Minneapolis Boy Killed By Pit Bull

[cheko1]

Minneapolis boy killed by pit bull Minneapolis police confirm 7-year-old Zack King was mauled and killed by his family's pet pit bull.
The incident happened Thursday afternoon on the 3000 block of Humboldt Avenue North.
The boy was attacked in his basement by the male pit bull, which was tied down inside the family's home.
The boy's father, also named Zack King, tried to help his son and was hurt in the process. King shot the pit bull and the dog was fatally wounded.
Several other pit bulls were removed from the home.

Will this never end?????

[SeriouslySearching]

Oh, MY! Isn't that an odd place to have a dog chained? In the basement? I wonder what purpose he had all those pits. Hmmmm...was he fighting them?

How horrific for that poor child to die such a vicious death because his father chose to ignore how dangerous it is to have those around children...IMO! I half expected to hear, "But the dog NEVER acted like this before or the dog was always such a sweetheart."

When will people finally get it? Take your pick...have your pits or have your kids.

[Beyond Belief]

Its not going to end unless these dogs are removed from domestic life. These deaths are constant.

[SadieMae]

Chained pit bulls in a basement...sounds like he kept fighting dogs there. "Family pet" pitbull again!!!!

[Amraann]

Minneapolis boy killed by pit bull Minneapolis police confirm 7-year-old Zack King was mauled and killed by his family's pet pit bull.
The incident happened Thursday afternoon on the 3000 block of Humboldt Avenue North.
The boy was attacked in his basement by the male pit bull, which was tied down inside the family's home.
The boy's father, also named Zack King, tried to help his son and was hurt in the process. King shot the pit bull and the dog was fatally wounded.
Several other pit bulls were removed from the home.

Will this never end?????

The truth is that for every Death Row inmate there is always someone who will defend them...... Just like the pit bull.

It will not end because there are certain people who contend that these are sweet misunderstood creatures.

I would no sooner throw my child in a cage with a hungry lion yet ... people claim pit bulls are gentle creatures. I am fairly certain that not all lions attack people either.

People insist on owning these dogs and further insist that it is bad upbringing that causes them to snap..

Truth be told a KEY characteristic in their behavior, however they are raised, is the odd notion to actually be sweet and gentle and then one day snap for no apparent reason.
Most dogs can be tested for aggression .... yet a pit bull could pass with flying colors one day and attack someones throat the next for no obvious reason.

I think owning a lion would almost be safer .... at least then one must have a license and a cage and training that meets certain criteria as well as periodic spot checks to ensure the cage is being kept up to code.

Any idiot can own a pitbull.

[Amraann]

Oh, MY! Isn't that an odd place to have a dog chained? In the basement? I wonder what purpose he had all those pits. Hmmmm...was he fighting them?

How horrific for that poor child to die such a vicious death because his father chose to ignore how dangerous it is to have those around children...IMO! I half expected to hear, "But the dog NEVER acted like this before or the dog was always such a sweetheart."

When will people finally get it? Take your pick...have your pits or have your kids.


I disagree only in that even those that do not have children who have pits still often pose a serious danger to others ... like their neighbors.

As I illustrated with my Lion theory above... I think people who own pits MUST have them spayed or neutered... MUST meet certain training experience and fenced yard / cage guidelines as well as have a license.
All of those things cost money and IMO that alone would eliminate much of the attacks we see..
Also anyone owning a pitbull found loose should have to pay SERIOUS fines.

[SewingDeb]

I think this is sad and is happening all over:

Guilford Shelter's Care For Pit Bulls Threatens Adoptable Dogs

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- The Guilford County Animal Shelter may have to euthanize healthy, adoptable dogs because it must care for 15 pit bulls seized from a man charged with dogfighting and animal cruelty.

Shelter executive director Marsha Williams said the shelter has doubled up on some animals. But the 15 pit bulls are held in separate cages and that limits the number of other animals the shelter can hold for adoption.

Williams said since the pit bulls were seized Friday, the shelter has euthanized two dogs with medical conditions because they didn't have a cage for them. She said healthy, adoptable animals also may have to be put down.

http://www.wxii12.com/news/13906645/detail.html?treets=gws&tid=2654350408813&tml=gws_12pm&tmi=gws_12pm_1_11000308162007&ts=H

[Amraann]

I think this is sad and is happening all over:

Guilford Shelter's Care For Pit Bulls Threatens Adoptable Dogs

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- The Guilford County Animal Shelter may have to euthanize healthy, adoptable dogs because it must care for 15 pit bulls seized from a man charged with dogfighting and animal cruelty.

Shelter executive director Marsha Williams said the shelter has doubled up on some animals. But the 15 pit bulls are held in separate cages and that limits the number of other animals the shelter can hold for adoption.

Williams said since the pit bulls were seized Friday, the shelter has euthanized two dogs with medical conditions because they didn't have a cage for them. She said healthy, adoptable animals also may have to be put down.

http://www.wxii12.com/news/13906645/detail.html?treets=gws&tid=2654350408813&tml=gws_12pm&tmi=gws_12pm_1_11000308162007&ts=H


OH OOPSSS!!! You meant the sweet healthy dog in cage 10??? I am so sorry I thought you said cages 11 - 26~~~
OOPS silly me!!
Problem solved :)

[JBean]

Chained pit bulls in a basement...sounds like he kept fighting dogs there. "Family pet" pitbull again!!!!
I agree these sound like fighting type dogs.More irresponsible owners.
Tragedy.

[SadieMae]

I have nothing against RESPONSIBLE owners of this breed. By responsible I mean they take every precaution their dog will not be a danger to anyone by having securely fenced yards and fenced porches should a dog get out accidentally. Unfortunately a solution is not anything that's going to happen soon. Even if we euthanize all we find, there will still be dogs irresponsibly bred.

[JBean]

Toddler victim of boxer dog attack

By Tom Hughes (thomas.hughes@jpress.co.uk)


A mother whose 20-month-old daughter was savaged in a dog attack wants the animals to be destroyed.
Claudia Dugmore was set upon outside the Riverside Veterinary Surgery in Cradge Bank, Spalding, and badly bitten on her head and body.

Confusion surrounds how many dogs were involved, with Claudia's mum Caroline Herd claiming there were three boxer dogs, but police saying it was only one.

Caroline managed to rescue Claudia from the attack and said it is only down to luck that Claudia's face was not ripped off in the attack.

She said: "I couldn't see her under the dogs. They were biting Claudia anywhere they could and pulling her around. They bit her down to the skull and left puncture wounds round the back of her head and by her ear.
http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news?articleid=3106703 (http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news?articleid=3106703)

I have always had boxers. Even though I believe with my whole heart that none of my boxers would ever hurt a fly, I always behave as though they could. I never let strange children get close and I always keep them in check and on a leash when out.

