pitbull ban (school, lawsuits, shop)

[jyoung666]

I resently heard about the pitbull ban that they are trying to pass in mass, this news kinda upsets me and i believe that people should call their government officials and let them know that this isnt right, animals are not born to be mean or aggresive they are trained that way and unforunatly the poor animals are paying for the mistakes of their owners. To ban a breed of dog is rediculous. I think that people just want to place the blame of attacks on pitbulls because it is the easy way out, once you ban 1 breed of dog then whats next of course some other breed is going to take it place and soon no one will be able to own any kind of dog, what a shame this is. Did you know that the breed of dog that most commonly turns on their owners and bites them, is a poodle, but of couse we dont look upon those dogs as a threat because of it size, maybe we should start banning poodles as well.

[scarletfire]

If you're concerned about this you may want to contact the Massachusetts Humane Society - www.hsus.org I believe - and see if they can educate members about this issue. They are active in supporting/opposing various animal legislation and I've worked with them to advocate on behalf of animal rights bills before and found them very helpful.

[scarletfire]

Mass. show of support for pit bulls

http://www.boston.com/news/local/art...for_pit_bulls/

[NY'er lost in MA]

It is possible for certain breeds to have aggressive dispositions. Just as hunting dogs such as the English Setter are bred to hunt fowl and other small animals. This is their instinct. Pit Bulls originate from the UK from the Terrier family. They have a very strong tendency to protect and attack whether it be 'vermin' or people. Unfortunately, training does NOT overcome instinct. I have know many loving pit bulls, and also have met some aggressive ones. The bottom line is that the breed does have aggressive tendencies.

My best friend grew up with spaniels for pheasant hunting in upstate NY. They had 3 generations of one line of spaniels- all excellent hunters and family pets; trained daily. After the last in the line passed away, my friend adopted a Rottweiler puppy. They trained 'Bishop' daily and attended obedience school for 3 years. He was a masterful animal- amazing. He even licked peanut butter off my hand one day and then kissed my cheek. When Bishop was around 8 years old he stated becoming less and less fond of children. He began to nip and growl at times. The nips turned into a few bites. Eventually Bishop had to be put down- it was very sad, but is an example of how extensive training does not always overcome natural tendencies.

I am a strong advocate for all animals. I have owned 3 dogs growing up and 2 cats. I also have had the opportunity to work closely with one of the world's most famous animal trainers in London and NY.

I know there can be a stigma attached to certain breed- having a Doberman growing up, I saw that first hand. But I wanted to write in to at least explain that there are reasons to be cautious of certain breeds.

I think certain breeds should not be readily available to all Americans. Irresponsible people are not intelligent enough to handle certain breed. Such as the fellow the interbred pit bulls and Rotts in upstate NY and was later killed by the offspring. They had become intolerant of their owner.

Instinct folks!

[jyoung666]

Originally Posted by NY'er lost in MA

It is possible for certain breeds to have aggressive dispositions. Just as hunting dogs such as the English Setter are bred to hunt fowl and other small animals. This is their instinct. Pit Bulls originate from the UK from the Terrier family. They have a very strong tendency to protect and attack whether it be 'vermin' or people. Unfortunately, training does NOT overcome instinct. I have know many loving pit bulls, and also have met some aggressive ones. The bottom line is that the breed does have aggressive tendencies.

My best friend grew up with spaniels for pheasant hunting in upstate NY. They had 3 generations of one line of spaniels- all excellent hunters and family pets; trained daily. After the last in the line passed away, my friend adopted a Rottweiler puppy. They trained 'Bishop' daily and attended obedience school for 3 years. He was a masterful animal- amazing. He even licked peanut butter off my hand one day and then kissed my cheek. When Bishop was around 8 years old he stated becoming less and less fond of children. He began to nip and growl at times. The nips turned into a few bites. Eventually Bishop had to be put down- it was very sad, but is an example of how extensive training does not always overcome natural tendencies.

I am a strong advocate for all animals. I have owned 3 dogs growing up and 2 cats. I also have had the opportunity to work closely with one of the world's most famous animal trainers in London and NY.

I know there can be a stigma attached to certain breed- having a Doberman growing up, I saw that first hand. But I wanted to write in to at least explain that there are reasons to be cautious of certain breeds.

I think certain breeds should not be readily available to all Americans. Irresponsible people are not intelligent enough to handle certain breed. Such as the fellow the interbred pit bulls and Rotts in upstate NY and was later killed by the offspring. They had become intolerant of their owner.

Instinct folks!

I understand what you are saying but again thats almost like racism. To punish a whole breed because some in that breed have acted aggresive is not right, If someone said for instance that Irish people(me being one) caused too many problems would they ban every irish person from the state of mass. No they wouldn't and they shouldnt do it to dogs. I have seen aggresion in almost every type of dog, and i have found that every pitt that i come in contact with may look mean and aggressive but actually the sweetest dogs i have ever meant, and what would be next banning rotties and after that they will start on another breed. I can see trying to educate everyone on pitbulls to try and help people be more aware of them, but it shouldnt be just about pitbulls, we should be aware of every kind of dog and its behaviors.

