Petition Calls For End To Pitbull Prohibition

April 11, 2015

Saying that Bermuda is “behind the times” and calling for action “not only for dog owners, but all Bermudians with moral standards,” an online petition calling for the removal of pit-bulls from the island’s list of prohibited dogs has been signed over 420 times as of today [Apr 11] as it attempts to reach its goal of 500 signatures.

The petition says, “BSL, or Breed Specific Legislation, allows animal control to seize and kill animals based on their breed instead of their actual behavior. This is inhumane, and unethical, and outdated.

“We as a collective want a change in the practices of the dogs act, and also to allow an amnesty for the dogs already on the island. Be part of the solution not the problem.”

The petition’s full overview follows below:

This is a call to action, not only for dog owners but all Bermudians with moral standards. Bermuda is behind the times, and we need to amend the dog legislation’s… “BSL” or “Breed Specific Legislation” allows animal control to seize and KILL animals based on their breed instead of their actual behavior. This is inhumane, and unethical, and outdated. So here is what we want to do:

…….Mission Statement……..

We as a collective want a change in the practices of of the dogs act, and
also to allow an amnesty for the dogs already on the island.. Be part of the solution not the problem..

1. We hope to amend the legislation to promote responsible ownership of a breed that is deemed prohibited and therefore euthanized regardless of animals behavior.

2. We hope to educate Bermuda on the double standard practices of killing a particular breed that we have allowed amnesties for, we recognize a breed deemed fit for amnesty cannot also be deemed fit for euthanasia.

3. We wish to allow owners to be responsible for their pets through amended licensing regulations ***amended dogs act***

4. We also wish to bring to light the fact that the similar [if not almost exactly the same] type of dog’s are being sold locally and legally with no regulation what so ever, but anything deemed a “pit-bull” is subject to being killed, this is some kind of double-standard nobody is addressing, and these laws are built around a fear of dogs, we are not advocating for all to have rights to dog ownership [there should be restrictions, licensing, and careful vetting of potential owners of larger breed's of dogs as a whole on the island]

5. We do not condone animal abuse, illegal breeding, and teaching dogs anti social behavior – we do condone and promote proper training, animal insurance policies, and a wide range of security and environment restrictions that should be in place to ensure a safe and happy lifestyle for both dog’s and their loving owners.

If you agree with our statement please sign this petition in a show of support.

[Please only sign this if you are Bermudian, or reside in Bermuda]

We do not wish for international signatures on this specific petition as it’s Bermuda Specific.

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Comments (91)

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  1. lucky 7 says:

    Bermuda has too many ignorant people who would use the opportunity for dog fights, especially now, when people are struggling so much and there’s a chance that could make them some fast cash…not everyone who owns a pitbull has that mentality, but for some reason we happen to have a lot of defiant people who would disregard the rules and abuse the dogs or not own them in a family environment which is a problem for us all. If you want a pitbull, go and live somewhere else.

    • YADON says:

      That’s why we need a proper licencing program that ensures only responsible, educated and experienced owners, with adequate facilities are allowed to own powerful breeds.Proper checks including temperament testing should be required on an annual basis.
      Banning and killing anything that remotely looks like a bully breed is disgusting, inhumane and creates a black market.

      • Jb says:

        I do not agree with killing dogs but the point is that even with current laws there are still people breeding pit bulls and breaking the law. How do you expect these individuals to abide by a proper licensing program? Also our government does not have funds to implement the programs you are suggesting. Perhaps down the road they can review this. By the way the black market for pit bulls existed when unlicensed breeders bred them for fighting.

        • Black Soil says:

          Bermuda has already tried living with pitbulls. It failed. The dog ban list was one of the few good things that happened under the PLP govt. Take it from the police. PITBULLS ARE USED BY A**HOLES.

          • Misunderstood Parent?? says:

            I dont consider myself an a**hole. I am a young married female with a child and a cat and my licensed pitbull is an indoor dog that gets along fine with passing tourist, my child, my cat and any other dog he encounters. It all about how you train your animal, ANY animal. My dog is just like my child, he knows when he does wrong, responses positively to punishment and listens to his mommy and daddy. Sometime he gets too excited when he is on a playdate but that just means he doesn’t answer to his name right away. it doesnt mean he kills other animals or attacked people. Understanding the animal you own is key. this over generalized view of pitbulls and other “dangerous” breeds honestly makes me sick especially because i know how sweet my dog is.

        • Black Soil says:

          What next, bring back gun ownership provided only qualified persons are allowed to use them. Jb is correct. If you allow only qualified persons to own pitbulls, then the cat is out of the bag. Legal dogs will be stolen and bred…and some of the so called “nice” owners will be little more than actors playing the system. There are 400 odd types of dogs to pick from, not to mention the infinite amount mutts (which BTW are the best dogs). Get a life and stop this “I gotta have a pitbull” bullsh!t.

      • lucky 7 says:

        Yeah, that could work….until one of their mates gets the job to do the annual checks and passes them because last week the pitbull owner had a drink with his cousin and now they’re cool…this is how these systems that are put in place get abused…I’m not against pitbulls, its the people who don’t know how to be responsible pet owners that ruin it for people like yourself, who obviously love pitbulls. I firmly believe that you would be a great pitbull owner and you would love that dog, but you can’t guarantee me that man/woman X who live in the next parish over will be…and there’s the problem. Its those people that will always ruin it gor you.