[southcitymom]

So sad! My prayers for the families.

[SadieMae]

Toddler victim of boxer dog attack

By Tom Hughes (thomas.hughes@jpress.co.uk)


A mother whose 20-month-old daughter was savaged in a dog attack wants the animals to be destroyed.
Claudia Dugmore was set upon outside the Riverside Veterinary Surgery in Cradge Bank, Spalding, and badly bitten on her head and body.

Confusion surrounds how many dogs were involved, with Claudia's mum Caroline Herd claiming there were three boxer dogs, but police saying it was only one.

Caroline managed to rescue Claudia from the attack and said it is only down to luck that Claudia's face was not ripped off in the attack.

She said: "I couldn't see her under the dogs. They were biting Claudia anywhere they could and pulling her around. They bit her down to the skull and left puncture wounds round the back of her head and by her ear.
http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news?articleid=3106703 (http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news?articleid=3106703)

I have always had boxers. Even though I believe with my whole heart that none of my boxers would ever hurt a fly, I always behave as though they could. I never let strange children get close and I always keep them in check and on a leash when out.
Some dogs, regardless of breed, just do not do well with small children. Just as some are fearful of males, other's do like other dogs around them, prefer a certain sex dog, do not get along with smaller dogs, etc. They all are individual as well as carry breed characteristics.

[imthemom]

Chained pit bulls in a basement...sounds like he kept fighting dogs there. "Family pet" pitbull again!!!!:clap: :clap:

Exactly SadieMae, he was our familly pet, that never attacked that we kept chained in the basement. I am so sick of hearing about how pitbulls are abused, they are the most abused animals in the United States and we wonder why there are so many attacks. My children love our pit and he is the biggest baby ever, we also have friends that have children and pits and they are very good dogs. I don't think you have to choose, you just have to choose to treat them right.

[Amraann]

:clap: :clap:

Exactly SadieMae, he was our familly pet, that never attacked that we kept chained in the basement. I am so sick of hearing about how pitbulls are abused, they are the most abused animals in the United States and we wonder why there are so many attacks. My children love our pit and he is the biggest baby ever, we also have friends that have children and pits and they are very good dogs. I don't think you have to choose, you just have to choose to treat them right.

I think you misinterpreted Sadies post.. As she meant that with sarcasm.

Yes, as adults with responsibilities YOU DO HAVE TO CHOOSE!! Let me put it this way... thousands of people drink and drive every single day ...
They are still a potential danger to the lives of others..
Does that mean the ones who never killed someone on the road should be permitted to drink and drive?

[imthemom]

The truth is that for every Death Row inmate there is always someone who will defend them...... Just like the pit bull.

It will not end because there are certain people who contend that these are sweet misunderstood creatures.

I would no sooner throw my child in a cage with a hungry lion yet ... people claim pit bulls are gentle creatures. I am fairly certain that not all lions attack people either.

People insist on owning these dogs and further insist that it is bad upbringing that causes them to snap..

Truth be told a KEY characteristic in their behavior, however they are raised, is the odd notion to actually be sweet and gentle and then one day snap for no apparent reason.
Most dogs can be tested for aggression .... yet a pit bull could pass with flying colors one day and attack someones throat the next for no obvious reason.

I think owning a lion would almost be safer .... at least then one must have a license and a cage and training that meets certain criteria as well as periodic spot checks to ensure the cage is being kept up to code.

Any idiot can own a pitbull.

Could you please give specifics or facts about pits that pass agression tests and then kill someone the next day. It doesn't happen. They were trained to fight other dogs and bulls and they were the only breed that could be pulled off another dog while in a fight and obey their owner and not bite them. Here is a link to the history of pits and how they have a low bite threshold for humans. The wrong kind of people own these dogs and it is ultimately hurting the breed.

http://dogs.about.com/cs/breedprofiles/a/pitbull_history.htm

A quality that was never bred into them was human aggression. Human “aggressive” (aggression may not be the most appropriate term, it is more likely that these dogs simply had a lower bite threshold) dogs were undesirable as these dogs required extensive handling prior and during their fights - most of theses dogs were also family pets so no human “aggression” was ever tolerated.

[imthemom]

I think you misinterpreted Sadies post.. As she meant that with sarcasm.

Yes, as adults with responsibilities YOU DO HAVE TO CHOOSE!! Let me put it this way... thousands of people drink and drive every single day ...
They are still a potential danger to the lives of others..
Does that mean the ones who never killed someone on the road should be permitted to drink and drive?

I know what she meant, it was chained in the basement yet they will say it was there pet. I am being sarcastic to in that sense, do you not see this is abuse. Would you chain your dog in a basement? Oh and to your anology of drunk driving, all dogs can kill someone so should we get rid of all of them.

[kgeaux]

Minneapolis boy killed by pit bull Minneapolis police confirm 7-year-old Zack King was mauled and killed by his family's pet pit bull.
The incident happened Thursday afternoon on the 3000 block of Humboldt Avenue North.
The boy was attacked in his basement by the male pit bull, which was tied down inside the family's home.
The boy's father, also named Zack King, tried to help his son and was hurt in the process. King shot the pit bull and the dog was fatally wounded.
Several other pit bulls were removed from the home.

Will this never end?????

You do not chain a pit. If you do, he is not going to be a part of the family "pack." These people failed to properly raise their dogs, and they have suffered a horrible loss for that failure.

[kgeaux]

I have always had boxers. Even though I believe with my whole heart that none of my boxers would ever hurt a fly, I always behave as though they could. I never let strange children get close and I always keep them in check and on a leash when out.


Well, there you go. YOU are a responsible dog owner. God bless, JBean.

[JBean]

Well, there you go. YOU are a responsible dog owner. God bless, JBean.
Oh dear thanks. I also had a pit bull for awhile. I treated her the same. She was as gentle and smart as can be, but I never underestimated her nor did I underestimate how much she scared other people.

[cheko1]

Chained pit bulls in a basement...sounds like he kept fighting dogs there. "Family pet" pitbull again!!!!


My understanding is this was not a fighting dog.......
The female had 4 pups thats the reason for all the dogs.

On the news they said the lDad & little boy were best of friends. Dad had to be hospitalized. They said the pit bull grabbed & bit the boy by the throat. Was a horrible mess.

[SadieMae]

Could you please give specifics or facts about pits that pass agression tests and then kill someone the next day. It doesn't happen. They were trained to fight other dogs and bulls and they were the only breed that could be pulled off another dog while in a fight and obey their owner and not bite them. Here is a link to the history of pits and how they have a low bite threshold for humans. The wrong kind of people own these dogs and it is ultimately hurting the breed.

http://dogs.about.com/cs/breedprofiles/a/pitbull_history.htm

A quality that was never bred into them was human aggression. Human “aggressive” (aggression may not be the most appropriate term, it is more likely that these dogs simply had a lower bite threshold) dogs were undesirable as these dogs required extensive handling prior and during their fights - most of theses dogs were also family pets so no human “aggression” was ever tolerated.
THAT IS THE PROBLEM! These are backyard bred dogs. The historical pit bull is not the same dogs being bred by irresponsible breeders. It's not only the wrong people OWNING them, idiots are continuously breeding the wrong traits into the dogs. Exactly right about human aggression was not tolerated. Those dogs were NOT bred.

