Comments on: Opinion: Starling On Ending The PitBull Ban

By: wantwant cantget

wantwant cantget — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 22:44:28 +0000

ummm,
pitbulls are for sale as we speak at the aforementioned price and available to any jack*** who can scrounge up 500 – 800 bucks.
I on the other hand bought my first legal “Pure breed” and forked out 5 grand
the average Joe, or **shole as you call him, will do the maths on which dog he’s gonna buy quick!
Dat Guy has a quite valid point.
as you reference to switchblades, hmmm, cant recall when the last time I’ve seen one yet alone someone selling em
trying to get the the

By: Outsider

Outsider — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 17:39:24 +0000

I agree, there needs to be more educating the public on animal rights and how to treat their pets, combined with the actual animal right laws been implemented. I’ve noticed dogs are often neglected in peoples back yards, restricted to chains or cages, resulting in perpetual barking. This is not a Pitbull problem, this is a people problem!

By: aceboy

aceboy — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 20:04:03 +0000

“Enhanced enforcement of dog license laws, requiring all dog owners to complete a dog training course [we have to take tests to operate vehicles; the same should apply for owning a dog].”

Frankly I think that you are really on to something here….but it’s actually unrelated to dogs.

I think we should license child birth. All potential parents need to be licensed and take a course on parenting. Can’t afford a child? No license.

That should help with some of the gang violence in 20 years.

Toodles.

By: Pete M.

Pete M. — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 07:33:33 +0000

He’s right black soil. In the USA 30% of our dogs have some sort of pitbull breed in them, so obviously when the population density is so skewed, there will be more dog bites from pitbull breeds. If you look at dog bites per capita, the number changes drastically.

By: Pete M.

Pete M. — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 07:29:39 +0000

I understand that you’re trying to stress a point that safety is paramount to the community when it comes to dog ownership, black soil. Obviously it’d be unfair to dog owners of all breeds if pitbull breeds (you said pitbull in a singular sense, this in itself is false. The term “pitbull” is a blanket statement used to qualify up to 25 different breeds at once. It isn’t just 1 breed.) were unbanned, and then pitbull owners were irresponsible and let their dogs run loose to possibly hurt yours. I rescued my pitbull and while she Is friendly with people, babies, kids, and dogs her size and bigger, she does not get along with little dogs, so a run In with a little dog would turn tragic if I didn’t obey my towns dog leash laws, which apply to all dogs. Wouldn’t it be smarter to put strict leash laws in place to protect owners and other dogs instead of banning 25 breeds without proper genetic testing? When someone commits a crime with a gun or bladed article, do you suggest the owner gets off free, and ban knives and firearms across the board? Or do you hold the owner accountable? Currently in many countries, pitbull dogs make up for 70% of dogs in shelters. This means that these dogs put a huge strain on shelters, which means tax payers too! Wouldn’t it be wiser to allow these dogs be owned by responsible owners, require strict leash laws to protect you, your pet, the pitbull owner and his pet, and fine violators of the law to bring in government revenue, all while taking strains off shelters so they can in turn save more animals and euthanize fewer all while reducing tax payer cost? Just food for thought. I rescued my pit mix because she was the longest tenured resident at my shelter, and I love the breed. For all their faults, they’re loving, loyal, intelligent, strong and agile dogs. Mine is calm and thinks she’s a big lapdog, and fairly obedient, sometimes haha. Isn’t that what anyone wants from a family pet?

By: empnort

empnort — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 06:17:03 +0000

@blacksoil: dat_guy is referring to the temperament test administered by the American Temperament Test Society, which tests many, many breeds of dogs. granted, they fail to have a viable sample size for many breeds, but they have tested hundreds of pitbulls (“Staffordshire Terriers”) and pit bulls routinely come out with flying colors. see for yourself here: http://atts.org/breed-statistics/statistics-page7/

the numbers for 2013 have pitbulls passing with > 90%, whereas many other common breeds are somewhere in the 80-85% range

By: Inner Peace

Inner Peace — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 13:06:54 +0000

In order to make public policy we need to expand our knowledge beyond our own limited personal experiences, “I never been bitten by a Pit Bull”. For instance, “I never fasten my helmet and I never been killed, so it’s safe”. Bermuda is a small place, so it is important to look at a larger population to see what Pit Bulls are really capable of. In our neighbour the US, a child has their face ripped off by a Pit Bull every week and Pit Bulls kill more people than all other breeds put together. Also in Bermuda, a place without rabies, mauling by Pit Bulls are much of a concern then minor bites from other breeds.

