, 2009 10:37 PM | Link to this
Kill all the pits!!!!!!! It’s just a dog and besides you can always get a new one.
By MOB REDLION F*** YOOOUUU HATER
January 14, 2009 10:42 PM | Link to this
HAHA KILL YOU BITCH ASS mike LIL F* MAYBE THERE JUST DOGS TOO U BUT GOOD FOR THEM THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT LOVE AND CARE FOR THEM AND THEY ARE GOING NOOO0OOOOOOOO WERE BIIIITTTTCCCHHHSSSS
By Joe
January 14, 2009 10:47 PM | Link to this
To all the people that cite “pit bulls’ as bred to be killers,you are correct.Killers of other “pit bulls” in a controlled environment,THE PIT.Match dogs could not be aggresive to people or they would be killed.Even the most famous of dog fighters have no desire to be mauled by their fighting dogs.So obviously there is no link between dog aggression and human aggression.American Pit Bull Terriers are the only dogs I know of that have been bred to specifically NOT be human aggressive.Please educate yourselves before you add to the stupidity displayed here.
By chris vollmar
January 14, 2009 11:03 PM | Link to this
ALL YOU ASSHOLE THAT TALK BAD OR ARE SCARED OF PIT BULLS STAY IN YOUR HOUSE AND HIDE BECAUSE THE GUY LIVING NEXTDOOR HAS A BETTER CHANCE OF KILLING YOU THEN A PIT BULL ONE DAY YOU WILL NEED THEM AND ALL YOU ASSHOLE M** HAVE BANNED THEM SO HERE IS A BIG F*** U FROM MICHIGAN
By Mike
January 14, 2009 11:07 PM | Link to this
Will the last person out of Michigan please turn off the lights and take your pitbulls with you.
By Mike
January 14, 2009 11:09 PM | Link to this
Will the last person out of Michigan please turn off the lights.
By chrisvollmar
January 14, 2009 11:16 PM | Link to this
mike your a little punk bitch
By Mike
January 14, 2009 11:19 PM | Link to this
Your should be you’re. My dog can spell better than you.
By chrisvollmar
January 14, 2009 11:29 PM | Link to this
you’re still f*******-i-n-g stupid and you can’t change that
By The Big Bug
January 14, 2009 11:33 PM | Link to this
Cro-magnon man from Mich type in all CAPS!
By Sheila
January 14, 2009 11:36 PM | Link to this
Hank Greenwood from the American Dog Breeders Association stated that there is an estimated 18 million Pit Bulls. So with numbers like that why is it that when 200 or less attack a year everyone thinks that is a lot? Out of 18 million humans I can guarantee you that there is thousands of humans attacking and even killing other humans. There is more Pit Bulls than any other breed, so it only makes since that you would hear of them in the news more than any other breed. I don’t feel that banning pit bulls is the answer. I feel responsible ownership is the key.
By John
January 14, 2009 11:41 PM | Link to this
This breed should be eliminated. This country regulates Guns, Knives, Alcohol, Vehicles,Food,Water and these abominations are runing free killing their own owners. These animals are unpredictable and not to be trusted. Open your eyes.
By Jenn
January 14, 2009 11:43 PM | Link to this
Everyone knows? Really? Everyone knows they are killers? Tell that to my two cats who sleep with mine every night. I agree with some of the comments said before .PLEASE I beg of you….educate yourself on the breed. These animals are not killers, they are called pitt BULLS because back in olden times they pulled away the bulls after bull fights. That is what they are for, and have been known for. They are labor dogs who do what they are told. If you tell them to eat gun powder and hang off a 2 X 4 with their jaws to prime them for ripping another dog to shreds, yeah, they will do it. Ban these owners, not the dogs.
By chrisvollmar
January 14, 2009 11:51 PM | Link to this
ALL YOU PIT HATERS CAN EAT A BIG FAT DICK HOMOS
By MOB REDLION F*** YOOOUUU
January 14, 2009 11:52 PM | Link to this
HAHA john UR A F*** IDIOT OPEN YOUR EYES THE BREED WILL NEVER BE ELIMINATED ALL YOU DUMB ASSES GET OVER IT ALREADY THEY ARENT LITTLE P*** DOGS LIKE YOURS!
By Brenda
January 14, 2009 11:54 PM | Link to this
Everyone, please go to www.dogbite.org. There is a list of at least one thousand people who have been attacked by pit bulls. This website includes pictures of the victims. Eventually, we are going to have to choose between pit bulls and humans.
By MOB REDLION
January 14, 2009 11:56 PM | Link to this
chrisvollmar U SAID IT RIGHT!
By GT86
January 14, 2009 11:56 PM | Link to this
We absolutely need to ban this breed. Better yet, we need to eliminate everyone of them. These people that say how gentle they are and sleep with their cats and children may someday see the horror firsthand and I hope they come back here and have the guts to tell us that they were wrong. Eliminate this breed!
By chrisvollmar
January 15, 2009 12:04 AM | Link to this
PIT BULLS ARE NOT THE PROBLEM IT IS YOU LITTLE NANCY F*** STAY IN YOU F* CAVES
By Abbie
January 15, 2009 12:11 AM | Link to this
Yes please KILL all PITBULLS…….sooner the better
By Mark
January 15, 2009 12:18 AM | Link to this
Numba1Fan
You are an ignorant ni66er…..
By Natassia
January 15, 2009 12:53 AM | Link to this
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” -Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)
“Dogs cannot sin. That is a privilege exclusive to the human species”
” The Pitbull immediately strikes on as being a dog of power,passion, and undying willingness. Their attitude, courage, and never say die approach to life makes them exceptional dogs.” A once great American Hero is now being destroyed by false media and irresponsible owners are the ones to blame. Mean, vicious, and a monster in the eyes of the ignorant. They say man fears the unknown so all I ask the truth of The American Pitbull Terrier be known. That sly smile, those determined eyes, that unwinding pleasure to please, the mere quality and characteristics of American Pitbull Terrier have envoked more human emotional, rational, and irrational response than any other breed that exist today.. The American Pitbull Terrier is good natured, amusing, extremely loyal, and affectionate family pet… * Any dog can bite * ANY DOG CAN POSE A DANGER
By CHRISTINE
January 15, 2009 1:07 AM | Link to this
TO ALL YOU STUPID PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO WANT TO BAN PITBULL GO TO BLACKANDBLUEKENNELS.COM OR EVEN LOOK US UP ON MYSPACE AND CHECK OUT THE PICS OF MY 2 YEAR OLD SON ANTHONY WITH HIS BEST FRIEND CAINE. CAINE IS A PITBULL. AND IF YOU DONT CHANGE YOUR MIND AFTER SEEING THOSE PICS JUST HOPE I NEVER MEET YOU. IT WILL BE THE LAST THING YOU DO. HAVE A NICE DAY PITBULL LOVERS!!
By CHRISTINE
January 15, 2009 1:07 AM | Link to this
TO ALL YOU STUPID PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO WANT TO BAN PITBULL GO TO BLACKANDBLUEKENNELS.COM OR EVEN LOOK US UP ON MYSPACE AND CHECK OUT THE PICS OF MY 2 YEAR OLD SON ANTHONY WITH HIS BEST FRIEND CAINE. CAINE IS A PITBULL. AND IF YOU DONT CHANGE YOUR MIND AFTER SEEING THOSE PICS JUST HOPE I NEVER MEET YOU. IT WILL BE THE LAST THING YOU DO. HAVE A NICE DAY PITBULL LOVERS!!
By Woodstock Granny
January 15, 2009 1:08 AM | Link to this
These dogs should all be neutered or spayed out of existence. Most people who own this breed possess a certain type of personality that is reflected in the dog’s personality. These dogs even turn on their own masters…for example, a toddler was killed by the family pet pit bull in Florida just this week.