[SadieMae]

My understanding is this was not a fighting dog.......
The female had 4 pups thats the reason for all the dogs.

On the news they said the lDad & little boy were best of friends. Dad had to be hospitalized. They said the pit bull grabbed & bit the boy by the throat. Was a horrible mess.
They had all the dogs most likely because they are irresponsible owners and backyard breeders. There's no reason to breed the dog or any family pet, other than for reasons of greed and to sell them off as fighters. I doubt the female was of AKC/champion bloodlines. People like them perpetuate the problem and the bad reputation of the dogs.

[cheko1]

Oh, MY! Isn't that an odd place to have a dog chained? In the basement? I wonder what purpose he had all those pits. Hmmmm...was he fighting them?

How horrific for that poor child to die such a vicious death because his father chose to ignore how dangerous it is to have those around children...IMO! I half expected to hear, "But the dog NEVER acted like this before or the dog was always such a sweetheart."

When will people finally get it? Take your pick...have your pits or have your kids.

I sincerely don't understand why the pit was chained in the basement.

Animal control took the female & the babies.

[cheko1]

They had all the dogs most likely because they are irresponsible owners and backyard breeders. There's no reason to breed the dog or any family pet, other than for reasons of greed and to sell them off as fighters.

Yes Sadie your correct........backyard breeders trying to make a fast buck.

That poor little boy died a horrendous death.

[SewingDeb]

OH OOPSSS!!! You meant the sweet healthy dog in cage 10??? I am so sorry I thought you said cages 11 - 26~~~
OOPS silly me!!
Problem solved :)



It does seem a shame to kill friendly dogs to make room for dogs who have been trained to fight and probably won't be adoptable.

[SadieMae]

It does seem a shame to kill friendly dogs to make room for dogs who have been trained to fight and probably won't be adoptable.
Many shelters do not even offer adoption of pit bulls or pitt mixes. If not claimed by the owners the dogs are euthanized.

[SewingDeb]

Many shelters do not even offer adoption of pit bulls or pitt mixes. If not claimed by the owners the dogs are euthanized.

I can understand why they wouldn't take a chance by adopting them out. Too many risks.

I think these were taken in because they were confiscated from dog fighting arrests. I don't know if the owners will ever be able to claim them. It seems a shame to euthanize dogs already at the shelter to make room for 15 pit bulls of dubious breeding.

[philamena]

Chained pit bulls in a basement...sounds like he kept fighting dogs there. "Family pet" pitbull again!!!!

That's exactly what it sounds like.

[imthemom]

I can understand why they wouldn't take a chance by adopting them out. Too many risks.

I think these were taken in because they were confiscated from dog fighting arrests. I don't know if the owners will ever be able to claim them. It seems a shame to euthanize dogs already at the shelter to make room for 15 pit bulls of dubious breeding.

I don't know why they haven't put them down already, if they are fighting dogs, they should be right away. I would like to have rescued a pit but we do have children and decided against it because we would not know where the dog came from and what it went through and they are very powerful dogs. Are new pup is registered and comes from champion bloodlines and we hope to show her some day.

[SadieMae]

I don't know why they haven't put them down already, if they are fighting dogs, they should be right away. I would like to have rescued a pit but we do have children and decided against it because we would not know where the dog came from and what it went through and they are very powerful dogs. Are new pup is registered and comes from champion bloodlines and we hope to show her some day.
Those are the right kind of pit bull to own. They have a history of temperament and a responsible breeder. As I have posted before, I have NEVER heard of a show qualitly or pitt bull bred to breed standards turning.

[cheko1]

I have a question for pit bull owners or those who did own pit bulls!

A friend of mine has a 1/2 pit bull the dog is very powerful / he jumped up on me & he is very strong & nearly knocked me over. Scared me to death.....they stated the dog was playing???

They have 4 other dogs & they can't leave all dogs out at one time because the 1/2 pit bull attacks the dogs. My friend bought a electric cow poke which shocks the dogs when they begin to fight. Has been about a yr since they had to use it.

In my estimation that is cruel to use. Wouldn't that make the 1/2 pit meaner? They claim she is the nicest, friendliest dog that ever was. I don't think so.

[JBean]

I have a question for pit bull owners or those who did own pit bulls!

A friend of mine has a 1/2 pit bull the dog is very powerful / he jumped up on me & he is very strong & nearly knocked me over. Scared me to death.....they stated the dog was playing???

They have 4 other dogs & they can't leave all dogs out at one time because the 1/2 pit bull attacks the dogs. My friend bought a electric cow poke which shocks the dogs when they begin to fight. Has been about a yr since they had to use it.

In my estimation that is cruel to use. Wouldn't that make the 1/2 pit meaner? They claim she is the nicest, friendliest dog that ever was. I don't think so.
Hey Cheko. For starters any dog that is allowed to jump on people is not well trained. Red Flag #1
Dogs that can't be left alone together are probably not a good household combination Red Flag #2
Electric Cow shock? red Flag #3
All ingredients for disaster; for any breed of dog,IMO

[SewingDeb]

I don't know why they haven't put them down already, if they are fighting dogs, they should be right away. I would like to have rescued a pit but we do have children and decided against it because we would not know where the dog came from and what it went through and they are very powerful dogs. Are new pup is registered and comes from champion bloodlines and we hope to show her some day.

I agree. I guess they are waiting for some reason though it seems like common sense to go ahead and put them down if they have been trained to fight.

I would be afraid to adopt an adult dog. It's better to start with a puppy if you are going to have one as a pet around children. You were smart to think twice.

[JBean]

Stray Attacks, Kills Family Dog At Party

Rottweiler Mauls Chihuahua, Remains On Loose


BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. -- A rottweiler remains on the loose near Fort Lauderdale after attacking and killing a family's Chihuahua during an outdoor birthday party, and now the owner of the deceased animal wants the stray dog caught.

"It's very big," Gabriel Carrera's wife said. "It looked like a horse and it's been wandering around the neighborhood. I'm afraid that the dog, you know, might bite someone."