By: Is What It Is

Is What It Is — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 06:03:03 +0000

Inner Peace – I asked for an honest answer and that was not honest. To say that other breeds don’t attacking people and pets anywhere near the rate that Pit Bulls do, is not true. There are breeds that aren’t on the list that are read specifically to attack man. Chances of being bitten by these breeds are higher. I personally have been around lots of different pit bulls and have never been bitten by one, but I have been bitten by other breeds a couple times and some have tried without success. Also the pit bull population isn’t going anywhere.

By: Inner Peace

Inner Peace — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 21:46:11 +0000

The responsibility of euthanized Pit Bulls lay squarely on the shoulders of those people who breed and keep them since they have been illegal for over ten years. Even before the ban the SPCA was full of unwanted Pit Bulls. Pit Bulls are banned because they are a dangerous dog bred for attacking and killing.

By: Inner Peace

Inner Peace — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 19:41:13 +0000

Although the Pit Bull ban has been on the books for the last ten years, was only allowed to be enforced for the last two years. Since enforced, the Pit Bull population has dropped rapidly, along with attacks. We don’t hear of other breeds attacking people and pets because other breeds don’t attacking people and pets anywhere near the rate that Pit Bulls do. Pits Bulls are banned in many other places because of the danger they pose to the general public.

By: Ignorance_is_not_bliss

Ignorance_is_not_bliss — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 19:33:57 +0000

Marc bean implemented the ban in 2003 as a knee jerk reaction. Due to a minor (but politically powerful) group request. Since then the canine advisory comittee has already prepared a review on the ban and recommended that the prohibited list be removed for all the large breeds except the wolf hybrids. that was November this year. And nothing has been done. Nothing.
They continue the breed specific genocide, even though the committee for canines in bermuda has already advised that it is unnecessary.
Death is not the answer. Blood on your hands will not keep
People safe.
Allowing responsible owners, leaves the warden and police free to persecute the irresponsible ones.
And more to the point, the innocent dogs that do nothing but love their owners don’t need to be murdered for the illusion of safety

By: JD

JD — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 19:12:16 +0000

This is utterly sad – The fact that individuals are so blind to the fact that these pits are innocent in this. Yes it is true that some may somewhat temperamental but one must also keep in mind the owner should be held accountable. I don’t believe that any dog should be banned or restricted – rather that the process of adopting/purchase of any pet to be regulated to a higher degree. One must keep in mind a pet is not a toy you give your child/family as a toy but rather a new member of the family to be loved. Potential owners should be e assisted as to where or not they truly are capable of taking care of their pet. It should be mandate that ALL pet owners should complete obedience classes for EVERY BREED. Sadly I have seen some poorly behaved pets of all kinds (small dogs included – and more often than not) – and yet some of the sweetest most well behaved pets, lo and behold – Pitbulls.

By: Ignorance_is_not_bliss

Ignorance_is_not_bliss — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 17:28:49 +0000

So Benny? Because bermuda can’t figure out how to persecute pit bull owners that neglect or harm the dog.. We should kill each and every pitbull the warden comes across? You think mass carcasses of INNOCENT pitbulls justify for those that are abused by humans?
So kill every pitbull, until the humans figure out how not to neglect or harm them??? Really????
Yes that makes perfect sense to why in your opinion they should stay on the list & we keep killing them.
Those terrible pitbulls are abused by humans, so as humans we should kill Them all… How very humane of you.

By: Stunned...

