There have been 83 responses to this week’s Tele-Discuss query: “Do you assume pit bulls are harmful or unfairly portrayed as a ‘dangerous breed’?” Nearly all of responses had been that pit bulls will not be a “dangerous breed.”
I have been bitten by German shepherds, Doberman pinscher and little ankle biters. By no means a pit bull. Those I’ve encountered had been even-tempered. Nobody needs to be bitten by a canine ever. House owner insurance coverage firms need you to learn about canine breeds within the family. There are these breeds they deem a legal responsibility and cost accordingly. If we had harmful folks held to the identical customary as animal management legal guidelines, these folks can be thought of a foul breed and what punishment ought to they obtain? Canines can scent worry in people and so they react accordingly by hook or by crook. Folks chew, too, ask any police officer. DP from Lovell, Maine.
Along with some canines being violent, a few of their house owners neglect that the road exterior their homes just isn’t their property. The streets belong to the city and folks strolling on the road have the suitable to be left alone. Their canines haven’t any proper to be threatening folks out on the street and simply having an underground fence just isn’t sufficient. This story is essentially the most disgusting one I’ve seen within the paper for a very long time and I am badly offended. This additionally jogs my memory to choose up some pepper spray and hope some aggressive canine proprietor does not determine to spray me again or shoot me after I’m defending my security or the protection of others.
It’s not the breed, it’s the particular person canine. A Chihuahua might be an aggressive canine. The distinction is an grownup human can fairly simply over-power an aggressive Chihuahua, so these incidents do not make headline information. Many pitbulls are candy and loving pets. Cate from Conway
All pit bull canines are bred for the scale of their heads, and all moms of a canine of the pit bull are condemned to ship by Cesarean part. One fearless world chief, Winston Churchill was described as a pit bull. He comes from the combat scarred, bruised, bleeding, however with a smile on his face, for gripped in his enamel is the center of his adversary clinched firmly between his enamel. Pit bulls characterize the tenacity of his proprietor. EMLJR, Eaton
Pit bulls are affectionate, loyal, cuddly, athletic, superior companions, give unconditional love, and when socialized correctly make fantastic associates. Enter people, harmful mammals, utilizing pits for preventing, mis-training them, and giving them a foul fame. I believe we’re by far the “dangerous breed” in our exploitation of those magnificent animals, inflicting them struggling and in some cases, demise as a result of the use for preventing is so horrific. With a historical past of preventing and bull-baiting, by power from handlers, we see by way of no fault of their very own, why they garnered a foul rap. Paralleled in coaching youngsters, educate kindness and love, not brutality, and the outcomes might be good. Laura Slitt
In keeping with Decide Judy, these canines shouldn’t be within the houses the place there are kids because of their harmful temperament, so there may be your proof that they’re harmful.
Pit bulls are good, till they’re not. That’s my remark.
It’s the canine proprietor’s accountability to keep up leash legislation for all canines. Now what about all animals in fields all summer time and winter and not using a barn? Loves all animals, not only one.
I used to be not happy when my grownup daughter moved in with us and introduced her 3-year-old pit bull, as their fame preceded her. Inside every week ,her pit bull and I had been very a lot in love. She may be very playful, loving, responds effectively to directions and is rarely an issue with youngsters or adults. Like several breed, pits shouldn’t be judged by these that are poorly managed by ill-trained people.
All canines of their genes will not be domesticated. They’re wild animals. So if you wish to have a wild animal, you then deserve what you get. I can’t see any rational purpose why anybody would desire a canine. All they’re is an issue and so they might be a possible drawback in biting somebody, as a result of that is what they’re, they’re animals. Those who have these canines round youngsters, they want their head examined as a result of canines will not be domesticated in some respects. Good luck to you if you wish to have a canine. I believe it is a loopy thought. Any canine is a possible drawback interval.
It is nonsense that they’re harmful. Simply deal with them like a buddy and all might be effectively
That is Cal in Conway.I believe pit bulls are very harmful. They break automobiles and every part else and folks like myself do not have some huge cash to pay for the repairs.
In 10 years from 2009 to 2018, pit bulls killed 3,569 folks within the U.S. and Canada, together with 80 p.c of all People who had been killed by canines. That is your reply.
In case you do not assume pit bulls are harmful then I counsel you Google the phrases pit bull assault. Dozens and dozens of assaults occur on a regular basis. This can be a harmful breed, and so they often assault members of their very own household or folks they know. They should not be allowed to be owned until you might have a particular license.