In fact, the dog did bite someone

http://www.local10.com/news/13905100/detail.html

[JBean]

Man attacks ex-girlfriend's dog

NEW BEDFORD — A city man allegedly swung a metal pipe at his ex-girlfriend’s pit bull injuring the animal yesterday. Police said the man was following the woman.
Police charge that Brentwood Knowles, of 3748 Acushnet Ave., followed his ex-girlfriend in his green pickup truck. She was walking the dog near Cottage and Mill streets, police spokesman Lt. Jeffrey Silva said.
Mr. Knowles, arrested for cruelty to animals, allegedly exited his truck with a black metal pipe in hand. He then, walked up to the woman and struck the dog on the head with “excessive force,” Lt. Silva said.
The pit bull, which was bleeding from the mouth and nose, was taken to Capeway Veterinary Hospital in Fairhaven. The dog survived, but suffered a concussion, a laceration on its head, and a ripped tongue caused when the dog bit down after being hit.
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070815/NEWS/70815003

[SadieMae]

I agree. I guess they are waiting for some reason though it seems like common sense to go ahead and put them down if they have been trained to fight.

I would be afraid to adopt an adult dog. It's better to start with a puppy if you are going to have one as a pet around children. You were smart to think twice.
Not always. All of my Danes were adult dogs when I adopted them. Because I know the breed. The ones I adopted from rescue are thoroughly tested around children, males & female humans, cats and other dogs. They are matched with families that suit the dogs temperament. Sometimes it's better to get a dog that way. You know what your getting. Getting a puppy doesn't guarantee the will grow into a dog that has the right temperament for the family. A lot has to do with the breed chosen as a pet. Some are just better dogs for children than others.

[SadieMae]

Hey Cheko. For starters any dog that is allowed to jump on people is not well trained. Red Flag #1
Dogs that can't be left alone together are probably not a good household combination Red Flag #2
Electric Cow shock? red Flag #3
All ingredients for disaster; for any breed of dog,IMO
I agree 100% with you JBean. A dog should never be allowed to jump on people especially uninvited. That shows major lack of training. Electric cow shock...that's abuse in my book. Dogs should be trained to obey verbal commands...that takes time and patience. I have never had to strike or hit any dog I've owned to train them.

[cheko1]

Hey Cheko. For starters any dog that is allowed to jump on people is not well trained. Red Flag #1
Dogs that can't be left alone together are probably not a good household combination Red Flag #2
Electric Cow shock? red Flag #3
All ingredients for disaster; for any breed of dog,IMO

Thanks JBean that was my sentiments & my friend thinks I'm nuts.
I love dogs but they my friend makes me feel like I'm nuts for not wanting to be around the pit bull. Her daughter always gets the pit out just to scare me & I get so :banghead:.

[cheko1]

I agree 100% with you JBean. A dog should never be allowed to jump on people especially uninvited. That shows major lack of training. Electric cow shock...that's abuse in my book. Dogs should be trained to obey verbal commands...that takes time and patience. I have never had to strike or hit any dog I've owned to train them.


Thanks Sadie, my dog is very wel mannered & would never jump uninvited on anyone. I agree the cow shock is as ignorant of a thing as I ever heard of & totally abusive.

[JBean]

Thanks JBean that was my sentiments & my friend thinks I'm nuts.
I love dogs but they my friend makes me feel like I'm nuts for not wanting to be around the pit bull. Her daughter always gets the pit out just to scare me & I get so :banghead:.
CHeko..you are not nuts. Now about your friend......

[Boyzmomee]

Minneapolis boy killed by pit bull Minneapolis police confirm 7-year-old Zack King was mauled and killed by his family's pet pit bull.
The incident happened Thursday afternoon on the 3000 block of Humboldt Avenue North.
The boy was attacked in his basement by the male pit bull, which was tied down inside the family's home.
The boy's father, also named Zack King, tried to help his son and was hurt in the process. King shot the pit bull and the dog was fatally wounded.
Several other pit bulls were removed from the home.

Will this never end?????

Sounds like Daddy was into something he shouldn't have been.

Who "ties down" a dog in the basement?

In addition, there were several other pit bulls in the home.

I'm so sorry this child paid for his father's actions.

[Boyzmomee]

I have a question for pit bull owners or those who did own pit bulls!

A friend of mine has a 1/2 pit bull the dog is very powerful / he jumped up on me & he is very strong & nearly knocked me over. Scared me to death.....they stated the dog was playing???

They have 4 other dogs & they can't leave all dogs out at one time because the 1/2 pit bull attacks the dogs. My friend bought a electric cow poke which shocks the dogs when they begin to fight. Has been about a yr since they had to use it.

In my estimation that is cruel to use. Wouldn't that make the 1/2 pit meaner? They claim she is the nicest, friendliest dog that ever was. I don't think so.

I loved my Golden Retriever who was 120 lbs, strong and large. He would jump too, if we let him.

Younger dogs tend to jump on people until they are taught not to. The dog likely was playing and wanted attention. I would have hugged him and given a kiss.

My friend's pitt did the same thing until he was older and trained. Even now, he can get so happy to see me he jumps on me to give affection.

I have a male dachsund who turns into Cujo if a male dog gets near his territory. Otherwise, he is the sweetest little thing.

[Boyzmomee]

Man attacks ex-girlfriend's dog

NEW BEDFORD — A city man allegedly swung a metal pipe at his ex-girlfriend’s pit bull injuring the animal yesterday. Police said the man was following the woman.
Police charge that Brentwood Knowles, of 3748 Acushnet Ave., followed his ex-girlfriend in his green pickup truck. She was walking the dog near Cottage and Mill streets, police spokesman Lt. Jeffrey Silva said.
Mr. Knowles, arrested for cruelty to animals, allegedly exited his truck with a black metal pipe in hand. He then, walked up to the woman and struck the dog on the head with “excessive force,” Lt. Silva said.
The pit bull, which was bleeding from the mouth and nose, was taken to Capeway Veterinary Hospital in Fairhaven. The dog survived, but suffered a concussion, a laceration on its head, and a ripped tongue caused when the dog bit down after being hit.
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070815/NEWS/70815003

Euthanize the man.

[Nore]

I can understand why they wouldn't take a chance by adopting them out. Too many risks.

I think these were taken in because they were confiscated from dog fighting arrests. I don't know if the owners will ever be able to claim them. It seems a shame to euthanize dogs already at the shelter to make room for 15 pit bulls of dubious breeding.
-----------------

My feelings exactly! If the Pits were trained for fighting they should and no doubt will be euthanized.They are unadoptable.Why kill dogs eligible for a good home! this is cruel to the good dogs.Anyone who has trained any animal to fight should never be allowed to claim the animal.I feel so sorry for those being putdown!

[cheko1]

CHeko..you are not nuts. Now about your friend......

Thats my sentiments to JBean......:doh:

[cheko1]

Sounds like Daddy was into something he shouldn't have been.

Who "ties down" a dog in the basement?

In addition, there were several other pit bulls in the home.

I'm so sorry this child paid for his father's actions.

For sure Boyz, I'm anxious to see what LE does to the parents!
If the dog was friendly they'd of not had to tie him up.
Little boy had to pay for the sins of the father!!!

