61 Comments:

• We pit bull owners have gave solutions.Instead of punishihg the breed target the irresponsible dog oeners.there are to ways two do that . One,start having owners answer personel questions of why they want the dog.
  Next is to educate the buyers about the breed and dog training.If
  they feel they don't have what it takes to train a dog theirselves,sign them up to a proffesional dog trainer for free.If the goverment cares about protecting peoplo over making money,they should make acess to professionals dog trainers free.

  By  Anonymous, at 7:04 PM, February 11, 2005  

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• WOW , I thought I was tired.. when I was typing.
  
  NOPE: First step in getting a pet the OWNER's Should already have knowledge of the breed, and not just "one" person in the household, should be in favor of getting a pit-bull.It should be on what is BEST for the family.Not just because one wants the dog.
  
  Training ( next to socialization)is the most important factor when getting any puppy or dog, ( DAMN it should come mandatory when getting one) but most people don't.
  
  You do not need a professional trainer- and definitely not for free.Seek if there are behavioural problems, not "Sit,Stay,Come"- that is up to the people getting the puppy to detiticate ENOUGH time,energy into training.Or just don't get one.
  
  I am not againist Pits but I am when bloodlines directly linked to illegal,bitting histories,maulings Come from Fight rings,etc etc-
  
  I am againist stupid owners,who think everyone has to love the breed.Which is false, no matter what anyone can do people are going to assume the worst.
  
  ( OT I rather deal with my Labs tumbleweeds then that short hair all over anyday! Talking from Experience!)
  
  Personal Questions?
  
  Rescues,Shelters,and other like minded organizations do ask personal questions,inhome inspections,etc.. so are very harsh on adopting out pits, others, on the flipside, put them down EVEN if they are pups.
  
  Free Ads,bad breeders DO NOT.
  
  Gov. cares about money, for most things,but in all honesty,I would be upset if a Adult was bit I would be devestated if a child were bit by any dog.One bite and they should be euthanized.
  
  Instead of people trying to "rebirth" them and that goes for ANY breed.

  By  Jodi, at 10:13 PM, February 11, 2005  

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• Seriously, the breed specific ban is patently IDIOTIC.
  
  There is preciously little evidence that truly suggests pit bulls are any more dangerous than any other breed of dogs. It's just that because of one physical trait of the dog, its locking jaw, they are saught after by dog fighters and other people looking for a "mean dog" that they can train to be mean.
  
  Further, assuming that all pit bulls are banned, do you really believe that the people that raise mean dogs will suddenly stop raising mean dogs? All we'll see then is killings coming from Doberman's, German Sheppard's ... and heaven help us if the dog fighting crew ever decides to start using Irish Wolfhounds.
  
  Lastly, it would take A LOOOONG time for any sort of breed specific ban to actually take place. The likelyhood that any law will require the putting down of a well behaved family pet is EXCEEDINGLY remote. Dogs are not guns. Guns are objects, things. Dogs are living things and often looked at as a member of the family. You can destroy a gun, and it might piss a few people off.
  
  You just see what happens if state legislatures start requiring the destruction of family members.

  By  Jeff, at 10:14 PM, February 11, 2005  

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• Jeff, it's already happening in Windsor, Ontario. I reported last month that authorities there have not only banned pit bulls, but required pit bull owners to turn their dogs over to animal control where they are to be destroyed. This in turn has created an "underground railroad" of pit bulls.

  By  Steve, at 11:14 PM, February 11, 2005  

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• We Have seen the near demise of several breeds of dogs. After WWII there was a near extinction of the German Shepards. Dobermans have been portrayed as vicious dogs as well as Rotties. The issue comes in when a person is allowed to mistreat a dog to the point of aggressive and violent behavior. I’ll just site some examples. A Northeastern reporter published a story about a Cocker Spaniel attacking and nearly killing a child. The story was set to be buried in the paper but when the reporter changed it to a Pit bull it was the Front page headline. Here in the Tampa Area we had a case where an eight year old was mauled and killed. Now this is tragedy in any light I want to point out that these dogs were not part of the normal household. The people were dog sitting. Number two they sent an eight year old out unsupervised with the dog food. No child should be unsupervised with any do even the household gentle giant. This is not because the dog is bad or the child is bad it is because kids don't know dog behavior enough and can be too rough in play causing the need for the dog to defend itself. In my own experience I was not sure if I wanted to get a Doberman but my wife said just give it a chance and sure enough we have a dog that is not only a AKC registered Canine good citizen but a dog that is an ideal candidate for therapy work. People need to be punished for the abuse used to get these dogs to be this aggressive. You can take any breed on this planet and cause it to be vicious. Instead of putting the blame on the Breed we need to make the laws harsh enough that you can deter this type of cruelty. If you abuse a child you go to jail for a long time . The same must be done for abuse to animals because like children they have no other recourse to take.

  By  Phillip, at 11:40 PM, February 11, 2005  

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• I never liked pitbulls...because what I read and heard. How very ignorant and narrow minded of me! I am alive because a pitbull gave me my life back from a hard road of grieving (the loss of my child and other loved ones). Loyal, sweet, loving, honorable, caring, smart and protective descibe a pitbull.
  I am VERY against all this inner breeding of ANY breed and feel it is cruelty to animals when owners do not care for their pet like a family member. Be responsible! I have seen German Shephards, standard poodles and Saint Bernard's attack a person/child but never a pit bull...and I pray I never do.
  BE RESPONSIBLE ABOUT OWNING ANY ANIMAL! Love them, respect them and spend time with them and they are forever your loyal pal!

  By  Anonymous, at 1:49 AM, February 12, 2005  

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• "Further, assuming that all pit bulls are banned, do you really believe that the people that raise mean dogs will suddenly stop raising mean dogs? All we'll see then is killings coming from Doberman's, German Sheppard's ... and heaven help us if the dog fighting crew ever decides to start using Irish Wolfhounds." Jeff-
  
  People will not still be raising mean dogs,but I think it will eventually reduce the amount of pit-bulls in all states.
  