      • Onion says:

        Yeah, and let’s charge the owners for that testing. Probably be around $5,000 a year knowing Bermuda.

        We should also make owners personally criminally responsible for the actions of their animals.

      • Drink Water says:

        We won’t have to kill any PitBulls inhumanely if they are banned. Learn to love something else. Get over it.

    • whatever says:

      Did you read the petition? They would still be a restricted breed, but it would remove the possibility of someone’s family pet from being destroyed for no other reason than their breed.

      • Creamy says:

        If the “someone” wants a household pet, here’s a novel idea: pick an animal that isn’t illegal. That way it won’t be euthanized. Guaranteed.
        See? So easy even a meat head can get it.

    • The Maladjusted Soul says:

      While may know of Pit Bulls as fighting dogs, any dog breed, and many other animals can be used to fight. So i find your point erroneous. Why not make the claim that high unemployment on the Island will lead to underground boxing? I just feel that people should move beyond the mainstream arguments and stop punishing the breed for the faults of people.

      • Ever seen poodles fight?

      • lucky 7 says:

        underground boxing is fine, it doesn’t involve the theft of other people beloved pets to use in the dog fights as bait or whatever….if people are stupid enough to box themselves to oblivion, that’s fine with me.

      • Not again !!! says:

        You’re so right!!! Let’s hope Minister Moniz is on-board

      • Whathesaid says:

        Unfortunately it is the fault of people that has tarnished the breed. It IS irresponsible people. HOWEVER, the breed is innately dog aggressive. It is a breed characteristic, people MUST be honest about this. To say ” Oh my pit-bull loves everything” is a bold faced lie. It might love everything until it meets the one it doesnt. Responsible owners.. define that! A Responsible owner should be one to follow all the laws that pertain to dogs in the land in which they live, which means a RESPONSIBLE owner would not have a dog that is on the prohibited list, knowing the consequences. People are not overly responsible, and they certainly are not responsible if they are owning a dog that is illegal, that they KNOW cannot be legal, and will be euthanized. These very people are the ones to blame for the lack of progress. The ban list cannot be altered until such a time when the responsible people show themselves, and abide by the ALL of the DOG laws of the land.

    • Imhotep says:

      So a breed of dog should be banned because irresponsible people decide to do irresponsible things with them? So if the new trend were to fight, lets say Poodles, your logic is to ban poodles also?

      • Family Man says:

        That’s why we ban guns. I’d love to go target shooting but unfortunately irresponsible people do irresponsible things with guns and the rest of us have to suffer.

      • Creamy says:

        With all due respect, what a frikin stupid question.

      • Ty says:

        But poodles don’t fight it’s a difference it’s not in their breed that’s like comparing apples with oranges

        • Misunderstood Parent?? says:

          @Ty – You are clearly showing your ignorance to the subject. To say that poodles dont fight is like saying people dont sh*t. Poodles can actually be very aggressive and they are not a small breed dog. If the right circumstances where presented a poodle, a golden retriever, a rottwieler just like a pitbull would protect itself or its owner. WOW you really shouldnt comment on a subject you clearly know nothing about.

    • Cahow says:

      how about you go live somewhere else if you don’t like pitbulls. pitbulls were here on this island before you were born.

    • Mockingjay says:

      Wheres the petition to end O.B.A/ubp

    • Obvi says:

      But you can have a dog fight using any dog and abuse or mistreat any dog not just a pitbull so if that is really your argument then all dogs need to be taken away because there is no actual reason for them not to be alowed since any dog breed can fit this criteria.

