Denver Pit Bull Ban

[Linus1223]

Pit bull roundup begins in Denver
On first day of effort, city's animal control officers seize 12 dogs

By David Montero, Rocky Mountain News
May 10, 2005

Officer Lorraine Pacheco didn't know what to expect Monday - the first day of Denver Animal Control's enforcement of the city's ban on owning pit bulls.

"At first, I was like, do I even want to come into work today," Pacheco said from behind the wheel of her city-issued white van.

"People not wanting to give up their dogs, saying 'I love my dog, why are you taking him?' It's not a witch-hunt."

It is the law, though.

The Denver District Court ruled this year that an ordinance passed in April 2004 was legal, and about 200 owners of pit bulls were notified by mail that they would have to turn over their dogs beginning Monday.

Doug Kelly, director of the Denver animal shelter, said that, as of early Monday evening, 12 pit bulls were in custody after owners either relinquished them or they were picked up by officers such as Pacheco."We really didn't know what to expect," he said. "We were prepared for a higher caller volume."

Of those dozen dogs, he said six will likely be euthanized after 24 hours. The others, which the city picked up, will be traced back to their owners, he said. If the owners had previous pit bull violations, the dogs won't be returned and will be euthanized. If the dogs had no prior violations, the owners will have the opportunity to relocate them outside the county of Denver.

William Hollowell had received a notice and gave up his dog voluntarily when animal control officers arrived Monday afternoon.

Three animal control vans parked outside his brick house while his dog, Bandit, jumped and barked inside a small fenced area of the backyard."I'll get him," Hollowell said quietly as animal control officials closed in with wrangling equipment.

The 50-year-old with long dreadlocks opened the fence's door a crack and slipped behind the chain-link door separating the officers from the snarling dog. He calmly put a chain leash on Bandit and started to walk him out. Bandit struggled at first, lunging in different directions before his owner picked him up and brought him to the back of the van. In the background, two American bulldogs barked loudly.

"I'm definitely sad," Hollowell said. "He's like a member of my family. There's going to be a lot of sad people."

Pacheco said because Hollowell voluntarily gave up the dog, he wouldn't be ticketed. The fine for violating the city ordinance is up to $999 and/or a year in jail.

As they were finishing loading up the dog, and Officer Frank Jimenez was explaining to Hollowell his options, Pacheco got another call about a pit bull running loose in a Montbello neighborhood.

When she and Jimenez arrived about a half-hour later, the home in question had no evidence of a dog. The woman who answered the door when Pacheco knocked wasn't too happy to see them, either.

Between a flurry of obscenities, the woman said she gave up the pit bull days ago. A little girl inside the doorway to the house mentioned it might be in the basement. Officers asked her if they could look there.

"I don't have no dogs," the woman yelled. "There ain't no dogs in the basement. You want to search the house, get a warrant. And then I'll sue you."

Keri Lafave, a neighbor, said the black pit bull had been running loose in the neighborhood earlier in the day. However, she said the dog wasn't mean.

Both Jimenez and Pacheco called Denver police officers for backup and, while they waited for the squad cars to arrive, they stood watch by the backyard in case the woman tried to flee with a pit bull. When the officers arrived, the woman refused entrance to her house and Pacheco said a warrant would have to be issued.

"I've been called everything in the book," she said as she got in the van and drove away. "I just try and tell them I'm just doing my job."

[mommyx2]

*****

[Thamlet]

This makes me sick. Anyone with a pet should be concerned by this. They're targeting "pit bulls" now, next might be your dog.





Traci

Mommy to Jena (one year old, spayed, American Pit Bull Terrier) and Logan (4 month old, neutered, DEAF American Pit Bull Terrier)

[taz69]

I'm not a fan of pit bulls, but this is so wrong! Same as saying one "black" or one "mexican" robbed a store - so arrest them all! Too scary!

[ilvscooby]

Of those dozen dogs, he said six will likely be euthanized after 24 hours.

That is wrong, I would be so sad and mad if I lived there and had a Pit Bull. I'm sure there are mean ones, but there are all kinds of other mean dogs in every breed. Too bad we can't round up all the child molesters and murderers and euthanize them :mad: they deserve it more than a lot of these dogs probably do.

[freebielover]

That is wrong, I would be so sad and mad if I lived there and had a Pit Bull. I'm sure there are mean ones, but there are all kinds of other mean dogs in every breed. Too bad we can't round up all the child molesters and murderers and euthanize them :mad: they deserve it more than a lot of these dogs probably do.


I agree, at least child molesters PROVED that they can do harm. These dogs didn't do anything wrong, theres just a stereotype against their breed. Now if the dog had hurt a child I can see doing something about it, but this is ridiculous.

[sharinbo]

This just breaks my heart. What breed will be next, when they've killed all the pit bulls? They should not be able to make the decision about what breed of dog anyone can own. Each case needs to be taken individually, rather than judging an entire breed based on a stereotype. I know I will NEVER move to Denver, or anywhere that they tell me I have to euthanize my family members.