No explicit breed of canines is any higher or worse than one other. What’s dangerous is the individuals who personal them, and prepare them and permit them to turn into assault canines or protectors. The individuals who personal them do not get held accountable for their abuse of such animals. The animal pays the worth by being euthanized. There is no purpose why this canine cannot be taken and seen if it may be labored with.
They’re the worst canine on this planet. I’ve witnessed them assault two completely different folks, two completely different occasions. Then the animal management officer turned the canine again over to the proprietor. One thing is incorrect. I am to the purpose now put the pit bulls down and the house owners, too. They’re terrorists.
Please learn the historical past of pit bulls. Canines (pit bulls) will not be inherently vicious; they’re both educated, abused or not paid consideration to correctly to turn into that method. It is best to by no means method a canine that you simply don’t know with out permission from the proprietor, and when you see one off-leash, at all times be cautious. I at the moment personal one of many sweetest canines I’ve ever met. He’s a pit bull. My husband and I took him to pet faculty to discover ways to deal with our canine. He’s not a vicious animal, although he could knock you over and lick your face clear. And that’s solely as a result of he’s 70 kilos of goofy. So, sure, they’re horribly mislabeled and feared for one thing that was a craze years in the past. Cease hating on pit bulls. One dangerous canine doesn’t 100 dangerous canines make. Ashley Kerr
My children and I’ve been round a number of pit bulls, none of which had been ever aggressive. Truly, by far the sweetest and most cuddly canines I’ve personally encountered. My baby has, nevertheless, been viciously attacked by a special “non-aggressive” breed. It’s actually all about house owners educating themselves and attending to know their canines, their strengths and their limitations. It’s not the breed for my part. It’s about house owners who don’t acknowledge and acknowledge their canines’ limitations or what they’re able to. Ashley Gore
All canines might be protected or harmful. What people trigger them to do, by way of love or abuse, determines their destiny. Not that completely different from youngsters. They’re merchandise of their setting. I am not a pit bull proprietor (it is really not even an official breed) however I’ve identified lovable pit bulls and never lovable pit bulls — identical to every other breed of canine (or human, for that matter). There are undoubtedly irresponsible and accountable canine house owners, it doesn’t matter what the breed. I believe pit bulls are unfairly maligned. Paul Kirsch
Not saying that the occasion is OK in any method. However truthfully, possibly that selectman has some unfavourable vitality or isn’t particular person and the canine picked up on it (as they’re extremely intuitive beings). They’re actually nanny canines to observe over youngsters. Identical to with each different canine breed, their “dangerousness” is a discovered lesson in conduct based mostly on how their proprietor trains and handles them. Savannah Rose
I owned a pit bull, and she or he was very loving towards adults, youngsters and strangers, even different canines. Any canine might be harmful or loving, it is determined by how their house owners raised them, so I might look into the house owners of this pit bull. Kelly Ann Lindley
I really like canines and I really like pit bulls. It’s the method they’re raised, as with all breeds of canines. Pam Atwood Morrison
There are not any dangerous canines — simply dangerous house owners. Brittany Furness
Not all pit bulls are aggressive. Heath McClelland
They get an unfair dangerous rap. I’ve been round many pitties owned by associates and so they had been sensible, loyal and lovable. They had been educated effectively. It’s how they’re educated and raised. Trisha Foster Antalek
All canines are harmful, that’s why I’ve a gun. Randy Marston
I really like my pittie infants. I’ve 4 youngsters. They’ve by no means as soon as been aggressive. My canines had been raised with youngsters and get depressed when there are not any youngsters dwelling. They’ve been raised (not educated due to my very own shortcomings) with love and affection. They, in flip, are essentially the most loving and snuggly canines I do know. Lovessa Ruiz Dela Pena
I really like my pit bulls. They’re lovable. Most are, if raised inside and liked. Solona Pappy
Possibly the proprietor of this canine is the one who wants consideration. Any canine might be harmful. I personally know a really candy, loving, well-trained pit bull liked by everybody he meets! It’s not the breed. Joanne Montgomery
My daughter has a pit bull. The sweetest woman. My son-in-law only recently acquired attacked by a bull canine, on a leash. Out strolling by himself. Patty Joyce
Insurance coverage danger statistics say that they and a number of other different breeds are, certainly, “dangerous breeds” in relation to insurance coverage danger of getting to payout claims. Paul Gallichotte
They’re unfairly portrayed, identical to Rottweilers. It’s all in how the canine is raised. Wyatt Coughlan Jr.
