We were attacked by a pit bull ... sorry, this is long

[Jacqueline]

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Can you tell this face no?

   


  We were attacked by a pit bull today - sorry, this is long
« on: November 19, 2005, 10:59:03 pm »       

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Let me first say, that neither Taffy or I was physically hurt, although my husband thought he was going to have to take me to the hospital, I was so scared and shaken.

My neighbors across the street are totally irresponsible people who own at least two extra large pit bulls, and one of them already came onto our property a couple years ago, came after me, and then tried to get into our house.  At that time, the owner, who kept say...oh...he won't hurt you...was told that if it got in the house with my birds, I would shoot it to save them...and to not EVER let it onto my property again. 

This was not the first incident in the neighborhood with this dog.  He and the other one have been allowed to run free, and have been reported for going down the street and harrassing another dog, trying to get at it in its yard.  Recently, I saw this dog, running loose, go after another dog being walked on a leash.  That owner must not have made a complaint, which is ridiculous.  His dog could have been severely injured or killed.

I was on my front lawn with Taffy, and we were just playing in the grass.  She was on her leash, of course.  I am not taking chances with her suddenly running into the street, or chasing a cat or butterfly.  The woman across the street pulled into her driveway, got out, opened the door to the house, and the dog charged out.  As soon as I saw the head come thru the door I grabbed Taffy and started for my front door.  I was already screaming for my husband by the time I got to the door.  I am sure the whole neighborhood heard me.  He got to the door, and even had a gun in his hand, but the dog had me trapped outside.

I twisted and turned with Taffy in my arms, and up around my head as high as I could hold her.  This pit bull weighs at least 80 pounds and comes up past my knees.  We couldn't get the door open, and I couldn't get away.  I was still screaming in total fear.  I knew he was going to be able to rip Taffy away from me.  You can't imagine the terror.  I managed to turn my face into the corner of the doorway, and the dog was still leaping at me.  I screamed, "We are going to shoot this dog!"  I guess the neighbor decided they had better do something, finally.  It took two adults to drag the dog away, yelling no, no, no....the whole time.   It had ripped the screen, metal frame and all, out of the front door.  I got inside the door and nearly collapsed.  I couldn't even let go of Taffy.  I was shaking so hard I could barely breathe.

I got the number for animal control and called, but all I got was a ringing phone.  I called the sheriff's dept and told them what happened, and they came out.  They went over and talked to the neighbors, who incidentally, have not apologized at all for this attack.  I told the police that I want the dog put down.  This is the second time it has attacked me and tried to get into my home.  We did tell him that we would have shot him, but Larry couldn't get a clear shot around me.  Maybe you think that is wrong, but you have not seen this dog, and how vicious he is.  The policeman said not only would we have been within our right to do so, but if we could have gotten a clear shot, it would have been best.

I am terrified to go outside my front door because of these dogs across the street.  And to make it worse, these people have babies in the house with them.  They let the dogs run loose, and mine is not the only life I fear for.   I can't enjoy my own yard in front of my house.  I'm afraid to take Taffy out in the front now, and she does not want to potty in the back yard. 

I am really upset about this.  I love animals, but these dogs don't belong in a populated area.  I am not blaming it on the breed, but on the owners.  I told the officer to let them know that I would be taking legal action on it this time.  Animal control will be looking into it....but recently, a farmer had to have cows maimed and one killed before they did anything about vicious dogs...and they were pit bulls.  They had photos, and it didn't help. 

I'm afraid  that my neighbors will try to retaliate against me, but I'm not going to let this go.  This was the second time I was attacked.  The next time neither I nor Taffy might be lucky enough to escape.

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

OMG I am so glad you are ok. I had something similar happen recently, luckily I had Hallie on a harness and her flexi, I ended up swinging her around me in the air like a shot put with the dog leaping for her. Only by the grace of God did we both come out of that one unscathed. How terrifying I'm glad you are pursueing this, you are right it's the owners fault and the only way people will become more responsible is to make examples of harsher punishments to those who let their dogs run loose.

