Extremely disappointed in the government and our large breed dog owners in Florida

**kokopup** · 03-08-2010, 11:36 AM

Alysser

The fact that they're "not predictable" is complete BS, seriously you actually believe that? I've been around both small dogs and Pitbulls (I volunteer at a shelter) and I feel much safer in a cage with a most of the Pitbulls then some of those small dogs - some of the smaller dogs are absolutely psycho. I will never ever believe that a Pitbull is more unpredictable then any other breed of dog, because that's simply just not true. Granted, there are dogs who are unpredictable than any other dog, and I am sure some of them are pitbulls, but these dogs are in every breed. That's completely unjustified to say, that the entire breed is not predictable. Put similar variables in a situation with different breeds, they'll all become slightly less predictable.

I agree that many dogs are unpredictable. i will not turn my back on my sons Chihuahua and i see it every day. There are many small dogs that I trust less than a PIt Bull. Without going in detail , I also have first hand experience with the predictablity of the APBT.

When I say unpredictable I am talking about having a pattern that tells you that the dog is dangerous. Most states have a one bite law that allows one bite before the dog is put down on the second bite. Unfortunately with the APBT the first bit is one of maiming or killing in two thirds of the documented cases. In these cases the dog had no prior history of being aggressive.

If you have a small high strung dog and a child rushes up and pets the dog, there is a very good chance that the child will be bitten. This dog is predictable and the owner has a responsibility to protect the child in how the dog is approached. I know most children rush in while the adult will usually ask if it is ok to pet your dog. With my dog Koko I would be up a creek if she was a biter because she is a kid magnet. Now I would say she is unpredictable if one day for no reason she attacked one of the kids that approached her. This is exactly the behavior that this study documented. where in two thirds of APBT attacks occur with no prior history.

I have documented proof with the sheriff that in addition to people they also kill or maim other dogs or farm animals.

**IRescue452** · 03-08-2010, 01:13 PM

The majority of dog bites are from family pets. None of those cases are predictable. I actually think a pit bite is more predictable because people are a little more cautios around them. You get bit by a labrador and I guarentee you'll be surprised they have teeth that work. A beloved family pet of any breed is much less predictable because you don't expect them to bite.

**kokopup** · 03-08-2010, 02:08 PM

IRescue452

The majority of dog bites are from family pets. None of those cases are predictable. I actually think a pit bite is more predictable because people are a little more cautios around them. You get bit by a labrador and I guarentee you'll be surprised they have teeth that work. A beloved family pet of any breed is much less predictable because you don't expect them to bite.

What you say is very true, that most dog bits are from family pets and I imagine some of the more social dogs are involved. Dog bite is the first single thing that is treated in the emergency room. There are literally thousands of cases every year. It the majority of cases there is a simple puncture or abrasion. The only cases that are closely documented is where a maiming or death is involved. If you look at overall statistics the majority of ALL bites are done by an over reactive family pet. I know that a Labrador and Golden both have very sharp teeth that could inflict much pain. I have to pry Koko mouth open every day to administer medicine. I have had her growl at
me because I disturbed her sleep of she percieved I was getting her food. I
knew that I should not proceed because she said NO with her growl. Kids get
bitten by the family pet because they do not take that NO seriously. There
would probably be more Retriever bits that any other mainly because they are the most popular family pet. A simple nip from a lab can inflict enough damage to require a EM visit. The problem with the APBT is either the No
is not given or not understood and the APBT doesn't settle for a simple nip.
They maim or Kill over 30 a year now in the US and Canada. That is Up from
just ten years ago.

And restate your Barons Quote

"There are two things which cannot be attacked in front: ignorance and narrow-mindedness. They can only be shaken by the simple development of the contrary qualities. They will not bear discussion."

Lord John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton

**Indigo Bully Connection** · 03-08-2010, 05:32 PM

Won't settle for a simple nip??? tell that to my finger yesterday when i got a cut as big as a hang nail because my girl was too excited for a treat hahah...