Stunned... — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 15:56:10 +0000

has any of these dog lovers walked a child recently…just curious

By: Stunned...

Stunned... — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 15:48:22 +0000

You say: I was waiting until i was married to have children so i got a couple dogs and a cat to fill the void… When i get home and my “children” are happy to see me it helps me forget to horrible day i had…We all get to crawl in bed and watch tv for a while to help the stress melt away. ad nauseum

I repeat: it is about how that animal makes YOU feel good at the end of the day; it’s your surrogate child/lover/whatever. shaking my head at this twisted society.

By: Decent Pet Owner

Decent Pet Owner — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 15:20:45 +0000

Wow. I’m floored. Pet ownership is selfish… thats an interesting notion. There are many people in this world that cant have children so they embrase a four legged friends as their “child/ren.” I was waiting until i was married to have children so i got a couple dogs and a cat to fill the void. Obviously you have no idea what an animal adds to the quality of life for some people. When i get home and my “children” are happy to see me it helps me forget to horrible day i had. We all get to crawl in bed and watch tv for a while to help the stress melt away. I understand you have the right to an opinion but dont you think your opinion should be a little more educated? You should think about others before you speak on such a public basis.
And just because i have animals dosen’t mean i dont help the needy. Honestly i dont see how one has anything to do with the other. Its like saying dont have children/animals just help others who did because they need help. i would never question if you help the needy children in our country. It’s your business and choice. hopefully since you are accusing me of not helping others; you are front and center helping others.

By: Ignorance_is_not_bliss

Ignorance_is_not_bliss — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 15:20:02 +0000

Sigh… Opinions are like noses I guess, some peoples are ugly to look at. But we forgive them anyway.
Any educated dog lover would know that the IRISH WOLFHOUND breed, is not unlike the pittbull breed. Persecuted due to
Common perception.
Educate yourselves before you persecute anything.
Figure out if your opinions are fact based or if your just spouting irrelevant words…
#fact. The Bsl in bermuda does not work, it’s a blanket ban designed to specifically persecute particular breeds without an educated cause.
#fact. There are no temperment tests so saying the prohibited list is to protect the general public is rubbish if you let persistent offending dogs get away with aggressive behavior without testing for it.
#fact. Euthanizing a healthy & good temperment dog is murder.
#fact. The pitbull is the most popular dog on the island , hence it’s popularity in statistics.
#fact. people, of all races, creeds, ect. Love this breed of dog. Not just the “drug dealers” “pimps” “bogeyman” or other negative archetype you could dream up.
#fact. Pitbulls score high on usa temperment tests only
Coming second the the Labrador.
#fact. There is no need to murder a dog that has done nothing to you but be born into a particular breed.
It is sick.
If you agree with the euthanzia, you are sick.
You should hope they never blanket ban uneducated or mis-informed people. Some of the above commentators could be in trouble! Stop spouting ignorance! Educate yourself, be the voice of reason, not the voice of retard.
Judging by some of your opinions, one of these persecuted pitbulls could teach you a thing or two about humanity!!
#endbslbermuda

By: benny

benny — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 10:53:00 +0000

Statistics regarding dogs mean little in such a case. Almost any dog can be trained to be a loving pet. What we need are statistics on the dog owners. Dogs need love. They are not supposed to be chained up outside all year round. They need veterinary check ups, a healthy diet, minor training in obedience and most importantly, affection. Until we can make sure that pitbulls and other dogs alike are being well treated, they should stay on the list.

By: Is What It Is

Is What It Is — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 05:26:15 +0000

Can someone answer a couple questions honestly for me? Seeing that the ban on pits has been in place for well over ten years, why is the population of young pit bulls still so strong in BDA? Seeing that the population is still so strong, why don’t we hear much about pit bull attacks in the media as much as we use to? The other breeds are still attacking other animals and people so why don’t we hear about attacks from the other breeds that aren’t banned?

