OK - I know I'm opening up a can of worms with this one but I feel this is an important issue. Now I don't want to turn this into a political thread so everyone just stay in your corners and express your opinions in a nice manner.

My thoughts on this issue are that any dog can turn vicious and they all have the ability to attack, after all they come from wild animls. I think we only hear about "pit bull" attacks because the dogs have a bad reputation. How many of the so-called pit bull attacks are actually pit bulls? It seems that every group of dog with unknown breeding lines that is strong in stature and has a bit of a wide head is lumped into the "pit bull" category.

I also feel that there are a lot of irresponsibile owners out there. There are people that will get these dogs and teach them to be mean. Pit bulls, if you read up on them, are actually very nice dogs. They are terriers so they are strong willed and have a very strong drive - but in the hands of a responsible owner they do make good pets. People always make a statement about children and dogs - "oh I'd never let my kids near XX type of dog". But ANY dog has the ability to attack. We just never hear about a little rat terrier (just an example) going after someone. It's always the big bad pit bull. No child should be left alone with ANY dog. Children do not always understand that poking Spot in the eye or yanking on a tail hurts the dog and unfortunately, the only way a dog has to defend itself when being hurt or extremely startled, is often a biting response. I think people need to take time with their kids teaching them to respect animals and the proper way to approach animals. We've taken our dog in the woods several times only to have kids run up to the dog screaming and coming straight at him without slowing down to even ask if they can pet him. I always take the time to tell the child and the parent that they need to ask when they want to pet a dog and to explain why.

Our dog is a pointer-mix, and I've been told that he probably has some pit bull or american staffordshire mixed in with him - but I have no idea. I love him for the big goof ball he is. I don't think he has a mean bone in his body (he was attacked by a dog down the street and wouldn't bite back - instead he slipped his collar and ran a few houses down standing in a neighbors yard ensuring the attacker wasn't in hot persuit). But yet again I would never trust him with a child - just because after all he is a dog.

I do not think that Pit Bulls should be banned at all. I think the people who are irresponsible should be held responsible.

 

It's the irresponsible owners who should be banned.

 

I say give them all free needles and welfare!!!

there is no need for a pit bull ban - owners should be held accountable

 

But...accountable=after the fact.

Are they planning to ban Rotweilers too? I like pitbulls and have had good experiences with them...Rotweilers on the other hand can be even more of a loose cannon than a pitbull.

 

i totally agree... no such thing as a bad dog. just bad owners

 

Well, most of the dog bites I see are Pit Bulls. BUT.... I think this is because the breed is in vogue as a "tough guy" or "thug" dog. Many of the pit bulls I see around the city are being walked by some asshat using a 50lb tow chain for a leash so he looks extra tough.

I think that people should have to apply for a permit for certain dogs, and not just a dog license. They should be made to have adequate fencing and kenneling for the animals too. One strike and your are out with bites too. First time it happens, dog gets put down, and owner goes to jail with a felony charge of some sort. That would make the offense arrestable and carry an adequate punishment.

Until then, people will still be getting mauled.The reason you don't hear of German Shepherd Dogs mauling people is becuase the breed is now known for police work and no respectable thug worth his salt would be seen with a dog like that.

 

German Shepards and Dobermans were the dog to fear like 25 years ago, but in addition to Jeff's explaination, those breeds have benn bred with more temprament over the years too.

 

hence the reason the SS used German Shepards

 

Yup, very good point Cub. The temperament that has been bred into these dogs to make them better house pets is the reason that 99.99% of GSDs used in police work are bred in Europe. The dogs available state side just don't have the drives needed for the work. This is also a major reason that we now use dogs like my partner, the Belgian Malinois. The military is almost exclusively using the Mal now due to their very strong drives and huge gonads The Doberman was never a viable police dog in the US to begin with, but due to their temperament, they aren't very fearsome watchdogs anymore either.

 

Good feedback guys! Interesting idea Jeff! But then I suppose the towns/cities would be setting themselves up for potential discrimination lawsuits if they said "sure Joe you can have a permit for X dog, however Sam you're SOL". Too bad we live in a day and age were people are so lawsuit crazy - it certainly limits the "simple solution" method. Also I think any owner, regardless of the breed should have adequate fencing/leashing, not only for people's protection but for the protection of the animal. The felony charge would certainly wake people up but it would have to be as long as the dog was not provoked (being hurt or extremely scared - that to me is an exception).

Shepards today are pretty rare. I remember when I was growing up shepards were almost as popular as today's labs are. In fact two of my neighbors both had shepards and they both went a little crazy and attacked/chased people to bite them. A 2 year old beautiful little girl was bitten and it resulted in several plastic surgeries for her. Her mom was right there with her when the attack occurred. Neither the daughter nor the mom was even near the dog, or touching anything of the dogs. He just got up and attacked. Then the other dog use to break off her leash and chase anyone (including yours truly) that would be out in the yard or walked or rode a bike down the street. Ever since then I was always leary of shepards. But I think it was an issue of overbreeding due to a popularity burst at the time. (I think I'm showing my age)