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Provo seeks pit-bull answer
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Anonymous | 12:36 a.m. March 26, 2008
Some new neighbors moved in with their Rotweillers. They killed 2 cats the
first week and chased our 6 foot son up on top of his van. These people would
not get rid of these dogs until the sheriff and animal control had given them 20
warnings. Every neighbor we have called animal control at least once. The
sheriff wouldn't do anything...couldn't do anything until they killed
someone. This didn't happen, but it could have. The people who own these
breeds are boneheaded. They destroy the peace of neighborhoods and don't
keep the dogs in.
Mac | 1:30 a.m. March 26, 2008
[quote]The Centers for Disease Control, the American Veterinary Medical
Association and the Humane Society of the United States examined 20 years of
dog-bite fatality research and found that pit bull-type dogs and Rottweilers
cause the most fatalities. However the report, completed in 2000, stated
"enforcement of breed-specific ordinances raise constitutional and
practical issues."[/quote]
Below is what the CDC report actually concludes:
(From CDC site)
[quote]A CDC study on fatal dog bites lists the breeds involved in fatal attacks over 20 years (Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998). It does not identify specific breeds that are most likely to bite or kill, and thus is not appropriate for policy-making decisions related to the topic. Each year, 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs. These bites result in approximately 16 fatalities; about 0.0002 percent of the total number of people bitten. These relatively few fatalities offer the only available information about breeds involved in dog bites. There is currently no accurate way to identify the number of dogs of a particular breed, and consequently no measure to determine which breeds are more likely to bite or kill.[/quote]
Below is what the CDC report actually concludes:
(From CDC site)
[quote]A CDC study on fatal dog bites lists the breeds involved in fatal attacks over 20 years (Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998). It does not identify specific breeds that are most likely to bite or kill, and thus is not appropriate for policy-making decisions related to the topic. Each year, 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs. These bites result in approximately 16 fatalities; about 0.0002 percent of the total number of people bitten. These relatively few fatalities offer the only available information about breeds involved in dog bites. There is currently no accurate way to identify the number of dogs of a particular breed, and consequently no measure to determine which breeds are more likely to bite or kill.[/quote]
Anonymous | 1:39 a.m. March 26, 2008
"The people who own these breeds are boneheaded. They destroy the peace of
neighborhoods and don't keep the dogs in."
That is a rather large blanket statement. There are problem dog owners that own all breeds. The problem is not the breed it is the owner. Action should be taken against owners who let their dogs run at large. You ban pit bulls and rottwielers and these same types of owners will simply move to another breed as a new fad. Breed specific legislation is not the answer to the problems cited in this article
That is a rather large blanket statement. There are problem dog owners that own all breeds. The problem is not the breed it is the owner. Action should be taken against owners who let their dogs run at large. You ban pit bulls and rottwielers and these same types of owners will simply move to another breed as a new fad. Breed specific legislation is not the answer to the problems cited in this article
Comments continue below
MK | 6:23 a.m. March 26, 2008
What this story is screaming is a loose dog problem, not a breed problem. Have
AC pick up these dogs when they are reported loose. I am sure there is a leash
law? How about enforcing that instead of going to the extreme of BSL which is
unfair to the owners who do properly contain their dogs.
Anonymous | 6:34 a.m. March 26, 2008
Because law enforcement does not adhere to local or state leash laws, that makes
ALL owners of large breed dogs boneheads? In this case law enforcement seems to
be a misnomer based on the lack of enforcement of the law(s).
The new neighbors are disrespectful of their new neighborhood and should be penalized for their actions, or better said inactions of not controlling their pet.
How are all owners of a large breed dog boneheads? The three I have at the house now don't disrupt anything. They don't run free, they don't kill neighbor's pets, they do bark - they're dogs and can't form words, they are not a nuisance, they are loved by the neighbors, they are obedient, and the German Shepherd Dog, has been trained not to go up to anyone unless I tell him to. I guess I'm a bone head for having large breed dogs.
Dogs reflect the owners. If the owners are careless so will be the dogs.