My opinion is this ban was originally an attack on a few individuals that turned into a big cover up. I say this partly because of what the Minister responsible for putting this ban in place admitted in a meeting with others. He admitted having no knowlage of any statistics on dog attacks in BDA. He also admitted implementing it due to the request of a certian small group of individuals.

By: Is What It Is

Is What It Is — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 04:36:36 +0000

@Black Soil…. That isn’t how they came up with the list. They did pretty much dream it up because there are a number of breeds on the banned list that the BDA police and GOV have no record of injuring an animal or person. Plus there are a number of breeds that are not on the list that they do have on record for injuring another animal or person. I have four different breeds that they have on record for doing major damage to people but not one of them are banned. This whole banned breed is fraudulent but you will believe it anyway.

By: Man of the earth

Man of the earth — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 03:35:55 +0000

A boa? Im assuming you are referring to a boa constrictor as the term boa is used to described varying species of non-venomous, non present heat pit constrictors. I have worked with many snakes both venomous and non and are by far my favorite creature, but sadly there is no room for any of those species on this island as we simply cannot allow people to own a animal that even in the most secure housings can escape and potentially wreak havoc on our native wildlife that have little or no defense against a predator they have never encountered before. As with pitbulls, snakes sadly share the same bad rap and are misunderstood. Now the domestic dog has been created BY MAN, it was our jobs that needed doing that they had filled the space from hunting to companionship. Sadly there was a dark area for mans best friend as they had been pitted against bulls, bears, and other dogs for sheer bloodsport. Even though these animals were BRED not TRAINED to fight they must never bite a human for if done in the ring the animal would be removed (losing the fight in the process) and be destroyed for being a threat to man, the OPPOSITE of what the dog is intended to be. This breed was adored by man it was in the white house, was considered a nanny dog and the only breed to dawn the cover of time magazine, where it has all gone wrong is in simple BSL (breed specific legislation) when a dog is deemed “illegal” the market value plummets as the risks involved are too great thus resulting in a normal pure breed going from $1500-3000 drop as far as $500-800. This creates a wealth of problems from animals being weaned far to early, to the wrong crowd making a impulse buy because the animal is so cheap as compared to ordinary breeds. Once in the owners hands and the nostalgia has worn off the animal becomes a lawn ornament living on a chain with minimal socialization and inadequate care resulting in a plethora of health and psychological aliments that do nothing but hinder the dogs trust with man or his fellow beast which when the poor animal does break loose makes a decision that could cost it or another pet their life. To combat this issue is no simple feat they have truly no idea how far this inbreeding has spiraled out of control with high tension and aggression being prevalent as well as a plethora of health ailments due to the lack of diversified genetics leading to under slung jaws, bowed legs and even shortened tails. I love this breed and its not as simple as find another, this simple breed of dog out of the hundreds of species I have seen and worked closely with stand tall above all others, the connection man shares with dogs cannot be replicated or simply expressed, I understand over 90% of current pit owners are not a just fit for ANY DOG let alone pits this shouldn’t result in having the breed banned all together. It’s high time we create a plan of controlling the out of control underground trade and start implementing a proper breeding regiment to allow fresh blood to appropriate and responsible breeders and restrict breeding solely to these individuals that understand temperament and genetics, as a precaution to unwanted breeding all offspring should be spayed or neutered unless a breeders permit is applied for in advance just as any other breed. For anyone who thinks this problem is already under control your living in la la land, over the years through my experiences with helping owners that simply cant afford food or medical treatment but still want the animal I have the obligation to help the animal as its not their fault, but I am sick and tired of seeing this problem grow, it is not hindering the aggression and breeding of this breed but making it worst! Allow the people that truly understand the problem and have seen it first hand handle the correction process because the current legislation is doing more harm then good, for when injustice becomes law rebellion becomes our duty.

By: Karma Chameleon

Karma Chameleon — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 02:52:28 +0000

Yes! Can you not learn to live with another breed. Must you always get what you want even at the expense of others. Can you not learn to love something else other than a pitbull? Get over it!