Look at the comments by pit bull lovers and I rest my case!!!!
By Pit Bulls Rocks
January 15, 2009 1:26 AM | Link to this
Pit bull are the best Breed you can ask for, its the stupid people who don’t get them trained that has the problem!!! yes Pit bulls are the Stronger then any other dog and yes when provoked it well attack Like any other Breeds!!!!!!!!! i wold trust my life with a pit bull more then my life with a Human!
and i find it funny how most APBT breed have a Guard Dog and is that you ASK they love Humans!!!!! they wont attack a intruder they are willing to go with the person stilling the dog then Bite them!!!
and think about dog fighters APBT must be the most loyal dog i ever Herd Killing another dog just too make you happy:/ sad but ture also you have to think about One what was the parent thinking to leave a kid alone with a Dog breed is only interesting becase it dosent matter and two what what the kid doing to the dog and third yes we do care about the kid and family but we also know the dog is not to blame!!!! and i almost took in a german shepherd that attack a 5 year old and the dog was 4 years old and they had the dog since the kid was 1 so it not the breed it is the OWNERS what part of that dont you understand??????? i also worked for a dog trainer for along time and pit bull we all ways the best breed hands down!!!!!!!!!!!
By Angelina
January 15, 2009 4:28 AM | Link to this
It isn’t the dogs it is the owners. I found a red nosed pit bull and tried to find the owner by putting a lost dog add in this very paper. The owner never called but I swear it seemed that every person of questionable character called and tried to get me to give them the dog. We ended up keeping him and he has turned out to be the most loving, smart and perhaps the funniest dog I’ve ever known. He loves everyone and has made “friends” with every dog and cat in the neighborhood. Not every pit bull is “Evil” If you train them right they are the best dogs in the world. Most of you will believe what you want, that is your right. Please don’t step on my rights by trying to ban or kill one of the best breed of dogs i’ve ever owned.
By clyde
January 15, 2009 5:02 AM | Link to this
People that have a need to own a dog that is considered viscious,Pit bulls,chows,akitas,rottweilers,just to name a few,are mentally deficient is some strange way.They need a symbol to macho up their lives.I never read where a lab, or beagle,or golden retriever ripped up a kid,But I read a lot about the aforementioned breeds.
One thing that’s becoming more frequent is serious charges are being pressed against the owners of these dogs that kill children and it’s about time.These owners need some serious reflecting time.
By thebear
January 15, 2009 6:14 AM | Link to this
if you had asked me this question a little over a year ago i would have said yes… but since then i have found that pit bulls are not always mean.. i now live in a house with a pit.. he is most loving.. and there is a 2 year old in the house.. this dog was well trained, he wont take food from the child unless an adult tells him it is ok… you can leave a steak on the coffee table and he will walk from the room… i guess there is always a danger.. but a little chihuhua(?) can be just as mean and most of the time more likely to bite.. and that hurts..
By GATALKS.COM
January 15, 2009 7:20 AM | Link to this
Great job Heather!!
I have a pit bull and several other dogs. She’s an amazing creature that loves us and is great with my autistic son.
“Mauled by Mutt” doesn’t make much of a headline. Irresponsible owners, breeders and dumb humans make bad dogs. They aren’t born bad.
And for the record, if a neighbor’s four year old child wonders into my yard, I have to ask what kind of parent isn’t watching their four year old child?? I would call that an irresponsible adult as well.
Spay and Neuter all of your animals.
Take responsibility for yourself, your children and your pets. GROW UP America. Stop blaming the world when things go wrong.
By RottNPitLvr
January 15, 2009 7:24 AM | Link to this
I have a rottweiler and a pitbull… Both are rescues… These are not bad dogs or bad breeds… They are however, very misunderstood… You can not legislate common sense to people, you can however educate and enforce laws already in place(leash laws, and what not)… Banning these breeds will only hurt the responsible and law abiding citizens. Rottweilers and pitbulls are very much a working breed, and need much exercise, activity, training, and socializing… Provide that, and you will have a beautifully trained dog who behaves in public…
By stan
January 15, 2009 7:29 AM | Link to this
How many more of these ghastly stories must we read about pit bulls killing and mauling children and adults before we do something about this.Why would you own a breed that could turn any moment and kill you. it just doesn’t make sense. I know how attached we get to our pets,however why own something that will kill you.stick your head in the sand all you want but I’m here to tell you that if any neighbor of mine decide to buy a pit bull and that dog attacks any of my love ones you’ll pay the ultimate price for that because you knew the consequences of that dog already.
By Juanita Joyce Taylor
January 15, 2009 7:38 AM | Link to this
If it is not the dog but the owners , are we saying ban the owner? We have seen that people have become less responsible about others rights. It is all about my rights. Some of these remarks show a lot of immaturity and anger.That scares me in a dog owner . Just how will they train their dog and act toward children? A lot of these are the ones that have pitts because they CAN make them mean
By Marge
January 15, 2009 7:52 AM | Link to this
First, what constitutes a Pit Bull? That definition will have to be determined before a law can be passed, otherwise it is subjective, or of opinion. Will all aggressive dogs be called a Pit Bull? How much mix of other dogs in a Pit Bull before is no longer considered a Pit Bull? Is Pit Bull a recongnized AKC breed? Perhaps dog containment laws should be considered instead? Is it possible that dogs should be like a horse where there is 1 acre per dog?
By Marge
January 15, 2009 7:54 AM | Link to this
First, what constitutes a Pit Bull? That definition will have to be determined before a law can be passed, otherwise it is subjective, or of opinion. Will all aggressive dogs be called a Pit Bull? How much mix of other dogs in a Pit Bull before is no longer considered a Pit Bull? Is Pit Bull a recongnized AKC breed? Perhaps dog containment laws should be considered instead? Is it possible that dogs should be like a horse where there is 1 acre per dog?
By Marge
January 15, 2009 7:55 AM | Link to this
First, what constitutes a Pit Bull? That definition will have to be determined before a law can be passed, otherwise it is subjective, or of opinion. Will all aggressive dogs be called a Pit Bull? How much mix of other dogs in a Pit Bull before is no longer considered a Pit Bull? Is Pit Bull a recongnized AKC breed? Perhaps dog containment laws should be considered instead? Is it possible that dogs should be like a horse where there is 1 acre per dog?
By AK
January 15, 2009 8:03 AM | Link to this
Keep up the good work people! At some point people need to start being held responsible for their actions and the actions of there animals. I have brought full grown unsocialized pit bulls in to our family enviromnet without ever having a problem.
COME OUT AND CELEBRATE THESE AWESOME DOGS WITH US AND SOME OF THE OTHER TOP BREEDERS IN THE US
March 21 2009 North ATL Trade Center
WWW.ATLANTABULLYPALOOZA.COM
By AK
January 15, 2009 8:03 AM | Link to this
Keep up the good work people! At some point people need to start being held responsible for their actions and the actions of there animals. I have brought full grown unsocialized pit bulls in to our family enviromnet without ever having a problem.
COME OUT AND CELEBRATE THESE AWESOME DOGS WITH US AND SOME OF THE OTHER TOP BREEDERS AND FANCIERS IN THE US
March 21 2009 North ATL Trade Center
WWW.ATLANTABULLYPALOOZA.COM
By AK
January 15, 2009 8:04 AM | Link to this
Keep up the good work people! At some point people need to start being held responsible for their actions and the actions of there animals. I have brought full grown unsocialized pit bulls in to our family enviromnet without ever having a problem.
