Jack Spillane: Dog gets a painful lesson in the danger of pit bulls
This editorial by Jack Spillane claims that pit bull owners are hostile and that is why pit bull type dogs should be banned. While he claims there is insufficient evidence proving that pit bulls have an aggressive nature, there is plenty of evidence showing the aggressive nature of pit bull owners; additionally, he alleges a “large subset of owners” partake in criminal activity (Spillane). Seeing as the only incidents or stories the media chooses to focus on are the negative ones then it might appear that way to the public. New Bedford has a fair rule if you ask me– PUNISH THE DEED, NOT THE BREED.
The AC officer in charge handled the case appropriately. This attack on another dog was irresponsibility on the owner’s behalf; having his dog declared dangerous is suitable and fair. Manny Maciel, the AC officer who defended pit bull type dogs said, “There's a lot of really nice pit bulls out there, adding that in his experience chows are the most dangerous dogs.” Moreover, Maciel defends the dangerous dog ordinance that New Bedford enacted in 2007. A dog can be euthanized for a second violent offense but to date a second incident has yet to occur by any dog previously cited. City Councilor Debora Coelho is on a pit bull witch-hunt though and wants to target pit bulls specifically instead of all dangerous dogs. Coelho declares, “pit bulls and their owners have been allowed to terrorize other city residents” (Spillane).
Maybe she is terrified beaus she is ignorant and believes the hype. I am not saying that she is but just throwing it out there; it irritates me when people say stupid things like Coelho’s above statement. She makes it sound like Kangol and I walk the streets with assault rifles and grenades along with an army of pit bulls and their humans—HAHA. Well, if this is what Spillane and Coelho (and the countless numbers of people like them) believe then they should add golden Labradors, border collies, and their owners to the list too (and MANY more I’m sure).
Apparently, an owner of two labs and a border collie found it entertaining to kill and injure nesting sea birds in Pleinmont, Guernsey in the UK. The owner was reportedly throwing stones at adult birds and laughing. The three dogs were running through the nesting area and grabbing some chicks up while driving the rest of them off a cliff.
One last note about the Spillane article though— Said dangerous dog is described as a pit bull mix and a pit-boxer mix thus confirming that neither the media nor the dog victim’s owner knew for sure meaning: IT MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN A PIT.
This is an article regarding pit bulls, dog bites, and the reputation of pit bulls as human/child friendly or vicious killers. Kangol is my son’s buddy, he is his big brother and loving friend. The article highlights the Villalobos Rescue Centerthat stars in Animal Planet’s show Pit Bulls and Parolees.I like Tia Torres’s response regarding her opinion on the euthanasia of all pit bulls. She states:
“That [is] like saying that all Catholic priests are pedophiles. It’s just ignorance. Do I think everyone should be saved? No. I’ve euthanized them [pit bulls] for bad temperament. My children and I have never been bitten or attacked, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.”
Always remember to be a responsible owner/parent; children and dogs should ALWAYS be under adult supervision!
This is a happy ending for a dog that had an uncertain future. I wish you well, Stanley, and hope you find the home you have been looking for and deserve!
Salford gang use pit bull dog as weapon to attack man
Over in the UK, a pit bull has been trained to attack people; a gang used the pit bull terrier as a weapon to attack a man. "What I want to stress is that it is the handlers of the dog who are to blame, not the dog itself, and we need to catch these men.” I AGREE!
Det Sgt Roger Smethurst of the Greater Manchester Police says the gang has "… [B]red a dog ready to obey their violent commands, which in itself are a form of cruelty, and have manipulated this dog to attack someone else." At least they recognize it isn’t the dog’s fault, which is RARE!
In Alabama, a woman used her pit bull/chow mix dog to deter the police from taking her to a mental evaluation; it bit one officer. I think these officers handled the situation appropriately though. Instead of shooting and killing the dog they used another means to subdue the animal—A TRANQUILIZER GUN. The woman sounds very unsound and obviously doesn’t need a pet of any kind.