[lucylu]

I feel for you!!!! My neighbors across the street owns a huge rottweiler. Although the dog is kept in a fenced in backyard and the owner says she is a big baby. I am scared to take Lucy into the front yard. If we go for a walk, we head in the opposite direction so the rottweiler can not see us. He/She has a very scary bark and Lucy does not like it. Her tail goes between her legs when she hears it bark. 
Good luck in your endeavor to prosecute your neighbors!!!!!

[Brekkesmom]

Ack!  How horrible for you and Taffy!  I am thankful that you recognize it is the owners, and not the breed at fault, here.  While I have never had any bad experiences with pit bulls, a Rottweiler two doors over came into my yard and scared Heidi, Gretl, and Siglen years ago.  The people have since moved, but Mr. Owner said, "She won't hurt them - she's very gentle!"  I yelled back, "Mister, my dogs are scared and they're peeing everywhere, in fright!  Get her off of us!"  I told him later that I would report him to animal control if his dog was ever in my yard again, off-leash!  We had just gotten home, and all three of my girls were on leashes!  I also recognize it was the owner, and not the dog!

Rays to you for Taffy and you to recover from this awful experience...

[Rich]

Irresponsible owners! They are all around us.  One pit bull down the street, a german shepherd the next block over and a pack of English Springer Spaniels across the street.  Fortunately our law enforcement agencies seem to know what's what.  We saw the pit bull loose once three years ago, we called animal control and we have not seen him since.  The shepherd has not been seen since a call about him.  Strangely our biggest problem is with the spaniels.  There are three of them and if they are off leash they will attack anything that moves.  They ran out of their backyard and across the street to attack my sister-in-law who was ringing our door bell when we first moved in. This family thinks they own the neigborhood, the mother lives next door and the daughter and dogs right across the street.  They habitually walk back and forth from house to house with the three spaniels off leash.  While they are doing this everyone keeps their kids and small dogs inside.  After they came after my sister I warned the owner that I would call the police if it happened again.  Meanwhile when we walked Stormy and Sophie, I carried an ax handle just in case.  Sure enough, one night when we were walking them, the spaniels attacked! Our two would have taken them on - they were pulling at the leash to get at them.  I handed Stormy's leash off to Deb and I caught the lead spaniel right in the ribs with the ax handle. The owner's is running up by now yelling "don't you hit my dogs!' as the first dog runs yipeing for home. I catch the second on in the side of the neck and it takes off, the owner gets control of the third just as I say I'm calling the cops. She screams "Your dogs go to the bathroom in other people's yards!" Even if they did, how would have any relevance to their dogs attacking passers-by?  Anyway, we called the cops and told our story.  The cops suggested we carry something more damaging than an ax handle.  Then they went across the street to see the owners.  We have not seen these spaniels off leash since.  Good law enforcement.

So I guess the moral of the story is that this is all about owner stupidity.  If your law enforcement doesn't get it, then you need to call every time you see even a hint of that pit bull.  If you are annoying enough, they will do something about it just to get you to quit calling.
I encourage you to pursue whatever legal recourse is open to you.  All people like this understand is the threat of imprisonment or financial consequences.  If your law enforcement doesn't get it, start calling your alderman, get legal advice on what to do if you feel your pleas for help are being ignored.  In other words, make yourself a bigger nuisance than the dog so that stopping the dog is the easiest thing for the authorities to do.

Good luck

[lunakat]

How horrible! Glad to know everyone is okay. Yeesh irrisponisble ownerd make me very angy, one of the many reasons I can't watch animal cops. Keep us posted on what happens with the pit bulls...

[Sandishooligans]

Oooooh, this really riles me!  And this is precisely why I'm afraid to take mine on a walk by myself.  I'm not real nimble on my feet and when a big dog approaches, I FREAK!  I think you should document what happened here with pictures of your door where it was broken/bent/whatever and prosecute the heck out of these loser neighbors.  Thank goodness you and yours wasn't hurt.  Arrrrrrgh!

[Jacqueline]

Animal control is coming out to the house tomorrow with paperwork for me to fill out.  They did call on Saturday, but with only one person working, he couldn't get out then.  He would have come out today, but I had an all day photo shoot scheduled and I was not letting them down.   I did explain to him everything that had happened, - told him this is the second time they have come after me, and tried to get into our house...and the first time we did not have a dog, just the birds...and they were not outside.