COME OUT AND CELEBRATE THESE AWESOME DOGS WITH US AND SOME OF THE OTHER TOP BREEDERS AND FANCIERS IN THE US
March 21 2009 North ATL Trade Center
WWW.ATLANTABULLYPALOOZA.COM
By Josh
January 15, 2009 8:07 AM | Link to this
I can’t help but laugh at all the people on here defending pit bulls, calling them “family pets.” Isn’t it always the “family pet” that we hear about in the news killing a 3 yr old? Wake up people. Pit bulls may seem loyal, but they can turn on their owner at any time. Sure chiwawas(spelling??) and other terriers bite and nible, but they don’t kill UNPROVOKED. Pit bulls kill unprovoked people…look at the statistics; do some research on how many people are killed by pit bulls compared to other breeds. The facts are the facts.
By KIM
January 15, 2009 8:23 AM | Link to this
NO NO NO… I have 2 pits, one is a rescue and the other I have had since a puppy. I have had every type of dog and these are the most loyal. Also keep in mind any dog can be aggressive. Also the lady who had the face transplant had her face chewed by a Golden Retriever…. It is not the dog it is the way they are treated because they are so powerful. Also my neighbor was attached by a German Shepard and it never ended up on the news. It is because the news media only reports attacks from Pit Bulls that is why they have such a bad day.
By Tray
January 15, 2009 8:30 AM | Link to this
First off, all of you for banning these dogs are morons!! MORONS!!
Secondly, let’s make some comparisons… Black people kill more irresponsibly than dogs…should we ban them?? How many of you watch the news?? Whites rip off millions and are rapists and child molestors, with some murders. Blacks will kill you for 6 dollars in your wallet and your shoes! It seems most can’t be ‘trained’, if you will, to obey the law! I’ll ask again, should we ban blacks?
OF COURSE NOT IDIOTS, ITS SOMETHING WE HAVE TO LIVE WITH-AND SO ARE DOGS! Responsible owners (parents) can make a difference, snd should want to.
I’ll tell you right now, if i lived in some of these ghetto neighborhoods, I’d buy 2 pitts and 2 rotts and train them to attack anyone coming near my house-how about my property and keep your kids off my lawn!
By all means, if the dogs are not properly watched, or break free, and do some damage, yes, put them to sleep. But if your disobedient kids are taunting my pet, throwing rocks at it and such, and it attacks, I’ll be laughing my head off because YOU’RE THE IRRESPONSIBLE IDIOT, not me.
Get real people, banning things are not American. America is based on freedoms, not bans. Do you own a gun? That kills more children than dogs, so why not ban them?? MORONS, the lot of you!
By chrisvollmar
January 15, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this
ALL YOU YOU DUMB ASSES MY PIT BULL P** ON YOU
By SCRAPE
January 15, 2009 9:05 AM | Link to this
FIRST OFF, THE TURK UR AN IDIOT. DONT BAN THEM, EVERY DOG HAS ITS OWN PERSONALITY JUST LIKE US HUMANS. SOME ARE A$%HOLES SOME ARE COOL. BANNING PITS WOULD BE LIKE BANNING A MINORITY RACE.
By chrisvollmar
January 15, 2009 9:24 AM | Link to this
MY PIT BULL SAID FOR ALL YOU MORONS TO COME TAKE A LICK ON HIS FAT BALL BAG.
By chrisvollmar
January 15, 2009 9:28 AM | Link to this
MY PIT BULL SAID FOR ALL YOU MORONS TO COME TAKE A LICK ON HIS FAT BALL BAG.
By Pete
January 15, 2009 9:55 AM | Link to this
We live in the good old U.S.A “people”!Where we have certain rights and if you ban pitbulls you are one of those people that when politics say bend over you the first ones to touch your toes with your rear eye wide open!I see alot of racism here in these comments maybe we should ban idiots that promote racism!Wake up and smell the coffee today your dogs tomorrow your guns and your alcohol!
By Sheila
January 15, 2009 10:10 AM | Link to this
Some sites you all may find educational:
www.lawdogsusa.org
www.pbrc.net
www.pitbullsontheweb.com
saveabull.com
dogsinthenews.com
www.adbadog.com
www.ukcdogs.com
canineaggression.blogspot.com
www.atts.org
By sea7855
January 15, 2009 10:29 AM | Link to this
BAN!!!!!! BAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BAN!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE PIT BULL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YOU PROTEST A MAN GOING TO JAIL JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE ELSE USED THE DOGS IN THE WRONG WAY…(VICK). THE PIT BULLS HAVE KILLED LITTLE KIDS ALL OVER THIS COUNTRY!!!!!!! BUT THATS OKAY..(B******)
BAN!!!THE PITBULL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By sea7855
January 15, 2009 10:29 AM | Link to this
BAN!!!!!! BAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BAN!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE PIT BULL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YOU PROTEST A MAN GOING TO JAIL JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE ELSE USED THE DOGS IN THE WRONG WAY…(VICK). THE PIT BULLS HAVE KILLED LITTLE KIDS ALL OVER THIS COUNTRY!!!!!!! BUT THATS OKAY..(B******)
BAN!!!THE PITBULL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By chrisvollmar
January 15, 2009 10:36 AM | Link to this
sea7855 you are shallow minded you dumb f u c k ing asshole
By doglover
January 15, 2009 10:41 AM | Link to this
Please do you research on dog bits for animals that do bite and kill. They are not all pit bull….But I PROMISE you every one PITBULL that does bite will make headlines…But the “so called family LAB” will not make the news. Its all media hype! Your dog will be next!!
By GATALKS.COM
January 15, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this
Nothing worse than non dog people trying to talk about dogs……fight the ignorance.
THANK YOU
By chrisvollmar
January 15, 2009 10:56 AM | Link to this
www.dogbreedinfo.com check it out jackasses
By Pit King
January 15, 2009 11:36 AM | Link to this
First of all I would like to thank all of the uneducated people that have diaria from the mouth.or finger tips as it would be. It would be great if some of these people ie. The Turk, Honeycloud, Children First would educate themselves with a subject before Speaking/typing. Second the only dog to be awarded metals by the US Army for service is a pitbull. Third does anyone remember a show called the “LITTLE RASCALS”? Petey the pitbull was just so vicous he ate Buckwheat. NOT. People if you use your computer for getting information before posting your comments you would realize that you are uneducated in this subject. Pitbulls or “Pit” type dogs are the only dog that was specifically bred NOT TO BITE MAN. Meaning that a dog that was un managable in the Pit & Kennel was not an asset and those were not bred. If people would also look at the Tempermant Rating of Dogs, if you can turn on a computer & google it you will find that Pitbulls rate higher than what most people call a family pet. If you also notice that there are thousands of People bit by dogs and the only ones that gets recognition is the pits because of Bad Media. Responsible Dog Owners like myself take the necessary precautions to ensure that their dogs are safe & ensure that If other people, dogs, come onto their property the can not get around their dogs. I have owned different breeds of dogs and for me the AMERICAN PITBULL TERRIER is the only dog for me and many Famous People also. I would like everyone to remember what country we live in the Free UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. So to all of the people that like to talk about subjects to which they do not know about, just shut up keep your stupid thoughts, suggestions to yourselves until you are knowlegeable enough to speak on a certain subject. I sure would not be putting my 2cents in if I was ignorant like most peoples comments I have read. It was a sad Unfortunate accident that the parents should have been more resposible supervising their child it would never had happened. Just for kicks Google Children Killed in Car Accidents,it will be thousands, we don’t bann children riding in vehicles Do we. think about it america before opening your traps.