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(Source: The Montana Standard)By Justin Post, The Montana Standard, Butte
District 4 Commissioner Terry Schultz said his proposed ordinance is in response to what he sees as a growing number of pit bulls attacking other animals.
He said animal control in the city-county responds to a large number of pit bull complaints, and he would like to take action before a person is injured.
"I'm really concerned about that because if it's a small child you've got a problem," Schultz said Monday.
Schultz plans to present the matter to commissioners during this week's meeting, but says it would be sent to committee for further discussion.
He is proposing to require all pit bulls leashed when they are within 100 yards of any place where people gather, including homes, businesses, churches and schools.
A first-time offense would cost the owner $100, followed by a $250 fine and forfeiture of the dog on a second offense.
As his ordinance is proposed, pet owners would be forbidden from having a pit bull unleashed, even in a fenced yard on their property if another home is within 100 yards.
"I don't want them out in the backyard without a tether," said Schultz, who owns no pets.
Schultz said he also is proposing this ordinance after a pit bull attacked another dog in his district.
"We just had an incident in my district and I just think it's time to stop it," he said.
Yet Erin Wall, director of the city-county's animal shelter, said she disagrees with any ordinance that would require owners to keep an animal tied outside.
"Would any person like to be tied up when they were outside?" she asked.
Wall says pit bulls are her favorite breed, and says the animals are wrongly stereotyped as being vicious, aggressive dogs.
"I would have a pit bull in a second," she said. "I think they are amazing. We sensationalize their aggressiveness."
She believes any dog can be aggressive in the hands of the wrong owner and argues that pit bulls, when treated and cared for properly, are great pets.
"Any breed can be mean; it doesn't matter if it's a pit bull or a Chihuahua," Wall said.
Commissioners meet at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on the third floor of the courthouse, 155 W. Granite.
-- Reporter Justin Post may be reached at Justin.post@lee.net or by telephone, 496-5572.
Copyright (c) 2010, The Montana Standard, Butte
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
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OK this commissioner in Butte Silver Bow is an idiot. According to reporter Justin Post, one commissioner proposes the city should “mak[e] it illegal to have the dogs unleashed in residential areas -- regardless of whether they are on private property.”
Now, I don’t disagree, as I am a firm advocate for leash laws; however, Commissioner Terry Shultz states, “… [Per his proposed ordinance], pet owners would be forbidden from having a pit bull unleashed, even in a fenced yard on their property if another home is within 100 yards.”
A non-pet owner Shultz insists they should be tied up even if they are in the backyard. That’s just stupid, not to mention it violates several county anti-tethering laws in Georgia.
“Schultz said he also is proposing this ordinance after a pit bull attacked another dog in his district.” Yes, that is usually when bogus proposals come to light- when something happens.
The article says, “Critics of breed bans argue it's not the animals but their owners who are responsible for attacks like that on Cathy.” Owner irresponsibility causes most dogs to attack — no matter the breed. The owner should have made sure his fence was escape proof and if he wasn’t home when the attack happened, the dogs should have been inside.
The victim’s son, Tom Kovak, says, “"I just hope that he's punished for what happened and pit bulls are banned from Sterling Heights" The owner should be punished but banning pits isn’t going to improve the city’s said pit attack problem. Every dog has the potential to bite; it is a natural canine reaction. My bite is much worse than my dog’s bite ever could be so you might want to proscribe me too.
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Another pit bull shot by an officer this week. The cop was off duty and said the dog aggressively came running up so he shot it; it didn’t bite him. The shot missed any vital organs but he is now deemed a DANGEROUS DOG, which I think is bogus. Granted I wasn’t there but the dog didn’t bite him and some people that are scared of dogs often have a different opinion of what is considered aggressive. The officer wasn’t bit but if this is true, “Hadley told police that the dog has a reputation of running loose and for attacking small dogs in the neighborhood.” Then the owner should be charged and should be dealt with accordingly.