The photo shoot started at 11 am, and I actually spent time at the theatre, lol, seeing My Fair Lady.  Hard job, huh?  But as I sat there, I started aching all over.  My arms felt like they were ready to fall off, and my legs hurt.  I know the dog had pushed me around a lot, but I don't think I realized how much.  I had a hard time sleeping last night, too, and was still shaky when I got up this morning. 

When I pulled into the drive tonight, I could hear those dogs barking.  The first thing I took out of the car was my .38 Smith and Wesson.  I carried one camera case to the door and let my husband know I was home.  Taffy was insistant on coming out to see me - she'd spent half the day waiting for me, apparently.  I "stood guard" while he unloaded my heavier gear, holding Taffy in my arms, and not taking my eyes off the house across the street.  I grabbed my laptop and got into the house without taking my eyes off of the street. 

I am not going to allow the dogs to attack again.  I will shoot to kill either or both if they come over here.  I know animal control will not like it, but like the officer said, I am "perfectly within my rights" as soon as they come on my property.  I have the gun loaded with the most powerful kind of bullets available, and still be legal.  They will kill the dog.  I don't plan to try to just injure them.  I am completely convinced that these dogs, especially the one that came after me on Saturday, will end up killing someone.  And the owners did not even come after them until I screamed that we would kill them.

Taffy woke me up this morning at 4:30 to tell me she needed to go potty.  I can't very well tell her she has to wait three more hours until the sun comes up.  I took her outside, in the front, gun in my hand, and no....I did not bother to conceal it.

The law in Florida now says that if someone attacks me, and I am in fear of my life, I can use deadly force against them.  I just have to assume that means I can protect myself again these dogs.  I would rather be wrong about this than maimed or killed...and that goes for Taffy, too.  I will protect her just like I would any of my other children....and will also make sure the rest of the kids, human or furred...around here will be safe from those animals across the street....and the dogs they keep.

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

Is putting up a fence an option? Even if these dogs aren't around, there will always be the potential of another dog to come into your yard and cause problems. I have a 6 ft fence around my back yard, but since Hallie is never in the front yard unless I'm with her and we're doing yard work, I just put up a picket fence so she could run loose out there with me and to keep other dogs from coming in. Maybe even just something not permanent, just to bar her from the idiots who let their dogs run loose? I still shudder to think what might have happened to you two.

[Roberta]

What is it with some dog owners! I'm glad you both are OK.
This happens world wide, we've been done over a few times. Once like you owners came home and opened the fly screen and a large dog flew out at Angus and I, and the owner said it was our fault, Nick nearly decked the guy, Angus and I both got a bite.
Next time i had angus and Oliver up the park when a BIG I mean BIG dog ran straight for us and got onto angus, I grabbed his chock chain and nearly killed him, I just held him up, my two in my other hand, the guy came over saying his dog would not hurt anything, I said I ain't lettin go till he clips the lead on or he was limp, he threatend the police I said bring them on as My dogs were on leads. Last time was earlier in the year when we were on a walk and a boxer went for Amy, it had slipped its gentle leader and made a B line for amy she slipped her collar and ran, we had not had her long and I dreaded her running to the main road, but thankfully she knew home and Uccle David next door helped. Again the owner said he won' t her, Nick was so concerned with amy, she had wet and poo'ed herself he did not realise the girl had gone, as I don't know what he would have done.
In Australia it for the councils bye laws people not the Police y to look into these maters, unless something REALLY bad happens.
But like you all it is sometimes the owners, but I can, and will never trust a pit bull.
Roberta
big hugs to all of you

[Jacqueline]

We have a fenced in back yard, and I don't even let her out there without a leash.  She is so fast, and so little...that I am afraid that she could make it thru the privacy fencing.  The chain link is4 ft high, and it goes across the back, and there is a slough behind it.  The privacy on both sides is 6 ft.  On the front side of the back yard (that makes sense, right?...where the gates are) it is Chain link, and 4 ft.  I don't think that would keep the other dogs out if they were determined. 

