Another pit bull attack.....

**Patrick** · September-26-10, 09:42 PM

http://detnews.com/article/20100926/...it-bull-attack

And yet another pit attack in Metro Detroit. I know we have quite a few pit defenders on DYes, but this breed seems to be rather out of control. Do you support a pit bull ban in your community?

Buy American · September-26-10, 10:07 PM

Originally Posted by Patrick

http://detnews.com/article/20100926/...it-bull-attack

And yet another pit attack in Metro Detroit. I know we have quite a few pit defenders on DYes, but this breed seems to be rather out of control. Do you support a pit bull ban in your community?

I would vote for a pit bull ban in my community for sure. I walk every day and there are more and more of them in the neighborhood and they are very agressive. I carry mace but wonder if it would do any good against these dogs, or any dog for that matter.

**Zimm** · September-26-10, 10:13 PM

as more and more poor folks move out of detroit's ghettos and into suburban neighborhoods, this problem is only going to get worse. there has always been a ghetto dog or 2 in my neighborhood, owned by the losers that pretty much every neighborhood has. but as the detroit diaspora ratchets up, living with aggressive, dangerous dogs will become a fact of life no matter where you live around here.

**laurin** · September-26-10, 10:36 PM

Originally Posted by Buy American

I would vote for a pit bull ban in my community for sure. I walk every day and there are more and more of them in the neighborhood and they are very agressive. I carry mace but wonder if it would do any good against these dogs, or any dog for that matter.

I was told by someone who worked/rescued pit pulls that mace would only make them mad. He recommended a taser. Unfortunately, they're illegal in Michigan so I just had to give up walking in the neighborhood.

**Bobl** · September-26-10, 11:11 PM

I recommend tasers for the dogs, 9mm for the owners...
Had to limit my evening walks due to one irresponsible ignoramus pit bull owner in the neighborhood, whose dogs have clearly been raised to be aggressive.

**reddog289** · September-27-10, 01:31 AM

In the back of my mind that is one of the only fears I have about walking in my neighborhood since the crack head apartments got boarded up. One of the schools I work at is 5 minutes from my house,Needless to say I know there are plenty of Pit Bulls around that area as well as other dogs.
I have been around a few of the breed, Was able to pet the one Pit who mothered the fighting Pit that was ready to break the chain that was holding him at bay.I think that is part of the deal with that breed. Alot have been raised to attack, Yet so have alot of other breeds.
I will also say alot of it deals with the whole Gangsta culture that is evident around here. My daughter was always wanting to bring home some Pit Bull, Till I reminded her that it would think that "Her" Teacup Chihuaha would be just a snack to it.
What ever the reason is that the dogs attack, I feel for the people attacked, as well as the owners who thought " My dog won't do that"

**Zacha341** · September-27-10, 05:16 AM

Now they are saying 'hornet' spray [[you know the big can with the snorkel spray nozzle at Kmart) will stop anything. Who knows. A well placed 9mm bullet certainly will.

Originally Posted by laurin

I was told by someone who worked/rescued pit pulls that mace would only make them mad. He recommended a taser. Unfortunately, they're illegal in Michigan so I just had to give up walking in the neighborhood.

**Zacha341** · September-27-10, 05:23 AM

I prefer the pet-free lifestyle as I am incredibly busy... and I am so done with people into the whole "I-gotta-a-pit-bull!" gansta-life 'trophy' use of this breed. I know several cases where the dogs are thought of as cute as pups then "corralled" in back yards, sleeping in the dirt, under-socialized to say the least, and who knows what will happen if they get out... or if someone comes into the back yard to rob which I guess is one outworking of the situation!!

Originally Posted by Bobl

I recommend tasers for the dogs, 9mm for the owners...
Had to limit my evening walks due to one irresponsible ignoramus pit bull owner in the neighborhood, whose dogs have clearly been raised to be aggressive.

**Detwa** · September-27-10, 06:37 AM

I will never live near a pitbull. If anyone moves near me with one, let's just say it won't be there long. One way or another. I won't have my family live in fear. The owners never believe it will be THEIR dog, but its always THEIR dog. So far, we've been lucky. But a family with two pits and a rott moved across the street from a good friend of my son. The dogs are constantly raging to get out of the fence, even at the lawn care workers. So now I will not let my son go to play at their home anymore because they don't have a fence and the dogs are directly across the street. I'm so afraid its an accident just waiting to happen. I told the boy's mom that she needs to take back her neighborhood, by any means necessary. I know I would.

