Pit bulls and children do not mix
Posted
May 31, 2006 at
9:33 am by
Jessica
People own pit bulls to use as a weapon and if you are part of the few that doesn’t own a pit bull for a weapon, then know you’re amongst the majority of trash that does. Nobody thinks, “Gee, a pit bull would be a GREAT family dog.” A pug is a great family dog, a pit bull is not. In fact, why not just go out and get your family a bear or a tiger? And if you’re fortunate enough to live in an area where one of your neighbors owns one of these weapons of mass destruction, then do yourself a favor and move (your property value isn’t going to soar with pit bulls running around anyway) or get your village to sign an ordinance banning these animals. Children deserve better. People deserve better.
From the website dogbitelaw.com, here are some stats on dogs that kill:
As stated above, there are two problems that have been reported as though there is only a single problem, namely there are canine homicides (i.e., dog bite related human fatalities) and the dog bite epidemic. The dogs responsible for the bulk of the homicides are pit bulls and Rottweilers:
“Studies indicate that pit bull-type dogs were involved in approximately a third of human DBRF (i.e., dog bite related fatalities) reported during the 12-year period from 1981 through1992, and Rottweilers were responsible for about half of human DBRF reported during the 4 years from 1993 through 1996….[T]he data indicate that Rottweilers and pit bull-type dogs accounted for 67% of human DBRF in the United States between 1997 and 1998. It is extremely unlikely that they accounted for anywhere near 60% of dogs in the United States during that same period and, thus, there appears to be a breed-specific problem with fatalities.” (Sacks JJ, Sinclair L, Gilchrist J, Golab GC, Lockwood R. Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998. JAVMA 2000;217:836-840.)
Other breeds were also responsible for homicides, but to a much lesser extent. A 1997 study of dog bite fatalities in the years 1979 through 1996 revealed that the following breeds had killed one or more persons: pit bulls, Rottweilers, German shepherds, huskies, Alaskan malamutes, Doberman pinschers, chows, Great Danes, St. Bernards and Akitas. (Dog Bite Related Fatalities,” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, May 30, 1997, Vol. 46, No. 21, pp. 463 et. seq.)
Owners of such dogs should be aware that if their dogs attack a person, the attacks may be scrutinized by law enforcement. The reason is that irresponsible behavior with or toward a dog whose breed is known to bite has caused a rising and unacceptable injury and death toll, which authorities are determined to stem.
“Irresponsible behavior” is defined differently from place to place. In California, for example, it can be a felony for a person to possess a dog trained to fight, attack or kill that, because of the owner’s lack of ordinary care, bites two people or seriously injures one person. (See Felony prosecution of attack dog owners.)
In different parts of the United States at the current time, there are a number of parents who are on trial for manslaughter because their dogs have killed their children. In these cases, the prosecutors have taken the position that the parents behaved irresponsibly because they left their children in the company of dogs most likely to bite.
There is an 8 out of 10 chance that a biting dog is male. (Humane Society of the United States.)
And here is the tragic story, brought to us by WTHR-Indianapolis, that tells a true account of just one out of thousands of tragedies that involve a child mamed or killed by a vicious dog each year. As a society, we fight for safer streets, safer schools, safer immunizations, safer foods, environment, homes, cars and so on, we need to keep ban dogs that are most likely to kill a child. People cannot be trusted to keep your children safe from their dogs. If you think the kind of person that chains up a pit bull or a rottweiler in their yard is of a level of sophistication that they keep innocent people in mind, then your are sorely mistaken.
Indianapolis - A toddler’s life is on the line after a pit bull attack. The victim’s family wants the owner held accountable.
It happened Friday afternoon in the 13-hundred block of South Belmont near Lambert Street on the city’s southwest side.
Police say the animal took control of the toddler and wouldn’t let go. His young victim’s blood was still on it’s snout while teams at Riley Hospital worked to save 2-year-old Amaia Hess.“She sustained serious injury to her face and it appears she may have been bitten on other parts of her body too. One of her eyes is missing at this point. The other eye is seriously injured,” said Sgt. Mathew Mount of the Indianapolis Police Department.
The little girl was in the stroller with her mother. A man opened his door and the dog, named Ozzie, ran out straight for the little girl.
“I seen the baby in the dogs mouth and the dog shaking the baby like a rag doll, just shaking, shaking, shaking,” said a witness.
Amay’s great uncle calls her a sweet loving child facing a long struggle.
“One eye was completely tore out but the pupils were good so they can do some reconstruction on that,” said the uncle. “The doctors said that there’s many many surgeries there to do.”
