wowsomepeople says

 Sarah. I have not had time(nor will I) to read all the posts. So maybe im just missing something here. Seems to me your trying to prove your point by posting "facts" from a biased website. Research that site. That site was created and is ran by someone who was attacked by a pit bull. It's straight biased. Not facts. Pulling from a poor source is wrong. Fact is, yes the # of pit bull bites are high compared to numbers of other breads, but when you look at percentages they are much LOWER! The population of pit bulls is significantly higher, thus more number of bites. But the pit bull population has a low PERCENTAGE of bites. Take a look at temperment tests, those are facts, as they are ran by a non biased organization. Pit bulls actually rate much lower on agression then many common pets, such as labs. Food for thought!

Captain Gutz says

BW1,

I've met dozens of retriever owners whose dogs won't retrieve, and some that won't swim. 

All dogs can swim, unles there is some  physical defect with an individual animal. Or did you mean the owners won't swim?

BW1 says

SarahTonin : Dogs have certain characteristics bred into them. Pointers point, Retrievers retrieve etc.

And that's why sportsmen spend hundreds of hours, and often thousands of dollars, TRAINING their pointers to point and their retrievers to retrieve, eh?   

I've met dozens of retriever owners whose dogs won't retrieve, and some that won't swim. 

Oh, and those statistics of yours?  See the comments on the Friday article about this bill for why they're worthless.

SarahTonin says

BigD .. does that stand for DUMMY? I guess you can insert yourself into this lame argument and the pit bull people, and those looking for an argument, will try to slice and dice the facts. WELL, YOU CAN'T ARGUE WITH FACTS. STATISTICS ARE FACTS, SO IF YOU WANT .. GO AHEAD! From dogbite.org the 2011 statistics on FATAL dogbites .. god love your little peapickin brains!

THESE ARE NOT DOG BITES! THESE ARE FATAL ATTACS! SOMEONE DIED!

2011 statistics

• 31 U.S. fatal dog attacks occurred in 2011. Despite being regulated in Military Housing areas and over 650 U.S. cities, pit bulls led these attacks accounting for 71% (22). Pit bulls make up less than 5% of the total U.S. dog population.2
• Notably in 2011, adult victims of fatal pit bull attacks more than doubled the number of child victims. Of the 22 total pit bull victims, 68% (15) fell between the ages of 32 to 76, and 32% (7) were ages 5 years and younger.
• The year 2011 also marks an increase in pet pit bulls killing their owners. Of the 8 total instances this year in which a family dog inflicted fatal injury to its primary caretaker, the dog's owner, 88% (7) involved pet pit bulls.
• Together, pit bulls (22) and rottweilers (4), the number two lethal dog breed, accounted for 84% of all fatal attacks in 2011. In the 7-year period from 2005 to 2011, this same combination accounted for 73% (156) of the total recorded deaths (213).
• The breakdown between pit bulls and rottweilers is substantial over this 7-year period. From 2005 to 2011, pit bulls killed 127 Americans,3 about one citizen every 20 days, versus rottweilers, which killed 29; about one citizen every 88 days.
• Annual data from 2011 shows that 58% (18) of the attacks occurred to adults (21 years and older) and 42% (13) occurred to children (11 years and younger). Of the children, 62% (8) occurred to ages 1 and younger.
• 2011 data also shows that 39% (12) of the fatal incidents involved more than one dog; 26% (8) involved breeding on the dog owner's property either actively or in the recent past, and 6% (2) involved tethered dogs, down from 9% in 2010 and 19% in 2009.
• Dog ownership information for 2011 shows that family dogs comprised 65% (20) of the attacks that resulted in death; 74% (23) of all incidents occurred on the dog owner's property and 29% (9) resulted in criminal charges, up from 15% in 2010.
• The states of California and Texas led fatalities in 2011, each with 4 deaths; pit bulls and their mixes contributed to 88% (7) of the 8 deaths. North Carolina, New Mexico, South Carolina and Virginia each incurred 2 deaths.

big_d says

 think again says: If it comes down to me or mine. Your beloved breed will be dead indeed.

As it should be with any breed which would threaten you or yours.

Prevent the deed, regulate the breed!
 

Your catchy sayings suggest to me that any dog over 40# or so is capable of causing enormous damage.

You know, I once had no qualms about anything you say, I agreed with all of it.

Then one was given to me by someone who had adopted it from a shelter.

He brought it around a few times.

I told him "I want nothing to do with those killer dogs."

But you know what?  The more I was around this dog, the better I liked him.

When his family situation changed and he could no longer keep him. I took him in.