  2. YADON says:

    10 reasons why pitbulls are the best :
    Pit Bulls are relatively healthy. It is true that any breed of dog (including mixed breed dogs) can inherit genetic issues. I have rescued thousands of Pit Bulls and the genetic issues that I have personally seen most often in Pit Bulls — demodectic mange, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation — are not usually fatal. Note: These genetic issues are not seen in all — or even many — Pit Bulls.
    Pit Bulls don’t require much grooming. Their short coat is very low maintenance and they can be bathed in very little time — not that they need to be bathed often. They do not need to be brushed (though most enjoy it) or get doggie haircuts, and their fur is not naturally odiferous.
    Pit Bulls are very eager to please people. A Pit Bull will do almost anything his favorite people ask of him, just to hear their praise. These dogs crave our attention and approval, and are very social with humans. This devotion to people has contributed heavily to the bad reputation of Pit Bulls, because a bad person can use a Pit Bull’s eagerness to please to train the dog for nefarious or criminal purposes.
    Pit Bulls are often very athletic. A Pit Bull will definitely motivate you to get daily exercise, whether you only want to walk around the block or train for a marathon. Pit Bulls also tend to excel at dog sports like agility. However, Pit Bulls are not obsessive about exercise, like some breeds.
    Pit Bulls are super loyal. When you adopt a Pit Bull, you have a friend for life, through thick and thin. While Pit Bulls are not good guard dogs because they just love people so much, they may intercede if someone threatens “their” humans.
    Pit Bulls are great with children. Pit Bulls are a loyal, people-oriented breed that thrive as part of the family. They are affectionate with both adults and children. Note: All children should be taught how to interact with animals and should be supervised when playing with any animal.
    Pit Bulls are hilarious. Just like people, all dogs are distinct individuals, but Pit Bulls are usually bursting with personality and they love to make us laugh by clowning around. They are fun and playful, even as they get older.
    Pit Bulls love, love, love people. And Pit Bulls do not discriminate against humans for any reason. Even if a Pit Bull does not like other dogs, they typically love humans and are happiest when they are with us. They remind us of this by wiggling happily and kissing us often!
    Pit Bulls love to cuddle. Even the most athletic Pit Bull will also have a sedentary side and crave being hugged and petted. Adopt a Pit Bull and you will have a constant companion keeping you warm in bed, on the couch, on your lap in your favorite chair. Did I mention that many Pit Bulls don’t realize they are too big to be lap dogs? For this reason and because they are so trainable, Pit Bulls can be excellent therapy dogs!
    And the #1 reason why Pit Bulls rule? The Pit Bull smile. Pit Bulls are great for your mental health. If you are having a bad day, one look at your Pit Bull’s huge smile and lolling tongue will surely make you smile and their zest for life is infectious. Truly, happiness is a Pit Bull smile!

    • Misunderstood Parent?? says:

      @YADON – Thank you!! Your comments explain my baby boy (pitbull) to a T!! He so doesn’t know he’s too big to be a lap dog…lol!! I have the biggest grin on my face right now thinking about how true everything you just said is. Proves that you like me have a pitbull that does not conform to the way society portrays them.

  3. YADON says:

    PITBULL FACTS AND FICTION:

    Pit Bulls have locking jaws – FICTION. Pit Bulls can’t lock their jaws. Their jaws are constructed just like any other dog. In fact if you take the x-ray of a Chihuahua and compare it to that of a Pit Bull, you will see that they are both the same except for the size difference.

    Pit Bulls are unpredictable and more likely to bite than other dogs – FICTION. Pit Bulls are no more vicious than Golden Retrievers, Beagles or other popular dogs! In a recent study of 122 dog breeds by the American Temperament Testing Society (ATTS), Pit Bulls achieved a passing rate of 83.9%. That’s as good or better than Beagles … 78.2%, and Golden Retrievers … 83.2%. How did your favorite breed do? See for yourself – go to: http://www.ATTS.org

    Pit Bulls are good with children – FACT. Pit Bulls always test high as one of the most stable breeds of dogs in the country. These statistics can be found with the American Temperament Test Society of the United States, where they always fall as one of the top five most stable dogs. Because of this, they are extremely patient and tolerant of children.

    All Pit Bulls will “snap” and attack a person sooner or later – FICTION. Pit Bulls are a very popular breed and rarely attack. Pit Bulls are very powerful animals, so when something does go wrong, it usually makes the news. Almost all Pit Bull attacks have involved unaltered Pit Bulls, so it is very important to have your Pit Bull spayed or neutered as soon as possible. Additionally, serious Pit Bull attacks rarely involve spayed/neutered Pit Bulls who have received proper training and socialization.

    Pit Bulls are good dogs for apt./condo living – FACT. Though Pit Bulls are athletic and love to get out and play, if they had their druthers, they would be sleeping on the couch, 24/7. They are short coated dogs and do not do well outside in the cold weather or very hot weather. They don’t shed too much and are easily groomed, thus making them the ultimate indoor dog.

    “Red nose” Pit Bulls are more aggressive – FICTION. Are blondes dumb? Do redheads have a quicker temper? Of course not. “Red nose” is simply a color/style. They have a lighter pigment such as a pinkish nose with yellow/green eyes. They act no different than black, brindle, or white Pit Bulls.

    Pit Bulls are easy to train – FACT. Extremely easy to train. All they want to do is please you. As they are so sensitive to your feelings, verbal training comes easily with this breed.
    Pit Bulls cannot be with other dogs and/or cats – FICTION. This is probably the biggest misconception and biggest misunderstanding when it comes to this breed. With proper training and handling, your Pit Bull can learn to live peacefully in the company of other dogs and often cats as well.

    “My kids are around pit bulls every day. In the ’70s they blamed Dobermans,in the ’80s they blamed German shepherds, in the ’90s they blamed the Rottweiler. Now they blame the pit bull.” – Cesar Millan

    Pit bulls get a bad rap because of irresponsible owners. Many people consider the look or popularity of a breed before thinking about whether the dog works for their lifestyle. Please evaluate your lifestyle before taking on the responsibility of a pit bull.

    • stunned... says:

      pit bulls are just like guns. you can say the same things about both of them…theyre bad when in the wrong hands, proper training/socialization is required to handle them. do i want a gun in or around my house? no. nor, do i want a pit bull.