By: Karma Chameleon

Karma Chameleon — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 02:48:22 +0000

@PettyBdathinking, has maybe also forgotten about the innocent tourist that was attacked by a Pitbull at Admiralty house a few Summers ago. She was lucky to be alive!

By: Karma Chameleon

Karma Chameleon — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 02:43:01 +0000

Are there more retriever bites , maybe because there are many more retrievers? How do the numbers compare when you look at the numbers of each? Also what is the severity of those bites? As someone that has been bitten by a Pit and other dogs I can tell you there is a big difference.

Most dogs bite and release in order to warn you. However, Pits tend to be more calculated as to where they bite, they lock in and then twist and tear! Sorry, your facts do not show the whole story!

By: Karma Chameleon

Karma Chameleon — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 02:32:49 +0000

@Dat_Guy, sorry but your Pit Bulls are the exception and not the rule. You have obviously put a lot of time and effort into training and loving your PitBulls ad I commend you for that. However, the sad truth is that most dog owners (OF ANY BREED) do not properly train their dogs.

Because of this I would say that 60-70% of all dogs do not respond properly to their owners commands. As someone that has been bitten by two Min Pins, a beagle and a Pitbull I can tell you there is no comparison! The Min Pins, and Beagle attacked me while I was visiting a friend and walked in their yard. The Pitbull attacked me (and my dog) while I was walking my dog in the Arboretum. It broke away from its owner after they couldn’t hold it. Luckily he was able to grab the leash again and eventually pull it off me before it killed me. An innocent child attacked by those two min pins would have a chance to get away. That same child attacked by a Pit Bull would likely be severely injured and possibly killed!

You can not be with your dog all the time and mistakes do happen. They do escape, they do break free, gates are left open! Are you willing to be held accountable if your dog kills or injures someone!

By: Karma Chameleon

Karma Chameleon — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 02:09:39 +0000

Mr. Starling,

My son wants a BOA (snake) because he owned one in University in the USA. Both he and I are very responsible and have never been in trouble with the law. The breed on its own, is not venomous or dangerous, and we promise to keep it in a cage at all times! Should we be allowed to have one? How would you feel if it got out by mistake (they do happen) and killed your cat, dog, or child? We hear all the time that the breed is misunderstood and its the owners that are the problem. That might be true, but I feel much better knowing that my former ,irresponsible, abusive, and crazy neighbor can no longer have pitbulls! Ever been attacked by one!? If you had (or your child had) you would feel differently.

You can’t always get what you want! That is life my friend! If you are a dog over, you will learn to love another breed.

By: 69SSRS

69SSRS — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 00:41:26 +0000

We have had American Bull Dogs…banned. Cane Corso…banned…Staffordshire Terror…..restricted. NEVER a problem. Maybe next we need a Wolfhound!!

By: ignorance_is_not_bliss

ignorance_is_not_bliss — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 00:26:26 +0000

listen,listen…. nobody is saying the dogs don’t have potential to be dangerous.
(if you climb into a house that doesn’t belong to you for example)
But like any animal, with the right training and owner, pit bulls are no different from your other large breed dog. german shep, rotties, staffies, ect,
there are no temperament tests done here for dog behavioral analysis, so you have perfectly safe loving pets
being put down frequently.
and euthanizing a perfectly healthy animal, is murder. no matter how you try to justify it.
a dog is a dog, no matter what breed. there is no justification for murder or mass culls of pit bulls.
and if you sit here and think the its okay to euthanize pitbull after pitbull regardless of nature.
you have lost your soul. and if i hear one more non-sensical rant about drug dealers and specific kinds of owners that love the breed.. thats utter b.s… total crap… lots and lots of people on this island love and cherish that specific breed of dog.. and they all can’t be drug dealers and pimps…
with the right regulations, there wouldn’t be a need to restrict my right to a best friend of any breed (except wolf, who needs a wolf? those can stay on)
if muzzled, kept as indoor pets, allowed to be registered, and spayed, possibly pet insurance..

pittbulls are loyal, loving, intelligent, dedicated & beautiful family pets,
euthanasia is murder. no matter what your fear is, a blanket of murder does not solve anything.
educate yourself on the bsl, and how effective it is before you throw your opinions around.