Best thing I ever did. I learned everything I could about the breed, talked to owners, breeders, trainers, 

And they all told me the same thing.

"They are the most social of dogs, they crave human contact."

"They want to be part of your pack."

"A bored or unsocialized pitbull is going to get into trouble"

So I had him neutered, which removed the tug of hormones and left him a playful active dog.

This is probably the most important thing you can do, because it will remove most if not all of the aggresiveness.

He also gets exercised 3-5 ntimes a day, winter, summer, rain, snow, day or night.

If you can't commit to that DO NOT GET ONE.

thinkagain says

The only ignorance abounding around here, is that of the pit bull apologists who are in total denial of what the pit bulls capabilities really are.

A strong fighting instinct, together with a low level of
inhibition from fighting which make pit bulls dangerous to
humans as well as to other animals;

A strong chase instinct which, experts believe, causes pit bulls
to be a danger around running children;

A tendency to attack humans and other animals who exhibit no
provocative behavior;

A diminished tendency to bark, growl, or otherwise warn
potential victims of an intent to attack;

A tendency not to cease attacking once engaged, which results
in more severe injuries than those inflicted by other breeds;

The ability to withstand great pain, which makes it difficult
for a person or animal to fight off a pit bull attack;

Powerful jaws capable of crushing bones and hanging on to
victims even while the pit bull withstands infliction of injury or
pain.

How to stop a pit bull threat:
1) Aim right between the eyes.
2) Pull the trigger twice.

If it comes down to me or mine.  Your beloved breed will be dead indeed.

Yessir, there are oodles of poodles popped by cops all the time, and the press does not report it.
And attacks by psychotic shih tzus? Covered up. Muzzled, so to speak.
Children savaged by Scottish terriers? Quashed. Hushed puppies, if you will. Oh yes, the conspiracy runs deep indeed.

Prevent the deed, regulate the breed!

big_d says

@ SarahTonin, do you actually read what you write?

 A pointer will not point unless it sees a bird. A retriever will not swim if not put in water. A Pit will not attack unless it's inbred trigger is pulled 

Usually you make sense.

This is not one of those times.

MYTH: The pit bull was bred for dog fighting only.

Fact: The history of the pit bull far predates the time when bans on bull baiting caused blood sport fanciers to turn to fighting dog against dog. The very name "bull" or "bulldog" gives us the clue as to what the original purpose of this breed was.

Far back into history - too far for us to see - man had bred dogs for gripping large game like boar and bear. From these dogs developed the Butcher's Dog, or Bulldog. The bulldog was an animal from 35 to 80 pounds, long of leg, sturdy in body, athletic, with a strong head and muzzle. The pit bulls of today descend directly from these animals.

Please take your ridiculous article away and refer to this site :www.workingpitbull.com/history.htm

SarahTonin says

SmallTownGarbage said "As a Pitbull owner, I'm constantly defending the breed."

Dogs have certain characteristics bred into them. Pointers point, Retrievers retrieve etc. These characteristics are always there deep in the DNA of the dog, waiting for the trigger. A pointer will not point unless it sees a bird. A retriever will not swim if not put in water. A Pit will not attack unless it's inbred trigger is pulled.

Pit Bulls were bred an the late 1800 in the British Isles for the distinct purpose of killing. Men would dig a pit and throw a bull in the pit. They would blow pepper up it's nose to tick it off and then start throwing PitBulls into the pit, betting on how many it would take to kill the bull! It's called BULL BAITING. Only those dogs with superior killing power, lived and bred to spawn a new generation of PIT BULLS.

If you wish to place one of these cute little pups in your home, with your kids, you must be either a phycho or really dumb and in denial. A poodle or a whatever may bite when provoked but a PIT will kill. They say education is expensive and for those that own one of these machines that were bred to kill, you have a strong chance of learning!

Here's a reference for those who care: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bull-baiting

big_d says

WierdMama222 says:

Any dog will attack when provoked, Unfortunately,. most aggressive dogs such as pit bulls and dobs don't need much provocation TO attack. It is a built in mechanism. That is why they are used for such things as guard dogs and fighting.  

Wrong.

They were not bred for aggressiveness, They were bred for gameness and tenaciousness, that is, to grab and hold on at all costs, even if they die doing it. They were bred in the beginning as the butcher's helper, to grab an angry steer or bull by the nose and hang on while the bull was trying to throw them off. Then, when people also realized that this ability could be channeled into dogfighting, they bred gentleness towards humans into the breed, so that they could be safely handled, even in the middle of a fight, without the handler being bitten. Any dog that showed human agression was immediately put down. Any pitbull today that shows human agression should be euthanised, as it is not typical of the breed. (poorly bred)

big_d says

FruGalSpender says

One of the most intelligent and extremely loyal breeds of dog. why don't the police use this breed instead of german shepherds? 