By Mark
January 15, 2009 12:38 PM | Link to this
Numba1Fan
Have any documentation on that 95% you wrote? Didn’t think so. You seem to be a man that owns a poodle. (Gay)
By Sheree
January 15, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this
Absolutely not…would you ban a race of people based on the actions of a few bad seeds? I have owned several breeds of dog and not one has exhibited the stable temperment of a properly bred, trained and socialized American Pit Bull Terrier. You “people” have to remember, half the “pit bulls” you see are not even close to the real thing. It is true that in the old days they were bred for their unwaivering determination..but NEVER EVER were they bred for human aggression. Quite the opposite is true, a man biter or a dog that showed any type of uneasiness around people was immediately destroyed.
What is needed is not a genocide and irradication of any entire breed, it is Higher penalties for OWNERS of ANY proven vicious dogs, higher accountability and more strict breeding regulations by the registrations!
Dog bites happen, PERIOD. It wasnt long ago I heard of a 6 month old being mauled in the face by a pomeranian…and a young toddler boy having his genitalia chewed off my a ferret, where you crying for those animals or breeds to be destroyed in their entirity then? I bet not.
It is easy to blame a simple animal…they do what they are trained to do, or dont do what they are not trained to do, however you want to look at it.
Just like people, a child who is cultivated, molded, socialized and taught…blossoms more often than not into a very producitve citizen, the ones who are left out on their “chains” to fend for themselves often turn out to be the badseeds who plunder and spoil at the expense of the rest of society!
By Mark
January 15, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this
Outlaw ni66ers from owning pitbulls. They are the ones giving this loving breed a bad name!
By John
January 15, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this
I have 3 pits and they are the most loyal and loving dogs I have ever had. Im not afraid to have them around my daughter or the kids in the neighborhood. Im a firm believer that a dog becomes or is aggressive due to an lousy or inexperienced handler. Pits are not for everybody! Telling me that I can’t have a pet of my choice or live with the pet that I have is like saying I don’t have the freedom of speech. Take a look at the owners and how they are treating their pets. ANY animal can be made aggressive. Some of the most aggressive dogs I have come across are your smaller breeds. Its not right to pick one breed and ban them when ANY breed can be aggressive. It seems like BSL is only against the larger breed dogs, its like they only want us having small dogs.
By Pit King
January 15, 2009 3:52 PM | Link to this
This is for Mark, I have only owned Chows, Pits & Boxers. if you new how to use your computer other than sticking your pecker in it you might could Google the Words PITBULL information & Get some Knowledge on a subject you obviously know nothing about. Hey also you talk very big on the web like a little shool boy. i bet you were raped by a Black dude & liked it that is why you have such Racial & Sexual Prejudices. You are scared of your inner Gayness. Come out of the closet Mark. Your Mom & dad already Know.
By Tina
January 15, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this
I want to scream!!! I only read a few posts here and I couldn’t stand it. I have to speak out also. I am a spouse, a parent, and a dog owner. In all of these catagories comes “RESPONSIBILITY.” Yes, I have owned dogs my entire adult life. I had a spaniel once who would tear the s** out of the mail man. I had a min. pin. who would do the same at my children. I had a rottie that was a best friend, very loyal, protective, lovable,a nanny to my children, a heated blanket in the winter lol, ya know what i’m saying, she was just awsome. I could take her anywhere, everyone loved her and she loved people of all sorts, and to think rotts had a bad name once. After, old age hit her and she passed on, my husband and I decided to get a pit. I was wrong about the rottie. There can be more than one amazing animal on earth. We got jazz as a new born pup. We took our time and taught her things, rewarded good behavior and so on. We now have a 2nd pit a male which followed the same teachings in our house. I can take my pits anywhere even to school to pick up the kids. They sleep with our kids and are apart of our family unit. The same as our rottie was. We are a firm believer in dog owner responsibility. The pits were bred long ago to fight. But honestly people, the owner’s are the ones that should be punished for they’re dogs displaying unacceptable behavior and if they need help, they can always call Cesear Millan! Any dog has the ability to bite, any dog can be “bad”. Dogs need structure, to be taught….”Dog ownwership= responsibility”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyone that wants to ban pit bulls should start a ban against the entire dog speceiman…. because it starts with the owners!
I guess I’m calming down now. But I really do get upset when I hear that people want to punish this breed of dog when it isn’t the dogs fault!
It truly saddens me.
Tina Scott of New Castle, Indian
By Alicia
January 15, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this
I own a 1 yr old blue pitbull and she is the most loving and loyal dog I have EVER come across. Everyone on here saying “Yes”, are heartless animal haters. Let me just say one thing: “WHAT MAN FEARS, MAN KILLS!” What breed will be next? Your beloved German Shepards, Dobermans, Boxers,…..? Hopefully then you will realize what is really going on. Ban the Deed, not the Breed!
By Alicia
January 15, 2009 4:58 PM | Link to this
I own a 1 yr old blue pitbull and she is the most loving and loyal dog I have EVER come across. Everyone on here saying “Yes”, are heartless animal haters. Let me just say one thing: “WHAT MAN FEARS, MAN KILLS!” What breed will be next? Your beloved German Shepards, Dobermans, Boxers,…..? Hopefully then you will realize what is really going on. Ban the Deed, not the Breed!
By Mark
January 15, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this
Pit King
I have a pit as well, and forgot more about them than you’ll ever learn. I taught her to hate ni66ers since she was a pup, seeing as how my once nice and quiet subdivision has turned into a jungle. Houses are now being broken into by these punks and thug wannabes. Blacks are the most violent animals, so maybe it’s time to ban s** as well?
By Pit Bull lover
January 15, 2009 5:08 PM | Link to this
Funny i dont even own a Pit bull yet im smart enough to see that it is not the dog fault at all thats why i vote NO!!!!! i own a German Shepherd Dog and i fear German shepherds with kids a lot more then i wold a pit bull witch i don’t fear at all with Pit bulls I love both!!! BSL is stupid poor pit buls:/ they are the getting killed in this witch hunt sadding but that why only smart people own pit bulls there where smart and bypass what the press was saying and then you discover the truth about the APBT thay they are the best dog you could ever own!!
By Mark
January 15, 2009 5:17 PM | Link to this
Pit King
BTW, you wrote “if you new how to use your computer”. Looks like that inner city school didn’t focus on spelling. Try going to www.dictionary.com, and learn a second language (English).
By sea7855
January 15, 2009 5:31 PM | Link to this
MARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WATCH YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE CAN FIND YOU……BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By sea7855
January 15, 2009 5:31 PM | Link to this
MARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WATCH YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE CAN FIND YOU……BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Joe
January 15, 2009 5:45 PM | Link to this
Mark, As an educated person,I can honestly say that you’re the one who needs to be educated.I’m ashamed to see the idiocy of the comments you’ve posted here.The only thug wannabe here is you.Although you’ll never be more than a keyboard thug.
By sea7855
January 15, 2009 5:46 PM | Link to this
HEY MARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHATS WRONG BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!
SOMEONE PUT AN APPLE IN YOUR MOUTH?????????????????
SAY SOMETHING BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ONE MORE BLOG BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By sea7855
January 15, 2009 5:46 PM | Link to this
HEY MARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHATS WRONG BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!
SOMEONE PUT AN APPLE IN YOUR MOUTH?????????????????
SAY SOMETHING BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ONE MORE BLOG BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By sea7855
January 15, 2009 5:46 PM | Link to this
HEY MARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHATS WRONG BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!
SOMEONE PUT AN APPLE IN YOUR MOUTH?????????????????
SAY SOMETHING BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ONE MORE BLOG BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By sea7855
January 15, 2009 5:52 PM | Link to this
HEY MARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHATS WRONG BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!
SOMEONE PUT AN APPLE IN YOUR MOUTH?????????????????