It is all in how they’re raised and that goes for any breed. It completely is determined by their proprietor. MJ O’Neill
Unfairly portrayed. David Tetreault
Anybody who categorizes a sure canine breed as harmful is simply ignorant and shouldn’t even be making such an announcement. Some small canines are extra harmful than the stereotypical “harmful giant canines.” Ashley Smith
My Corgi was attacked by a French bulldog. It really jumped out the window of the transferring automobile it was in. That being mentioned, I don’t disparage your entire breed due to that one poorly educated canine. I did need to kick it like a soccer to get it to launch. My Corgi was not injured however she doesn’t like several canine to be close to her now. Franklin Stephenson
The canine that bit the selectman just isn’t a pit bull. Folks proceed lumping all “bully” breeds into one and calling all of them pit bulls. I can let you know that being in a occupation that works with each canine breed there may be, that I’ve by no means been bitten by one. I really like all breeds and respect each particular person for what they’re and have by no means forged judgment on their breed. That being mentioned, have I wanted to muzzle a Pit for my very own safety? Sure, together with each single breed that comes by way of my workplace as a result of all canines are distinctive in the way in which they must be dealt with. I’ve had the pleasure of getting pit bulls in my life as companions and can proceed to for the remainder of my days. I am keen on the breed as a result of I do know precisely what they should thrive. The individuals who don’t analysis breeds/breeders and selected them for standing or for garden ornaments are those at fault. Pit bulls have at all times had the potential to be wonderful relations when they’re arrange for achievement. When coaching/socializing/psychological stimulation is thrown to the wayside any canine is doomed to fail. Alyson Aulich
I witnessed a pit bull assault one other canine, unprovoked. A number of adults had been attempting to get the canine to launch. Hitting it with a skateboard, turning the backyard hose into its face, pulling its tail. It was horrific. Lastly my husband grabbed a stick and acquired it beneath its collar, twisting and twisting to choke the pit. The pit launched its jaws when it handed out. No, I don’t belief pit bulls. Debra Crane Fobert
Any canine can chew. The way in which they’re educated and socialized has extra to do with how harmful they’re, reasonably than their breed. The next taken from an article states “AVMA or American Veterinary Medical Affiliation carried out an in-depth literature overview to research present research on canine bites and severe accidents. Their findings point out that there isn’t a single breed that stands out as essentially the most harmful.” Pit bulls might be fantastic, mild, loving canines if they’re educated appropriately. Johannah York
As many have echoed within the feedback above, any canine has the potential to be wonderful or harmful. Setting, coaching, and enrichment can all affect a canine’s conduct. Working within the veterinary occupation provides us the chance to work with all breeds and extra occasions than not, breeds who’re thought of to be naughty and harmful are sometimes not. If an proprietor is beginning to see sure behaviors manifest that might be regarding, they need to search veterinary assist and never wait till the canine has gotten to the stage of extreme aggression, nervousness, and so on. Please take pet parenting significantly, identical to elevating youngsters, when you don’t give your pet the route and obedience coaching to provide them the instruments to deal with day after day actions, you then’ve failed them as a father or mother. Caitlin Murphy
Any canine breed might be harmful. Interval. Mary Trussell
I acquired my pit (Cody) at 8 weeks outdated. He by no means barked and was essentially the most lovable pup ever. When my son was born, Cody barked for the primary time when somebody knocked at my entrance door. I knew then he was my son’s protector. Cody and my son had been inseparable greatest buds! Sadly, Cody had a stroke and handed. My son nonetheless asks for Cody again, his first greatest buddy. I’ll say I’m sorry for the unlucky accident that occurred, however any time you might be round any canine you want to concentrate on your environment. Katie Washington
It’s not the breed of the canine, it’s the way in which the canine is raised and the coaching they’ve obtained. Hell, Chihuahuas are sometimes extra bitey than many giant bully breeds. Cailin McMurdo-Minnich
I’ve by no means had a unfavourable interplay with a pit bull. They’ve at all times been mild and lovable. I did watch my very own canine get attacked by two unleashed Jack Russell terriers as soon as. A former boss was attacked by his chow. I believe it has much less to do with the breed and extra to do with the house owners. Amy Welch
In my private expertise, I discover there are not any dangerous canines, solely dangerous house owners. If, for some purpose, you end up with a canine that may be aggressive, you want to be 100% sure they’re in your management always. I’ve encountered extra nasty small canine breeds than giant canine breeds. Kim Smith