    • Oh no says:

      FACT – pitbulls are very strong dogs. Given a range of dog breeds the breeds which are stronger will do more damage by biting. Yes, a chihuahua may be more aggressive and may bit more, but a 15lb chihuahua biting you (or a child) will be less likely to cause major damage. A 100lb pitbull biting you (or a child) will be much more likely to cause serious injury.

      There are two things to consider when evaluating the safety of a dog:

      1) How likely are they to bite
      2) What is the likely seriousness of the bite

    • Just Curious says:

      You’re on point. I used to be petrified of pit bulls because I believed all of the negative hype. One day (this was years ago) my neighbour’s pit bull ran out of their yard, and was charging full speed at my young kids. I began screaming hysterically and looking around for something to beat it off with. Then I noticed its tail was wagging and it began prancing around them playfully. Turns out, the dog LOVED children..When he saw the, he went running staright over (probably thinking, “Oh boy, kids!!”). Never looked at pit bulls the same after that.

    • Sickofantz says:

      So why are they called “Pitbull’s” and not “Cuddlydoodles”?

  4. Truth is killin' me... says:

    Pitbull lovers vs pitbull haters. Here we go again! 1000′s of reasons why and 1000′s of reasons why not. I personally see more agression in these dogs and loyalty to their owners than any other dog. Maybe that’s why they sometimes maul children or other dogs. Who knows, but I surely don’t trust them even if they’re with their owner!

  5. Dog says:

    I say we should show the same discretion to people. Some just can’t be rehabilitated would save a heck of a lot of money that way. What’s the difference we all gods creatures. I guess this gov. is godly enough to make those decisions. I just hope who ever euthanized these innocent animals faces the same injustice and wrongful judgement as those poor animals.

    • Whathesaid says:

      Firstly.. this Govt did not put the ban in place, secondly this Govt wasnt in power for 15yrs with the revolving door of Ministers where NONE of them had the fortitude to dissolve the ban. They instead had the dog wardens doing one thing under one Minister, and another thing under the next Minister, tells me they all felt it was a good idea yet wanted to appear like they were listening to the people. I reckon that none of them wanted to be THAT Minister that ended the ban only to then have a child/person killed by one of these dogs. Thirdly people – the dog wardens- are doing their job, so for you to say they should be judged for doing their job is a bit asinine.

  6. Triangle Drifter says:

    There should be an ownership qualification. No ownership permit for anyone with a criminal record including such things as dog fighting, theft & drugs.

    Very severe penalties for anyone found fronting ownership.

  7. OUCH says:

    Pitbulls are viewed as vicious dogs because of the nature of the breed. In my job,I have encountered many residents with pitbulls, and have not come across many friendly pits! I and many others have also considered getting pitbulls for ONE reason and that’s PROTECTION! Whether personal or property ! lets be honest!!!
    Finding information that is in support of the breed doesn’t remove the FACT that Pitbulls are a dangerous breed by nature! You can research and find a million cases proving my point!

    • Obvi says:

      That’s because thats how ppl chose to raise/train their dogs to behave and not just pitbulls. The likely hood of a pit or anydog seriously harming somone for no reason is slim. Also any kind of dog to be used for “protection” will not behave friendly to a stranger. Even ones not brought for protection I’ve yet to come across a dog of any bread who was “friendly” on the first few encounters, your a stranger and dogs like humans are standoffish till better acquainted. You try to say that they are dangerous by nature but so is every other species and breed of anything and you can research any animal to prove that point. And if you really want to be “honest” the only actual diference between a pitbull and any other large breed is the way it looks, they are still as loyal, as protective and friendly as the rest

  8. DC says:

    Generally the laws as they relate to adequate and humane treatment of animals need to be revised to reflect a more progressive society and to ensure that Bermuda’s animals are well taken care of. Owning an animal should be a privilege not a right and should bring joy.

    And a separate note to dog owners/walkers who let their dogs off leash in public spaces – you are breaking the law so stop it.

  9. Michelle says:

    Id sign this petition as many times as I can….its jus annoying how people can think that pit bulls r so fierce, when they are not…They can be when they need to PROTECT and SERVE their owners and family. But what dog wont?!?

    • Drink Water says:

      There was a case (here in Bda) of a family that owned a friendly Pitbull just recently. The Pitbull was sleeping with the youngster as it had many times before. It is believed that the Pitbull was startled or dreaming in its sleep, wore up and viciously attacked its loving owner and companion. It was a mistake and they were great loving respectful owners.

      You can argue about Pitbulls all you want. However, there is no question that the youngster would have had a chance to defend himself if he had almost any other breed of dog.

      • Obvi says:

        Had it been any other breed of dog the outcome would have mostlikely still have been the same as you said they were asleep so that “youngster” would still have had his\her guard downn.

    • Whathesaid says:

      Protecting their owners fromt eh Yorkies and the cats all around their neighborhood?

  10. Onion says:

    So over the last 15 years we have seen a dramatic drop in dog attacks and injuries thanks to these bans and even so pitbulls are responsible for half of major dog attacks in Bermuda.

    …and this position wants to undo that and make sure even more people are injured.

    Unreal.

    • bermy says:

      Well lets go by that logic and start euthanising all the kiddie fiddlers.