**DocTerry** · September-27-10, 07:04 AM

There have always been problems with specific breeds, generally big breeds that become popular due to "image" and "protection" factors. The result is irresponsible breeding [[producing unstable personalities in the animals) and irresponsible ownership. Remember when Doberman was the rage? Or Rottweiler? I don't think any breed should be banned - but I do think that licensing should be more than "proof of shots" and that the penalties should be harsh and consistent for irresponsible humans. People seem to purchase this breed in the US, known in England for its gentleness with children, as "weapons" to "protect" themselves and their property. Licensing should reflect that. And yes, I have always had big dogs - nearly all of them "scary" breeds that the owners could not manage, got tired of or abandoned when they were evicted or sent to prison. One, a pit mix, had been used as "bait" in dog fights. My daughter recently moved home with an infant and a teacup Chihuahua. The pit mix is very affectionate toward and protective of both. Some have been easier to manage than others. Those more difficult to manage are never given an opportunity to be beyond my immediate control. IMHO, there is no room for sympathy for owners - particularly when the dogs in question are so often "repeat offenders". I had an Austrailian Heeler mix once that bit a child - did not "maul" him, did not require stitches, etc. The following day, over the objections of the child's parents, the dog was destroyed. I love my dogs, but never should the love of one's pet supercede the safety of anyone's child. Criminals on the other hand, well....

**rjk** · September-27-10, 08:02 AM

One of my neighbors has a puppy [[hunting dog) that's more than he can handle and chews up everything. One of his coworkers bought a pup from the same litter and had to give it up because he couldn't handle it. So my neighbor takes that dog in also. I've got a dog I can't handle and need to give him up, you already have one you can't handle, would you like to have him? YES!

It's also my understanding that it's not a good idea to get two pups from the same litter. Everyone in the neighborhood calls these dogs SOS [[Sons of Satan). The funny thing is that this guy is going around the neighborhood asking if anyone wants one of his pups.

I could give numerous examples of irresponsible dog owners that I know as I'm sure most people can. Too many idiots that don't take dog ownership serious enough. It's probably a 10-15 year commitment and some people act like it's equivalent to buying a pair of socks.

I wouldn't be in favor of banning a specific breed, but city goverments need to start coming down hard on irresponsible owners.

**wolverine** · September-27-10, 08:15 AM

I remember one time I got called out on DYES for saying animals will act like animals.

I'd like to say it again. Animals are not people. You can train them, but most dogs can't effectively process the outcome situations if they misbehave. I'm tired of many dog owners saying. "Well they are just irresponsible owners, my dog would never do that."

No. Your dog may one time act out of hand. You can't always predict the actions of an animal. It could be something that scares them and they break off their leash. You just hope it doesn't end up in someone getting bit.

That said, I do like dogs, but if I owned one, I'd keep it way from other people, and I wouldn't even consider buying a dangerous breed. That's like storing a gun on your front porch. Too much of a risk

**Ray1936** · September-27-10, 08:18 AM

I would make it illegal to have these breeds, except in casinos.

Buy American · September-27-10, 08:24 AM

I think insurance companies need to increase their premiums if you choose to have a dog breed in your home that has a reputation for vicious attacks. .

**menckensghost** · September-27-10, 09:27 AM

Originally Posted by rjk

I could give numerous examples of irresponsible dog owners that I know as I'm sure most people can. Too many idiots that don't take dog ownership serious enough. It's probably a 10-15 year commitment and some people act like it's equivalent to buying a pair of socks.

I wouldn't be in favor of banning a specific breed, but city goverments need to start coming down hard on irresponsible owners.

I agree. There is a lot of truth to the old saying "There are no bad dogs, only bad owners." Banning a specific breed will not end the problem as another breed will soon replace it. Some people get pit bulls because of their reputation and then go out of their way to make them into aggressive monsters. Take away pit bulls and you will soon be hearing reports of vicious Doberman or German Shepherd attacks.

Blarf · September-27-10, 11:11 AM

Originally Posted by Buy American

I would vote for a pit bull ban in my community for sure. I walk every day and there are more and more of them in the neighborhood and they are very agressive. I carry mace but wonder if it would do any good against these dogs, or any dog for that matter.

What if I bought my pit bull from American breeders?

**Zacha341** · September-27-10, 11:17 AM

I have low interest in pets, zero time to deal with them, so I DON'T have any! Problem solved!

The core issue and problem with most dogs [[pits included) is that they are not being properly socialized, maintained and trained. Many people getting dogs are in well over their heads with multiple dogs too! They are keeping them chained in back yards for days and weeks, sub zero temps, poor dogs walking about in their own excrement... eating table food and scraps... running loose, on and on.

