OMG, THANK YOU for being a voice of reason! Having owned 2 of the maligned breeds (Rottweilers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and now a Cane Corso, which I predict will be the next targeted breed), I am *constantly* having to defend my choice in dogs. Ergo, I have done an *enormous amount of research on this very subject.
This is for the rest of the list, or anyone who supports BSL or thinks ALL "pit bulls" are simply killing machines. I would *highly* recommend EVERYONE to read Karen Delise's book "Fatal Dog Attacks". It is an eye opener. As of the time of printing the book (2002)-- Golden retrievers had KILLED FOUR PEOPLE! Yes, Goldens. By comparison-- American Staffordshire Terriers had killed HALF as many people as Goldens--2. Explain that! Chow Chows have killed 11, German Shepherd Dogs had killed 24 and "husky types" had killed 16, as well as Malamutes killing 16, and Siberian Huskies killing 20, mixed breeds killing 38 & Rottweilers killing 32. A YORKSHIRE TERRIER KILLED a child!, Boxers have killed 4 people, a Brittany Spaniel killed 1. DACHSHUNDS KILLED 3!!!!! Do you see where I'm going with this? ANY breed is capable of killing. AND ALL BREEDS have attacked and/or bit people. ALL. An except from the book: " 36 breeds or types of dogs have been involved in attacks on humans over the past 37 years. 85% of all human fatalities due to dog attacks can be attributed to 11 of those 36 breeds/types. The 11 breeds/types of dogs involved in the most fatalities are: pit bull TYPE dogs [*mixes*!] (21%), Mixed breed dogs (16%), Rottweilers (13%), German Shepherd Dogs (9%), Wolf Dog Hybrids (5%), Siberian Huskies (5%), Malamutes (4%), Great Danes (3%), St Bernards (3%), Chow Chows (3%) and Doberman Pinchers (3%). " Soooooo, according to FACTS AND STATISTICS, we need to outlaw and legislate MIXED BREEDS, and we would reduce human fatalities from dog attacks by 37%!!! That's right-- OUTLAW THE MIXES!! What? Offended? Horrified? Indignant?? Yea, stupid idea, isn't it? Why not EDUCATE OWNERS?? When you outlaw a breed (just like when you try and legislate GUN OWNERSHIP), you ONLY PUNISH THE RESPONIBLE OWNERS!!!! Do you really think that laws preventing "pit bull" ownership prevent the thugs from owning them??!! NO! In fact, it makes them *more* desirable simply because they aren't supposed to have them. I need a break. On Thu, Apr 26, 2012 at 2:16 PM, Becky <[email protected]> wrote: > the 1970's it was the German Sheperd with the bad rap, in the 1980's it > was Doberman & Rottweiler, 1990's the Pitbull. All are powerful and > intelligent breeds, but no matter the situation, it is always the > responsibilty of the owners/handlers of these dogs. > My daughter is a vet tech, many of the dogs that bite while in for vet > visits are toy breeds. > All dogs are to be considered unpredictable and capable of biting. > With proper upbringing and training, Pitbulls are an exceptional dog for > responsible owners. > We should all remember that a Golden Retriever is capable of attacking a d > mauling a child or small animal. So don't blame the breed, blame the > people. > > -- Carey