The new neighbors are disrespectful of their new neighborhood and should be penalized for their actions, or better said inactions of not controlling their pet.
How are all owners of a large breed dog boneheads? The three I have at the house now don't disrupt anything. They don't run free, they don't kill neighbor's pets, they do bark - they're dogs and can't form words, they are not a nuisance, they are loved by the neighbors, they are obedient, and the German Shepherd Dog, has been trained not to go up to anyone unless I tell him to. I guess I'm a bone head for having large breed dogs.
Dogs reflect the owners. If the owners are careless so will be the dogs.
AC | 7:22 a.m. March 26, 2008
Police officers responded to 93 incidents of animal bites during the
past two years  nine of which were attributed to pit bulls, said
Provo Chief Administrative Officer Wayne Parker. Parker noted that
three of those incidents happened in the Provost neighborhood.
>>>>>>>>>>
Less than 10% of the bites were attributed to pit bulls. How does this make it a pit bull problem? What about the breeds that make up more than 90% of the dog bites here?
Animal control needs to pick up the loose dogs and enforce the leash laws!
past two years  nine of which were attributed to pit bulls, said
Provo Chief Administrative Officer Wayne Parker. Parker noted that
three of those incidents happened in the Provost neighborhood.
>>>>>>>>>>
Less than 10% of the bites were attributed to pit bulls. How does this make it a pit bull problem? What about the breeds that make up more than 90% of the dog bites here?
Animal control needs to pick up the loose dogs and enforce the leash laws!
Dakotah | 7:42 a.m. March 26, 2008
It isn't the breed, it is the owners. We got a puppy, a 'terrier'
that was so cute and grew up big and loved kids. They rode her like a horse.(the
kids were small) Then we were told by a horrified neighbor when we moved that we
had a "Pit Bull", a killer dog. Yep, turned out it was a Pit Bull
Terrier. We didn't know that. She was a real danger to lick you to death.
When we moved into a new place we could not have a dog so now she lives with a
family that has six children and is still a gentle and loving animal.
Provo needs to enforce the ordinances against animals running loose, owners not taking care of them and whatnot, not try to ban a breed. Might as well try banning cowboys as almost all horse thieves are cowboys.
Provo needs to enforce the ordinances against animals running loose, owners not taking care of them and whatnot, not try to ban a breed. Might as well try banning cowboys as almost all horse thieves are cowboys.
Concerned Dog Owner | 7:59 a.m. March 26, 2008
The problem is people who let their dogs run loose. I have dogs and it is a
problem when I walk them to have loose dogs come running at us - never knowing
if they are going to attack or are merely curious. We also have dogs roaming
the neighborhood at night and tipping over trash cans and scattering trash.
They are a problem and other people should not have to deal with dogs that are
not theirs. Keep your dogs contained and under control and there is no need for
further legislation.
Ginger | 8:53 a.m. March 26, 2008
As several have stated... this isn't a breed problem - it is a lack of
enforcement. There IS a leash law. ENFORCE it. I can't believe, in the case
of the bad Rottie owners, that "there was nothing law enforcement could
do". Fine the owners BIG for the animals being loose. If the law
doesn't allow for it, change THAT, but banning or restricting a breed is
not the answer.
Caveat | 8:52 a.m. March 26, 2008
Your problem is definitely not the non-breed, 'pit bulls'.
It is a lack of enforcement of local bylaws. Dogs should not be running at large except at off-lead areas under direct owner supervision.
You likely feel there is a lack of resources. This is a common belief. Zero-tolerance enforcement of dog licensing and direction of those funds to animal services, rather than general revenue, will ameliorate your situation.
Don't buy into the myths and hyperbole about dangerous breeds/mixed breeds of dogs. None of it is supported by facts and scientific evidence.
While people like to reference the CDC's rather casual studies, the methodology and results are not widely accepted - even by the CDC team itself.
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Obviously, you have a problem with negligent owners in your area. Try zero-tolerance enforcement of licensing and leashing for starters. You should see results with that approach.