  There are bands already on smaller scales County wise in other states.
  
  "You just see what happens if state legislatures start requiring the destruction of family members."-Jeff
  
  They already do infact I know of someone on LI that had the choice to either keep her dogs inside or on leashes.The next time anyone saw her dogs out they would be both euthanized.( The were able to jump over the fence and were creating unsteadiness in dog owners/and other dogs when they were loose in a park)It went on for weeks, eventually she was ordered to put them down.
  
  Phillip-
  
  My granfather bred German Shepards for the military to use as war dogs.
  
  Your are right about the child/dog relationship.They should not be left alone together.
  
  Cocker Spaniels are known for biting children "Cocker Syndrome" we call it in rescue never adopt out to a family with childen.
  
  Dobermans,Rotties,Chows,Akitas,Even Poodles- They all have biting histories,If anything I think it is more so in the Pit-Bulls because of thier nature with being animal agressive.And yes it can be a great family pet and then one day out of nowhere your out walking and it turns dog aggressive.What are you to do?

  By  Jodi, at 5:32 AM, February 12, 2005  

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• Jodi Marsh I'm the anonymous writer who you tristed up the words of.
  First, when I said asking questions I know breeders do that.I
  meant asking questions to check the buyers dog knowledge.
  Next, I want to tell you that I know you don't need a proffosional
  dog trainer.But there are those who do need them.The Gov should pay for dog trainers for those who needs them.
  Finally,I do not wan't peoplo to only love pitbulls.I only ask for
  fairness in the law.Pitbulls are not the problem.Anyone who thinks that should go and visit WWW.Bad Rap.org

  By  Anonymous, at 7:57 AM, February 13, 2005  

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• "Jodi Marsh I'm the anonymous writer who you tristed up the words of.
  First, when I said asking questions I know breeders do that.I
  meant asking questions to check the buyers dog knowledge."
  
  
  I wrote my opinion on what you stated,not what you meant- so I did not put a spin on your words, just mearly stated my opinion.
  
  As for saying stupid owners- If you not one of them don't worry about it! I am sure you know who/what kind I am talking about.
  
  What it comes down to is owners that are already irresponisble still would not go for training with thier dog, even if it was free and paid for by the government.And I sure as heck don't want my tax money going towards this effort ( if there ever was) because it is not my responsiblity to pay for someone elses pet.Unfortunetly I do it way too often as it is doing rescue.
  
  There are so many available options, from sites,books,even the shelters give tips on training.
  
  It all comes down to breed selection.
  Dominent people should stick with a dog that NEEDS a dominent Alpha when it comes to training.
  Submissive people should stick with breeds that are easy to train,stubborn at times but does not need a hard headed person to be disiplined.
  
  I think if more people gave the time an effort into selecting a family pet varied on breed you would not see so many owner surrenders- ( over half in shelters are just that). Even in the case of a mutt dog ( which they are awesome just as purebreds are)you can still look into both breeds in the peticular dog,and take it into consideration.
  
  OT example;
  
  I have had 2 nice families that wanted Jack Russels, I told them look before you leap.They are very high strung can be nippy, smart,always have high prey drive,not always good with smaller pet animals in the household.And directed them to a site that can incorporate all that they were looking for in a smaller dog out of all the characteristics they put in, Jack Russel came in # 25 out of a 100.That was the first time anyone ever thanked me for helping them make the right descion.The other family preceeded to not do a breed profile, and at 5 months old, the Jack was turned into a nearby rescue.Go figure after paying #500 and something dollars they gave it up only months later- "It was jumping all over the place, on furniture,nipping at my kids". Lovely right?
  Choose a breed wisely and when in doubt don't get it.
  
  I own a lab, hyper as hell,bull in a china shoppe,slobbering at times,a people,animal kinda dog,breed for the field ( more endurance).
  I knew about his breed way before I got him, I STILL have about 3 more years till he settles down. Biggest reason for Labs being turned into shelters, too hyper.Go figure, they are breed in field and pet, people say ohh I want a field dog, yeah great- when he is 90lbs pretending your living room is a swamp, you ain't going to enjoy him he'll be a nusience that you can't get to exercising everyday.

  By  Jodi, at 9:22 PM, February 13, 2005  

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• I just cannot understand what is happening with our world. Moving forward with a bill that would ban one of the most lovable and loyal of all dog breeds is a travesty, and a complete injustice to those of us who appreciate and respect the APBT. Not to mention,it is a violation of our rights as United States Citizens. It is beyond me as to how the government can punish the good law abiding citizens who love this breed, because of the "bad apples" in society. The solution is simple, the irresponsible and ignorant dog owners are the ones who should be held liable, not the majority of the APBT owner population. Everyone I meet, when out with my dog, or just in general, show a great enthusiasm and love for this breed. I am horrified to think that this could happen. I guess, since they want to ban Pit Bulls, I will also ask that they ban Golden Retrievers, since our son was violently attacked by one two years ago, having his face mangled. I guess our law makers find banning to be the only solution, so lets ban all breeds in which some of the dogs have attacked or bitten people. Come on, this just does not make any sense, does it? Our country can hold people accountable for everything else they do, why cannot it not be true for dog ownership as well? Don't punish all of us...

  By  Anonymous, at 3:35 PM, February 14, 2005  

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• "I guess our law makers find banning to be the only solution, so lets ban all breeds in which some of the dogs have attacked or bitten people. Come on, this just does not make any sense, does it? Our country can hold people accountable for everything else they do, why cannot it not be true for dog ownership as well? Don't punish all of us..."
  
  I don't think it will ever come to a full ban.What I think will happen is that they will certainly be bans placed in towns/counties where there are numerous illegal fight-rings.Or alleged rings.Most rings are more then just creulty,there are usually narcotics,and illegal activities at the same locations.To so it is cracking down on other things as well.
  
  If you saw dog-fight rings you'd think it was horrible, and probally ban the people from ever owning another pet again ever right?
  
  I know I would if they can treat pits like garbage, they can treat any breed like garbage.
  