I am not going to put a fence up in the front yard.  Not only would it make the yard and house look awful, but it is really expensive.  I don't think I should have to hide out from these dogs.  The animal control guy is coming today sometime, and I am making out legal papers against the owners.  They will at the very least receive a citation, which is going to cost them money.  I am sure this is going to anger them...but hey, try being attacked, and see how that leaves you feeling.

To make things worse, I have neck, shoulder and back injuries, none of which are going away, and being battered by this dog has really set the pain off.  I'm having extreme pain in my right rotator and shoulder, and my head is hurting.  And Taffy is like velcro dog, as you might imagine. 

I had Taffy out on the lawn to go potty, and saw a car pull up in thier drive.  I just snatched her up and came in before they had a chance to open the door.  She (gal across the street) had groceries in her arms and her kids with her.  Oh...they are about 2 1/2 - 3 years old....not in car seats.  I know if the dog had made a run for it, I would have been the least of her concerns.

I want the dog(s) gone.  I'd love to see them all gone, to be real honest.  It would improve the neighborhood.  I probably set all the dogs to barking with that remark...but I am sure you have all seen people like that.  I am looking into the possiblity that they don't really own the house, in which case I can also lean on the owner by telling them I will sue them should I be attacked again.

I've had it.  I will not be a victim, and Taffy will not be lunch.

[Jacqueline]

He said that they will be issuing citations over there for letting the dog run loose and another for letting him attack someone.  Well, gee thanks.  It also seems that the dog does not have a rabies tag (no vaccination) and no license, also getting citations for those.  The fines will be about $400.   They can pay it, or they can refuse it.  If they refuse it, we go to court.  Then the AC will try to get the judge to declare the dog as a DANGEROUS DOG.  Even tho there isn't much chance of that, if that happens, they would have to pay a $1500 license fee to keep the dog, put a six foot fence around the entire perimeter of the house, and post signs that they have a dangerous dog.  He said at that point most people usually give up the animal.

He also said that the back yard was filthy and smelled terrible.  I asked if they couldn't take the animal on grounds of neglect or abuse.  He said that they normally can't get them on abuse unless the skin of the neck is grown over the collar, or something of that nature.  My, isn't that comforting to know?  He said that unless they let him into the house, he can't take the dog on account of filth.  He would have to get a sheriff to get them to let him in.  He also told me "that while animal control does not advocate shooting animals, you need and have a right to protect yourself from attack, from anything or anyone" and then he turned and looked at their house.

They were not home, and he has to give them the citations in person, so he will probably have to make several trips to catch them out here.  He told me to be sure to document any problems, and if I get photos of the dog running loose, that would be good.

An interesting aside here....there is a company clearing the vacant lot next to them, - I would assume in preparation to building a house on it.  Imagine having a new house built next to people who live in a house with a vicious dog and have a yard described by animal control as totally filthy.

[wittlepawz]

OH My Dear Goodness! :jaw2:   I'm glad that you both are okay! 

I must say that my  skipped a few beats just reading your posts!
I mean Good Golly!

If it was me.....I know I would need a couple of good 

I hope that they get what they deserve!   Please keep us posted!

[becca]

That MUST have been terrifying!! I am so glad that you are both ok. People just amaze me these days.  They'll be REAL sorry if that dog seriously injures someone. Its not right that you have to live in fear to just go outside. I don't blame you for arming yourself for protection...quite honestly, I would be inclined to do the same thing. Good luck with everything and keep us posted!! You'll all be in my  's!

[Tashas Mom]

What a frightening story!  I ran across off lead pitt bulls here in the city, and will pick up Tasha if I see one, but so far, none of them have been vicious. 

Please keep us posted on how the situation progresses.  If that's how they treat their dogs, how do they treat their kids?

[natfro]

The mental image of the entire thing is enough to get me thoroughly scared.

Definitely an owner problem.  But I agree with you, if you have to shoot the dogs.  I mean honestly, what can you be expected to do?

I would file a police report every single time those dogs so much as growl at you.  Documentation may end up being your best friend.