Breed bans don't work. They create endless problems for officials and citizens. The 'breed' thing is nothing but a red herring, which is why it is a complete failure wherever it is implemented.
Good luck with your scofflaw dog owner problem.
It is a lack of enforcement of local bylaws. Dogs should not be running at large except at off-lead areas under direct owner supervision.
You likely feel there is a lack of resources. This is a common belief. Zero-tolerance enforcement of dog licensing and direction of those funds to animal services, rather than general revenue, will ameliorate your situation.
Don't buy into the myths and hyperbole about dangerous breeds/mixed breeds of dogs. None of it is supported by facts and scientific evidence.
While people like to reference the CDC's rather casual studies, the methodology and results are not widely accepted - even by the CDC team itself.
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Obviously, you have a problem with negligent owners in your area. Try zero-tolerance enforcement of licensing and leashing for starters. You should see results with that approach.
Breed bans don't work. They create endless problems for officials and citizens. The 'breed' thing is nothing but a red herring, which is why it is a complete failure wherever it is implemented.
Good luck with your scofflaw dog owner problem.
Catherine | 9:08 a.m. March 26, 2008
As most of these comments have stated, it is a people problem, NOT a dog problem
or a breed-specific problem. I completely agree. Let's not have a knee-jerk
reaction and ban those "evil" pit bulls. That shows a clear lack of
education.
Enforce the leash laws and educate people on how to be responsible pet owners (there seems to be a wide array of opinion as to what "responsible pet ownership" means). Owning a dog means you make a 10-15 year commitment to that animal- providing food, shelter, veterinary care and vaccinations, providing for all of its needs (not just physical needs), picking up after it, and not allowing it to roam free unless in a designated off-leash area. DO NOT GET A DOG IF YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO STICK TO THESE COMMITMENTS. I do all of the above and more with my 2 large dogs and I am tired of those individuals who consistently do otherwise. A few people's negligence and disregard ruin it for those of us who are responsible pet owners.
Enforce the existing laws and there won't be this problem with any breed.
Enforce the leash laws and educate people on how to be responsible pet owners (there seems to be a wide array of opinion as to what "responsible pet ownership" means). Owning a dog means you make a 10-15 year commitment to that animal- providing food, shelter, veterinary care and vaccinations, providing for all of its needs (not just physical needs), picking up after it, and not allowing it to roam free unless in a designated off-leash area. DO NOT GET A DOG IF YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO STICK TO THESE COMMITMENTS. I do all of the above and more with my 2 large dogs and I am tired of those individuals who consistently do otherwise. A few people's negligence and disregard ruin it for those of us who are responsible pet owners.
Enforce the existing laws and there won't be this problem with any breed.
Faith | 9:12 a.m. March 26, 2008
Fact: Breed bans do not work!
Fact: Out of 93 dog bites, only 9 were attributed to 'pit bulls'. Being that this term generally applies to three types of dogs; American Pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, and the Staffordshire bull terrier (as well as any dogs that may be mixed with any of these), then I find the fact that only 9 bites being attributed to three different breeds should not even be used in an argument for breed specific legislation. If anything this proves my point that breed bans will not solve the problem caused by negligent dog owners who own dogs in all shapes and sizes.
Fact: Out of 93 dog bites, only 9 were attributed to 'pit bulls'. Being that this term generally applies to three types of dogs; American Pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, and the Staffordshire bull terrier (as well as any dogs that may be mixed with any of these), then I find the fact that only 9 bites being attributed to three different breeds should not even be used in an argument for breed specific legislation. If anything this proves my point that breed bans will not solve the problem caused by negligent dog owners who own dogs in all shapes and sizes.
This about appearance | 9:32 a.m. March 26, 2008
Whenever there's a problem, politicians have to act as if they're
doing something. It's easier to pass a new law instead of providing more
funding for Animal Control.
If Provo just strictly enforced the leash laws in that area, there wouldn't be a problem.
If Provo just strictly enforced the leash laws in that area, there wouldn't be a problem.