ANYWAYS, back on topic.... this is not just about Pit Bulls... love em... hate em... I couldn't give a care less! Not too long ago the American Pit Bull Terrier was the mascott of this country, not the Bald Eagle... the APBT. This is about all medium/large breed dogs. Like I said before... yes, it's my dogs first, then labs, corgis, collies, huskies and only the Lord knows what else someone in the United States of America will find to complain about next.

With this all set aside... breeds and such jibber jabber... do you guys honestly feel that it is right to take away my rights as to which type of dog I own as an United States citizen? I know I would never ever evvvver say that was the right thing to do if the roles were reversed... and trust me... one day it will be.

EDIT: I have one, and am in the process of getting three more of my dogs their CGC's so that when and if this becomes law in my county my dogs don't get put down for being just another happy dog.

Have you guys seen the photos from the Denver Pit Bull Ban?

**Lady's Human** · 03-08-2010, 05:42 PM

Not too long ago the American Pit Bull Terrier was the mascott of this country, not the Bald Eagle... the APBT.

When exactly was this?

**Indigo Bully Connection** · 03-08-2010, 05:48 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_Stubby

http://hubpages.com/hub/Famous_Pit_Bulls

Before my time with the dogs, but they have not always been stigmatized like this.

**Lady's Human** · 03-08-2010, 06:17 PM

Okay, there have been famous APBTs.....and famous GSDs, and famous mutts...

Doesn't make them the mascot of the country, however.

**Vette** · 03-11-2010, 03:32 PM

Bah. i think it sucks.

we have enough racism in the world. we dont need breedism too.

**Animalhouse26** · 03-12-2010, 03:53 AM

I am not even getting into this debate here..as I have been doing the fight on another forum..all 19pages of it.. *sigh* But all I am gonna say is.. If my Family member went to jail for Raping and or murdering someone.. Am I also at fault?

**Snowhound** · 03-18-2010, 11:43 AM

Hi, have only just joined this site so hello to all. You've no doubt heard it all before, but I'll say it again - there are no bad dogs, just bad dog owners (a bit like children - they're potentially good but it depends on the parenting.) I have owned an Anatolian Shepherd Dog, a Doberman, a Rottweiler, and currently own a Leonberger. None of my dogs have ever been a menace as I trained them well. Here in New Zealand where I live, the public want certain breeds like Pitbulls & Rotties removed from society as there have been several attacks on children/adults - but it isn't the breed of dog, it's the owners who are to blame. Unfortunately some owners of these breeds of dog train them to fight & be aggressive & treat them badly. That is no reason to ban a breed of dog, but perhaps we should ban certain types of people (if only we could!)

Occasionally, just as in the human race, one can come across a sociopathic/psychopathic dog - read a great book once written by dog trainers who came across one - it was one of those ankle-biting small terrier dogs which had to be put down for continual biting of anyone who came near it. I'm sure this must happen in all forms of life occasionally.

But, overall, be the Alpha Dog to any breed & it will grow up to respect you & others around it I like to believe.

Snowhound

**kokopup** · 03-08-2010, 06:23 PM

Indigo Bully Connection

Not too long ago the American Pit Bull Terrier was the mascott of this country, not the Bald Eagle... the APBT.

The bald Eagle is more than a Mascot, It is the Symbol of this nation.

Your Sargent Stubby (1916) at most was a mascot of Georgetown law school.

The Bald Eagle national significance dates back to June 20, 1782, when the Continental Congress officially adopted the current design for the seal including a Bald Eagle grasping arrows and an olive branch with its claw. Some states had earlier done so in 1778.

In 1784, after the end of the Revolutionary war, Benjamin Franklin wrote a famous letter to his daughter from Paris criticizing the choice and suggesting the Wild Turkey's character as a desirable trait:

**Indigo Bully Connection** · 03-09-2010, 02:09 PM

I appologise for not wording it correctly, I typed in haste. These dogs were very influencial to the United States and often the choice pet for families.

Could we please stay on topic about Breed Specific Legislation? I didn't come here to have a Pit Bull fight. That's not my style. I came here to express my frustrations about us being devided as an animal community, and hopefully get more people on board to help all of us responsible pet owners.