[cheko1]

I loved my Golden Retriever who was 120 lbs, strong and large. He would jump too, if we let him.

Younger dogs tend to jump on people until they are taught not to. The dog likely was playing and wanted attention. I would have hugged him and given a kiss.

My friend's pitt did the same thing until he was older and trained. Even now, he can get so happy to see me he jumps on me to give affection.

I have a male dachsund who turns into Cujo if a male dog gets near his territory. Otherwise, he is the sweetest little thing.

When the dog came & jumped on me it startled me & nearly knocked me over. I never saw him coming. He had never seen me before & I hope he never sees me again! LOL

I have a pomeranian & everyone loves him. He barks to let us know someone is here & then goes & plays with his toys.

[SeriouslySearching]

:clap: :clap:

Exactly SadieMae, he was our familly pet, that never attacked that we kept chained in the basement. I am so sick of hearing about how pitbulls are abused, they are the most abused animals in the United States and we wonder why there are so many attacks. My children love our pit and he is the biggest baby ever, we also have friends that have children and pits and they are very good dogs. I don't think you have to choose, you just have to choose to treat them right.Can you walk over to your loving dog's bowl and while your dog is eating...reach down toward the bowl without the dog growling or becoming in any way defensive?

[Lurker]

Can you walk over to your loving dog's bowl and while your dog is eating...reach down toward the bowl without the dog growling or becoming in any way defensive?

I've had 2 pits. One was put down at the ripe old age of 16 1/2. The Pit I have now is 3, we also have a 5 year old Rottie, both males.

Anyone can walk into my house when they're eating and go right up to their bowls. They will immediately stop eating and sit down. They were trained to do this from puppyhood. I would feed them and then take something better than their food and drop it in while they were eating. Now, if anyone goes near their bowls while eating, they think they're getting something better so they sit back and wait to see what it is. They both also have to sit until both bowls are down before they're "allowed" to eat.

[imthemom]

Can you walk over to your loving dog's bowl and while your dog is eating...reach down toward the bowl without the dog growling or becoming in any way defensive?

Yes I can, I have always put my hands in his food since he was a pup. He will take treats very gently out of my hand. He will sit for the kids so they will give him treats and he does so very gently. Now when I had my English Bulldog she was liable to take your fingers off when giving her a treat, LOL.

[Jeana (DP)]

:clap: :clap:

Exactly SadieMae, he was our familly pet, that never attacked that we kept chained in the basement. I am so sick of hearing about how pitbulls are abused, they are the most abused animals in the United States and we wonder why there are so many attacks. My children love our pit and he is the biggest baby ever, we also have friends that have children and pits and they are very good dogs. I don't think you have to choose, you just have to choose to treat them right.

Excuse me. You kept your dog chained up in the basement? And this would be a member of your family whom you loved??????? I hate to have to say it, but that seems pretty abusive to me.

[imthemom]

Excuse me. You kept your dog chained up in the basement? And this would be a member of your family whom you loved??????? I hate to have to say it, but that seems pretty abusive to me.

No you misunderstood, the people in the article did, we are being sarcastic. It is abuse that is why the animal probably attacked.

[Jeana (DP)]

No you misunderstood, the people in the article did, we are being sarcastic. It is abuse that is why the animal probably attacked.

Whew! Thanks for the clarification.

[imthemom]

Whew! Thanks for the clarification.

No problem, no my doggies stay in the house with us or wherever we go.

[Jeana (DP)]

No problem, no my doggies stay in the house with us or wherever we go.

Good, just don't bring them near me. I hate pit bulls.:innocent: :innocent: :innocent:

[imthemom]

Good, just don't bring them near me. I hate pit bulls.:innocent: :innocent: :innocent:

Thats okay, I understand. Some people don't like dogs at all. When we take our pit out a lot of people are loving all over him until they ask what he is and then they run away. Not all but some. A lot of people see past it because he is kissing all over their face.

[sherri79]

my brother has a red nosed pit. it is beautiful. when we visit he locks it in the kennel at my request. the kids feed it treats through the gate and pet in through the gate and it wags its whole rear end and licks their hands. he whimpers when they walk off and it really seems to like them. last summer he called and said the pit had almost killed his rottweiler. he asked if i would take the pit since it seemed to love the kids so much. i said no and called him a dumb@$$!

[Amraann]

my brother has a red nosed pit. it is beautiful. when we visit he locks it in the kennel at my request. the kids feed it treats through the gate and pet in through the gate and it wags its whole rear end and licks their hands. he whimpers when they walk off and it really seems to like them. last summer he called and said the pit had almost killed his rottweiler. he asked if i would take the pit since it seemed to love the kids so much. i said no and called him a dumb@$$!

Good for you!!!!! :clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:

I would NEVER have a pitbull near my children.

When we had our farm our neighbors had a pitbull ... It was not aggressive towards me but definitely aggressive towards other animals and often would get out of the fence and make its way over to my house.
I told my neighbor that if I ever ever saw it lose on my property again I would without hesitation use my 22 on it.
I had very young children at the time and was not willing to risk their well being because my neighbor was irresponsible with her pet.

[Jeana (DP)]

Thats okay, I understand. Some people don't like dogs at all. When we take our pit out a lot of people are loving all over him until they ask what he is and then they run away. Not all but some. A lot of people see past it because he is kissing all over their face.

I love dogs, just not pit bulls. When I see one, it might as well be a rattlesnake because I leave just as quickly.

[IdahoMom]

More about the victim:

http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site569/2007/0816/20070816_101042_King,%20Zack%20Jr_200.jpg (http://www.twincities.com/portlet/article/html/imageDisplay.jsp?contentItemRelationshipId=1621822 )

snip

http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_6644282


...Neighbors and other family members expressed shock and sadness as they remembered Zachary. The only boy among four children, he was a proud older sibling to his 3-year-old sister, Deanne Zenae King.
"He finally got to be a big brother," said Robinson, 35.
Tameara Freeman, 11, and her sister, Teea Freeman, 8, recalled petting the adult dogs during a recent birthday party at the King home. Face was kept in the basement; Ginger roamed free.
"I used to go down there. The dogs were nice," Tameara said. "They didn't look mean at all."
But Zachary's grandfather, Robert L. King Jr., said he remembers Face as being unapproachable. "I can't stand pit bulls. I told my son that. But there's pit bulls in every other house up and down this street," Robert King said. "This generation - strong dogs, strong this, strong that, bigger cars."

[imthemom]

This is totally the parents fault, they knew the dog was agressive, had bit people, even bred him to produce more dogs. It sounds like the dog was not socialized at all. I took my pit to dog school and the vet compliments me on how well socialized and how submissive he is. You have to socialize them, like any other dog. When I was younger we had a German Shepherd and it started biting first joggers than anyone who came in the yard and we put him down. He never showed agression to us but he could have and we knew it, so there was no taking chances. These people took a chance by having this dog and lost.