To Concerned Dog Owner | 11:01 a.m. March 26, 2008
I could not agree with you more. My nieghbors have always let there dogs fun
free and they are a pain but it is the owners that are not teaching the dogs. I
have had many dogs over the years and we have tried to train them so they
don't run and don't bite and neighbors have loved our dogs but have
not liked my nieghbors dogs which are the ones crapping on everyone's lawns
and running free. This article never mentioned people talking to the owners but
only the police. Why not try to get to know your neighbors and talk to them?
AZ Insurance agent | 10:57 a.m. March 26, 2008
Sorry to disrupt the "all dogs are the same" story here. I've
been an insurance agent for over 23 years. So I refer you to the Merritt Clifton
report.
It is a study from US & Canada from 1982 to 2006.
It's rather lengthy so I'll just give a couple of comparisions to enlighten a few dog lovers here. And I happen to love many breeds of dogs.
There are several columns of incidents breaking down things like "Attacks", Child victims, Adult victims,
death, maimings, & notes.
The study lists all breads of dogs from a to z.
For example Akita- 48 attacks- 39 maiming 1 death.
Chow dogs 49 attacks-6 deaths-32 maimings.
Pit bull terrier 1110 attacks-104 deaths-608 maimings.
Insurace companies are the ones that see, and pay for all of the bad owners behaviors. But let's stop pretending that one dog is the same as the next.
My favorite stories are the ones that say "he was always so gentle he'd almost lick ya to death. Then he got out one day and killed, maimed etc. I just couldn't believe he would do that."
I do like the legislation that holds owners responsible/liable for their pets actions.
It is a study from US & Canada from 1982 to 2006.
It's rather lengthy so I'll just give a couple of comparisions to enlighten a few dog lovers here. And I happen to love many breeds of dogs.
There are several columns of incidents breaking down things like "Attacks", Child victims, Adult victims,
death, maimings, & notes.
The study lists all breads of dogs from a to z.
For example Akita- 48 attacks- 39 maiming 1 death.
Chow dogs 49 attacks-6 deaths-32 maimings.
Pit bull terrier 1110 attacks-104 deaths-608 maimings.
Insurace companies are the ones that see, and pay for all of the bad owners behaviors. But let's stop pretending that one dog is the same as the next.
My favorite stories are the ones that say "he was always so gentle he'd almost lick ya to death. Then he got out one day and killed, maimed etc. I just couldn't believe he would do that."
I do like the legislation that holds owners responsible/liable for their pets actions.
romans | 11:06 a.m. March 26, 2008
The law will not help you. take matters into your own hands and make your
neighborhood safe for you and your children.
MaryT | 11:16 a.m. March 26, 2008
I have had a problem with my neighbors and their dogs for years.
You step outside the house and they start barking. This may go on for an hour. You wake up in the middle of the night with barking, barking, barking.
Their poop piles up on MY fence and falls through the chain link into MY yard. It must be a foot deep.
It stinks like a pig farm all summer especially when we a a nice little afternoon shower.
Three big dogs for years -- two low quality labs and one big brindle colored something. Big poop, big barks, big stink, big nuisance.
A million complaints finally resulted in a big cardboard something that covers the view. NO poop removal. NO barking resolution.
When irresponsible people have dogs the situation often becomes unbearable. It is all the same,if they disturb the peace the police need to do something.
Hell, they made "cloak boy" stop singing, why can't the make running, biting, and being nasty boy knock it off?
You step outside the house and they start barking. This may go on for an hour. You wake up in the middle of the night with barking, barking, barking.
Their poop piles up on MY fence and falls through the chain link into MY yard. It must be a foot deep.
It stinks like a pig farm all summer especially when we a a nice little afternoon shower.
Three big dogs for years -- two low quality labs and one big brindle colored something. Big poop, big barks, big stink, big nuisance.
A million complaints finally resulted in a big cardboard something that covers the view. NO poop removal. NO barking resolution.
When irresponsible people have dogs the situation often becomes unbearable. It is all the same,if they disturb the peace the police need to do something.
