Is ownership of pit bulls worth the risk?

The following article was originally published
here

BY TAMMY S. DEVOLL • Opinion Shaper • May
30, 2010


In light of the many pit bull attacks that have
occurred, especially the most recent incident in our
own back yard -- specifically Columbus -- I thought
the subject of responsibility of ownership should be
addressed.

First and most importantly, it must be established
the pit bull is classified as a vicious breed. What
this means is that legislation has labeled this breed
as such because this type of dog has maimed and
killed so many people. Many states have established
pit bull bans and enacted many restrictions
pertaining to the ownership of pit bulls because of
the instinctive vicious nature of these animals.

During a three-year period between 2006 and 2008,
it has been documented that pit-bull-type animals h
ave accounted for 59 percent of fatal dog attacks,
killing 52 Americans. Families bringing these types
of dogs into their homes should seriously consider
these statistics because it could literally mean life or
death for a member of their family and/or friends.
Many who own pit bulls as pets argue their dogs
were raised in a loving and nurturing home,
insisting their dogs are as harmless as a babies.
However, this is what most owners truly believed
before their harmless dogs unmercifully attacked
innocent victims. Is ownership worth the risk of
bringing a potentially dangerous animal into your
home?

The difference in this type of breed compared to
other types of dogs is when pit bulls do bite, they
do not let go, and this is an instinctive biological
fact specific to this type of animal. No person can be
100 percent sure of what will trigger an attack, but
one fact that has been proven is that when an attack d
oes occur, this breed is relentless and will not
stop until its victim is dead or somehow forces are
able to incapacitate the dog. The ability to stop an
attack is another frightening issue as well because
the pit bull is known for its ability to finish a fight,
continuing on broken legs or even stumps until its
intended target is dead. Any breed of dog will bite if
provoked, however, the difference between a more
docile breed is it will more than likely bite once and
usually the bitten area will be a leg or a hand, not intentionally the neck as the pit bull targets.

Many states, including Ohio, are taking a stand for
victims and future victims and have banned the
ability to own the pit-bull-type breed. A few Ohio
cities now are enforcing the breed-specific laws.
Some of those who have banned pit bulls include
Bexley, Cincinnati, Reynoldsburg and Wooster.
These are only a few of the many cities in Ohio that
have decided it is not worth the risk of having this
vicious breed in their communities.

Breed-specific (pit bull) laws consistently are upheld
in both federal and state courts. Community leaders
should actively investigate liability issues they
might face if pit bull attacks were to occur in their
cities and strive to enforce strict regulations
regarding ownership of this type of animal.

Summer is quickly approaching, and children will
be outside enjoying themselves more. Can we as a
community be certain the pit bull danger is not a
threat if our city does not impose a pit bull ban?
Sexual predators are required to register as
offenders so parents are aware of the potential
dangers lurking in their neighborhoods. At the very
least, pit-bull owners should be required to
publicly register their dogs to make the community
aware of this potential life-threatening danger as
well.

Devoll is a Zanesville native currently attending
Colorado Technical University, working toward an
MBA in business administration.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

GARBAGE!

"First and most importantly, it must be established
the pit bull is classified as a vicious breed."

It is important to understand that a pit bull is not a breed of dog. Actually, the term "pit bull" is used to describe three different breeds: American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), Staffordshire Bull Terrier (SBT), and American Staffordshire Terrier (AST).

"The difference in this type of breed compared to
other types of dogs is when pit bulls do bite, they
do not let go, and this is an instinctive biological
fact specific to this type of animal."

Per TheRealPitBull.com, "The jaws of the Pit Bull are functionally
the same as the jaws of any other breed, and this has been proven via
expert examination. The few studies which have been conducted of the structure of the
skulls, mandibles and teeth of Pit Bulls show that, in proportion to their
size, their jaw structure and thus its inferred functional morphology, is
no different than that of any [other] breed of dog. There is absolutely
not evidence for the existence of any kind of 'locking mechanism' unique
to the structure of the jaw and/or teeth of the American Pit Bull Terrier,
says Dr. I. Lerh Brisbin of the University of Georgia (from the ADBA
booklet, "Discover the American Pit Bull Terrier.)" Click here to read more myths about pit bulls

"Any breed of dog will bite if
provoked, however, the difference between a more
docile breed is it will more than likely bite once and
usually the bitten area will be a leg or a hand, not intentionally the neck as the pit bull targets."

There is no proof that a pit bull intentionally targets the neck when it bites a human

"Many states, including Ohio, are taking a stand for
victims and future victims and have banned the
ability to own the pit-bull-type breed. A few Ohio
cities now are enforcing the breed-specific laws."


Actually, Ohio has decided to
lift the ban
on pit bulls.

"Can we as a
community be certain the pit bull danger is not a
threat if our city does not impose a pit bull ban?"

BSL laws are intended to reduce the chances of being bitten by a dangerous dog, but the laws unfairly target pit bulls as the main culprit. Over twenty-five different breeds are responsible for fatal dog attacks. The overlooked breeds ranging from Pomeranians and Chihuahuas to Golden Retrievers and Collie breeds do not appear on any BSL laws anywhere. These are just as likely to be dangerous when in the hands of careless owners. Even if pit bull ownership became completely prohibited, dog attacks would not end. Many people own pit bulls because of the aggression and violence associated with the breed. Those people would most likely move on to another dog and train it to be a domineering status symbol. BSL will not prevent people from being attacked; instead, it only prompts another breed to be targeted. The punishment should be based on the deed and not the breed; stiffer penalties for reckless owners should be enforced as well. BSL is the result of fear, ignorance, and prejudice, and is unfair to both dog and owner.