[Vegas Bride]

The way I see it, it's not the dog being the problem, they are showing the affects of what happens when very ignorant people are allowed to have access to a good animal and ruin it. If you take an animal or a child and do not nurture them, only giving abuse and neglect then years later you're going to be seeing the results.
The fact that they had to have this dog chained up down in the basement says they knew he couldn't be trusted, they had 4 children what were they thinking?
I feel terrible for the boy who was killed, I also feel sorry for these dogs who were not given a chance to be good family pets!!
Years ago I adopted a german shepherd, the most wonderful dog I've ever known. He would sit down and watch my 5 pound cat eat out of his dish, patiently waiting for his turn. He could have gulped her down in 1 bite but the cat ruled him!

The big problem here is why are there people determined to have a "bad ass dog" and not a gentle well trained pet who can be a member of their family. Dog owners IMO should be required to take some kind of test to show they have the understanding, commitment, ability and desire to give a pet a good home. Outlaw puppy mills and stop people from having their pets have litter after litter because they think it's so cute for them to have the puppies or kittens, never thinking they are contribiting to the mass over population.
I better shut up now cause this is a subject I could go on and on about.

VB

[catsmeow]

I don't even know where to start on this. It was just one complete disaster waiting to happen. You have a man that had NO business breeding pit bulls, nor owning them. It is a nightmare to think that he bred them because who knows how many unstable pit bulls he put out there.
You simply do NOT have these dogs tethered/chained in your flippin' basement!!! A tethered animal will see an approaching animal/human as a threat because it is tethered and cannot get away, it is more of a danger than a loose animal if it catches you. The dog had previous attacks yet they still owned the dog and still bred the dog: irresponsible, especially with children in the house. If you have a pit and it has a history of attacks and you have children, you don't need to have that pit.

It is a shame how this poor child died. In my opinion it was very preventable. This family had no business being in the 'business' of owning and breeding pits.

I am of the opinion that pits CAN be wonderful pets/dogs but they have to be very responsibly bred and raised and the owner has to be a stern owner, not one that lets the dog get away with anything he/she wants. The dog HAS to be trained. A pit, like most of the large, strong breeds will sometimes test you to be alpha or to be alpha over humans, you have GOT to train them from an early age, they are not the type of dog that you just potty train and train to sit and shake. You have to teach them boundries, respect and socialization and be consistant. This was not the case here.

[SadieMae]

I don't even know where to start on this. It was just one complete disaster waiting to happen. You have a man that had NO business breeding pit bulls, nor owning them. It is a nightmare to think that he bred them because who knows how many unstable pit bulls he put out there.
You simply do NOT have these dogs tethered/chained in your flippin' basement!!! A tethered animal will see an approaching animal/human as a threat because it is tethered and cannot get away, it is more of a danger than a loose animal if it catches you. The dog had previous attacks yet they still owned the dog and still bred the dog: irresponsible, especially with children in the house. If you have a pit and it has a history of attacks and you have children, you don't need to have that pit.

It is a shame how this poor child died. In my opinion it was very preventable. This family had no business being in the 'business' of owning and breeding pits.

I am of the opinion that pits CAN be wonderful pets/dogs but they have to be very responsibly bred and raised and the owner has to be a stern owner, not one that lets the dog get away with anything he/she wants. The dog HAS to be trained. A pit, like most of the large, strong breeds will sometimes test you to be alpha or to be alpha over humans, you have GOT to train them from an early age, they are not the type of dog that you just potty train and train to sit and shake. You have to teach them boundries, respect and socialization and be consistant. This was not the case here.
Excellent post! Regarless of how far dogs have come being domesticated, they are still pack animals. As with all packs, there is one leader and the dog must learn their position within the pack of their humans. There is no question in my household that I am the Alpha!

[cheko1]

More about the victim:

http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site569/2007/0816/20070816_101042_King,%20Zack%20Jr_200.jpg (http://www.twincities.com/portlet/article/html/imageDisplay.jsp?contentItemRelationshipId=1621822 )

snip

http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_6644282


...Neighbors and other family members expressed shock and sadness as they remembered Zachary. The only boy among four children, he was a proud older sibling to his 3-year-old sister, Deanne Zenae King.
"He finally got to be a big brother," said Robinson, 35.
Tameara Freeman, 11, and her sister, Teea Freeman, 8, recalled petting the adult dogs during a recent birthday party at the King home. Face was kept in the basement; Ginger roamed free.
"I used to go down there. The dogs were nice," Tameara said. "They didn't look mean at all."
But Zachary's grandfather, Robert L. King Jr., said he remembers Face as being unapproachable. "I can't stand pit bulls. I told my son that. But there's pit bulls in every other house up and down this street," Robert King said. "This generation - strong dogs, strong this, strong that, bigger cars."

Thanks for the link IdahoMom.....
The man knew the dog was capable of biting people. Yet he kept it chained in the basement. What was he thinking?

[cheko1]

This is totally the parents fault, they knew the dog was agressive, had bit people, even bred him to produce more dogs. It sounds like the dog was not socialized at all. I took my pit to dog school and the vet compliments me on how well socialized and how submissive he is. You have to socialize them, like any other dog. When I was younger we had a German Shepherd and it started biting first joggers than anyone who came in the yard and we put him down. He never showed agression to us but he could have and we knew it, so there was no taking chances. These people took a chance by having this dog and lost.

My Gr Uncle was killed by his own German Shepards, I was very young when it happened. I heard he was mean to them, so at least the dogs got him back, they were all put down.... I am deathly terrified of them.

[cheko1]

I don't even know where to start on this. It was just one complete disaster waiting to happen. You have a man that had NO business breeding pit bulls, nor owning them. It is a nightmare to think that he bred them because who knows how many unstable pit bulls he put out there.
You simply do NOT have these dogs tethered/chained in your flippin' basement!!! A tethered animal will see an approaching animal/human as a threat because it is tethered and cannot get away, it is more of a danger than a loose animal if it catches you. The dog had previous attacks yet they still owned the dog and still bred the dog: irresponsible, especially with children in the house. If you have a pit and it has a history of attacks and you have children, you don't need to have that pit.

It is a shame how this poor child died. In my opinion it was very preventable. This family had no business being in the 'business' of owning and breeding pits.

I am of the opinion that pits CAN be wonderful pets/dogs but they have to be very responsibly bred and raised and the owner has to be a stern owner, not one that lets the dog get away with anything he/she wants. The dog HAS to be trained. A pit, like most of the large, strong breeds will sometimes test you to be alpha or to be alpha over humans, you have GOT to train them from an early age, they are not the type of dog that you just potty train and train to sit and shake. You have to teach them boundries, respect and socialization and be consistant. This was not the case here.