By: Time Shall Tell

Time Shall Tell — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 00:22:12 +0000

OK we can play this game http://amarillo.com/stories/100900/usn_pet.shtml

By: Varied

Varied — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 00:12:07 +0000

It is a bit telling that articles about cats of dogs get tons of views and comments, while issues affecting human beings don’t even get a once-over.

By: Bermy

Bermy — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 00:10:19 +0000

That story your referring to was a Boxer, not a Pit. Boxers aren’t banned in any way. So you just further proved the point, all dog breeds can be dangerous if put in a dangerous situation or not providing correct training.

No matter what breed of dog you have, there are endless external factors that could cause aggressive reactions, and endless cases of well raised and trained “pit bulls” who have been phenomenal.

By: Black Soil

Black Soil — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 00:08:04 +0000

Dat Guy…your point that “these so called bad people want these dogs because they are cheap easy to get” is REDICULOUS. That’s like saying bad people like switchblades because they are cheap and easy. Secondly, your point that labs are only second to pit bulls (presumably in bites which were involved in criminal proceedings) is pure rubbish.

By: positivity

positivity — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 23:43:59 +0000

Behavior over breed. I know of so called vicious breeds that are well trained, loving animals. Most of the time, the owners are the problem! If you were chained up outside day and night without human interaction, you might be aggressive too. We need proper laws on the care of animals not seizing and killing animals because they look like a certain breed. If you aren’t prepared to care for an animal, don’t get one!!!!!

By: Stunned...

Stunned... — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 23:10:33 +0000

oh, yeah, the next time you’re in the supermarket picking up some pet food, think for just one nano of a second to remember that some child in Bermuda went to school without breakfast, perhaps without any lunch. If you do, please give the coalition for children charity a call to see how you can be more useful.

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 23:03:41 +0000

As someone who had to fight off a “pit bull” to save his own dog, I think the issue has always been the OWNERS of these hunting and fighting breeds.
The “banned” breeds are bred with traits to fight and kill. We cannot deny that fact. Most stories of well cared for pit bulls sound like this: “Fluffy was always so calm and friendly with our family, I cannot understand why it suddenly turned on our neighbor’s dog…”. It “suddenly” turned because it is “designed” through breeding to do so.
I had to wrestle a pit bull to the ground, punch it repeatedly, and bite it (twice) to firstly keep it from thrashing my dog, and then to try and get it to let my dog go. It finally did and was not concerned with me one bit- as I then had to kick it repeatedly in the ribs because it was jumping to try and bit my dog AGAIN. The owner was nowhere to be seen- a potentially (and obviously) very dangerous dog- unattended and unsupervised- much like leaving a loaded gun on a park bench. And yes, I know breeds and it was a “pit bull”.
I would love to see real legislation where the owners of pit bull or similar breeds got a home visit (prior to licencing) to make sure the dogs were under control and could not wander off and kill another dog or even a child. I would also love to see a law that said if the dog was captured because it was unattended by the owner (after an attack) it would be destroyed without question, and the owner FINED. There is a responsibility in owning such a breed- it would be great if the owners who decried how their unpredictable and potentially violent breed is misrepresented would agree to such safety measures- I doubt they ever would, or that they would work to control and manage the behaviour of their calm and friendly pets.

By: Stunned...

Stunned... — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 22:59:28 +0000

if all y’all have so much time, resources and discipline to go through the lengths to have an animal that has the propensity to attack, maim or kill how about redirecting all of that goodwill to an at risk child in Bermuda? make a real difference. there are organizations that would welcome your involvement. but no, that would be suggesting too much…a bridge too far, because pet ownership is all about being selfish. it is about how that animal makes YOU feel good at the end of the day; it’s your surrogate child/lover/whatever. shaking my head at this twisted society.

By: Stunned...