Hell, they made "cloak boy" stop singing, why can't the make running, biting, and being nasty boy knock it off?
John L. | 11:19 a.m. March 26, 2008
It actually is a breed problem. The reason is the bite force. Most breeds,
German Sheperds, Golden Retrievers, and most other large dogs bite with a force
of 600 to 800 lbs per sq inch. Bad, but not terrible. On the other hand, Pit
Bulls have a bite force of over 1200 lbs. That is bone breaking. The problem
is that when one of these dogs go bad, they are really bad. Yes, it usually an
owner issue, but that doesn't make much of a difference to the victim. Ban
the breed.
Greg | 11:29 a.m. March 26, 2008
This situation reminds me of the illegal immigration debate: (1) an issue that
many people believe is a problem; (2) laws already on the books that, if
enforced, would solve the problem; (3) lack of enforcment of the laws; (4) the
problem grows; so (5) politicians feel a need to write new laws. I agree with
"This about appearance": just enforce the current laws and avoid all
the debate, grandstanding, and gridlock that new proposed legislation causes.
Love the dog, hate the person | 11:35 a.m. March 26, 2008
If your dog (pit bull or not) comes after me or one of my kids in my presence,
it is going down. I carry the means to defend myself, and I will feel no
compunction whatsoever in killing your lose dog if it attacks. These dog owners
should be fined and prosecuted to the fullest possible extent.
heather | 11:42 a.m. March 26, 2008
this issue makes me so mad that they say its a breed problem. i own three pit
bulls two of them being well over 100 lbs my dogs are not causing anyone
problems. when i am at work the dogs are inside not beacuse they are mean, but
because i want them to be in comfortable. when we are home they go outside to
play. we have a poodle next door that comes running at them barking. they think
its a game and run (from a poodle ) we also have cats. i have a 1 year old
daughter and two of the dogs sleep on the floor right by her crib(and they want
to see what she is doing at all times ). so i would say it's an owner
problem nott a breed problem. do you think this story would have been in the
newspaper if it were a bunch of poodles running around? in my neighborhood the
dog that bites everyone is the chaiuhaua down the street.
Worthless Breed | 11:38 a.m. March 26, 2008
I am in favor of banning the possession of all traditionally "Vicious"
or "fighting" breeds. I don't want to hear about your
"sweet pit bull." It may be that your dog is the exception that
proves the rule, but the fact remains these dogs were created for one
purpose-killing.
There is no benefit from these unpredictable and savage breeds that cannot be gained from some other more stable breed...other than dog fighting, protecting drug houses, and giving "street cred" to thugs.
If I saw an unknown pit bull roaming my neighborhood where my kid and family play, I would definitely call AC, to come pick up a DEAD DOG.
There is no benefit from these unpredictable and savage breeds that cannot be gained from some other more stable breed...other than dog fighting, protecting drug houses, and giving "street cred" to thugs.
If I saw an unknown pit bull roaming my neighborhood where my kid and family play, I would definitely call AC, to come pick up a DEAD DOG.
etbmfa | 12:00 p.m. March 26, 2008
Simple answer - pass and ENFORCE "leash laws" for ALL dogs not a
specific breed that can't be identified by most people anyway. Make it the
law you can't allow your dog to run loose and give Animal Control the
budget and manpower to enforce the law. Breed specific laws are addressing the
WRONG end of the leash.
Caveat | 12:59 p.m. March 26, 2008
"Sorry to disrupt the "all dogs are the same" story here.
I've been an insurance agent for over 23 years. So I refer you to the
Merritt Clifton report.
It is a study from US & Canada from 1982 to 2006."
You know, when somebody brings up Clifton, except as an example of a useless collection of unresearched anecdotes, they pretty much lose credibility with those of us who are educated on the subject.
Here's another example of someone who really needs to educate themselves:
"Most breeds, German Sheperds, Golden Retrievers, and most other large dogs bite with a force of 600 to 800 lbs per sq inch. Bad, but not terrible. On the other hand, Pit Bulls have a bite force of over 1200 lbs"
This is utter nonsense and is not supported by any scientist anywhere (similar to Clifton's half-baked tripe).