It’s the second pit bull biting at the house in a year.
Tags: dog-attacks, dogs, family-dogs, fighting-dogs, pets, pit-bull-terriers, pit-bulls, Social Issues |
367 Responses to “Pit bulls and children do not mix”
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61. Larson Hicks said:
May 14, 2007 @ 11:44 am
Why not push for a law that is stricter on holding dog-owners responsible for their pets’ actions? I would happy sign a petition or vote to pass a law permitting the death penalty for dog-related deaths or injuries. I’ve got a 3 year old pit bull that I bought after doing lots of research on dog breeds and have been amazed - she is by far the best dog I’ve ever known - athletic, obedient, great with kids, adults, dogs, cats. We have a 2 year old and a 10 month old at home and she is as delicate and conscious of them as any person. The idea of stereotyping a dog based on breeding that has done nothing more than produce a certain shape, size, and temperament (which is obedient and eager to please) is like wanting to legislate against certain races - why don’t we look at the statistics and see what the demographics of prison look like, then legislate against whatever race comes out on top?! Ridiculous!
62. mitch said:
May 18, 2007 @ 11:42 am
PITBULLS are dog aggresive not people and this can be cured with the simplist training it is not the dog but the owners to be responble to take that simple step the sad think is a bunch drug dealers and thugs miss use this breed and this gives the dog a bad name its a satisic fact that labs are more likly to bite you then a true pitbull and i have raised 3 children and my grand children and a few nephews around the breed over the last 20yrs and i would not own another breed of dog ever and i have raised many breeds of dogs and by far the pitbull is superior among the k-9 breed i challenge you to own 1 then see if you have a change of heart
63. Jessica said:
May 18, 2007 @ 4:53 pm
I’d much rather advocate for the safety of children over a dog with a genetic mutation which makes it predisposed to aggression.
64. animal lover said:
May 21, 2007 @ 4:05 pm
If you believe pit bulls are more of a libility to children, why own any pet? All of them have the potential to hurt a child. The first women to get a face transplant was due to her dog attacking her and it wasn’t a pit bull. Your reasoning seems to be bias. It doesn’t make any sense to me. Safety of children is important but animals are living breathing beings who have emotions not expressed through our way of communicating. Does that make them less important? Who are you to say that one of Gods creatures do not deserve to live? Our country is based on the higher power and also freedom to live.
65. animal lover said:
May 21, 2007 @ 4:06 pm
If you believe pit bulls are more of a libility to children, why own any pet? All of them have the potential to hurt a child. The first women to get a face transplant was due to her dog attacking her and it wasn’t a pit bull. Your reasoning seems to be bias. It doesn’t make any sense to me. Safety of children is important but animals are living breathing beings who have emotions not expressed through our way of communicating. Does that make them less important? Who are you to say that one of Gods creatures do not deserve to live? Our country is based on the higher power and also freedom to live.
66. pitbull luver said:
May 22, 2007 @ 11:37 am
listen all you pit bull haters i have two of my own and they are really sweet dogs if you raise them the right way if you have a chaotic home then they are going to be very chaotic but if your home is calm then they will be in all situations so before you go and judge a breed of dog or any animals you need to stop and think about all the positives instead of just the negatives ind balance them up just becuz a pits look scary doesnt mean anything
don’t judge unless you wannabe judged
inferring all pitbulls are aggressive and might as well as be a tiger or bear
your bascilly saying nigger only refers to black people and it doesn’t
67. Ciarán said:
May 22, 2007 @ 9:37 pm
Lots of “I have lived around pit bulls for 20 years and had kids” stories, but then my grandad smoked 40 cigs a day and lived to be 96, still wasn’t a good idea though, and there are always exceptions.
Asessica said, it only takes one moment and the consequences are drastic or deadly.
68. pitbull luver said:
May 23, 2007 @ 10:25 am
just because your grandpa smoked 40 pack of cigs a day that doesn’t change the fact that these dogs are being judged because of their breed. they can’t help it if they were born the breed they were its not right to punsih such dogs i think anyone who discriminates oghta have the crap beat out of them. pitbulls look mean but they aren’t they are absolutely innocent when brought up right
69. lisa said:
May 23, 2007 @ 11:15 am
They’re smart, too! Apparently one of them has learned how to type.
70. meg said:
May 23, 2007 @ 3:41 pm
There is no need for that shit Lisa, everyone has a right to there own opinion. That was dirty.