Please take care, and keep us posted.  At this point I am worried for your safety just as much as I am your furkids.

What a nightmare.

[Eric]

Jacquelin,

Something similar like this happened to my mom.  Good thing is that the law is on your side.  You did take the correct steps and got the sherrif's involved.  You stated a document trail.  And with the ACS coming out to write them a citation, that's the start of it.  If the ACS takes them to court, the judge will either hit them with a bigger fine, or in most cases, deem the dog vicious.  By doing that, now the dog has been red flagged and any further complaint of attack will expedite ACS taking control of the animal.  You also have the law on your side (no I am not a lawyer, but have read Lee county ordinances on-line) and it clearly states:

Sec. 6-38. Nuisance animals.
It shall be unlawful for any owner or owner's agent to fail to care for or control owned animals, or to allow animal or animals to become a nuisance. The owner of every animal shall be responsible for the removal of any excreta deposited by the animal on public walks, recreation areas, private property, or any other place where such excreta deposits may create a nuisance injurious to the public health.
(a)   It shall be unlawful for:
(1)   Any animal to make unreasonable disturbing noises, including, but not limited to, barking, howling, whining, screeching or other utterances causing annoyance, discomfort or disturbance of the peace or sleep of a reasonable person(s).
(2)   Any animal to roam at-large.
(3)   Any animal to damage the property of anyone other than its owner.
(4)   Any animal to roam on school grounds or in the area of school vehicles.
(5)   Any animal to cause unsanitary conditions in enclosures or surroundings where the animal is kept or confined, as determined by the animal control agency or the health department to be unsanitary.
(6)   Any person to keep any animals that are dangerous to the public health, safety or welfare by virtue of the number or types of animals maintained.
(7)   Any animal to disturb or turn over any garbage containers.
(b)   No person shall offer a bounty for the collection or the elimination of any animal determined to be a nuisance under the provision of this article.
(Ord. No. 98-10, § 2(IX), 6-23-98)


Read up on Lee county's ordinances here:  http://library2.municode.com/mcc/home.htm?infobase=10131&doc_method=cleardoc

Hope this helps.

[Jacqueline]

I was trying to find the country ordinances.  Frankly, I will use everything I can against them.  The dogs over there are not the only problems with them.  They have people coming and going at all hours with loud boom boxes in the cars.  And some of the neighborhood kids are in and out of the house.  Frankly, I think they are either doing a lot of drugs over there, or selling them, or both.  I'm not the only person who has thought this, but haven't been able to prove anything.  Maybe if animal control can get in there, they will find something???  At the very least, maybe if they see the filth in there, they will call the child welfare people. 

But at this point, I really want something done about the dog.  Because my trees are soooooo big, and the lights are put on using ladders....such fun, and my hubby does not do heights,lol....we have been leaving the lights on the trees until we have to change them.  After all, they are such far furry things, you don't see them unless they are turned on.  However, I am going to have to replace all the lights across the front of the house....they were gone with the wind...Wilma...to be exact, redo the petticoat tree and set up the reindeer.  I would be a lot happier doing my Christmas stuff if I knew I wouldn't be looking over my shoulder the whole time watching for a maniac dog to come charging at me.

Hit man for a dog?  Hehehehehe.  Sorry.  I suppose it's been done and that's why there is an ordinance against it.  I remember one night....all night, when this chuck widow's willow...or something like that...bird got all wound up and would not shut up.  Now you have to remember that I live in Florida, and our state bird is the slap happy Mockingbird that sings day and night when in lust...and I don't mind them at all.  But old Chuck was imitating a car alarm going off, and after a couple of hours of that...I was thinking hit bird.  Never a hawk around when you need one, 

I have animal control on my cell phone speed dial, along with the sheriff.  If that dog sticks it's head out the door without a leash, it's going to be photographed.  We also have cows not a half block away, and horses at the end of the block the other direction.  Imagine if he decided to go after one of them.  I guarantee you that the woman who owns the horses would shoot first and ask no questions.  One of those horses is a retired police horse.