    • Common sense says:

      Onion makes two excellent points if true i.e. That we have seen a dramatic drop in attacks by dogs in the last 15 years, and that despite the ban on pitbulls they are still responsible for half of major dog attacks in Bermuda. Can someone provide statistics on dog attacks and the actual percentage attributed to pitbulls. I would strongly suggest that the public be made aware of the true facts before any decision is made to amend the present ban.

    • ChelseaFC says:

      Agree with you onion, what is the up side? Pit bulls are like wasps, what is the point? They only cause trouble.

    • Tolerate says:

      And this my friends; is the real argument. I love dogs, and I mean ALL dogs, but you cannot dispute these facts. Yes, not every pit-bull is vicious, and yes all the positive points above.
      BUT why would you change a law in place that has mad a significant difference?
      Unfortunately; at times the innocent, suffer (or have to do without) for the guilty.
      This law is not a LIFE changer. Own a legal breed and I’m sure you will be just as happy.
      IMO

  11. sebring says:

    the simple fact that this petition is taken place is because people do not obey the law. If people did then no pit bulls would be around to be put down. and yes judging by the amount of fools that ride bikes like maniacs, what makes any of you think that they or most can be responsible dog owners, most if not all that want this law change simply will not want any other kind of dog. With this attitude why bother having laws example let every body drive a cadi sized car and see what happens. also is it not true? that many are complaining about the quality of civil service. civil service can not keep the grass short on side walks in smiths or the side walks cleared in many small roads but you pit bull lovers want to sell the rest of us the idea of controls that are in no way able to be executed.

  12. Trulytruly says:

    I will not be signing that petition. I am a dog owner and lover. I want the present restrictions to continue and to be fully enforced. Yes, I have encountered docile friendly pit bulls, however I have also seen and heard too many accounts of quite the opposite. How about a kid permanently traumatized, years after seeing his terrier mauled to death by a pit bull? It happens and the less of them on this tiny island, the safer and better for all.

  13. Creamy says:

    Where’s the petition for the rest of us, who want the law to protect us from owners of inherently dangerous animals?

  14. Coffee says:

    Don’t ban pit bulls . Ban irresponsible owners .

    • Toodle-oo says:

      Every case of a pit bull attack that has gone to court , here and overseas , and there are many thousands, the owners all said the dog came from a loving and caring home and they just could not understand what happened.

      These dogs ‘snap’ , it’s well documented and who owns them or how loving they’re treated and their home environment has not one single thing to do with it.

      Exactly how do you ban ‘irresponsible owners’ ? I can just imagine the outcry of discrimination from people refused ownership on that basis.
      A ban on irresponsible owners is completely un-doable .

    • Rhonnie aka BlueFamiliar says:

      if only that were possible.

  15. Pit lover says:

    I have a pit bull and he is no where near dangerous! The most he would do is lick u to death!! He is very friendly with everyone especially children. He only barks when he senses someone threatening me. A great loyal breed that is judged and misunderstood! Its not the breed its how u raise them

  16. Triangle Drifter says:

    IMO the pitbull is no more feisty than many other breeds. Having a SPCA pit mix in the house the dog is not to be messed with if she has not been introduced & you have passed the house TSA.

    It is the dog’s job & there are no guarantees what the dog may or may not do if she catches an unknown on the property.

    No different than so many others, including the ankle biters that think they are a Shepard, a pit or something else.

    • Creamy says:

      You say the dog isn’t feisty, and then describe a dog that definitely is feisty, to say the least.

      That stats show these dogs are dangerous TD. The consequences of being attacked by one of these are way more serious than the ankle biters, as you call them. Sorry, but we don’t agree on this.

    • Drink Water says:

      At least you have a chance against an ankle biter or other breed if it gets spooked, feels threatened (even if it is not).

  17. Rhonnie aka BlueFamiliar says:

    Though I love pits, I’m afraid that I can’t sign the petition.

    It’s only purpose is to allow a handful of selfish, but law abiding, people to own the breed. Or the non law-abiding who love their dogs to actually licence them not wanting their death presuming there will be an amnesty included. It will do nothing for the people who have these dogs now if there’s no amnesty or those who have them, fight them, and continue to breed them illegally. When those dogs are found they will still be taken, they will still be euthanised.

    This is not a solution to the problem.

    • bermy says:

      The non law abiding people that have pits will continue to have pits legal or illegal. The dogs don’t ask the owners to be used for fighting or any other malicious activity, that is squarely on the owner. By allowing responsible owners to own them and have them socialised we can increase awareness and understanding of this totally unfairly stereotyped breed.

    • KaD says:

      BSL grandfathers in existing dogs. Please educate yourself on the subject and stop listening to the hysteria. http://thecaninegamechanger.blogspot.com/2014/12/what-is-bsl.html

  18. Longtail says:

    Our current legislation is racist. We must end this racism and allow people to own the dog they wish. Just because people choose pitbulls in dog fights doesn’t mean they are cruel, this can be related to picking races and physical build used for fighting in boxing, MMA, wrestling and all sports. It doesn’t make sense right? exactly.

