The article states
"It's not a Rottweiler problem or a pit bull problem," said Randall Lockwood, the Humane Society's vice president for research and educational outreach. "It's a people problem."
Very much like the old argument “guns don’t kill people, people kill people”. I for one, believe this to be true. The instrument of death is who is behind it, not what instrument killed.
I used Barbara Woodhouse's "No more bad dogs" to train mine
I have raised two shepherds, one German, one Aussie. Both incredible animals, but without proper training (discipline tempered with love) any domesticated animal (an animal bred to be with humans) can behave poorly.
Same with children, animals crave discipline just as children need and desire it, order if you will.
I would never leave any animal unattended with a small child, no matter what breed or size. My folks have a little 3 pound dog, and she licks people if you let her, about the nose and mouth. I doubt she has ever been near a baby, but you can imagine that could prove quite hazardous if left unattended for too long. Same with kitties, kitties can lay too close to a baby or bite a baby, even though they can be tiny, they could still injure a baby or small child. Heck, I have a HUGE scar on one of my arms from trying to rescue a cat once. The cat went ballistic on me and cut me perty bad with it’s claws.
Responsibility is key. The human adult is responsible, or we would hope they would be. Animals often time reflect their owners personality or disposition. For example, I know of a case of a gal in Texas who was dealing drugs, beat her dogs, and eventually the dogs turned on her. Happens all the time. No matter what breed, what size, people need to be responsible owners, period.
In Germany, certain breeds must be muzzled to be let outside and must always be on a leash. The leash law is rarely enforced, as in America, because there is not enough manpower, sadly. Last year, a man whose dog had bitten once and was on “muzzle restriction” was walking his dog loose, no leash, no muzzle. The dog saw some young children playing in a Kindergarten and jumped the fence and killed a small child. The police came and killed the dog, but the child was still dead. This happens everywhere, and the owner is and should be held accountable, period.
Certain breeds were bred for certain purposes. i.e. cattle or herding dogs should be allowed to roam and be around cattle and livestock, which they will herd instinctively, btw. Hunting dogs should be used for hunting purposes. Blood hounds should be put into use for search and rescue. Bird dogs should be taken out to fetch birds. My folks have a bird dog who once brought them an injured bird so they could tend to it. The dog did not hurt the bird. They are very gentle with their mouths. Don’t bring HUGE animals into your home and leave them unattended with your small children. Common sense should always prevail.
No comment on the breed, as I prefer shepherds. Have never owned a pit, never even thought about owning one. I saw a German shepherd attack when I was a small child and thought I would never own one, but found my baby by the side of the road as a pup. If you raise one from that tiny little size, it's quite different than getting them full grown.
I have strong feelings about people adopting wild animals, i.e. animals normally born in the wild. For instance, large cats. I used to volunteer at a wild cat refuge and I can tell you the critter you bought to be a playmate for your young child may soon eat your child. Think about it, ok. Educate yourselves, please. With knowledge, no one would buy such an animal. Every previous owner of such cats had some ego thing happening and bought the cat for attention, for bragging purposes. It is a thrill that dies quickly. More than 90% are killed within the first year of life. The other 10% suffer terrible fates. I know, I helped rescue them.
One cat came to the refuge because he accidentally smothered his owner while sleeping. Hgmmmm, funny thing, you let a little cat sleep on your chest and then once it is 3 - 4 times your size, it can kill you, even if it is an accident.
A 600 pound wild cat does not a good house pet make!
I am not here to argue, but to simply make a point.
Be responsible in pet ownership, and then you do not have to worry.
blueclouds, if you will e-mail me, I will send you some information on what to do should that horrific situation ever occur again.
I know, I have been there too. I hike a lot, and often times am in face to face encounters with large dogs that are loose.
Blessings to all, Lanie
Help For The Missing
HelpForTheMissing@yahoo.com