Because German Shepherds were purpose-bred as attack/ guard/ police/ military dogs.

Pit Bulls were not.

You know who else had a German Shepherd named Blondi as a pet? 

pibbleloveradvocate says

wiredmama222, did you even read the article on the News Ancher that did get bit, it WAS NOT a Pit Bull but an Argitinia Mastif, two different breeds. Did you know that? I bet not, because you didn't listen to it or read the article you just saw the picture and assumed. And we all know what assuming does to someone... makes you look like the a$$!

I own three Pit Bulls, I have three children too. They are the best dog I have ever had. Raised with Dobermans and Dalmations, I have learned to love all breeds. I can tell you from experience that it is truely the Owners and how the dog is raised and treated to how they act with kids and other dogs. SOCIALIZATION is the key with ANY dog no matter what it's breed is. I have seen like pocket like dogs attack after larger dogs because they were not socialized properly and they felt threatened.

jas  - Drug dealers choose Pit bulls as an image for them because they know you ARE affraid of them and would not take a chance to even come near their property then. Yeah they are not stupid, they know the human race and how judgemental you all are just because of what a person or animal looks like. Have you also ever meet a Drug Dealer and how they treat people... if you treat people badly, you are going to treat animals badly, if an animal is treated badly by a human they are going to look at all humans as bad people so yeah they will have issue's then.

I want to ask you all one thing: Are you a true AMERICAN, do you support your armed forces??? Do you support the young men and women that fight for your freedom, freedom of speach and the soil you live on? I bet you do, than did you know: In World War I, a pit bull named Stubby captured the heart of the nation. Stubby was the unofficial mascot of the 102nd Infantry Division and was credited with saving the lives of several of his human comrades. For his valiant service, Stubby won several medals and was even awarded the rank of sergeant! He came home from the war to a hero's welcome and went on to become the mascot for Georgetown University.

Everyone that commented on this article really needs to take the time and get educated. I know many people that live in OH that have Pitbull breeds and they are trained Thearpy Dogs, Visiting schools daily to help encourage reading and education. But as most of the population, you are completely unaware of what really goes on in your backyard.

IT'S NOT THE BREED, IT'S THE OWNER!!!!!!

meowmix says

jas says

Pit bulls are like any other exotic/wild animal. Sure, most of the time they are harmless and peaceful but they will attack viciously with only minimal provocation. They should stay banned like other wild animals. Why do you think pit bulls are the dog of choice for drug dealers? They aren't stupid. Pit bulls are better protection for them than having a gun. This legislation is a major mistake.

SmallTownGarbage says

@wiremama222: If you invoke a Pitbull, odds are it is going to snap at you. Same with any breed. I've seen a poodle maul a child so badly they were hospitalized. Ever heard of Poodles being on the vicious dog list? Kind of silly to me.

These dogs that are roaming freely, or that people are saying to keep locked up, or chained up, are just ticking time bombs. The problems arent the dog, its the owner.

Imagine if you neglected your kid. How do you think they would turn out if you left them alone in a room, or didn't talk to them, or didn't love them. Same things happen with these dogs. They just want to be loved, and when you are mean, or neglectful, they will have behavior problems.

You're correct that I contradicted myself, and I apologize. I also edited the OP. But for someone to say that they will shoot a dog if it comes at a person is complete ignorance. My pitbull goes up to everyone! Wiggles her tail, licks their legs, then rolls over for a tummy rub.

wiredmama222 says

smalltowngarbage:  you just contradicted yourself on what you said to ezbob.  First you say that everyone is ignorant about what a pitbull is and then you say you come across them once and there won't be a second time.  You cannot have it both ways.  Either they will or they won't attack, which is it? 

Any dog will attack when provoked,  Unfortunately,. most aggressive dogs such as pit bulls and dobs don't need much provocation TO attack.  It is a built in mechanism.  That is why they are used for such things as guard dogs and fighting. 

So I suggest that you regroup and think it out.  Which is which? 

wiredmama222 says

Did anyone see what happened in Denver to that poor anchor woman and the pitbull???  That should NEVER have happened.  Pit bulls do what comes natural....they attack.  I have seen several incidents reported right here in the paper this week of loose pit bulls holding people in cars and in houses.

sorry, but they should not be allowed and if you have them, leash them.  Once they taste blood, they are out for more.  That is the breed they are. 