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13-year-old confesses to beating pit bull with a rock
In Baltimore, a 13-year-old girl confessed to the April 2010 beating of a female pit bull. This sadistic child continuously struck the dog in the head with a rock while it was tied to a pole. Lock her up NOW and throw away the key!! This story is cacophonously comparable to one that happened in Baltimore last month involving 3 children, all boys around age 12; however, that dog wasn’t so lucky. What is going on with your children, Baltimore?
1.A 5-year old California boy wasattacked by a dogthat jumped through an open window at an apartment complex. The headline says pit bull, but they have no idea what breed it is I’m sure.
2.This ridiculous little list showed up in my Google Alerts. It was written by some lawyer and it is so ridiculous. It targets pit bulls even though the information the author is stating is standard procedure for ANY BREED of dog one encounters that could potentially bite.
Phase 1 – Common Sense and Avoidance
3. Know your physical abilities. Are you in great shape, able to actively defend yourself? Whether you are or not will greatly change how you need to prepare for the possibility of attack.
This sounds like it is preparing to send troops into battle.
Phase 3 – Self Defense
Unfortunately with pitbulls, psychology can only get you so far. These can be aggressive, unflinching animals and you may have to defend yourself. here are some good tactics.
Bears can be aggressive too. So can Canadian Geese, squirrels, snakes, and cats; hell, even birds can be aggressive. Psychology must be very helpful when dealing with an aggressive bear… There definitely should be a font for sarcasm.
3. Unarmed combat. It won’t be pretty, but there are unarmed options for handling a pitbull. When striking the animal, aim for the nose, eyes, and ears. These are all very sensitive and could help to disorient the animal. On long snouted dogs you have the option of clamping the mouth shut with your hands, but that is a bit more difficult on pitbulls. If possible and necessary, dogs can be grappled from behind and put into a standard choke hold – one arm cinched tightly under the neck with the other compressing the lock inward. one final method of attack is grabbing the legs of the animal and pulling them apart abruptly, breaking the knees.
Unarmed combat? Give me a break… Whoever wrote this crap is an idiot.
Legal Recourse
Pitbull and dog attacks can be traumatizing and lethal. it’s important to know that you aren’t alone in trying to resolve the matter and seeking professional legal counsel is highly advised.
But before you can even acquire a good attorney, here are some pieces of advice for preparing yourself.
Check out the previous line. Totally written by a lawyer.
1. Try to secure witnesses to the dog biting event.
Sure, I’ll be selling tickets at the front gate. More sarcasm…
2. Attempt to address the owners about the situation, but be prepared for complete denial of fault on the part of the dog. Remember, people will treat their animal like a family member, and will protect it as such.
Ok asshole-- watch it! If my dog ever shows any unwarranted human aggression please believe I will do what is needed; that is part of being a responsible pit bull owner. Idiots like you demonize good dogs and owners.
Here is this nice little disclaimer at the end:
Bill Hayes is owner of The Hayes Firm, a specialized personal injury attorney network designed to find the best lawyer for each individual client. Every incident is unique, and it’s important to have someone with many years of experience and an extensive network to help you find the right kind of attorney. Dog Attacks are one of Bill’s specialties and he will be able to properly guide you through the legal process and get you the help you need. Visit today and receive a free legal consultation!
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3.A pit bull in New Hampshirewas shot and killed by a man in his backyard. He claims the pit was attacking his dog and he was saving his own dog’s life. No other real details are given; additionally, this is not news. This is media sensationalism to fuel their pit bull witch-hunt…
A Kingsport woman convicted ofaggravated animal crueltydue to the condition of her two pitbull terriers was denied probation and ordered to spend time behind bars in Blountville court Thursday afternoon.