I'll probably get flamed for what I'm going to post so here goes.........

If this man insisted on keeping this pit after it attacked & bit 2 different people regardless of the circumstances he should of had his kids taken away. Instead he had litters of pups & more kids. Apparently he couldn't handle either.

I just get to mad for words knowing he kept the dog chained in the basement. I hope he is getting mental help while in the hospital.

[imthemom]

I'll probably get flamed for what I'm going to post so here goes.........

If this man insisted on keeping this pit after it attacked & bit 2 different people regardless of the circumstances he should of had his kids taken away. Instead he had litters of pups & more kids. Apparently he couldn't handle either.

I just get to mad for words knowing he kept the dog chained in the basement. I hope he is getting mental help while in the hospital.

No flames from me cheko1. He delibertly kept a dog he knew was capable of hurting his children.

[kgeaux]

Many shelters do not even offer adoption of pit bulls or pitt mixes. If not claimed by the owners the dogs are euthanized.

They are offered for adoption over here, with a couple of caveats. They must NEVER have been fought or been trained to fight. They must not show signs of aggression.

I understand people's reactions when a pit attacks, I really do, but the fact remains that over 99 percent of pitbulls will never show aggression to a human at all in their lives.

This particular dog, if she had pups, she may have been defending them. When my sister's weiner dog had pups she became one ferocious protector of those pups, snarling, biting at people and she was generally on guard duty and on high alert. If this pit felt these same instincts to protect her puppies, that may be why she grabbed the boy.

[kgeaux]

I have a question for pit bull owners or those who did own pit bulls!

A friend of mine has a 1/2 pit bull the dog is very powerful / he jumped up on me & he is very strong & nearly knocked me over. Scared me to death.....they stated the dog was playing???

They have 4 other dogs & they can't leave all dogs out at one time because the 1/2 pit bull attacks the dogs. My friend bought a electric cow poke which shocks the dogs when they begin to fight. Has been about a yr since they had to use it.

In my estimation that is cruel to use. Wouldn't that make the 1/2 pit meaner? They claim she is the nicest, friendliest dog that ever was. I don't think so.

Whoa, dear! Your friends are making some serious mistakes! Their dog is playing! But NO DOG should be allowed to jump on people. It's bad manners, PLUS it may give a powerful dog the idea that she is in control. A pit should always know that she is the submitter, but in this game when the pit gets you on the floor, she might think she's higher up on the "alpha" pole than you. Normal games and playful activities that are perfectly fine to play with other breeds aren't appropriate for breeds that can be aggressive.

Pits are genetically predisposed to be aggressive towards animals which are not a part of their pack, but ususually they aren't aggressive to other family pets. It worries me that this pit is. Sometimes, and I've seen it with my own eyes, dogs will "play" with their friends in ways that scare people to death, but it's clearly play in the eyes of both dogs involved. What worries me here is that the owners have to resort to torture to get the animals to stop mixing it up. These dogs have NOT been properly socialized IMO. And the owners apparently haven't got a clue how to train their animals if they have to use a cattle prod to make their dogs obey.

My pit's FIRST LESSON was "drop it." When he hears those words, his jaws pop open and he lets go of whatever he's got in his mouth. We began training him when he was about six weeks old, and he does not fail to open his mouth and "drop" when we tell him to. Alas, your friends apparently didn't do their research, they've not trained their girl at all, and IMO you should be cautious when you are around ANY of their animals.

[SadieMae]

I'll probably get flamed for what I'm going to post so here goes.........

If this man insisted on keeping this pit after it attacked & bit 2 different people regardless of the circumstances he should of had his kids taken away. Instead he had litters of pups & more kids. Apparently he couldn't handle either.

I just get to mad for words knowing he kept the dog chained in the basement. I hope he is getting mental help while in the hospital.
No flaming here either...it's true. He had no business keeping the dogs anywhere in his home.

[SadieMae]

They are offered for adoption over here, with a couple of caveats. They must NEVER have been fought or been trained to fight. They must not show signs of aggression.

I understand people's reactions when a pit attacks, I really do, but the fact remains that over 99 percent of pitbulls will never show aggression to a human at all in their lives.

This particular dog, if she had pups, she may have been defending them. When my sister's weiner dog had pups she became one ferocious protector of those pups, snarling, biting at people and she was generally on guard duty and on high alert. If this pit felt these same instincts to protect her puppies, that may be why she grabbed the boy.
They are offered for adoption at my local shelter also. But from my conversations with AC they are usually euthanized because no one adopts them. A few will get picked up by Pit rescue. In MI where my sister lives, they are euthanized as soon as they are brought in.

[cheko1]

Whoa, dear! Your friends are making some serious mistakes! Their dog is playing! But NO DOG should be allowed to jump on people. It's bad manners, PLUS it may give a powerful dog the idea that she is in control. A pit should always know that she is the submitter, but in this game when the pit gets you on the floor, she might think she's higher up on the "alpha" pole than you. Normal games and playful activities that are perfectly fine to play with other breeds aren't appropriate for breeds that can be aggressive.

Pits are genetically predisposed to be aggressive towards animals which are not a part of their pack, but ususually they aren't aggressive to other family pets. It worries me that this pit is. Sometimes, and I've seen it with my own eyes, dogs will "play" with their friends in ways that scare people to death, but it's clearly play in the eyes of both dogs involved. What worries me here is that the owners have to resort to torture to get the animals to stop mixing it up. These dogs have NOT been properly socialized IMO. And the owners apparently haven't got a clue how to train their animals if they have to use a cattle prod to make their dogs obey.

My pit's FIRST LESSON was "drop it." When he hears those words, his jaws pop open and he lets go of whatever he's got in his mouth. We began training him when he was about six weeks old, and he does not fail to open his mouth and "drop" when we tell him to. Alas, your friends apparently didn't do their research, they've not trained their girl at all, and IMO you should be cautious when you are around ANY of their animals.

After reading all that is here.......I've made up my mind I'm not going to go to her home again. That pit & its owners are totally out of control & I don't like it. I'll be talking to her over the weekend & going to tell her so! I

Thanks everyone you'se are all the greatest!!! :blowkiss:

[imthemom]

Whoa, dear! Your friends are making some serious mistakes! Their dog is playing! But NO DOG should be allowed to jump on people. It's bad manners, PLUS it may give a powerful dog the idea that she is in control. A pit should always know that she is the submitter, but in this game when the pit gets you on the floor, she might think she's higher up on the "alpha" pole than you. Normal games and playful activities that are perfectly fine to play with other breeds aren't appropriate for breeds that can be aggressive.