SmallTownGarbage says

I'm quite surprised by the amount of good comments on this post. As a Pitbull owner, I'm constantly defending the breed. Everyone of you here that think it is the breeds problem are ignorant. Do your research before becoming so opinionated of your lack of information.

EZOB says

   We just read a scenario in one neighborhood where two out of three pit bulls were bad.   Beagles run rabbits, Labradors retrieve, Setters point, and pit bulls bite.  It is in the breeding.  Your dog comes after one of my grand children I hope to GOD I can get to one of my guns before it bites and mauls them.  I'll handle the authority later.  It would be the least of my concerns.  Your dogs are only going to come after me one time, I'll make sure there isn't a second time.  Keep them chained or locked-up.  If you cherish your purse or money, you don't lay it out in the street, don't let your dog loose there either.

nosey rosey says

No dog should be considered vicious simply because of its "breed" no more than a person should be considered a criminal simply because of their color.  Pitbull is not a breed, it is a name used to describe a multitude of true breeds but most are of mixed heritage.  Any dog is capable of causing great harm and even death depending on circumstance and training (or lack thereof).  Personally I previously owned a Shar Pei who was rescued from a bad situation.  While extremely loyal to us, she was a huge liability if she had ever gotten loose.  But being a responsible owner, I made sure that never happened.  Prosecute the criminal, don't kill something simply because of ignorance. 

czechurself says

FruGalSpender,  pit bulls are used by some law enforcement agencies and by the armed forces. They are used to sniff out narcotics and bombs and are used as rescue dogs. They also are used as therapy dogs as well as working dogs for livestock.  .

Pit bulls, by breed, are generally known to be dog aggressive rather than people agressive.  In fact they are referred to as the "nanny's dog" because they are good with kids. 

In the American Temperament Test given to dogs, pit bulls score consistently higher than most breeds (95% in 2011).  By comparison, the other 122 dog breeds scores average 77%, including popular family pets as the Golden Retriever and the Border Collie. 

**A pit bull that lunges, or growls at a non threatening human is not typical behavior of the breed and if it occurs the dog should be humanely euthanized. 

BEWARE:   If you get up my scooby doo's face he will most assuredly...kiss you.

nonconformist says

I have a pit bull. He is the best dog one could ever ask for. In my neighborhood there are several other pits and the owners constantly allow them outside without a leash. Actually, over the summer, my dog was attacked by another pit while I was walking him (with a leash mind you)! Just last week, another "neighbor" let her pit out off a leash as I was outside with mine. This same dog ran up to kids at the bustop on morning barking at them.

I have said something to them myself and called the authorities, they still insitst on being stupid.

Irresponsible owners are the reason dogs, pits or otherwise, cause problems. The problem is the OWNER!

Let's get a law passed that requires surrendering your dog after so many violations of the leash law. But, of course that would be too logical.

Instead, I run the risk of thousands of dollars in vet bills, or worse, because some idiot thinks they can completely control their dog without a leash.

The breed has never been the problem...

FruGalSpender says

One of the most intelligent and extremely loyal breeds of dog. why don't the police use this breed instead of german shepherds?

Kimo says

That decision will come back to bite him in the a$$.

He gains a couple hundred votes; lawyers get to handle thousands of lawsuits.

czechurself says

One of the most intelligent and extremely loyal breeds of dog. 

thinkagain says

Pit bull lovers will not consider their precious animal to be anything other than the best dog breed, no matter how many people are mauled and killed.

Truth or Dare says

Just like people, any dog can be vicious if ya raise em up to be that way.   

Hey  iamrevolutionary;  It's called distraction.  Amongst many other things, they should be more concerned w/the eathquakes that are being  triggered throughout Ohio  from the disposing of  left-over brime water  from  Fracking.  At least non have been a "violent" earthquake,  no deaths,  just strong enough to do 10's of thousands of $$$'s in damage to Ohio homes.  

iamrevolutionary says

 With all that is gooing on in this state, THIS is what gets pushed  thru....

BEHAPPY says

I SECOND THAT "CONCERNED2012"!!    I AGREE WITH YOU WHOLE HEARTEDLY!  IT'S PEOPLE NOT THE DOG!

concerned2012 says

when we start holding people more accountable for their animals we wont need such laws.  I say lets stop destroying the animal but charge the owner for the crime...your dog kills someone the owner is charged with murder.  I am so sick of people and how they treat animals!!!!!

big_d says

For more information on breed specific legislation, see www.workingpitbull.com/ This woman tells it like it is, the good, the bad, and the ugly.