Ok everyone, I am going to try to respond to all the recent posts but be patient please.
First of all, I just want to say something. I do not
want to wish a ban upon pit bulls. But I feel what I feel just as you all do. Sometimes I try to think like you all do - some pit bulls won't hurt anyone and I do feel bad for those innocent ones who would get taken away and families upset by a ban But when I hear about kids or dogs being attacked by pit bulls, I am outraged. It is a natural reaction. Especially when I see pictures of other dogs that have been attacked by pit bulls, I feel that if I don't take a stand against pit bulls and for the ban that I am forgetting them and abandoning them (them being the dog victims of the attacks). This may sound dumb but it's 100% truth. Just thought I should explain my sentimental and heart felt reasons for supporting the ban rather than the logical. Hopefully this will show that no, my intention was not to be a "troll" or cause an uproar. I really wanted to see everyone's thinking behind this issue. I wish it hadn't evolved into rude comments but I guess it's much easier to target someone over the internet when you don't see the offense that is caused in the person's face.
Anyway...
first to polarexpress's questions:
Yes, I would support requiring owners of dogs over 40lb to complete an education program. I feel it would educate them more before they get a larger dog and the committment to a program might scare off people looking for a big dog simply because of its threatening appearance.
No, (about pit bites on or off property)because that does not change the attack...in other words, whether on or off property, pit bulls can attack with fatalities as a result. That is what concerns me.
Yes, I fully support making it illegal for criminals with violent backgrounds to own dogs. The criminal would most likely be violent toward the dog, and no dog deserves an owner like that.
As for the Rottweilers question, I can't say yes or no because I have not researched them enough. I would be interested to know what you have to say about them, however, or anyone else for that matter.
As for your last question, do you mean "pit-type" dogs as in those that are actually pit, or pit-like in appearance? And no, I don't know what I'd say - probably something like I'm sorry that this is necessary to prevent further fatal pit bull attacks and save the lives of humans and other canines. You all must please understand that I truly wish the ban was not essential and dogs did not have to euthanized, but I feel that it is essential.
In response to
badrap's post:
Note: No, I did not not read your post because I didn't want to take the time. If I didn't feel strongly about this issue and care about it, I wouldn't be sitting here at 11:00 at night writing on a dog forum about it with words that will in no way bring any change or benefit myself.
On genetics of human aggression and the impossibility of breeding for it in APBT and their cousins:
I must ask as I am honestly curious, how is it not possible that a dog willl be human aggressive due to the temperaments in general and toward humans of its predecessors? It makes complete sense. Dogs can be naturally aggressive and naturally have bad temperaments...this natural aggression could be shown through attacks on humans. If a dog has a bad temperament in general, carried through its line, then it is also more likely to be human aggressive . There is a connection between a bad temperament and natural aggression and harm upon humans.
On MY ideas about unpredictability:
Note - I used links because people have been asking for sources. If I provide my own views and statements, I seem to find more comments that say "Show me a source!" instead of actually addressing the content I discussed.
Pit bulls, in general, do not signal that they will attack. They do not always snarl, or growl, like most dogs do. More often than not, one day they attack seemingly out of nowehre because no warning signs were displayed either in the months or seconds before the attack. When you read news reports on PB attacks, it is often stated that the dog just runs up to people and starts attacking.
I read the alternatives you suggested (I'm guessing they're only in the first post you made? Please correct if mistaken). High licensing fees would not solve the problem because it is likely that many people would not buy the license, amd it's also evident that even if licenses are attained by responsible pit owners, those dogs with the good owners can still do the same amount of damage as one owned by a criminal. A good deal of pit bull attacks are instigated by dogs which come from loving families who one day for one reason or another snap, and attack either random passersby or its own family. Also, a pit bull could accidentally get out of the door, a mistake which the owner did not intend for at all, and attack someone. So it is not just the criminals pits that do damage, therefore the high licensing fee does not address the problem fully. This is also why it's not just breeders improperly caring for their dogs, as you pointed out. I am with you that enforcement of laws pertaining to dogs is especially weak and needs to be present in society. I'm for felony penalties for serious dog attacks as well, at least those occurring without provocation.
rwbeagles, let me rephrase my statement if you will. I am tired of what this debate has become.
another note to badrap. What do I think of you? I have absolutely nothing negative to say about you. I am talking about a breed of dog. Also, how did I insult your character? Where did I say that all pit owners are bad people??
And I cannot say enough that my intention was not to "pit TRUE dog lovers against each other" (and yes, I am a true dog lover. I love my dogs to pieces. I am a dog walker at the humane society. I have shadowed at vet offices by choice. I take my dogs to obedience classes. I'm not trying to sound like a hurt puppy here, but hinting that I'm not a true dog lover really hurts because I am so passionate about dogs. My friends are the ones who tell me I am too obsessed with them, and ask me why I am so "in love" with these creatures. Dogs are my passion. So yes, being subtly told that I'm not a true dog lover (and you are not the only one who did this, I might add) stings. It's the one thing that separates me in my family, that people notice me for. Ok, I'm kind of tearing up so I'll wrap this up!!)
But again, I was not in any way trying to pit people against each other or cause an upset. I thought I could come here and debate this here where it seemed as if I could find some people who were equally passionate about the issue (whether agreeing with me or not) because a lot of people I know would get bored in about 2.5 seconds if I asked them the same question.