Pits are genetically predisposed to be aggressive towards animals which are not a part of their pack, but ususually they aren't aggressive to other family pets. It worries me that this pit is. Sometimes, and I've seen it with my own eyes, dogs will "play" with their friends in ways that scare people to death, but it's clearly play in the eyes of both dogs involved. What worries me here is that the owners have to resort to torture to get the animals to stop mixing it up. These dogs have NOT been properly socialized IMO. And the owners apparently haven't got a clue how to train their animals if they have to use a cattle prod to make their dogs obey.

My pit's FIRST LESSON was "drop it." When he hears those words, his jaws pop open and he lets go of whatever he's got in his mouth. We began training him when he was about six weeks old, and he does not fail to open his mouth and "drop" when we tell him to. Alas, your friends apparently didn't do their research, they've not trained their girl at all, and IMO you should be cautious when you are around ANY of their animals.

They do need very good direction. I took mine to dog shchool when he was about 9 months old and he was like a different dog. He still has a lot of energy so we play ball or frisby at night to get some energy out. He does not jump on us but gets very excited when people come over that he especially likes and will jump but we always correct him. It is hard when people let him though and kiss him, he is getting positive inforcement from it. So I have asked especially my mom to turn around and ignore him and when she does he will sit and wait for her to pet him. I went to pick my son up from his friends the other day and their 120 lb golden retriever jumped right on me when they opened the door, I almost fell over. She was friendly but she weighs almost as much as me.

[southcitymom]

my brother has a red nosed pit. it is beautiful. when we visit he locks it in the kennel at my request. the kids feed it treats through the gate and pet in through the gate and it wags its whole rear end and licks their hands. he whimpers when they walk off and it really seems to like them. last summer he called and said the pit had almost killed his rottweiler. he asked if i would take the pit since it seemed to love the kids so much. i said no and called him a dumb@$$! (dumb@$$!)

You crack me up, Sherri. I can see you doing this clear as day!

[Boyzmomee]

The way I see it, it's not the dog being the problem, they are showing the affects of what happens when very ignorant people are allowed to have access to a good animal and ruin it. If you take an animal or a child and do not nurture them, only giving abuse and neglect then years later you're going to be seeing the results.
The fact that they had to have this dog chained up down in the basement says they knew he couldn't be trusted, they had 4 children what were they thinking?
I feel terrible for the boy who was killed, I also feel sorry for these dogs who were not given a chance to be good family pets!!
Years ago I adopted a german shepherd, the most wonderful dog I've ever known. He would sit down and watch my 5 pound cat eat out of his dish, patiently waiting for his turn. He could have gulped her down in 1 bite but the cat ruled him!

The big problem here is why are there people determined to have a "bad ass dog" and not a gentle well trained pet who can be a member of their family. Dog owners IMO should be required to take some kind of test to show they have the understanding, commitment, ability and desire to give a pet a good home. Outlaw puppy mills and stop people from having their pets have litter after litter because they think it's so cute for them to have the puppies or kittens, never thinking they are contribiting to the mass over population.
I better shut up now cause this is a subject I could go on and on about.

VB


This is one of the best posts I have read.

[Malapoo]

The issue with the Greensboro Pitts is as with many legally seized animals, the legal process must run it's course before the dogs can be destroyed. Since these dogs have not harmed or killed anyone (to current knowledge), the courts have to make the decision about destroying them. I would say they almost certainly WILL be destroyed, but until it's "legal", the shelter is helpless.

As to dogs in general, they are pack animals and see family as their pack. Visitors to the home, or folks in the neighborhood are from other packs. If they don't respect their "own pack" and see some family member as the leader, then they become dominant pack leaders and therefore see outsiders the same as say a wolf pack leader would see an opposing wolf - something to be at the very least violently driven off, or killed.

Just as you teach your children (not enough people these days) to respect other children & humans, you must also teach pets. Why is it we call them dumb animals yet expect them to be born knowing all they need to know to not be violent etc? Oh yes, we are definitely higher intellect (sarcasm button on)

[cheko1]

I also heard that the father is 'possibly facing' criminal charges!

[Lurker]

I also heard that the father is 'possibly facing' criminal charges!

I hope he gets charged. Keeping a pit bull that has been known to bite, chained in the basement is like leaving a loaded handgun in a childs lap.

I say this and I have a pit! That dog was a weapon, never socialized and not trained correctly. And, I must add, DEFINITELY not bred correctly!

[Jeana (DP)]

THIS WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED BY CHEKO. The font needed to be reduced:

I found this short article:

A pit bull attacked and killed a 7-year-old boy Thursday in the basement of the family's north Minneapolis home, police said.
Lt. Amelia Huffman of the Minneapolis Police Department said the boy, identified by his grandfather as Zack King Jr., had gone downstairs to play with the dog when he was attacked and bit in the throat.
The boy's father, Zack King Sr., shot and killed the dog after trying to rescue his son and being severely bitten on the arm, police said.
Another family member called 911 just after 1 p.m. The boy and his father were taken to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale, where the youngster was pronounced dead, police said.
The boy's grandfather, Robert Lee King Jr. of Minneapolis, said he was called by the boy's aunt and Zach was being loaded into an ambulance when he arrived.
The male pit bull, whose name was Face, was kept chained in the basement, Robert King said. A female pit bull and five puppies were allowed to roam in the house and didn't participate in the attack, he said. However, animal control officers removed the female dog and puppies from the home.
A state report based on hospital discharge data and medical records from the Minnesota Hospital Association showed a 40 percent reported increase in victims of dog bites seen in hospitals and emergency rooms in the state from 1998 to 2005.
The study, released in June, found that about 3,600 people were treated in emergency rooms in 2005, compared to about 2,600 in 1998. The number of those hospitalized saw a smaller increase, from 89 in 1998 to 95 in 2005.
Three-quarters of the victims were familiar with the attacking dog, the study said.
Dr. Heather Day, an epidemiologist and a co-author of the study, said part of the increase may involve improved record-keeping by hospitals, more hospitals passing on data to the Minnesota Hospital Association and an increase in pet ownership.

[cheko1]

Father charged with murder in pitbull attack death http://kstp.com/kstpImages/King_Zack.jpgOn Wednesday, the Hennepin County attorney charged Zachary King with the death of his 7-year-old son after the family’s pit-bull attacked and killed him.
County attorney Mike Freeman stated that the father knew the dog was vicious. King has been charged with second degree manslaughter.
However, animal control was called in 2005 and 2006 about problems with the same dog, and deemed it not dangerous.
"Get those pit-bulls out of the house," said Freeman.
On Aug. 16, officials say King entertained guests until 4:00 a.m. and then awoke to his daughter screaming.
His son, also named Zachary King, had gone to the basement where the pit-bull was chained up in the room and was attacked. He died due to severe blood loss and asphyxia.
"You either have the kids at home or the pit-bull, but not both of them," said Freeman.
Freeman said King would face probation because of his minor criminal history.
[/SIZE]