71. pitbull luver said:
May 24, 2007 @ 8:30 am
they are smaert my pitbull brings me my cellphone when it is ringing my keys when i am leaving and knows how to climb the fence like puts her paw in the links and climbs.
my other one listens really well she obeys me becuz i traind her
pitbulls are very obiedient dogs
72. Jessica said:
May 26, 2007 @ 10:27 am
my other one listens really well she obeys me becuz i traind her
pitbulls are very obiedient dogs[/quote]
Yep.
That ’bout sums it up right there.
73. anthromomma said:
May 26, 2007 @ 12:36 pm
Lol, Jessica.
74. animal lover said:
May 28, 2007 @ 12:54 pm
Hi Jessica you seem to ignore non emotional arguments made about pit bulls and other dogs. Do you only respond to the emotional pit bull owner speaking about how their dog is? Then you add a “smart” comment or two. Why bring up a topic if you are not willing to listen to rational speaking or debate. Is it that you yourself have no real argument?What do you have to say about the comments on numbers 47, 52, 53, 64?
75. A. G. said:
May 28, 2007 @ 6:22 pm
[quote comment="85551"]What do you have to say about the comments on numbers 47, 52, 53, 64?[/quote]
I think this boring fucking debate has gone on way too long. Shit! Even cheese has a fucking expiration date!
76. T. D. B. said:
May 29, 2007 @ 12:18 pm
The pit bull’s unusual breeding history has produced some bizarre behavioral traits, described by The Economist’s science editor in an article published a few years ago, at the peak of a heated British controversy over dangerous dogs that saw the pit bull banned in England.
First, the pit bull is quicker to anger than most dogs, probably due to the breed’s unusually high level of the neurotransmitter L-tyrosine.
Second, pit bulls are frighteningly tenacious; their attacks frequently last for 15 minutes or longer, and nothing…hoses, violent blows or kicks…can easily stop them. That’s because of the third behavioral anomaly: the breed’s remarkable insensitivity to pain.
Most dogs beaten in a fight will submit the next time they see the victor. Not a defeated pit bull, who will tear into his onetime vanquisher!!! This, too, has to do with brain chemistry.
The body releases endorphins as a natural painkiller. Pit bulls are extra-sensitive to endorphins and generate higher levels of these chemicals than other dogs. Endorphins are also addictive: “The dogs may be junkies, seeking pain so they can get the endorphin buzz they crave,” The Economist suggests.
Finally, most dogs warn you before they attack, growling or barking to tell you how angry they are—”so they don’t have to fight,” ASPCA advisor and animal geneticist Stephen Zawistowski stresses. Not the pit bull, which attacks without warning.
Most dogs, too, will bow to signal that they want to frolic. Again, not the pit bull, which may follow an apparently playful bow with a lethal assault.
Geneticist Zawistowski gives the upshot: “Irresponsible breeders have let the dogs’ block against being aggressive to people disappear. They’ve created a kind of pit bull with what I call `undifferentiated aggression.”
A Milwaukee man learned this the hard way in January, when he tried to break up a fight between his two pit bulls and had one forearm ripped off and the other so badly mauled that doctors later had to amputate it.
These bull-and-terrier crosses became renowned for fighting prowess and soon were the only dogs used in organized dog fighting in England and later in the United States. To preserve the bull-and-terrier’s pugnacious traits, the dogs were bred only to dogs of the same cross. Thus was born the pit-bull terrier.
Pit bulls have become enmeshed in the brutality of underclass culture, magnifying the breed’s predisposition to aggression.
You all wanted homework….please do yours prior to calling others “ignorant”.
77. animal lover said:
May 29, 2007 @ 5:16 pm
[quote comment="85606"]
I think this boring fucking debate has gone on way too long. Shit! Even cheese has a fucking expiration date![/quote]
What is your purpose? Do you have some issues needed to be worked out other than pit bulls? Why are you even on the site if it bores you? How much sense does that make? It’ll be okay don’t worry just don’t hurt anyone for talking about it. I’ll pray for you.
[quote comment="85967"]The pit bull’s unusual breeding history has produced some bizarre behavioral traits, described by The Economist’s science editor in an article published a few years ago, at the peak of a heated British controversy over dangerous dogs that saw the pit bull banned in England.
You all wanted homework….please do yours prior to calling others “ignorant”.[/quote]
Thank you for doing your homework. You have proved everyone or anyone should not own a pit bull. If one does choose to own one of these animals they should do their homework as well. Responsible, knowledgeable people should be the only ones to own this powerful breed. Some of those “facts” were a little exagerated, because every last person would have been attacked by their own dog. High pain tolerence is also a good thing due to the fact if someone were to mistakingly pinch or hit the dog they would not be bothered. I have to ask though, how many sources did you use? Will you list those for me?