Even if this much touted 'fact' were true, it would be completely irrelevant.
Like much of the mythology surrounding 'dangerous' breeds (no such thing) this is just the regurgitation of unresearched, unfounded media hype designed to get web hits and increase ad revenue.
Dig a little deeper and you'll discover you've been had.
It is a study from US & Canada from 1982 to 2006."
You know, when somebody brings up Clifton, except as an example of a useless collection of unresearched anecdotes, they pretty much lose credibility with those of us who are educated on the subject.
Here's another example of someone who really needs to educate themselves:
"Most breeds, German Sheperds, Golden Retrievers, and most other large dogs bite with a force of 600 to 800 lbs per sq inch. Bad, but not terrible. On the other hand, Pit Bulls have a bite force of over 1200 lbs"
This is utter nonsense and is not supported by any scientist anywhere (similar to Clifton's half-baked tripe).
Even if this much touted 'fact' were true, it would be completely irrelevant.
Like much of the mythology surrounding 'dangerous' breeds (no such thing) this is just the regurgitation of unresearched, unfounded media hype designed to get web hits and increase ad revenue.
Dig a little deeper and you'll discover you've been had.
Not | 2:01 p.m. March 26, 2008
The only breed problem is the prevalence of the breed. Pit bulls are a popular
dog right now. There was a time when the doberman and/or rottweiler was the
feared breed.
The AZ insurance agent quoted statistics that would put the Chow as the deadliest dog of the 3 shown, with a 12% death ratio. The pit bull's ratio is 9%, and the Akita is at 2%. The attach ratio is even more telling: the pit bull had the lowest of the 3, at 55%. In order to really do a comparison, we would need to do a WEIGHTED average, taking into consideration the percentage of each type of breed in the general population.
Pit bulls can be very aggressive and vicious, and I tend to stay away from dogs that exhibit behaviors that mark them as such. However, the properly raised dog will be obedient and friendly. Any dog can turn on you if you mistreat it, no matter it's upbringing and training. Keep that in mind the next time you approach ANY dog...poodles can be as vicious as a pit bull....
The AZ insurance agent quoted statistics that would put the Chow as the deadliest dog of the 3 shown, with a 12% death ratio. The pit bull's ratio is 9%, and the Akita is at 2%. The attach ratio is even more telling: the pit bull had the lowest of the 3, at 55%. In order to really do a comparison, we would need to do a WEIGHTED average, taking into consideration the percentage of each type of breed in the general population.
Pit bulls can be very aggressive and vicious, and I tend to stay away from dogs that exhibit behaviors that mark them as such. However, the properly raised dog will be obedient and friendly. Any dog can turn on you if you mistreat it, no matter it's upbringing and training. Keep that in mind the next time you approach ANY dog...poodles can be as vicious as a pit bull....
AZ insurance agent | 2:53 p.m. March 26, 2008
The person living in a cave says "Even if this much touted fact were true
it would be completely irrelevent". Referring to lop sided statistics of
pit bull caused deaths and maimings. HuH?
You claim to be "educated" on the subject but didn't bother to list your credentials. Please do so, so we can compare our "sources".
Insurance companies are maniacs when it comes to statistics. And so ask yourself why NO insurance company that I know of, certainly none of the top 10 will insure your house if you own a pit bull or rotweiller, along with many of the wolf or hybrid wolf breeds. Are they all just dog haters? Hardly.
Just trying to protect your homeowners rates from going up.
I've dealt with these maimings and watched the look on the dog owner's faces as we get ready to dish out the $300,000 liablity coverage they had on their homeoners insurance policy.
Maybe cave person should do some further digging of their own information.
You claim to be "educated" on the subject but didn't bother to list your credentials. Please do so, so we can compare our "sources".