I'm very frustrated by the fact that they allow them to get away with this, but not enough to make a mistake and do something rash.  I'm one of those really annoying detail people, with a long memory for people who hurt kids and animals.

[wittlepawz]

YOU GO GIRL!!!!!

It is quite frightening to have "those" type of people in your neighbourhood. My guess would be DRUGS as well!

Please keep us posted!

Nice picture by the way! 

[Izzyinatizzy]

Owners of pit bulls like the ones that you have described make me absolutely sick to my stomach.  I am a huge fan of pit bulls as a breed, and it is owners like that who cause me to have to constantly defend my pits.  I have a 3yr. old female pit, a 1 yr.old half pit, half great dane, and a mini dachsie that all live together in the house with each other.  Bruno (dane/pit mix) is very leary of strangers, but has never even attempted to chase anyone, more or less bite, and Lily (full pit) would let you rob my house and probably go with you as long as you petted her.  Both of my dogs are well trained, both on and off a leash, and I could never imagine either one of them ever hurting anyone, unless they thought I was being  hurt, possibly.  Both of my pits were raised with other dogs, so I guess that makes some difference, but they are both so gentle when they play with Izzy (mini dachsie).  I face a lot of crap where I live because of the type of dogs that I own, but I love my babies and it is worth it.  Even though my dogs NEVER  go out unless on a leash ( we live by a highway and Lily chases cars), my neighbors blamed Lily and Bruno and their cat was mauled by something.  Never mind that we live in the country and it could have been anything, and never mind the fact that there are several other neighborhood dogs that just roam around loose all the time, and never mind the fact that no one saw who or what had gotten the cat anyway, I was blamed for it because i have pit bulls.  BTW, the dogs that attacked you were probably mixed, and possibly inbred as well.  According to the breed standard, a pit shouldn't really weigh more than about 50lbs.  Backyard breeding of pits has grown rampantly, and people are trying purposely to produce bigger, more threatening dogs.  Pits should also be selectively bred, in the same manner as retreiver dogs are, to never Ever bite a human.  Back when dog fighting originated, it wasn't a fight to the death like it is now, and the handlers needed dogs that they could seperate at the end of a fight without fear of getting bit. I'm sorry to have ranted for so long, I just want people to know that all pits are NOT VICIOUS, MAN EATING DOGS.  They can make great family pets and loyal companions, as long as they are owned by responsible, educated owners.

-Ali

[Jacqueline]

When I lived in St. Louis, I owned a German Shepard, and you did NOT come into my yard uninvited.  She was not a vicious dog, but she was territorial, and she knew her boundaries, and made sure you knew yours.  Never bit anyone...never had anyone decide they wanted to argue the point.  The police loved her, and knew that she was really a big softie when outside her own yard.  They also knew she didn't leave her yard unless she was on a leash....and a neighbor tried to frame her.   She opened the side gate, called the police and reported that Gretch was running around loose.  They came out, saw her in the yard.  One went to the back fence and called her.  The other went to the front and closed the open gate.  Then they went next door and warned the nasty neighbor never to try that again.  Gretch had stopped burglars from cleaning out the neighborhood and thwarted an arsonist...twice.  She was their buddy.

Our neighbor on the other side...divided by only a three ft chain link fence, had a full blooded pit bull named Lady, and she was.  She loved to silently sneak up on you while your back was turned and then woof, making you jump sky high.  Then she would laugh like the Snidly Whiplash cartoon character.  I used to delight in letting her think she was "getting me" and then turning and going BOO to her.  She would groan.   Lady and Gretch were best friends, but would run the fence like maniacs barking at each other until we got tired of it.

When we moved down here, Gretch hated it and sulked.  We drove 2800 miles to take her back so she could be with Lady again.  My son moved into our house up there.  I know that no all pits are like that.  Lady's littermates were made vicious.   Sometimes maybe the owners are the ones who should be fenced in with DANGEROUS HUMAN signs.

[lotsadox]

I'm so sorry about what happened.  That sucks.  You should not have to feel like you are being held hostage in your home because of irresponsible owners.  I hope you get your day in court and that they are prosecuted to the fullest.