  Right now they can just go and buy more pits to use, with a ban in some areas- It would most likely cut down the amount of abuse.Not like people are just going to up and move into the next state/county.
  
  Maybe there has to some better laws put in place for creulty, that would work just as well as a ban;
  
  Some places have age restrictions of owning pit-bulls.I think you have to be over 16 years old.
  
  I am very sorry to hear about your son being hurt, I am sure you are greatful that is has not effected him mentally to not even near any dog.

  By  Jodi, at 4:29 AM, February 15, 2005  

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• Jeff said:
  
  >There is preciously little >evidence that truly suggests pit >bulls are any more dangerous >than any other breed of dogs.
  
  Actually, there's a lot of such evidence. Here's just one piece of it:
  
  "During 1997 and 1998, at least 27 people died of dog bite attacks (18 in 1997 and 9 in 1998). At least 25 breeds of dogs have been involved in 238
  human DBRF during the past 20 years. Pit bull-type
  dogs and Rottweilers were involved in more than half of
  these deaths. ... " (This from a CDC study: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/dogbreeds.pdf)
  
  As Steve posted originally, denying there's a problem and using "blame the deed, not the breed" as a strategy isn't getting anywhere when it comes to turning the future of this noble breed around.

  By  Gina, at 10:17 AM, February 16, 2005  

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• I think the law makers are on the right track by at least looking at the problem of dog attacks. I don't feel that a breed specific ban is the right solution! If only people would stop to look around and evaluate the whole situation and all aspects before they jump into something. I feel it is very much similar to trouble youths who commit violent crimes, we as a society often just want longer and more severe jail terms, but we rarely look inward to why did this child did this in the first place, we need to look at the home environment!
  
  So once this ban comes into place and you can't own a pitt bull anymore, what type of dog will those irresponsible owners buy? I can bet you all the money in the world that the dogs that those irresponsible owners buy will turn out just as violent and as troubled as if they had a pitt bull. Because it is nurture not nature that makes a dog dangerous!!!

  By  Andrew Mills, at 7:49 AM, February 17, 2005  

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• Do you realize that most people couldn't identify a pitbull in a line up of twenty "pitbull types" of dogs? Find the Pitbull.The fact is, there are no laws regarding the responsibility of petownership. Banning Pitbuls does not solve this problem- one that Pitbulls didn't create.
  
  Thousands of suggestions have been made, rescue groups such as Bad Rap have tried to educate the public. But the only thing our lawmakers have done is ban the breed. And yet, dog fighting continues, people are bitten and those of us who love animals are constantly defending the right to own an love a breed of our choice.
  
  So, what am I doing about this? I volunteer with the United Animal Nation, I own a pitbull whose CGC certified and I'm educating as many people as I can about responsible pet ownership. I foster dogs, I volunteer at shelters and talk to potential owners- what are you doing to contribute to the solution and not the problem?

  By  Anonymous, at 8:51 AM, February 17, 2005  

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• i agree with one of the other writers, start making people fill out questionairs when they buy a dog to make sure that they know everything they need to know about training the dog properly. NOT JUST PITT BULLS BUT ALL DOGS... i have seen and heard of all breeds having at least one biter along the line.

  By  Anonymous, at 8:34 AM, April 15, 2005  

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• I don't agree with this banning pits. I think the solution is to enforce stiffer fines on these people. I think they need to serve at least 25 years if not longer in prison. First because they are killing a great animal that definitly does not deserve it at all. It is humans that have given these dogs this bad rep. I also think that we need to teach our children respect for animals and not allow them to torment or just be out right mean to them!! A lot of why we have these issues is because people are not taught respect and appreciation for animals. I am not a vegatarian and I am not an animal rights activist but I do believe in respect for animals. I do not like the way certain breeds are treated just because they have a rep. I was around pits growing up and I know that they can be very good with children as well as adults. I do however know that cross breeding can breed one mean pit. So they should have tougher laws on the breeders as well!! I have a pit that I rescued when she was 8 months. Someone abandoned her just because she was pregnant and they were not pit pups. That is a form of cruelty and that comes from ignorance. I did not raise this dog but she is sooooooooooooo sweet and gentle, especially with kids, but to be honest she is mean with strange adults. She gets protective but that is why she is kept put up so that there is no chance that she will hurt anyone. That is called being responsible and guess when I learned all this stuff about respect for and responsibility to these animals? That is right, when I was growing up. So stiffer penalties and start teaching our children!!!

  By  Anonymous, at 2:30 PM, April 15, 2005  

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• I think that nothing will change by banning the breed ... the criminals will hide the dogs and the honest well deserving owners will be harrassed and traumatized. Maybe they should not allow anyone with a felony drug charge animal cruelty dog fighting ass. to own one of these breeds after if they have to be on parole or probation they could check to make sure they didnt have any... you might think this is extreme but I think killing 10 to 30 thousand inocent animals extreme.... at least the criminals have been found guilty which is more than the animals have been proven to be. I also think that if the city has a problem with a particular person NOT properly confining their animal that after the second offense prehaps they should have the owners brought before a judge and let them determine weather the animal needs to be relocated to a more responsible home AND before you say going before a judge is extreme let me say that on your second offense of letting your dog ( any breed) run lose in my city her in Texas the city can drag your behind in front of the judge and he can fine you... so really whats the difference... except making sure whoever has these animals are responsible. I have one of these animals her name is Fallon... she was shot twice in the head and survived .... I saved her I love her and I think her life before me was difficult enough .... I don't think she should be ripped from her home.. and my children all 4 of them ( which she lives in the house with) would be devestated.

  By  Raven, at 10:46 PM, April 18, 2005  

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• I know that there are many breeds that bite. The difference with pit bulls is that they will not stop when they are in attack mode. On Memorial Day, I was walking my Shetland Sheepdog on a leash when I was attacked by four roaming pitbulls. Fortunately, several cars driving by stopped to help and hit them with the only weapons they could find, real estate signs. My dog has had one subsequent surgery and will need more. The owner's answer, "I have four children and my dogs would never hurt anyone". My dog would have been killed without assistance. I plan to be proactive in my community to institute a ban on these dogs.