All canines must be beneath management and restraint. House owners have to know the energy of their canines, particularly with leashes/runs. My pit bull combine is 35 kilos and broke by way of a leash rated for 35-45-pound canines, as a result of she has the energy of a 90-pound canine when her sight is ready on one thing. (Sarcastically, the energy of a 5-pound canine when her leash is caught on a couple of blades of grass.) Lesson discovered, her leash has since been one rated for 125-pound canines simply to make sure. In case your canine is tied out, it’s additionally necessary to verify regardless of the leash is connected to is powerful sufficient to carry your canine. It’s actually easy to take steps in ensuring you’re being a accountable pet proprietor. Observe leash legal guidelines, too. Unleashed canines, it doesn’t matter what the breed, trigger worry and stress. Your canine may be obedient, till its natural instincts activate. It’s unlucky that bully breeds get such a foul fame, they’ll at all times be my favourite. April Surette
I don’t assume pit bulls are a harmful breed and it’s unfair to painting them as dangerous. This explicit canine clearly has one thing occurring that must be addressed, however I do not imagine it has something to do with the breed being the reason for the issue. Denise Reed
No dangerous canines, simply dangerous house owners. I used to be bitten by a vicious chihuahua as soon as, a number of stitches later. My level is the breed and measurement don’t matter, how the canine is educated and handled does. Shannan Budde
Anybody who says pit bulls are harmful are ignorant! I have been bitten by a number of small canines. By no means ever been bitten by any canine on the “hazard” listing. All canines might be harmful. Free black labs killed my neighbor’s leashed German shepard. The neighbor’s beagle killed my hen and cat and different animals. It is all in how your canine is taught/handled. Normally it is the human who’s dangerous, not the canine! I had a pitbull and she or he was the sweetest, most loving canine I’ve ever had. What did Tom do? Did he simply stroll by unknowingly and the canine charged? Was he being a jerk and antagonizing the canine? Why does Kimberly hate pit bulls? The place does her ignorance and hatred stem from? There’s particulars lacking from this story. Kim Goodrow
I imagine that there will not be dangerous breeds however dangerous house owners. In case you prepare your canine and take the time to show them manners and obedience then you should have canine. In case you neglect your canine, abuse and mistreat them, you might be more likely to have an sick behaved animal in your palms. There are additionally breeds that require extra coaching then others, because of their pure persona and temperament. Don’t get me incorrect, I’ve met a couple of canines that the household has tried the entire above and they’re simply temperamental, crotchety and imply. These canines will not be strolling down primary avenue and shouldn’t be. Susy Wilmot
I do imagine all canines are succesful. However till you might have skilled a canine or two snapping and snarling, coming at your face whereas dragging their proprietor no less than 60 toes to get at you, you’ll change your thoughts. It occurred to me; I’m ceaselessly modified. Carol Samson
I really feel there are a couple of “harmful canines” in any breed. I additionally really feel pit bulls, basically, will not be harmful/dangerous. It’s, in actual fact, the house owners who will not be educated sufficient about how you can socialize and prepare them to be a “good canine.” Lori Brann
Attention-grabbing that that is the subject of dialog, particularly when there’s been 27 faculty shootings in 2022, greater than triple any 12 months earlier than, leaving 59 of our youngsters lifeless. Or the 679 mass shootings. Why do not we fear how you can higher shield our youngsters than debate which breed of canine is extra more likely to chew? Kristen Lee
I agree it’s the house owners that make the distinction. I’ve seen pits which might be very lovable; others, not a lot. The issue is their jaws are extraordinarily robust and so they may cause far more harm than say a lab. It’s unhappy, but when this canine has bitten a few folks already, then one thing must be carried out. Carla Palmer
I’ve been bitten thrice however by no means by a pit bull. Two blended breed canines and a chihuahua. Priscilla Bloomfield Gorveatt
I’ve 5 pit bull cross-mixes. If they’re out, it is both in a big enclosed pen or on a leash and harness. They vary from 11 to 1 years in age, and none have ever been aggressive with anybody. Until somebody is available in uninvited they’ll bark, however not chew. I’ve lived by way of rotties, shepherds, dobbies, all labeled as vicious at one time. So, no, I do not assume they’re harmful so long as the house owners do not mistreat them or breed them to combat. Lisa Guardian
Unfairly portrayed. Any canine might be aggressive. Laurie Drowns-Woods