Stunned... — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 22:52:21 +0000

at Bermy – ah, if the powers that be would approve a registry of sex offenders, those bast**ds would be BANNED. Try another argument please.

By: Dat_Guy

Dat_Guy — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 22:17:42 +0000

@ black soil
Before u say more false information you might want to check out the ATTS temperament testing of hundreds of dog breeds I repeat hundreds. The pit bull was second to only the golden retriever meaning your Labrador and boxers (safe dogs) will turn on you and become vicious with you and other dogs before a pit bull have a great night

By: Dat_Guy

Dat_Guy — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 22:11:36 +0000

@black soil… Bad people love dogs that are banned really that’s so stereotypical it couldn’t be at all that people would rather spend 800-1000 on a loyal obedient child loving dog than 3000 on a “safe breed” I have two pit bulls that love children love to play. Quick story walking one of my dogs while a woman was walking her Doberman (legal by the way) when the dog saw me and rocko and began pulling the woman she of course lets go this dog charged and bit my dog I commanded my dog to sit and stay while I beat the Doberman for him why because if I would have told rocko bite blissfully ignorant people like yourself would have turned the story into vicious pit bull attacks woman’s Doberman.. These so called bad people want these dogs because they are cheap easy to get unfortunately. 90% of these so called bad people also don’t know how to properly care and socialize this special breed of dog so please stop infecting more people with your apparent abundance of ignorance

By: Stunned...

Stunned... — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 21:09:09 +0000

why are we wasting so much energy on these life forms that hog the air, compete for resources – the billion dollar petr food industry while there are children in Bermuda who are desperately in need of a good home, nurturing and guidance even if only on a part=-time basis.

when this society values people more than pets, wow, what a different society this could become.

By: PBanks

PBanks — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 21:07:40 +0000

Mr. Dunkley, is that you?

By: Ord Road

Ord Road — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 20:54:46 +0000

Would it surprise you to learn that pit bulls used to be America’s darlings? Before the mid-80s, stories of pit bull attacks are practically non-existent. There is even some confusion over exactly which breed of dog is a pit bull — the definition includes the American pit bull terrier, the Staffordshire terrier and, at times, the bulldog. This confusion seems to have dogged the breed from the beginning, as there is some disagreement over the origin of pit bulls.

Pitbulls are not dangerous they are just like every other dog it depends on the owner, if an owner does not pay attention to the dog and neglects the dog of course it is going to be aggressive. Just like any other breed, if you do see a dog that looks aggressive it is your job to be careful around it. I am the proud owner of a beautiful Staffordshire Terrier- (pitbull family) who means the world to me, I hate the stereo type that people like you and a lot of others put on this breed. I stand by my breed 110%, he will not attack UNLESS he or myself is threatened, and in that case he has every right to protect his owner.If someonenis coming to break in my house you better RUN!. He is fully trained and capable of anything that he has been trained to do!. you all need to watch PitBull & Parolees, theese dogs come from nothing, and fighting vicious dogs and this lady makes them into cuddly dogs that are looking for their Furrever homes. These dogs can be changed and people need to wake up to efforts of changing them. GERMAN shepherds are just as agressive, I KNOW (i got attacked by TWO). and they yet are not on the band list? Think about it..

By: Kristopher

Kristopher — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 20:52:36 +0000

Why did I waste time reading this article. Foolishness.

By: Decent Pet Owner

Decent Pet Owner — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 20:41:31 +0000

I’m offended that people think i am an “a**hole” and a “bad person” for owning a pitbull. My dog is licensed, legal and friendly. Yes she will bark and come to attention if she thinks i am in danger, but she wont even chase a cat! I understand that there is a certain “opinion” on this particular breed but for people to jump to the conclusion that i or everyone that owns these dogs are substandard people is seriously ridiculous. I have a full time job, own a house and have a child. I work hard and have dicipline. Such overgenerizations should not be made, especially by people who are uninformed and refuse to be educated on this subject. All pitbulls need is a loving home with rules and discipline. Any responsible owner of ANY breed knows that what all dogs need. So do your children.