  By  Anonymous, at 10:36 AM, June 11, 2005  

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• I have 4 pit bulls and I love them to death and I will never give them up. I have children and they love their 4 pits. It will just be another law that people will break. They are great family dogs.

  By  Anonymous, at 5:42 PM, June 12, 2005  

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• Wow! As if the government doesn't get into our business enough already. What will be next? You'd think with gas at $2.10 per gallon and going higher and a war in Iraq with no end in sight that our politicians would be more concerned with something better than banning pit bulls! Hell, I've owned a chihuahua and that was the most aggressive dog I've ever been around. My husband and I rescued a young starving, pregnant pit a year ago, wandering through a convenience store parking lot, and $350.00 in vet bills later, she has integrated well into our "family" consisting of a German shepherd and another "pit" mix, both of which were rescued. All 3 stay in the house and are grateful to have a home/family. We initially were going to find a good home for her and adopt her out -- well, we had gotten far too attached for that to happen, like we needed another dog! I took my German shepherd and participated in obedience training with him and am a very strong advocate in proper training, especially with the pit.
  
  Nothing really has been mentioned about animals being provoked by children, rocks being thrown at them, poked at with sticks, hit, etc. I'm also real tired of folks having kids and turning them loose to roam the neighborhood completely unattended, even very small kids. How many missing kids do we hear about practically every day on the news that just wandered off from their home? Why not make a law to put irresponsible parents in jail? Better yet, why not pass a law to sterilize parents who don't look after the kid(s) they already have? Sound ridiculous? Yeah, about as ridiculous as telling pet owners what pets they can own. My husband and I own horses -- will a law be passed next saying that people can get injured on horses so they'll be banned next? What is this, Nazi Germany? Whether you agree or disagree with this potential law, we all must stand up against politicians overstepping our rights as citizens of this fine state/country. If we don't, it will never end and our rights will be eroded away a little at a time. We are forgetting the principles our country was founded upon.

  By  Anonymous, at 7:08 PM, June 21, 2005  

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• b

  By  Horsegirl, at 7:23 PM, June 21, 2005  

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• I think it is just wrong,this is just like rasisim ok so there are a couple of bad pits out there but that doesn't mean their all bad.I walk my doberman bitch and my dads doberman x bull mastiff who weighs 70kgs and is as tall as my hip and neither dogs have put a scratch on me,when I was five my best friends were the 8 bull terriers and 5 dobermans my mum and dad breed and showed.Every day I walk past a beautiful house witch contains to dogs separated from each other one a pitbull and one a rotti the rotti would go nuts while the pitbull wagged his tail and pounced back and forth trying to play with me from behind her metal fence and once I was out of site she would whimper and cry only to be confronted by her owner and verbally abused while he petted and phrased the rotti for going nuts,there are signs of the banned here in Australia

  By  Anonymous, at 8:20 PM, July 01, 2005  

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• Pitt Bulls need to be destroyed, nationwide, and permanently.

  By  Anonymous, at 8:04 AM, July 02, 2005  

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• There are SOME bad dogs in any breed. Pitt Bulls are notorious because of their bite strength, tenacious nature and most of all because of a small percentage belong to stupid and/or misguided humans. Put the individual dog down if necessary and then go after the owner with a vengance.
  
  What IDIOT would suggest that the government get into the business of providing training to those who wish to own a specific breed (regardless of which breed that may be)??? What a stupid suggestion... What else will you ask Uncle Sam for next?

  By  drj356, at 10:55 AM, July 13, 2005  

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• To date, I've never heard of a labrador, poodle, or even a staffordshire bull terrier mauling a child to death. You do, however, hear about pit bulls doing this. Please take a moment to read this and post your comments:
  http://www.swanshadow.com/2005/06/guns-dont-kill-people-pit-bulls-kill.html

  By  Anonymous, at 12:33 PM, July 17, 2005  

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• Unfortunately, all pet owners believe that their dog is incapable of hurting anyone. All of the children who have been mauled to death by their own family pets or other dogs are a testament to the fact that a family pet is still an animal. I love animals; however, you can not compare a human life to that of an animal. If I owned a dog that mauled a child to death, I would never be able to live with myself.
  I am always amazed at how incredibly ignorant people are when it comes to their dogs.

  By  Anonymous, at 8:14 PM, August 04, 2005  

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• WHY PIT BULLS HAVE A BAD REP.
  
  IRRESPONSIBLE OWNERS. YOU WILL FIND BAD PIT BULLS IN THE SAME EXACT NEIGHBORHOODS THAT YOU FIND BAD KIDS. THAT IS A FACT. YOU CAN FIND GOOD PIT BULLS IN THE SAME NEIGHBORHOODS YOU FIND GOOD KIDS. WHY? LOW INCOME FAMILYS WITH LITTLE INTELIGENCE RAISE BAD KIDS AND BAD DOGS. ALCOHAUL, CRACK, WEED, AND JUST BEING OUT AND OUT LAZY WILL LAND YOUR ASS IN THESE TYPES OF NEIGHBORHOODS. BELIEVE ME. I GREW UP IN ONE. DID YOU THINK THEIR DOGS WOULD TURN OUT ANY DIFFERENT? WHY WOULD THEY? I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT AFRICAN AMERICANS. ALTHOUGH THEY DO PLAY A ROLE IN RAISING BAD DOGS, YOU CAN FIND JUST AS MANY IRRESPOSIBLE MEXICANS, LATINOS, AND WHITES. THE FACT IS IF YOU BAN PIT BULLS IT WILL DO NOTHING. THESE BAD OWNERS WON'T STOP BUYING DOGS. THEY WILL JUST BUY DIFFERNT ONES. ROTWILERS, DOBERMANS, OR EVEN GERMAN SHEPARDS. LOOK AT ANY PLACE THAT BANS PIT BULLS. THEY HAVE JUST AS MANY ATTACKS AS ANY OTHER CITY. JUST WITH DIFFERENT BREEDS OF DOGS. I CAN RAISE A GERMAN SHEPARD TO BE JUST AS DANGEROUS AND MEAN AS A PIT BULL WOULD. DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE YOU PASS ANY JUDGEMENT ON PIT BULLS. PIT BULLS ARE NOT BORN MEAN. THEY ARE RAISED TO BE MEAN. BANNING THEM WILL JUST RAISE THE LEVEL OF ATTACKS WITH OTHER BREEDS. IT WON'T DECREASE THE LEVEL OF ATTACKS.