You possibly can search for traits and traits of any breed. For instance: Bernese Mountain Canine, pulls terrible on a leash, was bred to drag. Positive, that is a straightforward correction, however true to the breed. My Frenchie, straightforward to coach, playful, pleasant. My Shih tzu, loyal and loving to 1, generally two folks. As soon as they decide their particular person, do not stroll by mentioned particular person or attempt to kiss mentioned particular person. They may chew. Pit bulls, bred to bait bulls. If not correctly socialized and educated they are often aggressive towards different animals. Most websites “for” pitbulls even warn about their behaviors round youngsters. I do know individuals who personal pitbulls, I’ve seen good ones, I’ve seen not so good ones. Personally, I would not personal one. However that is me. Cheri-Beth Stackpole
Staffordshire bull terriers additionally get a foul rap. Amy Martinese
It isn’t all the way you increase them, it is genetics and the way you handle them. Pit house owners typically knew this up till roughly 15 years in the past. Now each advantage signaling pit mommy needs to assert their canine is like every other. That is absurd. Aaron Wells
Any canine might be dangerous. It is the house owners, I’ve identified extra chihuahuas to ever chew than bully breeds. Possibly it is time to manage an indication the place all of the bully breed households can get collectively within the valley and present how wonderful and effectively behaved love bugs they are surely. Krysten Leigh Keaveny
All canines are completely different identical to folks. When you’ve got a canine that may be imply you actually need to observe it. My buddy had a imply canine and any time it went exterior it will be muzzled. Leona Adams
Any canine might be harmful. I’ve childhood scars from canines and none had been pit bulls. Jennifer Lenotte
Pits are bred for excessive aggression. That aggression towards different pets/livestock can and does get turned on folks with the identical intent. Bulk of those canines are dumped/rehomed due to their genetic aggression after which they boomerang from dwelling to dwelling. The canines cannot be trusted and neither can the house owners who’re additionally allergic to taking accountability after an assault. Yeah, it’s the breed. Over 300 pure breeds and 1000’s of mixes to select from which might be method higher pets.
Pitbulls are stunning animals, any canine might be harmful. Sadly they have an inclination to get a foul rap. Shannon Boudreau Welch
Depends upon who’s coaching it. Even a small canine might be harmful if not educated correctly. Diana Hoyt
Though information are exact. They’re frequently put aside for opinions. Have a look at the uncooked information. It does not lie. Heather Costa
No canine who bites a politician is dangerous. Anthony Cloutier
They get a really unfair rap. Any breed might be aggressive. What hurts the canines fame is the very, very dangerous coaching the house owners give or lack of. You get what you set in. Merle Cole Jr
Come meet mine, who’s the largest child. Brandi Spurlock
There are not any dangerous breeds, solely dangerous canine house owners. I believe pitties are essentially the most loyal and loving breed, although they, like many different breeds, will not be for everybody. Maria Rea
Candy form canines folks final century trusted them with infants. Folks make them dangerous. Shep Kroner
I believe if it was every other breed, this would not have made the paper. As a pit mother, sure, the stigma is actual. I stroll my canine throughout these streets and aside from her being afraid of some people, it isn’t been a difficulty. My canines are also by no means off leash or unattended. I do perceive generally they slip a leash or duck out a door — it occurs we’re human. I am extra more likely to be chased by the screaming meanie ankle biter subsequent door who expenses at you while you stroll by than you might be to be bit by my pittie, until after all you cost up on me with the intent to hurt me or her however that is on you, not my canine. Shelly Durfee Burnham
It’s not the breed. It’s how the person canine was raised. Mike Kelliher
Untrained house owners are the issue not the canines. In case your canine is sketched out by strangers, maintain them away from strangers. My pit is 11. He’s the sweetest, most loyal, lovable canine I’ve ever identified. It must be based mostly on a case by case. Not by breed. Kerry Keaveny
My pitbull is the calmest canine ever.It’s all in the way in which you increase them. Amy Marie
Any canine is able to biting, it’s foolish to pin one breed. Ever heard of a Belgian Malinois? Now these are biters. Caydran Emery
Unhealthy breed. My 7-year-old niece died because of being attacked by two pit bulls for completely no purpose. She knew these canines as they lived subsequent door. You simply can’t belief them. Nancy Mershon Black
Biggest canines. Jennifer Julian
So we euthanize all canines that chew somebody? Pit bulls will not be naturally vicious however get a blanket dangerous rap. Mark Bryant
There are not any “dangerous canines,” solely dangerous folks. Patrick Ramsay
Harmful. Joyce Richardson Ciccolo
There are fairly a couple of politicians I’d wish to take a chew out of. Possibly I’m a foul breed. Daybreak McHenry