[NY'er lost in MA]

That's the risk I believe is in question here. Whether it should be trusted that all owners will monitor and train their pet well to bring them up to be safe. Making it a social issue is not a good comparison.

Normal citizens cannot own an exotic wild animal- there are reasons obviously. However, humans have bred dogs and changed their dispositions over generations. This does not mean we have complete control over every litter. Especially yahoos that breed on their own thinking it's 'cute' to try and mix a rot and pitt bull.

I didn't say I agree with the ban, I only wanted to contribute what I know. I think breeders should be held accountable as well as owners that take it upon themselves to interbreed. This is where we see aggressive dogs resulting. In my opinion, personal owners that breed dogs on their own without a license are to fault.

[jyoung666]

But still i see what your saying but nothing is born thinking that it will kill, its enviorment teaches it how to act and only if train aggresive and mistreated or beatign will it have aggresion toward humans. Thats my point.

[lorilou]

Originally Posted by jyoung666

But still i see what your saying but nothing is born thinking that it will kill, its enviorment teaches it how to act and only if train aggresive and mistreated or beatign will it have aggresion toward humans. Thats my point.

jyoung,
just out of curiousity, what do you believe to be the solution? I am a dog lover and a dog owner, but I am undecided on the issue. I completely agree with your opinion that dogs are not "born to kill". Unfortunately, some of them are bred to be agressive. These same people who breed for enhanced aggression are almost always the same ones who are irresponisible enough to allow their dogs to roam about or get loose...and all too often the results have been horrendous. We hear of dogs attacking innocent children and passersby on a fairly regular basis...and it seems to be happening more and more, don't you agree? Let's be honest, when a poodle gets out of its yard and bites someone, it's either a band-air or a trip to the ER for rabies shots. BUT, when a pit or rottie bites, it can mean a trip to the plastic surgeon or, worse, to the morgue. These dogs have the potential to do more damage by nature of their powerful structure, coupled with inbred agressive tendencies...that's a recipe for disaster. Again, I have also known and loved bully breeds...great animals. But I have also seen a rottie bite a 7 year old girl in the face as she reached down to pet him, after asking for the owner's permission. That really freaked me out, jyoung, it's not something I'd ever want to see again. So, back to you: What's the solution? Best regards, lorilou

[jyoung666]

Originally Posted by lorilou

jyoung,
just out of curiousity, what do you believe to be the solution? I am a dog lover and a dog owner, but I am undecided on the issue. I completely agree with your opinion that dogs are not "born to kill". Unfortunately, some of them are bred to be agressive. These same people who breed for enhanced aggression are almost always the same ones who are irresponisible enough to allow their dogs to roam about or get loose...and all too often the results have been horrendous. We hear of dogs attacking innocent children and passersby on a fairly regular basis...and it seems to be happening more and more, don't you agree? Let's be honest, when a poodle gets out of its yard and bites someone, it's either a band-air or a trip to the ER for rabies shots. BUT, when a pit or rottie bites, it can mean a trip to the plastic surgeon or, worse, to the morgue. These dogs have the potential to do more damage by nature of their powerful structure, coupled with inbred agressive tendencies...that's a recipe for disaster. Again, I have also known and loved bully breeds...great animals. But I have also seen a rottie bite a 7 year old girl in the face as she reached down to pet him, after asking for the owner's permission. That really freaked me out, jyoung, it's not something I'd ever want to see again. So, back to you: What's the solution? Best regards, lorilou

I understand peoples concern about bully breeds believe me when i go to visit my old pit she sometimes scares me when i look at her. The solution is better laws on all dogs, those people who allow any type of dog to roam free is careless and should be punished. There would be a lot less attacks if there were more laws on owning pets, my "mutt"(pitt and lab mix) would never be allowed to roam free, I make sure that she has no way of coming in contact with someone unless i say it is ok, I took her to my nephews baseball game yesturday and of course children came up to me and asked to pet her and i advised them that she is still a puppy(although she is very large already) and will jump on them, so i allow them to pet her but i grap her collar and hold her back end down so that she can not possible jump on them. I follow all the rules and guidlines on owning a dog because i am well aware of what could happen one day. Even though she is very friendly I dont know what she would do yet if allow contact with someone unsupervised. If people took extra precautions as i do then the number of bites would almost be non exsistant and if someone doesnt follow the rules on dogs than they should be punished. And as you said i have heard alot of stories on rotties attactign people yet there is no talk about a ban on them, why is that do you think?

[Massquatch]

The thing is, whenever you hear about a dog attack, it seems its either a pitbull or a rottweiler, so apparently there is a problem with those breeds. Each one was bred to be aggressive. In my opinion, if someone wants to own one, they can sign a release where they will agree to not challenge any lawsuits arising from an attack.