By: Steve Davis

Steve Davis — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 20:26:33 +0000

A 9-year (1979–88) study of fatal dog attacks in the United States found that dogs characterised as pit bulls were implicated in 42 of the 101 attacks where the breed was known.[32] A 1991 study found that 94% of attacks on children by pit bulls were unprovoked, compared to 43% for other breeds.[33] A 5-year (1989–94) review of fatal dog attacks in the U.S. determined that pit bulls and pit bull mixed breeds were implicated in 24 (29%) of the 84 deaths in which breed was recorded.[34]

A 20-year (1979-1998) study by the American Veterinary Medical Association into fatal dog attacks on humans[35] concluded that “fatal attacks on humans appear to be a breed-specific problem (pit bull-type dogs and Rottweilers),” and that “pit bull-type dogs and Rottweilers were involved in more than half” (67%) of all the 238 recorded dog bite-related fatalities (DBRF) in the United States during that period, with pit bulls accounting for 66 deaths. They also wrote that:

“It is extremely unlikely that they accounted for anywhere near 60% of dogs in the United States during that same period and, thus, there appears to be a breed-specific problem with fatalities.”[35]
A 15-year (1991–2005) review of dog attack fatalities investigated by the Kentucky Medical Examiner determined that pit bulls were implicated in 5 of the 11 fatal attacks (45%).[36] Another 15-year (1994–2009) review of patients admitted to a Level I Trauma Center with dog bites determined that pit bulls were most often involved in these attacks: of the 228 patients treated, the breed of dog was recorded in 82 attacks, and of these, 29 (35%) of the attacks were by pit bulls.[37] In 45% of the attacks, the dog belonged to the victim’s family.[37]

A 5-year (2001–05) review of dog attack victims admitted to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia determined that pit bull terriers were implicated in more than half of the bites where breed was identified. Of the 269 patients where breed was identified, 137 (51%) were attacked by pit bulls.[38] The authors wrote:

“…the overwhelming number of bites involving pit bull terriers in this study and others certainly has some degree of validity when it comes to identifying bite-prone breeds. Pit bull terriers, German shepherds, and Rottweilers were the offending breeds implicated in our study, and have accounted for the majority of dog bites according to other investigators.”[38]
A review of the medical literature found that pit bulls and pit bull cross-breeds were involved in 42–45% of dog attacks.[39] Fatalities were most often reported when children were attacked, with 70% of victims being under the age of 10.[39]

Some other studies on the number of human deaths caused by dog bite trauma have surveyed news media stories for reports of dog-bite-related fatalities. This methodology is subject to potential errors, as some fatal attacks may not have been reported, a study might not find all relevant news reports, and the dog breed might be misidentified.[40]

Courts in the United States[41][42] and Canada[43][44] have ruled that expert identification, when using published breed standards, is sufficient for the enforcement of breed-specific legislation.

(Wikipedia)

By: Steve Davis

Steve Davis — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 20:22:14 +0000

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-iYiCBz7Uw

By: anklebiter

anklebiter — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 19:18:49 +0000

Terry, it’s such a shame, some people just shouldn’t have pets.

By: anklebiter

anklebiter — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 19:14:29 +0000

I disagree, MOST ankle bitters aren’t fenced in. some yes but certainly not most. Yes fences are unsightly, as is my 6 foot fence (also covered so no jumping out), but i do what i need to to have the breed i want. my point is, if one wants to own a dog they should be required to put in the proper fencing before being allowed to take a dog home. Lets not pick on one breed or the other but put in regulations for All dog owners. If a fence is to ugly to put up… don’t have a dog!

By: PBanks

PBanks — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 19:10:19 +0000

You forgot the ‘Day of Persons with Disabilities’.

By: Sorry Sir

Sorry Sir — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 19:02:47 +0000

I know right. Those yorkies are crazy. Once I had to use a bandaid to cover the cut it made on my ankle. An horrific experience, indeed.