And it's VERY expensive to have pets [[which is I why have none - I have barely enough to manage already); it takes set aside time and commitment to nurture, train and care for animal [[which is why I don't have pets - I have little time).

If more people were honest with themselves they might want to think about the great responsibility of dog ownership. But the same irresponsibility goes on with parenting, so no surprises really...

At least get the dogs spayed and neutered! Too, too many people have dogs [[as trophy pets), when they should not have any animals.

Originally Posted by menckensghost

I agree. There is a lot of truth to the old saying "There are no bad dogs, only bad owners." Banning a specific breed will not end the problem as another breed will soon replace it. Some people get pit bulls because of their reputation and then go out of their way to make them into aggressive monsters. Take away pit bulls and you will soon be hearing reports of vicious Doberman or German Shepherd attacks.

**jackie5275** · September-27-10, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by wolverine

No. Your dog may one time act out of hand. You can't always predict the actions of an animal. It could be something that scares them and they break off their leash. You just hope it doesn't end up in someone getting bit.

Very true. You can't trust or predict how an animal will act. This is something every pet owner should be well aware of, but apparently they aren't or choose not to be.

Personally, I don't trust them. There are more coming into my neighborhood. It's getting pretty hard for me to walk my dogs without running into one.

Buy American · September-27-10, 01:55 PM

I can't stand it when a pet owner says "My dog will never bite, she's just a pussy cat at heart". Dogs are animals and if startled or threatened, they will attack and bite....and that's all breeds, not just pit bulls. A pit bull attack is especially bad because of the jaw clamping down and a person is unable to open their mouths. I had a reject from the Leader Dog School who was afraid of her own shadow but I would never say she wouldn't bite someone even though she was gentle, obedient, non-agressive and more scared of thunder than she was of anything else.

Here's another story today:
http://www.freep.com/article/2010092...t-bull-attacks

**Ray1936** · September-27-10, 02:01 PM

Cluseau: "Does your dog bite?'

Man: "My dog does not bite."

Cluesau: "Nice doggie, let me pet......aaahhhh! He bit me! He bit me! You said your dog does not bite!"

Man: "That is not my dog."

**Jared9903** · September-27-10, 02:20 PM

no, I do not support a breed-selective ban.

**Hypestyles** · September-27-10, 02:28 PM

the trend of trying to get the most "bad-azzed" dog as a family pet is a major problem. At one point it was a German Shepherd, then a Doberman, then Rottweiler.. The real-life dogfighting rings lead to overbreeding of certain breeds like pits.. Especially with younger people they are fascinated by the 'possibility' of a fight against other dogs.. Especially with lower-income communities, folks are more prone to buy from a non-mainstream breeder, so there's little if any background info about the breeder or the dog's family history.. States should have stricter rules about breeders, licensing..

**Wintersmommy** · September-27-10, 03:12 PM

I do not support a ban. I do believe that owners should be required to do more than just register their dogs, there should be mandatory training. There are certain breeds [[any aggressive or high energy dog) that I believe require more training and owners who need to be more vigilant and actively involved with the ongoing training of these dogs. Strong breeds require strong owners who understand that tying a dog to a tree in your back yard and not providing daily exercise, structure and leadership is not acceptable.
Dog fighting needs to be stopped as these dogs, and the backyard breeding that goes along with it is a danger to us all. The Pit Bull gene pool is severely corrupted by the continued breeding of the most aggressive of this breed. The population is full of the descendants of fighters and as these dogs end up in shelters they are eventually adopted out to our neighborhoods. Dog fighting is absolutely disastrous to a community beyond just the danger posed by the dogs. Aggressive dogs with lazy owners are also migrating into the burbs as more and more homes fall into foreclosure. These communities will have to act quickly or more people will be attacked in the more densely populated neighborhoods.
My dog is a Pit/Lab mix and I love her to death, she is silly and loyal and absolutely loving . She is great with my child and my cats. She is not so good with other 4 legged creatures [[especially other little dogs and squirrels) I work with her almost daily to curb her natural behaviors its ongoing thing..I would be willing to go through extra restrictions to have my dog or a pit bull and I believe that many other responsible owners would as well

Bottom line is don’t ban the breed but make the restrictions stronger.

**rjk** · September-27-10, 03:20 PM

http://opdogblog.blogspot.com/

This seeems like a pretty good law to me.

Stosh · September-27-10, 03:34 PM

One would think that a dog should be muzzled when outside unsupervised , I think all dogs should have this imposed on them, Either that or a decent 6 foot fence surrounding them.