    If a pitbull is acting up, sure do what u got to do. But if my pitbull is kind and is more humane then the people who are putting them down. let them live. mind your own business. Place micro gps chips in pitbulls and other dogs if u want, and that way you can do regular checks on them if you wish.

    Check these videos out

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCipyIahf4I

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_mZhfl1Lhk

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_y0L2K1YgU

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bt3FUlW2qnw

  19. Terry says:

    Gotta love emotion/s

    History speaks for itself re the breed and incidents.

    Next week I will be presenting a petition to ban Ferrel Chickens and Roosters.

    Damn things attack everything and they don’t clean up after themselves.

    Shalom and don’t let the pit choke you.

  20. Rock watcher says:

    Iam a dog owner and lover but I don’t think I can agree to sign this petition if there is still a huge amount of illegal breeding as a prohibited breed it will not improve if they go onto the restricted list, and if they have been prohibited for many years how are you obtaining them to be family pets? Surely you have to take responsability when owning a prohibited dog that there us a chance you will loose them, the law is not new.i wish all pit owners had the right mindset but sadly not all owners have good intentions and will license their dogs and train and care for them in a family setting……

  21. KaD says:

    There is only a controversy in the minds of people who want to avoid reality. Every trait that was BRED INTO these dogs-explosive, disproportionate and unprovoked aggression, gameness, and their uniquely damaging hold and shake attack style-makes them defective, destructive, and deadly as a PET animal. Pit bulls are the number ONE breed for human fatalities and severe, life altering injuries (fatalpitbullattacks.com), serial attacks, rampage attacks, and failing a ‘second chance’ (dogbitelaw.com) as well as mauling and killing pets and livestock (17barks.blogspot.com). This is no more an appropriate and safe pet than a tiger or bear and should be regulated the same way.

  22. Real Deal says:

    Save the Bullies!!!!!!

  23. dog lover says:

    It’s not the dog it’s the owner #1 #2 You can’t stop the pit bull breeding thing, people are just going to continue hinding their puppy why they hide them, because you don’t want the wrong person see #3 Some pitbulls are house dogs and the dog gets labeled as a dangerous animal or he is being used to protect drugs or he is just too pretty, they have to put him too sleep. We need a licence available for these animals

  24. Thomas McCartney says:

    Simply put, border collies do not herd sheep because they are raised on sheep farms; rather, they are raised on sheep farms because they herd.

    In addition pointers point, retrievers retrieve, and mastiffs guard, all because those traits are part of their breed expectations, meaning strong and continuous selection in the underlying breeding program ”

    Pit bulls do not attack because they are raised with dog fighters and drug dealers, dog fighters and drug dealers use pit bulls because they attack!

    It is their nature, their genetic truth and reality.!!

    It is not how you raise them rather it is simply what they are.!!

    Just like sled dogs run and pull, it is just their nature.!

    A pit bull type dog is what it is and does what it is.You can no more alter it genetic makeup then you can a collies to herd, a hounds to track, a retriever’s to retrieve, a labs to swim, a pointers to point, a sled dog to run and pull.

    They do what they are and a pit bull type dog is a mauling violent killer that has been bred to be a land shark, nothing you do can change that, even if you have them from birth.

    No matter if you love them, or how you nurture, train, rehabilitate, raise them optimally as normal dogs from birth, you can not change their Genetic reality to Kill, Maul, Maim, Disfigure, Dismember, cause Life Flights or trips to the Intensive Care Unit.

    For over 600 years the current pit bull type dog was brought into being through careful selective genetic breeding to create the most violent murderous fighting dog possible

    • sage says:

      Wrong.Pit Bulls were bred selectively over time to develop “gameness” the never-give-up tenacity needed in the pit, they were bred to attack dogs, and specifically NOT humans, who needed to separate the dogs mid-fight.(google fight rules). By the way all dogs can/do attack under certain cicumstances, so wouldn’t drug dealers just go ahead and buy a couple Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Rottweilers, Belgian Malinois, Bull Mastiffs, Dobermans, German Sheperds, Staffordshire Terriers, or those giant Portuguese dogs that are all the rage now? They probably have Corgis in their cribs, Pit Bulls are so 80′s. ” For over 600 years the current pit bull type dog was brought into being through careful selective genetic breeding to create the most violent murderous fighting dog possible”, …by the #1 most overall, destructive, ignorant, violent, murderous, immoral, self centered, greedy, downright evil creatures to inhabit the earth, let’s be honest here. I mean the solution to people infringing the dog ban is murdering the otherwise healthy dogs, says a lot .

      • Creamy says:

        If idiots didn’t own illegal dogs, there would be no need to euthanize the dogs. The owners of illegal pit bulls are, by any definition, idiots.

  25. Facts on the Danger of all Pit Bull Type Dogs

    The Truth about the success of Pit Bull type Dog Ban & BSL enforcement, Views of Dog trainers/animal control, Pit Bull breeders, owners,Canine experts, animal behaviorists, Vets, Doctors, Dog attack statistics for the USA, General Dog Bite Statistics across the country.