In Feb. 2009, Cindy Nelson , then 29, of 615 Gillespie Ave., was charged after an animal control officer discovered two emaciated pit bull terriers chained outside her home without access to food or water. One, a black male, was chained to the back of a truck. Kingsport Police Department Detective Melanie Adkins said the dog had severe ulcerations on its ears, feet and rump due to frostbite. The other, a brown female, was chained to a doghouse. She was determined to be about 1½ months pregnant.
Aggravated animal cruelty, a Class E felony, alleges “depraved” or “sadistic” conduct which “tortures” or “maims” an animal with no “justifiable purpose.” This includes any failure to provide food and water to a “companion animal” that results in the animal’s death or creates a substantial risk of the same.
Prosecuting attorney Julie Canter advised Friday that the judge denied Nelson probation and ordered her to spend 1½ years behind bars, with the possibility of an early release after service of 30 percent.
The state had opposed probation in the case, said Canter.
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Such a sad story, but I am more than pleased they denied probation to this POS. I personally feel she should do more than 1½ years, which she will probably only serve 6 months of, but I’m glad one judge is trying to make an example out of her. If only all judges would follow his lead. I want these two babies find loving, everlasting homes soon, hopefully together. They deserve to know what a nice home and loving family is like, as do all of those abused by wretched human beings.
MISSISSAUGA, Ont. - A Peel police officer shot and killed two dogs in Mississauga last night.
Several people called police after two American Bull Terriers were found without their owners. The dogs were seen acting aggressively towards some people, including children in the Indian Road and Mississauga Road area around the dinner hour.
The officer was forced to use his gun after the dogs would not settle down.
"No officers were injured, no citizens were injured and no other pets or animals were injured," Sgt. Russ Anderson said.
The owner was later located but police have not yet laid charges.
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According to some comments of people that personally knew the dogs, it seems like a recent case out of NC involving a pit bull shot because authorities were tired of chasing her.
Additionally, these were not even Bull Terriers they were American Bulldogs.
Were these dogs acting aggressively or were they just going for a little freedom run? Either way their owner’s irresponsibility cost them their lives.
The owners of a pit bull-type dog deemed dangerous are "terribly disappointed" the classification has not been lifted following a recent appeal, family member Gill Lucas, of Wanaka said yesterday.
Queenstown Lakes District Council independent commissioners Sally Middleton and David Clarke have said if Bella, an 18-month-old Neapolitan mastiff-pit bull cross, attended dog obedience classes on a regular basis for up to two years, her behaviour could "potentially be modified and changed".
But on evidence presented at the hearing and in subsequent conversations with experts, they felt there a "real possibility" Bella could inflict serious injury on someone.
"We as commissioners seek to minimise that risk while Bella undergoes more training and until it can be firmly established she no longer poses a risk," they said.
The classification means Bella must continue to be kept in an enclosed yard and be muzzled and on a lead in public.
The council imposed the dangerous classification following an attack by Bella on an elderly visitor to Wanaka in December.
Lakes Environmental staff submitted the attack and the harm caused to the unnamed victim were at the lower end of the scale - the dog jumped at the woman, causing a small hole in her jersey but not breaking the skin - but Bella's subsequent display of "fear aggression" at the pound caused considerable concern to observers.
The commissioners based their decision on information provided by dog trainer Gary Wulff and Christchurch animal behaviouralist Julie Donovan.
Both Mr Wulff and Ms Donovan were of the opinion Bella's training was not sufficient to remove a dangerous dog classification or to rehabilitate her. The commissioners considered Bella was still a risk.
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“Lakes Environmental staff submitted the attack and the harm caused to the unnamed victim were at the lower end of the scale - the dog jumped at the woman, causing a small hole in her jersey but not breaking the skin - but Bella's subsequent display of "fear aggression" at the pound caused considerable concern to observers.”
This is a little ridiculous seeing, as the dog didn’t “attack” the woman in my opinion. If the dog wanted to bite her it probably would have and of course the dog exhibited “fear aggression” at the pound—it was at the freaking pound!
By Justin Post, The Montana Standard, Butte 