Insurance companies are maniacs when it comes to statistics. And so ask yourself why NO insurance company that I know of, certainly none of the top 10 will insure your house if you own a pit bull or rotweiller, along with many of the wolf or hybrid wolf breeds. Are they all just dog haters? Hardly.
Just trying to protect your homeowners rates from going up.
I've dealt with these maimings and watched the look on the dog owner's faces as we get ready to dish out the $300,000 liablity coverage they had on their homeoners insurance policy.
Maybe cave person should do some further digging of their own information.
Rog | 2:49 p.m. March 26, 2008
The problem is the dog breeding lobby, and that includes dog fighter
breeders.
These people want no regulations that impinge on their big, fat, tax free incomes breeding and selling aggressive dogs.
The breeders don't care if these dogs are tortured, get euthanized, or kill and maim. They just want to keep making money breeding these dogs.
And the public suffers.
As long as the breeders can manipulate legislators against cracking down on aggressive dogs, the killings and maulings will continue.
And all these "Responsible Dog Owner" groups and all the others with the crazy propaganda are breeders and dog fighters.
The killings and maulings go down where laws get passed. Like laws that cite dogs behaving agressively. Not AFTER they've killed or mauled someone or a pet. BEFORE. And remove dangerous dogs freom owners. And leash laws and spay and neuter laws. And containment laws so dogs can't jump their fences and go attack the neighbor.
And cracking down on unlicensed breeders that are just breeding these dogs in huge numbers and tossing the ones they don't want in the streets.
The other answer is to SUE the owners of these dogs, and the city.
These people want no regulations that impinge on their big, fat, tax free incomes breeding and selling aggressive dogs.
The breeders don't care if these dogs are tortured, get euthanized, or kill and maim. They just want to keep making money breeding these dogs.
And the public suffers.
As long as the breeders can manipulate legislators against cracking down on aggressive dogs, the killings and maulings will continue.
And all these "Responsible Dog Owner" groups and all the others with the crazy propaganda are breeders and dog fighters.
The killings and maulings go down where laws get passed. Like laws that cite dogs behaving agressively. Not AFTER they've killed or mauled someone or a pet. BEFORE. And remove dangerous dogs freom owners. And leash laws and spay and neuter laws. And containment laws so dogs can't jump their fences and go attack the neighbor.
And cracking down on unlicensed breeders that are just breeding these dogs in huge numbers and tossing the ones they don't want in the streets.
The other answer is to SUE the owners of these dogs, and the city.
Responsible | 4:20 p.m. March 26, 2008
I love dogs. All kinds shapes and sizes. I've grown up with many different
kinds of dogs, from german shorthairs to german shepards, to rottweilers to
pittbulls. Out of all of the dogs that my family has owned the most dangerous
was a female german shorthair. Reason being is when we adopted her from a family
they had abused her. We got her still as a puppy probably 4 or 5 months old but
thats all it took. Their teenage boy would beat her and tease her. We shortly
found this out after a teenage boy came walking along in front of our house and
the dog ran right up to him and tried to bite him. as she got older that quickly
stopped after a couple incidents. It took some patience but it worked out in the
end. Pittbulls have a history but it all comes down to how it was raised by
it's owner... "Punish the deed, not the breed" Every dog has the
capability to become violent, it's up to the owner whether or not to give
the dog that chance.
Dog problems! | 6:22 p.m. March 26, 2008
I agree with ANONYMOUS 2:36
There needs to be more laws enforced with dog owners. We live in SLC and dogs run wild in the streets here. Owner go jogging with their dogs and without a leases.
There needs to be more laws enforced with dog owners. We live in SLC and dogs run wild in the streets here. Owner go jogging with their dogs and without a leases.
Social Mange | 12:15 a.m. March 27, 2008
Breed bans don't work. It is a people problem, not a dog problem.
If there is a problem with loose dogs, Provo should enforce its leash and licensing laws, with zero tolerance for infractions.
And Rog should be grateful he's anonymous. I am not a dog breeder nor a dog fighter and find his comments libellous.