  By  momo, at 3:17 PM, August 08, 2005  

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• IF YOU STILL BELIEVE THAT PIT BULLS ARE BAD AND HAVE LOCKING JAWS AND ARE BORN MEAN AND ALL OF THE OTHER MEADIA HYPED UP BULLSHIT THEN VIST THIS LINK: http://www.pitbulllovers.com/american-pit-bull-terrier-myths.html

  By  momo, at 3:22 PM, August 08, 2005  

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• I do not agree with the bann. I do agree that this breed does have a history of attacks, BUT that is because of the idiots that use these animals in dog fighting rings!! How is that the dogs fault? IT'S THE OWNERS FAULT!! The mojority of people that have the breed and that attack are young kids that think it is the right thing to do. AND that stems from their parents not bringing up their children right. On another hand I think that some of the fighting dogs should be euthanized because they live a sheltered, unsocalized life... That's a horrible life that the dog has to live. It's the owners fault 100% !

  By  Anonymous, at 10:06 AM, August 13, 2005  

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• We just moved to the country and a stray dog showed up, she is part pit bull. This dog has become a wonderful protector and pet/family member. In a couple of days I trained her to 'sit', 'shake' and 'stay'. This dog is very loving and grateful to have a home.
  
  I have always believed that raising an animal is just like raising a child, they are a reflection of their partent/owner. Treat a child to fight and be mean and guess what... they will! Just like an animal. This dog has proved this to me. These owners who are teaching and encouraging mean animals of any kind should be the ones punished, the animal does not know that they are doing wrong, they are just following their owners instructions.
  
  I am an animal lover, regardless what type or breed, and treat them as if they were a human... WITH RESPECT! I feel fortunate that a very loving pit bull has found me. I show her love and she is a well behaved and happy dog!
  
  "Do onto others/amimals as you would wish them do onto you."

  By  Anonymous, at 5:15 AM, October 20, 2005  

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• i just wanted to reply to your statement, "..any dog can attack and any dog can kill.." Be more observant of the words you choose to use. I have never heard of a Pug killing someone. The difference between a gun and a dog is that a gun does not have a mind of its own.

  By  Anonymous, at 4:07 PM, October 24, 2005  

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• I have a pitbull named Ivy, She is brindle and the sweetest thing I have ever met. She had her first litter about 6 months ago and I kept one and called him muggly. Well one week the dog warden of fayette county came out and told me the neighbors were complaining about a pitbull being on their street. The next week muggly was fed Antifreeze and died 24 hours later.

  By  Anonymous, at 1:05 PM, November 02, 2005  

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• a dog is like a child, i have 4 children all grown, and i own a pit.. you raise your dog and children with love and affection and they will love you, my pit wants nothing but love and play time and loves other people and theres always alot around my house. i also have grandchildern and he loves them too. hes has NOTHING but love to give i dont think a dog or a person should be tagged for there strangth or there looks,i think more people fear them because if those 2 things

  By  Anonymous, at 7:22 AM, November 08, 2005  

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• Look I dont own a pitbull, have never owned one, and know very little about them. All I know is what the media says and I am researching pitt bulls right now. I am researching because my neighbor has an unleashe pitt bull in a residensial area loaded with kids and toddlers. I was very saddend to hear some one got their dog poisoned via antifreeze..how terrible!!! Perhaps the dog is not a bad breed, and it is in fact the idiots raising them. I love animals, however, I love my 4 kids more..My neighbor got her pitt from the pound and probably knows no history. All I want is her to chain her dog up appropriately and not let it roam all over. My thoughts are now inconclusive. I will keep and open mind about the dog. Some authorities say there is no bad dogs, its training and how theyre raised. But are some things just naturally aggressive? I dont want to be too naieve or ignorant. How am i supposed to feel with 2 toddlers and 2 school age kids? Your gonna be a little scared

  By  Anonymous, at 2:49 PM, December 05, 2005  

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• well i would think twice about ANY dog that is not on a chain or behind a fence.. i understand the way you feel. but like i had said before its NOT the breed just like its not a color its the dog itself or the person. they only behave the way they are tought.im the one with 4 children and 2 grandkids and like ive said before all he (my pit) has to give is love.

  By  Anonymous, at 9:37 AM, December 06, 2005  

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• People have a very vague misconception of pit-bulls. I have two and they are the sweetest dogs you will ever meet. Statistically pit-bulls are less likely to attack a human, cockerspaniels are number one. I don't see why people have a fear of this breed. I can understand somewhat, because all they ever show on the news is a person who got attacked, but what they don't see and choose not to see is that pit bulls are theraputic. They are used in childrens hospitals and assisted living homes around the world. It is how you raise the dog like any dog, NOT JUST PITBULLS! I am so tired of people making it out like pitbulls are an evil breed. So as far as I'm concerned if you can't see the other side, and view the good instead of mythical bad, that is your own problem.

  By  Anonymous, at 9:20 AM, December 19, 2005  

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• First off - I have two Pit Bulls and love them to death. But here's the rub..this breed is being ruined by the inner city youth culture and related types that fight the dog or train it to be vicious towards people. We NEED to keep this noble breed away from those idiots. How do you do this? Simply by banning the breed in specific locations...this MUST be done to protect the breed from coming under ownership of these evil communinties. If you happen to live in a place that has instituted BSL..then too bad for you ... I can only be glad that others in your city won't own (and harm) more pits. Is this an ideal situation? No, its not..but the harm to these dogs must end.