SAY SOMETHING BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ONE MORE BLOG BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By AK
January 15, 2009 5:59 PM | Link to this
Yes 35.51% 853
No 64.49% 1549
LOL
www.atlantabullypalooza.com
By diane
January 15, 2009 7:17 PM | Link to this
this is clearly the fault of the owners, did they get this dog as a pup? did they keep this dog outside? did they give this dog plenty of love & affectuon? did they acculimate this dog to the children? did they beat this dog? was the dog a member of the family? or was this dog trained to be a watchdog? dogs are just as different as people, how you treat a dog or person will have an effect on how they will respond to you must we condem all because of the few?
By Marc in Dacula
January 15, 2009 8:22 PM | Link to this
A few quick points as i’m pressed for time… 1. Story states that two of the three dogs were chained…Irresponsible owner. 2. Story states that the female was pregnant…Irresposible owner. 3. Story states that the child was in the yard UNSUPERVISED with,or without any breed of dog…Irresponsible parent and owner. 4. A lot more children grow up to be murderers and thugs in general than any dogs grow up to kill or even attack a person. Should we ban child birth? 5. Many more people die everyday due to car wrecks than dog attacks. Is it the car’s fault or the driver’s? Do we ban cars now? Just a few quick thoughts. Marc Howington Dacula, Ga.
By Renee
January 15, 2009 10:20 PM | Link to this
Why was a young child left alone in a yard with the family dogs? It doesn’t matter what the breed is.Any responsible parent would never leave a child unattended with dogs,period.That is just plain STUPID.I haven’t even read the full story but am willing to bet that none of the dogs were spayed/neutered.Once again stupid owners.Why don’t you pass a ban on stupid,irresponsible people? Any number of breeds in the same situation could have done the same mauling!
By Natassia
January 16, 2009 12:43 AM | Link to this
Since people wants to start banning pitbulls and dogs, why dont we just start killing everything and everyone, lets get the s** over with and maybe the end of the world will come sooner, Since we want everything dead anyways…
By Randi
January 16, 2009 2:30 AM | Link to this
Within the last 6 months, a Boston Terrier ripped off the face of a grown woman. In 2006, 7 chihuahuas attacked a police officer and put him in the hospital. In 2000, a Pomeranian killed an infant. Two years ago in Virginia, a Golden Retriever attacked and killed an 8 year old boy - Animal control deemed the dog not dangerous and left it with the family.
The woman that had the face transplant because her own dog viciously attacked her? That was a Labrador Retreiver. In 2006, a woman was attacked by a border collie, requiring extensive surgery. That same year, a man was attacked and killed by 2 boxers in south Florida, a 5-YO boy was attacked and killed by an Australian Shepherd in Palo Alto.
The list goes on - I have examples of just about every breed of dog attacking, causing major damage or even killing a person.
So yes, small dogs and supposedly great family dogs do attack, inflict major damage and even kill.
The problem is indeed the media and the hysteria they attempt to create by sensationalizing a story. When a pit bull attacks, you’ll find hundreds of stories about that attack. When another breed of dog attacks, you’ll see maybe one or two stories in the local news channels.
Dangerous dog ordinances need to be fair, enforceable and equitable, treating all breeds of dog the same. Many cities that have passed bans are running into financial difficulties implementing and enforcing those bans. Several cities have rescinded bans because the ban has not decreased the number of dog bites - yes, breed bans have reduced the number of bites by the breeds that are banned but overall, in many cities, bites and even fatalities by non-banned breeds have increased.
I spend hours a day scouring the internet, looking for stories on dog attacks, cities considering banning breeds. We try to help those cities develop non-breed specific dog ordinances that are fair, equitable and enforceable.
Encourage cities to look at strenghtening their existing dog ordinances, non-breed specific, have major civil and criminal penalities for the owners whose dogs attack. Encourage public education/awarenss and obedience training.
By Pit Bulls Rock
January 16, 2009 3:18 AM | Link to this
Randi Thank you so much for you info i am a pit bull lover and it will never change
By PitBull Owner (RHB)
January 16, 2009 12:41 PM | Link to this
Honeycloud- I definitely agree with you on dogs that attack people should be killed. That said, there is a difference between a dog attacking and defending its family. I hope we can agree that a dog SHOULD defend its human family against human or animal threats. I own several APBTs from fighting lineage AND am active in conformation showing. My show activity has allowed me to meet many, many other “game bred” dogs. It has been my experience that this breed (bred to standard) is very human loving despite their fiercely nature towards animals. I totally agree with you that HUMANS come before animals. Human rights should not be superseded by animal “rights”. Another issue I have with the animal rights people and their government goons is that many times the degree of punishment does not fit the animal crime. Punishment does not fit the fit the crime. We as citizens in the 21 century cannot blindly assume all living beings act and react equally. Although the dogs are aggressive toward animals, it is expected they be friendly with humans. If we are to be a society of intellectual and civilized people, we must concentrate on punishing the act not an entire group….this is call descrimination and any kind of it is bad. Anyone who does not know the true nature of the APBT breed must understand it was bred to fight dogs. In other words, APBTs are part of “working breeds” and its job is to fight dogs. This bred-in aggression does not mean it is naturally vicious. Far from it when around humans. Let us not confuse human and animal aggression.
By PitBull Owner (RHB)
January 16, 2009 12:45 PM | Link to this
Honeycloud- I definitely agree with you on dogs that attack people should be killed. That said, there is a difference between a dog attacking and defending its family. I hope we can agree that a dog SHOULD defend its human family against human or animal threats. I own several APBTs from fighting lineage AND am active in conformation showing. My show activity has allowed me to meet many, many other “game bred” dogs. It has been my experience that this breed (bred to standard) is very human loving despite their fiercely nature towards animals. I totally agree with you that HUMANS come before animals. Human rights should not be superseded by animal “rights”. Another issue I have with the animal rights people and their government goons is that many times the degree of punishment does not fit the animal crime. Punishment does not fit the fit the crime. We as citizens in the 21 century cannot blindly assume all living beings act and react equally. Although the dogs are aggressive toward animals, it is expected they be friendly with humans. If we are to be a society of intellectual and civilized people, we must concentrate on punishing the act not an entire group….this is call descrimination and any kind of it is bad. Anyone who does not know the true nature of the APBT breed must understand it was bred to fight dogs. In other words, APBTs are part of “working breeds” and its job is to fight dogs. This bred-in aggression does not mean it is naturally vicious. Far from it when around humans. Let us not confuse human and animal aggression.
By My dream came true
January 16, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this
www.martinlutherking.org
You people are celebrating the life of a typical lying negro. Read it and weep
By PitBull Owner (RHB)
January 16, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this
Honeycloud- I definitely agree with you on dogs that attack people should be killed. That said, there is a difference between a dog attacking and defending its family. I hope we can agree that a dog SHOULD defend its human family against human or animal threats. I own several APBTs from fighting lineage AND am active in conformation showing. My show activity has allowed me to meet many, many other “game bred” dogs. It has been my experience that this breed (bred to standard) is very human loving despite their fiercely nature towards animals. I totally agree with you that HUMANS come before animals. Human rights should not be superseded by animal “rights”. Another issue I have with the animal rights people and their government goons is that many times the degree of punishment does not fit the animal crime. Punishment does not fit the fit the crime. We as citizens in the 21 century cannot blindly assume all living beings act and react equally. Although the dogs are aggressive toward animals, it is expected they be friendly with humans. If we are to be a society of intellectual and civilized people, we must concentrate on punishing the act not an entire group….this is call descrimination and any kind of it is bad. Anyone who does not know the true nature of the APBT breed must understand it was bred to fight dogs. In other words, APBTs are part of “working breeds” and its job is to fight dogs. This bred-in aggression does not mean it is naturally vicious. Far from it when around humans. Let us not confuse human and animal aggression.