He should also do some research. Dog bites go UP after a "breed ban" is passed, probably because of a false sense of security. Breed specific legislation has failed everywhere it has been tried. It is a tool of extremist animal rights groups who want to end pet ownership, and ambitious politicians.
If there is a problem with loose dogs, Provo should enforce its leash and licensing laws, with zero tolerance for infractions.
And Rog should be grateful he's anonymous. I am not a dog breeder nor a dog fighter and find his comments libellous.
He should also do some research. Dog bites go UP after a "breed ban" is passed, probably because of a false sense of security. Breed specific legislation has failed everywhere it has been tried. It is a tool of extremist animal rights groups who want to end pet ownership, and ambitious politicians.
Social Mange | 12:19 a.m. March 27, 2008
The bite force comment is totally wrong.
A National Geographic scientist tested domestic dogs of three breeds, among other creatures, and found that a dog has an average bite pressure of 320 pounds per square inch (psi). The American Pit Bull Terrier had the least amount of pressure of the dogs tested, which would be expected due to its smaller stature. For perspective, this study showed that a human has bite pressure of 120 psi while a snapping turtle has 1,000 psi.
What is commonly referred to as a "pit bull" is a mixed breed dog, aka a mutt or mongrel.
A National Geographic scientist tested domestic dogs of three breeds, among other creatures, and found that a dog has an average bite pressure of 320 pounds per square inch (psi). The American Pit Bull Terrier had the least amount of pressure of the dogs tested, which would be expected due to its smaller stature. For perspective, this study showed that a human has bite pressure of 120 psi while a snapping turtle has 1,000 psi.
What is commonly referred to as a "pit bull" is a mixed breed dog, aka a mutt or mongrel.
Social Mange | 12:30 a.m. March 27, 2008
AZ insurance agent, all insurance companies care about is keeping their money.
Statistics can be manipulated.
Your quoting Merritt Clifton just sends me into gales of laughter. You haven't done your research into Clifton.
Any time there's chatter about breed-specific legislation, I get suspicious that a well-funded extremist animal "rights" organization that wants to end pet ownership of ALL kinds is behind it...the same animal "rights" organization that believes an animal's only right is to die at the end of a needle.
Your quoting Merritt Clifton just sends me into gales of laughter. You haven't done your research into Clifton.
Any time there's chatter about breed-specific legislation, I get suspicious that a well-funded extremist animal "rights" organization that wants to end pet ownership of ALL kinds is behind it...the same animal "rights" organization that believes an animal's only right is to die at the end of a needle.
April (pit bull owner) | 8:56 a.m. March 27, 2008
Go after the owners who fail to control their dogs. Dogs are animals and will
do what they want if they don't have human supervision. People who really
care about their dogs don't put them in situations that could end up ending
the life of the dog. Common sense.
Lindsay | 5:59 p.m. March 27, 2008
The most common comment after a pit bull attack: "He's our family dog
and has never done anything like that before. He's the sweetest dog in the
world. He plays with the kids. etc." This after hundreds of maulings and
killings of other dogs, cats, and people. I'm sorry, but I've been
studying serious pit bull atttacks for a year and the one conclusion is that
they are unpredictable and usually it's the sweet dog that suddenly attacks
someone or another animal. A good friend of mine has a scar down the side of her
face from her very friendly 4 yr old family pit bull that she helped raise from
a puppy. All of a sudden one day it just tore her face open....she picked up one
of its toys. I have a few hundrend other similar stories if you'd like
them.
Joyce | 1:48 p.m. July 20, 2008
I live in a condo and share a driveway that is wide enough for 2 cars. The
neighbor has a daughter that stays for months at a time with her 70 lb blue pit
bull. I have 2 yorkies. There are no fences and no defined yard spaces. She has
made it warned all neighbors that she would not be responsible for what could
happen to other people or their pets while she is there visiting her mother. All
other owners have small dogs that meet our homeowner rules. If there is anyone
out there please advise we need help!!!.
jamie | 7:48 p.m. Sept. 27, 2009
A lot of paranoid and misinformed people have commented here and I pity your
ignorance on dogs.
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