  By  Anonymous, at 10:25 AM, January 02, 2006  

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• Just because you have had a bad experience with this breed does not mean that all are the same. Every dog has their good and bad qualities about them. I own a Pit Bull,had him for 2yrs and he won't hurt a flea,why because I have always been his protector running off eveything that came his way.This is how I raised my dog,there are no records of my dog ever attacking anybody so why should he be punished for the actions of other dogs.Bottom line if they want to ban Pit Bulls then there are a whole lot of breeds that need be banned esecially toy breeds they are known for their tempermemt.Oh but their to small to seriously hurt anybody right so thats ok.

  By  Anonymous, at 1:01 PM, January 05, 2006  

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• My mom said i could not have a pit bull because they were to dangerous. That made me sad i was so mad at my mom i thought i would never forgive her . Iasked her agin she still said NO! so I share my uncles dog with him.

  By  Anonymous, at 9:12 AM, January 07, 2006  

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• i know these dogs the only reason if they bite somebody is because they are being hit or just prottecting the prperty.

  By  Anonymous, at 9:17 AM, January 07, 2006  

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• i really dont agree with the law at all caue the pitbulls arnt as bad as u think there also living breathing creatures and the government has no write to just kill them off cause if we kill them off it would be justn like the government killing off black people because of there colour!!!i am so pissed off at the government for even thinking of the ban

  By  Anonymous, at 8:00 AM, January 17, 2006  

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• The main problem with breed specific legislation is that it is based on ignorance. In 2003, 2004 and 2005 the American Pit Bull Terrier scored higher on standard temperment tests then did the Golden Retriever, thought to be one of the most friendly dogs. Most of these so-called pit bulls are not true pit bulls at all. A true pit bull is a medium sized dog that is not particularly blocky in stature. When you see a very large pit bull with a big block head weighing in at seventy pounds or more you can pretty much guarantee that it is not a pure bred pit bull. Pit bulls are good natured, human friendly, and extremely loyal dogs. They do have the potential to injur small animals and to be slighty stand offish toward other dogs, this is their nature. If you believe otherwise you are sorely mistaken. A responsible bully owner should be aware of this and train their pit appropriately. One other myth that I heard repeatedly in listings above is that a pit bull's jaw locks. This is simply not true. If you would like to learn more about the true pit bull I suggest the following web sites.
  
  http://www.pitbulllovers.com/
  
  http://www.workingpitbull.com/index.htm
  
  The biggest strength we have as pit bull owners fighting breed specific legislation is education. Educate yourself as an owner and animal lover and don't buy into the hype and myths. Most of what you "hear" about pit bulls is just not true. I also suggest reading up on the history of the pit bull. It was not so long ago that the APBT was the most popular family and farm dog in the counrty.

  By  Leslie, at 7:40 PM, January 20, 2006  

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• ive had pit bulls for the last 12 years ive got nothing but compliments on my dogs per their obedience there looks and their health. my dogs are so well behaved and loveable that we even have a teacup chihuaha that sleeps in the same kennel with one of them not because it has too but because they all get along great and it wants too if someone ever tried to take my dogs which we definitely consider members of the family thats when we will talk guns

  By  Anonymous, at 3:20 PM, February 06, 2006  

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• I completely disagree with the statement that has been written. Yes, I am a Pitbull owner, and yes, I do say that it is not the dog that is bad, but the way it is treated is bad. I have two little girls, a 2 year old, and a 1 year old, and would NEVER put them in harm's way, EVER. I got a pitbull to pretect them. Also, as far as the solution to this "not banning pitbulls" thing, yes I do have one, but I am only one person, and I don't think that legislators will listen to the opinion of a 21 year old mother of two that owns a pitbull. But, my idea of a solution, like the gun situation, is to make it where only licenced people can own a pitbull. In order to get licened to own one, an individual would have to have someone come in and check the home where the pitbull would live, a background check has to be done on the potential owner, and, if the person passes that "test", periodical, random inspections of the home and the pitbull's health are done monthly for a year. After that, once a year. Futhermore, if, after the dog is adopted, it is found that the dog is no longer being taken care of properly, the owner ceases ownership of the dog, and it goes up for adoption. Also, if this happens, the owner should have a nationwide record stating this fact, and he or she should not be permitted to own a pitbull again, unless it proves to be a fit, responsible owner. Its that simple.

  By  Shannon - mariejaidemom21@aol.com, at 11:39 PM, February 11, 2006  

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• Oh, by the way, I have another comment too. When I was 12 years old, I was attacked by a pitbull. So, if anything, most people wouldnt expect me to have a pitbull, let alone stand up for them. But I do... the owner of that dog abused the crap out of him, and so did all the neighbor kids, all but me... but I was the one that got attacked... I was the older kid in the neighborhood... i knew better... but after all the abuse it was put through by the kids, and his owner, he saw me and probably thought "theres one of those kids that terrorized me, I am going to get her before she gets me" so he did.. i really dont blame him, i blame everyone that abused him..

  By  Shannon - mariejaidemom21@aol.com, at 11:46 PM, February 11, 2006  

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• I am a professional dog trainer who uses ONLY positive reinforcement, and in my 11 years of training I have come to realize that Pitbulls are intelligent sweet dogs. Unfortunately, they were been bred for hundreds of years to be aggressive and aLOT of the time, it cannot be trained out of them. I will also say this: Lets not pussyfoot around a larger issue: The "inner-city culture" should not be allowed to own them. Period. I have NEVER ONCE seen a black guy/girl who is able to properly care for or train a pit unless they employ violence. I cannot tell you how many times I have called animal services to report abuse. The simple fact is that the pitbull is a breed who is being ruined by the poor black people of this country. I own mastiffs- my largest is 212lbs, and more than once have I had to tell some fifteen yearold black kid who wants to impress his friends that this was not a dog for him. Why is it that they seem to be incapable of caring for an animal??? It makes me sick to my stomach. They either get them for protection or to breed and make money off of. There should be an application process or a license to own animals.

