San Antonio, Texas girl killed......

[Ranger]

Originally Posted by dball

My frustrations here Quente aren't directed at you and the population debate as much as it is the "ticking time bombs" and "people killing" opinions (based on very false/misleading information) of Nonconformist, Ranger, and BarryChapman.

As for my "false/misleading information," I was quoting the American Veterinary Medical Association, which happens to be vehemently against any type of breed-specific bans, etc. The article in question was co-authored by a group of Vets, and MD's, and published in a peer reviewed medical journal. So, a highly credible and respected group, that is anti-ban in the extreme, agrees that Pitbull type dogs lead the charts in dog bite related fatalities. How I'm putting forth false or misleading information?

Some people are so caught up in their side of this issue, that they refuse to allow themselves to be influenced by the facts. They prefer the anecdotal evidence of someone's Uncle Ernie's real sweet pit bull, to peer reviewed science. It's like insisting the world is flat, and calling all the evidence to the contrary "false" because when you put a ball down on your kitchen table, it doesn't roll off.

Less feeling - more thinking.

[Bangswitch]

Pit bull in fatal attack euthanized. Got this out of my morning paper today.

[Bangswitch]

Oh here is the link sorry about that.
MySA.com: Metro | State

[Kent K25]

Originally Posted by dball

But I have contacted the ADBA to get their info/take on the Pit Bull population in the U.S. I know it won't prove much but it will be interesting to see their response.

And I'm sure you'll post the info...hopefully I'll remember to check back here.

[Nonconformist]

You're so into proving me "wrong" that you aren't even listening to what I say.

I don't think a ban will do any good and it would be almost impossible to enforce. Furthermore my girlfriend and I HAVE a mixed breed pit (pit/American fox-hound) that I love half to death!

Nevertheless - I consider pit's to be one of THE most dangerous breeds, and I wish that they were a whole lot harder to buy as a pet.

Any more questions?

[dball]

Originally Posted by NicoleRussell

Each breed has certain characteristics that define it.
Some dogs are barkers...some dig...some round herds therefore will circle....certain things are in their bloodline.
I have never researched pits but haven't they been bred to be fighters?

Yes Nicole they were bred specifically for fighting.....other dogs. For this reason they are usually animal aggressive. Alot of owners of them claim that it is a strong instinct to be aggressive towards other animals, especially other dogs. BUT, many will also tell you if properly socialized as a puppy, this trait can be drastically reduced.

These dogs being bred for fighting were constantly being handled by humans. Aggression towards humans was in no way tolerated then and any dogfighting breed that would attack the handlers was not acceptible, getting them a nice bullet in the head.

So Pit bulls being naturally aggressive to animals, in most cases is true but can be fixed if raised properly.

Pit Bulls being naturally aggressive towards human is not true, in most cases.

[dball]

Originally Posted by Nonconformist

You're so into proving me "wrong" that you aren't even listening to what I say.
I don't think a ban will do any good and it would be almost impossible to enforce. Furthermore my girlfriend and I HAVE a mixed breed pit (pit/American fox-hound) that I love half to death!
Nevertheless - I consider pit's to be one of THE most dangerous breeds, and I wish that they were a whole lot harder to buy as a pet.
Any more questions?

I am not so much out to prove you wrong as I am trying to give information that provides views from the opposite end of the spectrum. If you love Pit Bulls why give info or opinions that fuel the fire against them?

And Ranger the funny thing is in alot of articles supporting (I know, they are biased right?) Pit Bulls, you'll find them quoting vets themselves saying they would rather work with Pit Bulls than the majority of other dogs. Reason being they are usually friendly and in what they say are less likely to get bitten by.


As Quente said you can find an article online to support anything. Well I have read articles that support both. But I find the ones that support Pit Bulls offer the most factual info, and the opinions are what I seem to find are the reality.

Like I said, if I go on experience alone. Pit Bulls are among the strongest, friendliest, funniest dogs around. And support articles are the ones that portray what I have seen.

[Stargazer]

Got this emailed to me today. Thought it was appropriate:

The entire animal-loving community is extremely grateful to Rep. Jerry Mitchell and Sen. William Haine for sponsoring a very important public and animal safety bill that will prevent dogs from being used as weapons. The innovative law took effect January 1, 2007. Join the ASPCA in saying thank you!

Gang members, who are often legally prohibited from owning armed weapons, frequently use dogs as weapons to intimidate community members. This novel law was developed as a solution to protect the public from dangerous dogs and ensures that dogs aren't unnecessarily put down. It takes the dog's best interest to heart. Sign the "Thank You" petition here: Thank State of Illinois for Preventing the Criminalization of Canines Petition

Public Act 94-0818 will make it a misdemeanor for a person convicted of a felony to own, possess, have custody of, or reside with an un-neutered dog older than 12 weeks of age, or any dog deemed "vicious" under the Illinois Animal Control Act.

"Dogs are wonderful companions and great protectors in many situations," stated State Representative Jerry Mitchell. "They were never meant to be used as a weapon to protect or defend illegal activities."

Please join the ASPCA in thanking Rep. Jerry Mitchell and Sen. William Haine for sponsoring this extremely important public and animal safety bill. We must let them know that their efforts are not going unnoticed! Perhaps with our encouragement, other leaders will follow in their footsteps.

Thank you for making a difference today!

Agata Gussmann,
Care2 and ThePetitionSite Team