[dackel]

Ugh, The way I see it.. If it's legal to own pit bulls it should be legal to own wolves. These dogs are scary and unpredictable, because they were bred as fighting dogs. Bred to mame and kill other dogs. It's not the dog's fault of course it's the people that bred them into killers.  The worst part of it is, there are so many irresponsible owners I've found that have them. My grandparents had a next door neighbor with a pit bull that was constantly ripping through the fence, and they kept having to get their fence fixed. It scared the hell out of me when I was a little girl.  I also had a friend of a friend of a pit bull and it had chewed through their garage door! Another ripped my aunt's adorable little shelty Corky in half!...
I'm seriously thinking that these dogs should only be owned by licensed responsible owners, or bred out with gentler dispositions.  I don't think this breed should even be recognized.  There has been more than a few instances to my knowlege in which these dogs had killed dogs and people.  It really should stop. 

[Dottiesdoxies]

Hi everyone, I was away a few days and I am trying to catch up on all the new posts.  I am very troubled by irresponsible dog owners, no matter the breed they own.  I was the proud owner of a Pit for over 14 years when my kids were little.  Jake was the best dog I've ever owner.  He loved everyone.  My kids would hook his harness up to their wagon and he'd pull them thoughout the neighborhood.  He never showed agression towards anyone.  However people were afraid of him, until he gave out his kisses and rolled over for all the belly rubs he could get.  Pit bull's need an owner who shows the dog the person is the alpha and they need to be trained and never taught to play rough!  We currently have "Nino", my son's dog who is 6 years old and part bull mastiff, lab and pit bull.  He is massive, we call him the moose.  He weighs over 80 pounds.  He is truly the ugly dachshund.  He thinks he is a dachshund.  He is a lover and Grace, my alpha dachshund, bosses him around everyday and he lets her.  He'd help a thief carry out the furniture, for belly rubs.  The breed is aggressive and is not for owners who won't train them and not let them run loose!  Any dog owner that doesn't train their pets, lets them run at large, or acts like those described here, should have the animals taken and be fined or jailed, no matter the breed!   :verdict:
**Here is a heart warming story involving a pit bull on Thanksgiving day this year!  I did all breed rescue for many years when my kids were little, so my kids have a real sense of loving and caring for animals.  My son Jeff and his girlfriend were driving home Thanksgiving day and spotted a black and white male pit bull running, hurt along a 4 lane highway.  My son stopped and ran across 3 lanes of a busy highway and rescued the dog.  Of course he called me and I met him at the emergency vet's.  The dog did not have a collar on, but he was microchipped!  His name turned out to be "Melvin", he was 8 years old and had escaped his yard.  He was so loving, even hurt he let us pet him and gave us lots of kisses.   What a wonderful dog!  He was neutered and appeared well cared for.  They called his owners, they don't have much money and were concerned about the vet bill.  I pulled out my checkbook, but my son stopped me and pulled his out and paid the vet bill!  "Melvin", is now home, and recovering nicely!  My heart was so touched that I had raised such a nice man, I guess I did something right.  I think Melvin is thankful that my son cares, as his owners were touched by my son's caring on Thanksgiving too.  The vet dropped the bill in half and there wasn't a dry eye in the place!  I hope no one ever tells Melvin he is suposed to be mean!  Dottie

[Rich]

Dottie,

Thanks for your post, and others as well who have pointed out that it is not the fault of the breed but the fault of the owners. Every time I hear another story about a city trying to ban pit bulls it makes me fearful of what freedom will go next.  If law enforcement were tougher on the owners, no one would be talking about banning breeds.  Any breed can be mistreated to the point they will become dangerous and any single dog can inexplicably suffer some neurological disorder that can make them super aggressive. Bottom line is that neglected and mistreated dogs can't be blamed for how human beings have shaped their temperaments.  Dog owners must be held responsible for actions of their animals and should be prosecuted agressively.  Animal mistreatment must be prosecuted agressively as well.  I don't believe that any animal that is a hair-trigger attacker like the Jacqueline describes can be a happy animal.  After throwing the book at the owners we should really feel sorry for the animal.  They have to live out their life in a state of rage.