  By  Anonymous, at 1:08 PM, March 02, 2006  

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• Can I suggest Badrap.org for a realistic approach to owning a one of these great dogs. I run an Animal Shelter and believe in a "Know What you Own" policy to all the dogs I adopt out.
  
  To Dispell one myth. These dogs do not have locking jaws only a high prey drive that has been bred into them, and particularly they are a fighting breed. We can work with them, but do not expect to train all behaviors associated with prey drive out of them. Better to know what to expect and learn how to read your pet's body language. Please do not ignore the breeding of these pooches.

  By  Anonymous, at 12:28 PM, March 28, 2006  

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• They should ban people in the projects from having pit bulls, that is where most of the attacks take place, and most of these people are irresponsible.
  
  People that get pit bulls should be checked out first, they are not for everyone, you must be very responsible and know about he breed.
  
  Sorry to sound prejudice, but, it's a known fact about the projects. they should not have pets at all int he projects, especially pitbulls.
  
  A law should also be passed, for all dogs breeds, that people are not allowed to breed dogs. they should be bred by certain people that do it as a living the right way with a license and selectively breed. I personally, really think that no one should breed any dogs, because there are enough right now in the shelters.
  
  Pitbulls are intelligent, strong dogs, they need dicipiline, exercise and love, they need all three otherwise there are problems.

  By  Anonymous, at 11:38 AM, April 13, 2006  

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• I OWN A BEAUTIFUL AMERICAN STAFFSHIRE TERRIER AKA REDNOSE PIT AND HE IS A GREAT LOYAL PET. HES DEVOTED TO PLEASING AND LOVING HIS OWNERS. I AM A RESPONSIBLE PIT OWNER AND DONT UNDERSTAND WHY THESE DOGS SHOULD BE BANNED FROM ANY STATE AND PUNISH OWNERS LIKE ME FROM HAVING THESE WONDERFUL DOGS, WHEN PEOPLE GIVE THEM THE BAD RAP THEY NOW HAVE. ALL THOUGH I AGREE THAT A CERTAIN AGE SHOULD BE PASSED TO OWN SUCH A DOG TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE DOG, OTHER ANIMALS AND HUMANS INSTEAD OF BANNING.

  By  JOSELYN, at 7:54 AM, May 25, 2006  

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• Hello fellow Pit lovers, I have put together a support group at myspace, if your interested in joining please contact me.
  
  Speak out for those who can't.
  
  http://groups.myspace.com/lovethypit

  By  Joselyn, at 11:27 AM, July 19, 2006  

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• Hello fellow Pit lovers. I have put together a support group for pit lovers and owners. Please be their voices. Speak out and help save this beautiful breed. If your interesting the group is called Love Thy Pit. Go to http://groups.myspace.com/lovethypit If you like what you see and would like to join please contact me.

  By  Joselyn, at 11:31 AM, July 19, 2006  

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• One huge portion of the pit problem is often overlooked: Genetics.
  No matter how much you love/socialize your pit bull, if the disposition to fight is there it will emerge at some point; usually at the age of 2-5 years. The breed history of the dog is to dog fight. Once upon a time, a man had a tough, scrappy fighting dog. He found a tough, scrappy bitch and bred them. They produced(you guessed it)tough, scrappy puppies. Probably that story isn't far off.
  The labrador is currently the most popular breed in the U.S. What was a lab bred for? Fetching ducks for hunters. What does a lab do today? Fetches balls.
  I believe breeders share a large portion of responsibility for the problem. Pit breeding should be HEAVILY regulated.
  Another problem is uneducated owners. Owners of pits who have bitten someone continuously state that their dog showed no signs of agression prior to the incident. This is very unlikely. Chances are, when the dog showed signs, the owner failed to detect/correct it. In the U.S.A's 'humane at all cost' society it is not okay anymore to discipline your dog. While I won't argue discipline for any other reason right now, agression must be corrected. If a 'beta' wolf challenged an 'alpha' wolf in the wild, the top wolf would beat up or even kill the loser. We seem to have forgotten that our dogs were once wild animals and still have the same genetic make-up wolves do.

  By  Anonymous, at 5:57 PM, October 02, 2006  

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• I DISIGREE...
  
  ANY DOG CAN ATTACK, AND IF YOU RAISE THAT ANIMAL CORRECT THEN IT WOULDNT BE VIOLENT.... I HAVE 2 AND NEVER ONCE HAVE THEY EVEN THOUGHT ABOUT ATTACKIN ANY ONE... THEY R SWEETER THAN SOME OF THE LABS I HAVE.....PLENTY OF OTHER DOGS ATTACK PEOPLE BUT THEY NEVER MAKE THE NEWS OR THE PAPER....
  
  IF YOUR CHILD TURNED OUT TO BE A BAD KID SHOULD WE PUT HIM TO SLEEP CUZ HE OR SHE IS A DANGER TO SOCIETY???

  By  Anonymous, at 6:33 PM, October 18, 2006  

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• Hi,
  My name is Rev. Brendon L. Garrett I am a Pitbull owner and I feel sorry for those who feel like me wondering "Why, should my baby be punished for something someone else did".I am asking my entire Church to support Organizations such as my Hearts 4 Pitbulls Foundation. People Who Fight Pitbulls or use them for attacks God Have Mercy On Your Soul. Please Politicians Hear us out These Cruel People Will Only Use another breed of Canine and you can't ban all dogs. Reach me At:
  www.myspace.com/hearts4pits

  By  Rev. Brendon L. Garrett, at 4:23 PM, July 11, 2007  

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• What can be said that hasn't been said already? As with most of you I too own a Pit bull - red brindle/red nose. And she is the princess of the house, though she has also had 2 years of training ranging from the usual puppy training to agility and has completed the ACE canine good citizen program. She is a good dog - That being said she is a DOG. I love her but as an educated owner I know that ANY dog can attack (its the size and strength that determines if they can kill).
  