By Megan
January 16, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this
Anything with teeth can bite. So if we want to stop dog attacks, we’ll need to ban every breed of dog. Last time I checked, they all have teeth. They all have the potentional to bite. To those who are saying lets ban pit bulls… Please find me links where PUREBRED American Pit Bull Terriers, or PUREBRED American Staffordshire Terriers have attacked. Not mutts. Not mixed breeds. Not “Pit bulls”. I bet you cannot find nearly as many. Why? A dog with cropped ears, a squarish face attacks? Its labeled a pit bull. Pit bulls take the fall of MANY breeds that attack, even when they are not responsible.
Lets go after the real problem here folks. Irresponsible owners. Take proper care of your animals, treat them with respect, buy from GOOD responsible breeders (Not petstores, not puppy mills or back yard breeders) and we’ll see a HUGE decrease in DOG attacks PERIOD. Remember: We ban pit bulls today. Tomorrow it will be YOUR breed of dog!! It won’t stop at just pit bulls!
By Chloe
January 16, 2009 1:37 PM | Link to this
http://www.pitbulllovers.com
Not a site for you ignorant haters…..
By Tasha
January 16, 2009 1:39 PM | Link to this
I Can’t understand the hate generated towards pit bulls.My pit is sweet & gentil with everyone she encounters,pluse she is my service dog. There are many like her who serve the disabled,or are threapy dogs.She gives me many happy hours just because she is here.As a result i have an idea,dont ban our pits,But DO BAN MICHAEL VICK he’s a monster for what he has done & should be shunned for the rest of his life.
By Stormino
January 16, 2009 2:37 PM | Link to this
ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!
First off do all the pitbull haters in the room know that there are 29 other breeds commonly mistaken for the pit bull????? Second off I think that pomerainians should be banned too, as well as golden retrievers….they kill babies then eat them. To me this is just like JAWS. when that movie came out everyone was scared to get in the water. ALL HYPE! ten years ago everyone was scared of rottweilers, then before that was dobermans and german sheppards. Why is everyone letting the bad apple ruin the bushel. Not all pitbulls are bad! There are pitbull search and rescue dogs, therapy dog and most of the dogs on border patrol are pits. Ever heard of popsicle????? Educate yourself before attacking something!!!!!
By justshakinmyhead
January 17, 2009 12:09 PM | Link to this
First of all, I am very sorry this happened. And my heart goes out to the family. Now to the subject of banning breeds Okay, let’s ban all dogs that have aggressive tendencies…hmmmm….Monday morning everyone who owns a dog(and a few “bad….” cats I know) come to the court house and turn in your dogs. It doesn’t matter what breed they are, or if they are mixed breeds, or GOD HELP US…Designer Dogs…. Just step right up and hand em over. SHEEESH Let me tell you people, Dogs have teeth, they can and will bite if provoked, frightened or threatened. Dogs are not born man eaters. They are taught to have aggressive natures. Is it any dfferent if it’s a Bulldog of a Yorkie? NO.. The little old lady unwittingly teaches her sweet little FiFi the same bad habits any other dog owner teaches theirs.
It comes down to RESPONSIBLITY. Number one. Why is any child in the back yard with a group of dogs in the first place? It doesn’t matter whether it was Bulldogs, Labs, GSDs Poodles, maltese etc. Our society thinks if it a family pet, it should act human. Well, I have news for you…I love this 88 pounds German Shepherd that is lying on his mat beside me in my office right now. And he was bred for temperment, etc. by a reputable breeder. He has been trained to Track for Search and Rescue, Obedience Titles and all that. And he would defend me if need be I’m sure. And he loves kids and everybody. BUT! He’s a dog! He does not think like a human, and never will. This GSD looks at me as a member of his pack! And I am the ALPHA! And he accepts this. There is a pecking order in any pack. And children and puppies are at the bottom of this pecking order. Dogs grow faster, so the pecking order changes quickly. And the owner as the Alpha has to maintain these changes and maintain the order.
By Rebecca Snider
January 17, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this
PUNISH THE DEED…. NOT the breed !! I am 59 years old and the only dogs I’ve ever been bitten by are the little ankle biters and none were related to any pit breed. You need to clamp down on the irresponsible owners and breedERS. The breed is only a result of the owners and the jerks who want to see innocent animals fight.
PUNISH THE DEED … NOT the BREED !!!
By Randi
January 17, 2009 2:37 PM | Link to this
Within the last 6 months, a Boston Terrier ripped off the face of a grown woman. In 2006, 7 chihuahuas attacked a police officer and put him in the hospital. In 2000, a Pomeranian killed an infant. Two years ago in Virginia, a Golden Retriever attacked and killed an 8 year old boy - Animal control deemed the dog not dangerous and left it with the family.
The woman that had the face transplant because her own dog viciously attacked her? That was a Labrador Retreiver. In 2006, a woman was attacked by a border collie, requiring extensive surgery. That same year, a man was attacked and killed by 2 boxers in south Florida, a 5-YO boy was attacked and killed by an Australian Shepherd in Palo Alto.
The list goes on - I have examples of just about every breed of dog attacking, causing major damage or even killing a person.
So yes, small dogs and supposedly great family dogs do attack, inflict major damage and even kill.
The problem is indeed the media and the hysteria they attempt to create by sensationalizing a story. When a pit bull attacks, you’ll find hundreds of stories about that attack. When another breed of dog attacks, you’ll see maybe one or two stories in the local news.
Dangerous dog ordinances need to be fair, enforceable and equitable, treating all breeds of dog the same. Many cities that have passed bans are running into financial difficulties implementing and enforcing those bans. Several cities have rescinded bans because the ban has not decreased the number of dog bites - yes, breed bans have reduced the number of bites by the breeds that are banned but overall, in many cities, bites and even fatalities by non-banned breeds have increased.
I spend hours a day scouring the internet, looking for stories on dog attacks, cities considering banning breeds. We try to help those cities develop non-breed specific dog ordinances that are fair, equitable and enforceable.
Encourage cities to look at strenghtening their existing dog ordinances, non-breed specific, have major civil and criminal penalities for the owners whose dogs attack. Encourage public education/awarenss and obedience training.
By truth
January 17, 2009 5:31 PM | Link to this
Pit bulls, just like any other dog, are more of a product of their bred in traits than how you raise them. Pit bulls were bred for fighting and killing dogs. That in itself makes them more dangerous than the average dog and worthy of legislation. They also give little to no warning of attacks and don’t stop attacking despite injury to themselves. This information can be found on any reputable pit bull rescue or information site. The reason why pits are in the news so often is their owners do not know this information or refuse to believe it. They have had ample time to get it together and clean up their breed of choice. They have brought BSL upon themselves while allowing dog fighting to continue and have the majority of pit bulls die in shelters due to immense overpopulation. They are a danger to society and a tax drain - ban them and all fighting breeds unless they are pedigreed showdogs.
By Sevius
January 17, 2009 6:33 PM | Link to this
What about guns they kill people every day. Why not enforce tougher laws on the unresponsible owners of pitbulls that attack. Let’s think people banning the dogs isn’t gonna stop irresponsible prople from getting them. Why not try to get more educated on the breed and all the good they have done. The pitbull was the poster dog for America during World War 1 lets not forget that.