    And everything you were want to know about the pit bull type dog but were afraid to ask.!

    http://banallpitbulls.blogspot.ca/
    ************************************************************************************************************
    God Bless these souls through eternity and may there killers be dammed for eternity.!

    http://voicesofthevictims.org/victims-stories/media/2014-canine-attack-victims-memorial/

    This is the truth of the Pit bull type dog’s Genetic reality and outcome: We the people “WON’T BACK DOWN”

    http://voicesofthevictims.org/victims-stories/media/wontbackdown-psa/ *********************************************************************************************** Wednesday, January 7, 2015
    2014 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs Most of the Expected, Longtime Killing Culprits

    http://blog.dogsbite.org/2015/01/2014-fatal-dog-attack-breed-identification-photographs.html

    Bite Statistics to Sink Your Teeth Into

    January 06, 2015
    http://www.niagarafallsreporter.com/Stories/2015/JAN06/bite.html

  26. American Temperament Test:
    The ATTS test, was NOT created to evaluate dogs for “pet” suitability.

    In 1977, Alfons Ertel designed the American Temperament Test in hopes of creating a uniform temperament test for dogs. Of the 75 million dogs that populate the U.S. today,20 about 933 are tested per year (0.001% of all dogs).

    And he was a printer, NOT an animal behaviorist. He owned German shepherds and was involved in the sport called shutzhund, which involves training dogs in the same manner in which police dogs are trained.

    The ATTS was intended to test working dogs for jobs such as police work and it favors bold animals, i.e., dogs that face danger head-on without hesitation or fear.

    Courage was a desirable trait, timidity an undesirable trait. Thus, German shepherds did much better on the ATTS than did collies and other timid breeds.

    In fact, 95% of the dogs that fail the ATTS do so because they “lack confidence,” e.g., when approaching a weirdly-dressed stranger.

    Of course, pit bulls are going to score well on a test geared toward aggressive behavior because these monsters were bred for the purpose of fighting and killing other pit bulls and nothing deters them, certainly not weirdly-dressed strangers!

    The temperament data published by the group is not based upon scientific random sampling of any dog breed. It seems it would be virtually impossible to develop such a reliable study, as the base population source group is unidentifiable.

    Due to the temperament data being objectively statistically unreliable, it is also highly misleading. Pit bull advocates frequently use this misleading data to point to the breed’s good temperament and to advocate against breed-specific laws (“Pit bulls pass the ATTS test more often than beagles!”).

    Yet anyone one who has a minimal understanding of critical statistical analysis should be able to see that the ATTS “breed statistics” temperament data21 is essentially valueless.

    The 12-minute test stimulates a casual walk through a park with a range of encounters. The test focuses on stability, shyness, aggressiveness and a few other factors. According to the group, the overall pass rate (the combination of all breeds) is 81.6%.22

    Unlike the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen test, no part of the ATTS test is performed without the dog owner present. It also fails to evaluate the most basic scenario that leads to aggression: How a dog reacts when it sees another dog.

  27. Pit bull type dogs make up only 6% of the US dog population yet they kill more then 99% of the 45,000 people, pets and livestock every year in the US.!

    Over the last 800 years Pit bull type dogs were Breed to kill Bears, Bulls & Large draft horses in the pit and then later each other in dog fights, that is what they are and they are what they do, Kill, Maul, Maim, Disfigure, Dismember, cause Life Flights or trips to the Intensive Care Unit.

  28. Classic nutter argument: “In the 70s it was German Shepherds, in the 80s it was Dobermans, and in the 90s it was Rottweilers.”

    I gathered some numbers from Wikipedia’s list of fatal dog maulings to use when responding to this particular bit of idiocy. Mixes were included in the tallies.

    DBRFs from German Shepherds in the 70s: 10

    DBRFs from Dobermans in the 80s: 1

    DBRFs from Rottweilers in the 90s: 17

    DBRFs from all three of these breeds from 1970 through 2014 (nearly 45 years): 115

    Working backwards from the present day, one need only go back to mid-August 2009 to count 115 deaths by pit bull. Pit bulls accomplished in just over 5 years what it took these other three breeds 45 years to do.

    DBRFs from Chihuahuas: 0

    **************************************************************************************

    Wednesday, March 17, 2010

    Radio Show Interviews Assistant City Attorney Don Bauermeister About Pit Bull Bans

    Browning: “Have you had any other nuisances in your community similar to the pit bulls?”

    Bauermeister:

    “There’s a lot of rhetoric and argument that these thugs that were responsible for the pit bulls, that they’ll just go out and grab another dog and we’re going to see a problem with some sort of replacement dog.

    That has not happened. That’s simply false, and it’s rhetoric, and it hasn’t happened in Denver either.

  29. Opinion: There is no need for pit bulls
    By Dr. David A. Billmire June 29, 2014

    Dr. Billmire is professor and director of the Division of Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

    As one who, for the last 30 years, has been on the receiving end of the dog-bite injuries that pass through the Children’s Hospital Emergency Room, as well as on the staff at the Shriners Hospitals for Children where we see the late effects of these injuries from across the nation, I can categorically tell you that the problems associated with dog bites are indeed breed-specific.