  The breed has a history for animal aggression and you can't always train that out of them. Notice that I said animal aggression - Don't shy away from that it is a fact. They were used originally for Bull baiting which consisted of either a Bull or a Bear tied to a post and the object was for the dog to latch onto the nose of that animal and take it down. Dog fighting became more popular later in the inner city (can't really get your hands on a bull or a bear in central London or Dublin). But the "good" lines were also breed to be HUMAN submissive and any dog that turned on its owner was put down. Later the whole dog fighting thing sort of faded away and the dog's breeding was pushed further toward a companion animal (mind you the animal aggression is still there, but lessened) The dog has had many great places in history and was at one point the most popular dog in the UK, and the USA. This is where back yard breeding comes in...
  
  There are far more back yard breeders around than there are reputable ones. Some just want to breed for the fun, some breed for the aggressiveness (for in the ring). Either way this makes for a tweeky dog at best. Unfortunately these dogs do end up in shelters, if they don't end up dead and dogs that have been selectively breed to be fighting dogs end up in homes of people who don't do their homework on the breed. Now I'm not sure what can be done at this point and I am NOT up for banning my Ruby, but there has to be a crack down on back yard breeders and individuals that use their dogs for fighting or for that matter abuse them. If you want to get breed specific I would be up for anyone who wants to adopt a Pit being required to go though an educational course and to register their animal as well as be required to take the animal to training. Hell that should go for any dog! Its a privilege to have her as a part of my family but just as a child I would never go with out educating them. Or taking responsibility for their actions.

  By  Anonymous, at 10:12 AM, August 17, 2007  

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• What can be said that hasn't been said already? As with most of you I too own a Pit bull - red brindle/red nose. And she is the princess of the house, though she has also had 2 years of training ranging from the usual puppy training to agility and has completed the ACE canine good citizen program. She is a good dog - That being said she is a DOG. I love her but as an educated owner I know that ANY dog can attack (its the size and strength that determines if they can kill).
  
  The breed has a history for animal aggression and you can't always train that out of them. Notice that I said animal aggression - Don't shy away from that it is a fact. They were used originally for Bull baiting which consisted of either a Bull or a Bear tied to a post and the object was for the dog to latch onto the nose of that animal and take it down. Dog fighting became more popular later in the inner city (can't really get your hands on a bull or a bear in central London or Dublin). But the "good" lines were also breed to be HUMAN submissive and any dog that turned on its owner was put down. Later the whole dog fighting thing sort of faded away and the dog's breeding was pushed further toward a companion animal (mind you the animal aggression is still there, but lessened) The dog has had many great places in history and was at one point the most popular dog in the UK, and the USA. This is where back yard breeding comes in...
  
  There are far more back yard breeders around than there are reputable ones. Some just want to breed for the fun, some breed for the aggressiveness (for in the ring). Either way this makes for a tweeky dog at best. Unfortunately these dogs do end up in shelters, if they don't end up dead and dogs that have been selectively breed to be fighting dogs end up in homes of people who don't do their homework on the breed. Now I'm not sure what can be done at this point and I am NOT up for banning my Ruby, but there has to be a crack down on back yard breeders and individuals that use their dogs for fighting or for that matter abuse them. If you want to get breed specific I would be up for anyone who wants to adopt a Pit being required to go though an educational course and to register their animal as well as be required to take the animal to training. Hell that should go for any dog! Its a privilege to have her as a part of my family but just as a child I would never go with out educating them. Or taking responsibility for their actions.

  By  Anonymous, at 2:09 PM, August 17, 2007  

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• To many irreasponsible people are able to get these breeds of dogs thus giving the breed (like pit bulls) a bad name. Law makers should look at the bigger picture and they would not only see that it's not the dogs fault that they where trained that way, abused and neglected. The problem is with the people in the equation. If we make it more diffucult for people to breed ANY kind of dog, and more hard for irreasponsible people to get ahold of ANY dog. And for the people that prove to be reaponsible people msu be educated on the care and training of that certin breed.

  By  Michelle, at 9:09 AM, September 02, 2007  

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• ok ppl listen up i am going to be clear about a few things first of all the average pit bull has scored higher on temperment tests then most other dogs they have even scored higher then probably one of the most common family dog in the USA the lab...as well as this if you were to read or listen to any experts comments the pit bull is naturally one of the most ppl friendly dogs you will ever come across they have a natural disposition to please their masters the only probably is papers and media make the out to be this vicious breed which makes them seem "cool" to all the wrong kind of ppl out there so they are bought for status by ppl who don't really want them and they end up neglected and unloved.....this would make most any dog unfriendly and mean------not the dogs fault so how can you really blame them....and if you want to make the world safer the force mandatory that everyone lives in a bubble and no one's bubble may come within 10 feet of another persons you have no control over you life no matter what you may think you could get killed by a car much more common so what would you like to ban all cars cause you can't stop a bad driver till they drive bad first......breed bans don't stop dog attacks they will just cause another breed to get recognition and become labeled the next pit bull because of the rejects who own them and that is all there is to it

  By  Anonymous, at 11:40 PM, October 08, 2007  

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• I used to own a pit bull that attacked a child. It isn't irresponsible owners. I'm the last person who would have a vicious dog. I too thought it was the owners fault. You better heed this warning, it can happen to any of you too.

  By  Anonymous, at 7:28 AM, November 28, 2007  

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• I am a proud owner of an American Stadffordshirer and i would not trade him for the world. I trust my dog with my child and anyone else. He is a big baby and a beautiful animal. I think that people who have never owned one and just heard the negative things such as dog fighting about these dogs should actually do some research because they are very loving and affectionate dogs. so don't pass judgement on something that you know nothing about.

  By  Anonymous, at 9:59 AM, March 26, 2008  

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• I am just amazed to hear people defend these dogs, when these dogs have took the lives thousands upon thousands of our children.. Listen, I love animals in fact I watch birds of prey every chance I have but, if they were killing people, they should be banned from owners...Evolution did not design people to own any animal as pets to begin with so, stop with this non-sense about it's the way the dogs are raised until we can figure out a way to bring these kids back to life, you can watch animals on their own terms and not yours....

  By  Anonymous, at 10:25 AM, April 12, 2008  

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