78. trae said:
June 1, 2007 @ 8:08 pm
your lack of information is matched only by your obvious bias.
and yes, we’re another family with a breed considered “weapons of mass destruction” (really? are you proud of that piece of literary triumph?)
79. JKAT said:
June 4, 2007 @ 2:29 pm
I HAVE 5 PITBULLS THEY ARE THE BEST DOGS I HAVE EVER HAD I AM IN LOVE WITH THE BREED AND ALWAYS HAVE BEEN WHEN I BROUGHT MY DAUGHTER HOME FROM THE HOSP. I WHENT AND GOT MY FRIST ONE HER NAME WAS TIA SHE WAS VERY GOOD ABOUT TELLING ME WHEN THE BABY WAS CRYING IF I WAS OUTSIDE OR IN THE OTHER ROOM SOON AS THE BABY OPENED HER EYES TIA WOULD COME AND GET ME TIA PASS AWAY IN 98 NOW I HAVE 5 PITS AND 5 KIDS MY YOUNG’S IS 7 AND HE LOVES TO PLAY BALL WITH THEM JASMINE IS HIS DOG SHE IS NOW 2 YEARS OLD MY POINT IS THAT IT IS NOT THE DOG IT IS THE DUMBASS PEOPLE THAT HAVE THEM TO MAKE MONEY OFF OF THEM AND DON’T KNOW HOW TO TREAT THEM YOU JUST CAN’T GET ONE AND TIE HIM UP AND DON’T PLAY WITH HIM OR FEED HIM THEY NEED LOVE LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE DOES
80. pitbull luver said:
June 6, 2007 @ 10:11 am
now who is this jessica bitch she don’t know me to be being a smart ass animal luver you tell it how it is the dumbass jessica is just wanting attention so she has to get everyone in the world hyped up about it.
always
the blonde with two pitbulls
81. vicky said:
June 6, 2007 @ 10:33 am
Whew! Thank goodness you clarified you were a blonde. By the look of the nonsense writing and the lack of captal letters and punctuation, I thought an actual pitbull had made its way to its owner’s keyboard in defense of itself.
82. Jessica said:
June 6, 2007 @ 11:20 am
83. I LOVE My Pitbull said:
June 6, 2007 @ 2:17 pm
I’ve had my pitbull for 5 years now and he is the most gentle dog I’ve ever had. Every night we get into bed together and I smear peanut butter all over myself and he licks it off me SO gently! He would never think of hurting me and that’s why I love my pitbull!
84. Jessica said:
June 6, 2007 @ 2:30 pm
Far be it from me to stick up for all those classy pit bull owners, but c’,mon, don’tch’ya have anything better to do?
85. Lori said:
June 6, 2007 @ 4:10 pm
[quote comment="60601"]From a special edition of “Dog Fancy” magazine, which was issued under the title “Bully Breeds,” Vol. 21, published in 2002, (ph. 949 855 8822) I read the following:
“The largest problem, and the one that requires the greatest understanding and dedication from the owner, is the inherent tendency toward dog aggression. Dog aggression can be difficult behavior to control, and when the dog is muscular and determined not to let go of the dog it is fighting with (a special tool called a parting stick is sometimes used to open the jaws of fighting dogs to release their hold), the results can be deadly. Owners must understand not only why this form of aggression arises, but also how they can keep from escalating into a dangerous or out-of-control situation.” (page 47)
Attributing the following to Steve Stone, a breeder from New Mexico:
“The key to preventing a Stafford from becoming highly dog aggressive, .. is to “keep the dog out of its first fight.” Fighting, unfortunately, is a self-rewarding activity for these dogs, and if a dog is accidentally allowed to scuffle with a dog, the situation becomes exponentially more difficult to control even for a dedicated owner. “To a Stafford, nothing in life is as good as a fight. Once they get a taste of it, they love it.” From day one, therefore, an owner must walk his or her Stafford on a leash “as if they have a hand grenade with the pin pulled out.” [quoting Stone again]. (pages 47-48)
[/quote]
“Dog aggression” is NOT the same as “people aggression” Responsible breeders will destroy any animal that shows aggression toward people (aka “People Aggression”). No one, not even irresponsible dog fighters, wants a dog that shows a tendency toward attacking people. “Dog Aggression” is when a dog does not get along well with other dogs and may possibly fight with another dog if it is not distracted from interacting with the other “irritant” dog.