    When I started my career, the most common dog-bite injuries were from German shepherds and occasionally retrievers. These injuries were almost always provoked, such as food-related or stepping on the dog, and in almost every instance, the dog reacted with a single snap and release – essentially a warning shot. There were no pack attacks.

    Starting about 25 years ago, my colleagues and I started to see disturbingly different types of injuries. Instead of a warning bite, we saw wounds where the flesh was torn from the victim. There were multiple bite wounds covering many different anatomical sites. The attacks were generally unprovoked, persistent and often involved more than one dog. In every instance the dog involved was a pit bull or a pit bull mix.

    Now, I am a dog lover and virtually every one of my family members has a dog. But it is a fact that different dogs have always been bred for specific qualities. My sheltie herded, my daughter’s setter flushes birds and my pug sits on my lap – this is what they are bred for. Pit bulls were bred to fight and kill and, unfortunately, many current breeders favor these aggressive traits. There is no need for any dog with the characteristics.

    I recently gave a talk summarizing my 30 years of practice in pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery, and one segment was titled “Why I Hate Pit Bulls.” I watched a child bleed to death one night in our operating room because a pit bull had torn his throat out. I have had to rebuild the skull of a child who had his ears and entire scalp torn off.

    I am currently reconstructing the face of a child, half of whose face has been torn off down to the bone. I have had to rebuild noses, lips, eyelids, jaws and cheeks of numerous children. On older children, I have had to reconstruct legs and hands. The unfortunate young victim whose recent attack has initiated this discussion will bear the scars of this attack for the rest of her life.

    Based on my extensive experience, I believe that the risk posed by pit bulls is equivalent to placing a loaded gun with the safety off on the coffee table. In my opinion, these dogs should be banned. I know this is an unpopular stand in some circles, but how many mauled children do we have to see before we realize the folly of allowing these dogs to exist?

    The arguments made by advocates of these dogs are the same arguments made by people who feel that assault weapons are an essential part of daily living. There are plenty of breeds available that peacefully coexist with human society. There is no need for pit bulls.

  30. Myth #7: Pit bulls do not have a locking jaw

    Pro-pit bull groups continuously attempt to debunk the pit bull “locking jaw” expression that is often used by the media and the public. A pit bull’s jaw may not physically lock, but due to selective breeding for a specific bite style — to hold on and to shake indefinitely — we consistently hear in news reports that the dog “would not let go.” DogsBite.org has recorded numerous tools used to try to get a pit bull to release its grip including: shotguns, hammers, baseball bats and pipes.

    • Bermy says:

      It’s scientificly been proven bully breeds do not have the natural mechanics to lock there jaw. And you proved the biggest problem the breed has is thru there portrayal in te media. 99% of dog attacks involving bully breeds name the breed in media reports yet 99% of attacks/incidents of other breeds they don’t report the breed just say dog attack making people think that it was a bully breed.

  31. Charlly X says:

    Well if people weren’t abusing the dogs then the story would be different ! Ask the dog wardens and veterinary clinic a few questions on the subject !! Personally I like dogs n Pitts are cool , but a mad dog is dangerous no matter what breed ! A friend of mine had a vicious poodle . You couldn’t mess with him , he’d bite you , growl n snarl like a guard dog . That poodle was no joke !!! Mind you he was taught.to be a protector by humans ! Just saying anything can be taught to be bad or good . Rehabilitation is another story !

  32. Common sense says:

    Thomas McCartney has hit the nail on the head with an enormous sledgehammer! If our legislators are seriously considering lifting the ban on pitbulls they should be required to read the facts given by Mr. McCartney so that when we have a child or adult seriously injured as a result of a pit ill attack, the victims lawyer has a case in court against those who were irresponsible enough to change the law despite the abundance of evidence clearly showing that pit bulls were specifically bred to attack and kill.

    I have no doubt that pitbulls raised in a caring and loving environment can make excellent pets, but if and when they turn vicious they are uniquely bred to inflict serious injury, and there have been a substantial number of cases around the world where so-called wonderful gentle pets have seriously injured, maimed or even killed family members.

    To suggest that a vicious dog such as a Yorkshire terrier, or a miniature poodle are equally as dangerous as a pitbull is simply not being realistic.

    Does anyone really believe that if the law is changed to allow pitbulls then all owners of pitbulls in future will be good, kind and caring owners? I think not.

    • sage says:

      Uh, Bull mastiffs, Rotties, Dobermans and on and on were bred to do what? At 2-3 times a pit bulls weight are they not equally dangerous?

  33. KaD says:

    I’d like to call for an end to pitbull denial and ignorance. Every trait that was BRED INTO these FIGHTING BREED dogs-explosive, disproportionate and unprovoked aggression, gameness, and their uniquely damaging hold and shake attack style-makes them defective, destructive, and deadly as a PET animal (fatalpitbullattacks.com). Pit bulls are the number ONE breed for human fatalities and severe, life altering injuries (fatalpitbullattacks.com), serial attacks, rampage attacks, and failing a ‘second chance’ (dogbitelaw.com) as well as mauling and killing pets and livestock (17barks.blogspot.com). This is no more an appropriate and safe pet than a tiger or bear and should be regulated the same way.

  34. Longtail says:

    free the pitbulls