By Sue Verner
January 17, 2009 8:24 PM | Link to this
Here are few more than “everyone knows” - or should know: “Everyone knows” that “pit bull” is not a breed, but rather a category of dog; therefore, banning “pit bulls” means nothing except that any idiot animal control officer can label any dog “pit bull” because every dog fits the description of a non-existent “breed.” “Everyone knows” that media stories about pit-bull-type dogs are (1) exaggerated, and (2) frequently not about bully breed dogs at all but rather unidentifiable mixed breed dogs. “Everyone knows” that pit bulls are actually no more unpredictable than any other type of dog, cat, or person for that matter. “Everyone knows” that your average bully breed dog is very friendly toward people - these are the category of dog that used to be called “nanny dogs” because they are so good with children. “Everyone knows” that michael vick and others of his ilk kill so many of the dogs who don’t fight BECAUSE SO MANY OF THESE DOGS WON’T FIGHT - they’re so sweet-natured that they roll over submissively when attacked by the few dogs chosen as aggressive - the ones who really WILL fight - and are therefore used as bait - practice dogs - and killed or dumped because they’re so nice. “Everyone knows” too that about every 10 years or so the thugs choose a different type of dog to abuse and the media help them: German Shepherd Dogs, Rottweilers, and Dobermann Pinschers have all been in this horrible situation of being labeled “vicious killers” and having everyone scared of them. Here’s what everyone really needs to know: bans on specific dog breeds is a government ploy to placate the populace. Your officials will pass this law and tell you that they are protecting you, but they aren’t really. They aren’t handling the real problem, which is the kind of so-called “people” who use bully breeds for fighting. These “people” are terrorizing your neighborhoods and towns and they will do it with or without dogs. Your officials aren’t addressing this problem at all - they’re making you think they are so you’ll leave them alone. After all, it’s much easier to just announce, “no more bad behavior, everyone,” and then go to bed, than it is to actually track down the lawbreakers, isn’t it? Don’t fall for it, Thomas County: it won’t make you more safe, but it will keep these bozos in office, and breed bans are an invasion of privacy - they’ll ban your breed next, folks. MArtin Niemoller said, “First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out, because I was not a communist … Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out, because I was not a Jew; Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak out for me.” Don’t let ‘em do it!
By rosalynd london
January 18, 2009 4:34 AM | Link to this
i think it is awful that people single out pibulls.its not just that type of dog that has done these type of things but people always seem to put theme out there in the spotlight .they are loving,sweet,good animals.people should also take a good look at the up bringing of the dog to.humans are crule and teach them wrong.so you have good and bad in anything dont just single one out!
By rosalynd london
January 18, 2009 4:36 AM | Link to this
i think it is awful that people single out pibulls.its not just that type of dog that has done these type of things but people always seem to put theme out there in the spotlight .they are loving,sweet,good animals.people should also take a good look at the up bringing of the dog to.humans are crule and teach them wrong.so you have good and bad in anything dont just single one out!
By brookie
January 18, 2009 12:13 PM | Link to this
I’m a pit bull lover, I my self have 3. There are the most loyal and loving breed Ive ever had. Its not the dogs that are doing this on their own, they are being trained this way, to kill and to fight. If the owners out there wouldn’t do this to the pit bull perhaps they wouldn’t have such a bad name. Perhaps people who want to own any type of dogs go under so sort of testing ect. Any dog could kill and fight, and I’m sure theres other breeds that have, but there not a pit bull so no attention is brought to them. Pit bulls are the best and damn the people who train any dog to do this and act out in any bad way.
By Chloe
January 19, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this
Ni66ers are a violent breed. Why don’t we ban them?
By d4dogs
January 20, 2009 5:57 PM | Link to this
I wonder how many of the “ban the breed” supporters are in favor of banning guns? In the same way that the Constitution protects your right to own guns, it protects our rights to own property. The breed is NOT inherently dangerous. I’ve been bitten five times - by a Golden Retriever, a poodle, American Eskimo; German Shepherd and a chihuahua mix. I’ve trained Rottweilers for 19 years and never been bitten by one. It’s the owners, folks. Like it’s the person who pulls the trigger, it’s the person who fails to properly socialize and train their dog. Put the responibility where it belongs.
By To all Idiots
January 21, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this
YOU ARE STUPID IF YOU DON’T OWN A PITBULL. “Pits” are loving, attentive, intelligent, and active family pets. All ANIMALS are made a certain way. ANIMALS live by ANIMAL instinct. If there is an agitating factor, such as food, territory, a toy, etc. any ANIMAL will attack, not just “Pitbulls”. That lady was right, you guys are all buying into the media hype. Socialization and training are important in ANY breed, not just “pits”. And what is a “pit” anyways? I own American Pitbull Terriers and am proud of it, but there’s no such thing as a “pitbull” as far as I know…how can you draw a line at a breed? My one year old daughter would die if you took away her Kane. Her big slobbery, cuddly Kane the APBT.
By marci lonn
January 22, 2009 3:40 AM | Link to this
If u r going to ban APBT then u better start banning all bully breeds because it is all about the owner and if there are no pits to ruin then these ignorant irresponsible owners will find some other breed to ruin. I have owned APBT for 7 years and havnt had a bad one yet because I’m a responsible owner who truly loves and cares for my pits like they r my family. They are the most loyal loving breed I have ever owned and I will own them for the rest of my life and no one is going to take that right away from me! I truly feel for the familys that have had bad experiences with this breed. I cry whenever I hear that another kid got mauled because I know that it all stemmed from the owner. Say whatever u want about how they were raised- if they were raised right it wouldn’t have happened period!
By marci lonn
January 22, 2009 3:42 AM | Link to this
If u r going to ban APBT then u better start banning all bully breeds because it is all about the owner and if there are no pits to ruin then these ignorant irresponsible owners will find some other breed to ruin. I have owned APBT for 7 years and havnt had a bad one yet because I’m a responsible owner who truly loves and cares for my pits like they r my family. They are the most loyal loving breed I have ever owned and I will own them for the rest of my life and no one is going to take that right away from me! I truly feel for the familys that have had bad experiences with this breed. I cry whenever I hear that another kid got mauled because I know that it all stemmed from the owner. Say whatever u want about how they were raised- if they were raised right it wouldn’t have happened period!
By marci lonn
January 22, 2009 3:45 AM | Link to this
If u r going to ban APBT then u better start banning all bully breeds because it is all about the owner and if there are no pits to ruin then these ignorant irresponsible owners will find some other breed to ruin. I have owned APBT for 7 years and havnt had a bad one yet because I’m a responsible owner who truly loves and cares for my pits like they r my family. They are the most loyal loving breed I have ever owned and I will own them for the rest of my life and no one is going to take that right away from me! I truly feel for the familys that have had bad experiences with this breed. I cry whenever I hear that another kid got mauled because I know that it all stemmed from the owner. Say whatever u want about how they were raised- if they were raised right it wouldn’t have happened period!
By marci lonn
January 22, 2009 4:06 AM | Link to this
If u r going to ban APBT then u better start banning all bully breeds because it is all about the owner and if there are no pits to ruin then these ignorant irresponsible owners will find some other breed to ruin. I have owned APBT for 7 years and havnt had a bad one yet because I’m a responsible owner who truly loves and cares for my pits like they r my family. They are the most loyal loving breed I have ever owned and I will own them for the rest of my life and no one is going to take that right away from me! I truly feel for the familys that have had bad experiences with this breed. I cry whenever I hear that another kid got mauled because I know that it all stemmed from the owner. Say whatever u want about how they were raised- if they were raised right it wouldn’t have happened period!
By lisa
January 23, 2009 2:45 PM | Link to this
+=this is to by to Brian no dog on the face of this earth in is a natural breed all dogs were made by the wolf. look it up the dog came from selective breeding and my kid got bit when she was three not one of my pits but by her grandma’s poodle so should the bad poodles next punish the deed not the breed
By lisa
January 23, 2009 3:15 PM | Link to this
+=this is to by to Brian no dog on the face of this earth in is a natural breed all dogs were made by the wolf. look it up the dog came from selective breeding and my kid got bit when she was three not one of my pits but by her grandma’s poodle so should the bad poodles next punish the deed not the breed dogs no dogs should run unattended 3 years ago a lab killed a newborn were i live they put the dog down but there not going to band labs and the APBT is an American made dog and we have rights so why can’t an American own an American dog dose America not stand up for what is ours come on people there was one in the white house
By Pit Bull Therapy Dog
January 23, 2009 7:42 PM | Link to this
Should my pit bull that is a certified Therapy Dog through Therapy Dogs International be banned because a couple of idiots trained their pit bulls to fight or attack people? We volunteer at local schools and plan to start at a childrens hospital this spring. My dogs and myself have done no wrong, so how can you paint us with the same brush as those who neglect to train and socialize their dogs properly? Why should some legislators be able to tell me (or anyone else, for that matter) what dogs I can or cannot own?