Inability to get along well with other dogs (aka “Dog Aggression”) is affected by both nature and nurture. Often (but not always), responsible owners can minimize or even prevent dog aggression by properly socializing their dog. As there are some people who prefer to be alone rather than socializing with others, there are dogs who don’t enjoy socializing and are irritable when forced to do so. This irritability in both the mildest and most severe forms is called “dog aggression.”
The articles quoted by this poster, are advocating for responsible owners to be aware of the fact that some dogs don’t get along with others and to actively socialize your dog to minimize/prevent dog aggression because if you don’t you can have a serious problem on your hands. Responsible owners of dogs who do not like other dogs will keep their dogs properly contained/controlled at all times (e.g. no taking Fido to the Bark Park or to PetSmart where Fido would be forced to interact with other dogs, not leaving Fido alone in a fenced yard - even when chained/tethered - as this can make social problems worse). A dog who displays only “dog aggression” who lives with a responsible guardian, is not any more a threat to people than a dog who enjoys socializing with other dogs.
86. pitbull luver said:
June 7, 2007 @ 9:49 am
true but the only way my dogs would attack another dog is if the dog was coming after me of their sister. and the only way it would go after a person is if the way was harming me or my family and they can tell the difference between playing and real true aggression
87. PitBull Whisperer said:
June 7, 2007 @ 11:58 am
It is a PROVEN, SCIENTIFIC fact, that pitbulls understand what people are saying. Although their canine form cannot produce language patterns, this does NOT prevent them from understanding ENGLISH and SPANISH. Scientists are still doing studies to find out if pitbulls can understand other languages as well. They hope to release the findings of their experiments in the Fall of ‘07. When a pitbull acts out and attacks a human, it is the error of the owner for not clarifying his orders. Canines DO NOT hear the words in the order in which we, as humans, speak them. While we may give the command “Chopper, ’sick ‘em”, the dog hears “Chopper, sick balls”. Scientist halve also discovered that while pitbulls normally see in black and white, when they see people fighting, their field of vision turns red. When they see people PLAY fighting, their field of vision turns green. So when a pitbull owner tells you that HIS dog knows the difference between real fighting and PLAY fighting, they are absolutely correct! In addition to all of this astounding research, scientists have found that pitbulls and their owners are psychically linked! In an unusual twist of fate, it has also been found that pitbull tounge make incredible toilet paper! How they discovered that, I don’t know!
88. Jessica said:
June 7, 2007 @ 1:29 pm
PitBull Whisperer, you have convinced me. The PitBull is a highly intelligent being with powers that defy any wordly being.
I think I’m gonna go get me some of those extraoridnary Pit Bulls, I know there’s a lot of ‘em at the animal shelter. Now, I already have a chain link fence but I don’t have a broken down car to put in my front lawn though, will that be a problem? I do have 20 cars in my driveway though, from all the people that crash at my house (too drunk to get off their asses), I’m thinking that will please my future Pit Bull.
Please advise…
89. Meg said:
June 7, 2007 @ 11:23 pm
Jessica I didn’t think it was possible to hate somone that you have never met, however you have proved me wrong. You are such an nasty human being, it really makes me sick. Who the fuck do you think you are to judge us because we are pittbull owners? I hate you, you need to get a life, and do a little research. In case you haven’t noticed, most of the people on this blog agree with me. You suck shit, and I hope a pittbull eats your pug.
90. Haley said:
June 9, 2007 @ 10:05 am
I just want to say that the way Jessica came across was a bit harsh, but the breed is a massive breed built with the intention to fight. That does not mean they have to. I have a 5 year old pit mix, I love her with all my heart. And I have had her since she was six weeks old. She has shown some aggression twords other dogs and during feedings even after much training. So I will say it is not always the owners fault that sometimes it is bred in them to have aggression. BUT!!!! I am pregnant and will be keeping my dog, she was here first! But I am not one of these stupid people that will leave my child and dog alone with one another. There are rules to be followed when owning any animal and a child. My dog won’t be out when other children come over to play and as for my own child he won’t be left alone with her for even on second. Thats what dog gates are for. I can’t say I would even trust my cocker with my child either. I have been a vet tech for many years and have seen all sorts of breeds and every breed has had at least on mean representative! Some more then others, but surprisingly pits are the least aggressive breed that I have seen. Chows and shar peis are the most aggressive large breeds I have seen and are big enough to do some real damage. But the most aggressive of all are Chihuhu and daschunds but the most they can do is leave a nasty bit. My point being NO dog should be left unattended with children. And if you have a pit bull good for you just be safe and smart about it. Because thanks to all the hipe about the breed and all the stupid owners that don’t take the right actions of owneing this breed the general public are now terrified of them.