Breed bans do not solve the problem of aggressive dogs. They are a band-aid. Anyone who doesn’t see this themselves, is in denial. I have owned/rescued pit bulls for years, and not a single one, out of the 100+ I have saved, ever growled at me, tried to bite, or even looked at me in a cross way. If they were all inherently dangerous/unstable/man-eaters, I’d surely be dead by now.
To everyone who wants them banned, I urge you to meet a real pit bull, as I can guarantee you probably haven’t. Pit bulls are no more likely to bite than any other breed…but since they are on the “hot list” - media only cares to show pit bull attacks. I had a neighbor years ago who was nearly killed by a loose German Shepherd Dog, that attack didn’t make it past the neighborhood monthly newsletter. A month later a “pit bull type dog” knocks a child off her bike (not in my neighborhood) and the story is run on every news station within a 100 miles radius…”Pit bull attacks child on bicycle!” Absolutely true, and it makes me sick.
By autumn
January 25, 2009 8:20 PM | Link to this
i hope you all get whats comin to you . you need to relise you will never get people to give up or beloved pitbulls. and where do you get off singleing out pits , its not the breed dumb ass its the owners who make them the way they are who need to be put to sleep and people like you make me sick. you twist the truth and the breed to the point of break. they only turn mean if they are abused , hit, starved and fought.so we as pit lovers need to take a stand against assholes like these people and take care of our pits and stop this needless killing of them.if you feel they need to be put to sleep and killed and banned then so do you , these pitbulls are a kind and loving as any other breed it all on how you raise them so do the right thing and save the pitbull.and as pitbull lovers we need to take a stand and say NO DONT KILL OUR DOGS, and you hatefull people need to see we will never give up on the fight to save the pitbull and we will never give up our beloved pitbull that we own.so p** off and go singel out the real problem in this world . its you who are the problem
By David
January 26, 2009 12:29 PM | Link to this
They should be banned in ghetto and redneck areas, because 99% of the pit bull owners who come from there have them to be bad-@ss and raise them to be mean.
By jerry moore
January 26, 2009 7:57 PM | Link to this
GET IT RIGHT FOLKS This articule is old but for any readers that come along. I own 2 American Pit Bull Terriers and the only risk to anyone is they may be licked to death. These are PURE BREED dogs that fit the real size class and traits described by UKC. Both are about 40 to 45 pounds full grown. These are not the mixed breed bull, rottie, Mastif,and other terrier breed for large size and ill temperment that get called Pit Bulls. THEY ARE NOT PIT BULLS NO MATTER WHAT ANYBODY CALLS THEM. IF THEY WEIGHT MUCH MORE THAN 60 POUNDS THEY’RE A MUTT OF NO PURE BREEDING IF ANY TRUE PIT BULL IS IN THE BLOOD LINE AT ALL. iT’S AN UNFAIR LABEL PUT ON A MEDIUM SIZE LOVEABLE DOG. CHIWAWAS ARE MUCH MEANER AND IF THEY WEIGHTED 30 POUNDS THEY WOULD HAVE TO BE SHOT ON SIGHT. ANY DOG THAT IS TAUGHT TO BE AGGRESSIVE AND ISN’T SOCIALIZED CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS NO MATTER IF IT’S A LAB OR A LASSIE DOG
By jerry moore
January 26, 2009 8:01 PM | Link to this
GENACIDE FOR PUPPIES GEESH SOON WE WILL BE LIKE THE NAZIS
By Tone
January 27, 2009 9:16 AM | Link to this
Everybody that said yes.The dog is here to stay. Get over it. You wouldn’t like if your little poodle got banned for biting someone ankle or a childs face.Should all dogs be banned.Because last heard they all have teeth and are subject to bit if provoked. Thank About It.
By john
January 27, 2009 10:23 AM | Link to this
no we sould have the right to have anything we can have. but i do think that people with pits sould have papers on them and if anything happens to some one and it your dog then u have to pay a big fine that way it will keep people like kids getting them. all dog can be bad if that is how u make them.
By RoR
January 28, 2009 4:46 PM | Link to this
To those of you who researched and found the truth about the Pit and then put it together in a readable, logical fashion, thank you. This absurd notion to ban Pits won’t ever be taken seriously by any one because there are more rational people like you than the fool’s who support this ridiculous ban. And to the rest of you, who chose to take hearsay, innuendo, second hand gossip, illogic, unsupported, and just plain assinine non-facts over studied, rational consideration, well, all I can say is, for your sake, I hope you have someone to handle your more complex tasks for you such as grocery shopping and making ice!! Virtually any animal, if mistreated, will turn on it’s tormenter and defend itself and, in most cases, it’s packmates and/or owner. Don’t let ignorance and superstition cause the genocide of any breed of animal, particularly not a really gentle breed such as the pit bull.
By Wes
January 31, 2009 11:58 PM | Link to this
**I’m a realist and I go by the numbers and the scientific studies conducted on this breed which shows the American Pit Bull Terrier is just a breed as any other breed they are not “Super Dogs” with locking mechanized jaws, to jump into a discussion with no facts or the attempt to gather said facts is ignorance and should be disregarded by those who make an educated effort to understand any issue, all I can say is the APBT is not human aggressive by nature yes they can be other dog/pets aggressive but this can be corrected through socializing the APBT puppies from an early age, it’s what any responsible dog owner should do with any breed, If you really want to understand the breed a good place to start is here:
Lt. Stubby - The most decorated dog in history. A true hero and an APBT!
By Wes
February 1, 2009 12:27 AM | Link to this
What a ridiculous comparison “owning a Pit Bull is like leaving a loaded gun on the table” It reflects the ignorance of the person posting such a comment, I can leave my dogs in my yard all day and the neighbors kids can jump my fence all they want, my dogs are going to do what they always do wag their tails and play around with the kids, there’s no switch in the brain of this breed that suddenly commands the dog(s) to attack, every APBT owner should be responsible for his/her dogs {and the actions of his/his dogs} wake up people these dogs are like any dog you get what us humans make of them, do some research before posting comments that show you lack the knowledge to judge based on facts.
By preston
February 2, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this
no i had a pitbull before they were baned and he was the most loving caring dog i ever had and now why i post this is becouse i am in grade 8 doing a prodect on should pitbulls be banned and i am going on no becouse ilove that breed of dogs but now i cant buy either one and i am kinda mad now i have a boxer and she is nice to but i think it is all on the owner and how they take care of the dog if they treat it bad then it will kill but it you give it the loving care it needs then it will reeturn the faver and most people take them for granted becouse of there size and that is unfare to the dog and a.k.a once there there gone :’)
By dog lover
February 3, 2009 7:58 PM | Link to this
For the last time, Pit Bulls should NOT be banned! I have never owned one, but I have many friends who have one, and they are the sweetest things to my chihuahuas. No dog is born aggressive. Only the people who train these dogs to fight!! I guarantee the dog who apparently, “mauled” a child, I guarantee it was never fed and was starving to death. Just because people train them to be mean, dosen’t mean we should ban all Pit Bulls. Pit Bulls are an amazing breed, and they are just like any other dog!!!!!!