[DBackFan]

This makes me sick. Anyone with a pet should be concerned by this. They're targeting "pit bulls" now, next might be your dog.





Traci

Mommy to Jena (one year old, spayed, American Pit Bull Terrier) and Logan (4 month old, neutered, DEAF American Pit Bull Terrier)


TRACI!!!! (((((((tham)))))) how the heck are ya girl????? We have missed you!!!

[mommyx2]

*****

[fatesfaery]

There have been several people killed by pit bulls in the Atlanta area since we moved here 2 1/2 years ago. Some have been children, some have been elderly people. There have been a couple of fighting rings shut down.

I heard on the news that legislation was going to be introduced that would ban pit bulls statewide in Georgia I'm assuming it was either never introduced or failed since I haven't heard any more about it
.
The guy who lives two houses down has a female pit and they let her run loose a lot. If you happen to be in the front yard, she acts like she's going to eat you alive. If she ever comes at me or one of my family members, he's going to be burying his pit.

On the other hand, my younger brother has a female pit who is nothing more than an overgrown baby. I doubt I'd walk into the backyard with her alone since she doesn't know me, but she doesn't bark or freak out if someone walks up to the fence.

I think any dog can be taught to be mean and attack. My SIL's mother has a small dog that is as vicious as any dog i've eveer seen. Maybe instead of banning a certain breed of dog, they should have regulations to monitor the people who own the dogs.

[cleaningla]

Denver has had a ban since 1989 and voted to renew the ban in 2004. The state legislature had no right to overide that ban. These people got pit bulls knowing there was a chance they wouldn't be able to keep them.

[iluvmybaby]

It is MY belief that all dog breeds are capable of being vicious, depending on the enviroment that it grows up in and the owners, a friend of mine owns a LARGE full blooded Rottie, which is considered a vicious breed, and he is totally gentle and loving an affectionate. It sounds like a witch hunt to me, sorta like what a previous op said, if ONE mexican killed someone, it wouldnt be logical to round up ALL of them and deport them because of the actions of one person

[hblueeyes]

All dogs are capable of biting and attacking. The reason pits are targeted are because of their bite which is much more severe than other breeds and they can lock their jaws. I have a pit mixed with Rodesian ridgeback. We have had hiim 6 years. My boys got him for me for my B'day. I had cancer and they read that pets could help. They also discovered that dogs can smell cancer before you even know you have it. If I had known when we went to the shelter and I picked him out that he was a pit bull mix I never would have adopted him. But I am happy that at this time I was ignorant. But most of the dogs at our shelter are pits. He is just the best. He lays next to me at the puter or wherever I am. He does this to the boys too. He is well trained, except for jumping on people. I cannot get him to stop this habot. He thinks all visitors are for him. He weighs 104.5 pounds but is gentle. He let me know that my van was about to be stolen. He barks only if something is around the house, like other dogs. We have a bunny hole with 5 baby bunnies in it and he has not bothered it at all. I was surprised the mom bunny would have made a nest in the yard of a dog but she did. Pits are the type that are used for dog fighting.

The little kids stop by on their way to school and always say hi to Lexington. He loves kids. I once had an elderly man stop by and ask if we still had the dog because he missed him on his early morning walks. I asked him when he took his walks as to make sure Lex would be outside to greet him. I have many neighbors that bring him treats and visit him. I have met lots of people in my area because of my dog. He is friendly. I and my family would just be heartbroken and sickened if we had to give him up. I do not let him run loose and no one should allow their dogs to run loose. It isn't safe for people or the dog.

On mothers day a 3 year old little girl was attacked by a pit leaving a womans house after she bought candy for her Mom for Mothers day. The dog had attacked before and was put to sleep. The owner should be horse whipped for allowing her dog to get out since it was so mean. So I understand why people have this fear. But the owners are responsible. A retriever dog killed an infant baby a few years ago. They are supposed to be family and children friendly breed. But you dont hear of governments rounding up all the retrievers and putting them to sleep.

How sad for those owners.

Me :p

[Thamlet]

The reason pits are targeted are because of their bite which is much more severe than other breeds and they can lock their jaws.


I'm glad your pit mix is a good embassador for the breed BUT I wanted to correct this statement. This is one of many myths that contributes to the bad reputation pit bulls receive.

Their jaws do not lock. They have been bred to not let go and along with their powerful jaw muscles, strength and determination it may seem their jaws lock but they don't.

(Edited to add: I don't see how punishing all pit owners will fix the problem. The irresponsible owners will just go find another breed and the problem will still be there, just not with pit bulls.)
Traci

(Hey Dbackfan! Hey Mommyx2!!! Long time, no see! I just got back online and mostly lurking. That is until I read this.) ;)

[JKATHERINE]

So sad! :(

[nightrider127]

This is so wrong in my opinion. Any dog can be made mean, not just the pit bulls.

I don't know what I would do if someone came to my house and tried to take my dogs. And no, I don't have a pit bull, I have a Yorkie and a Black Lab.

Sometimes people (governments) take things way too far.

Welcome back, Thamlet. Long time no see.

[Peanut818]

It is MY belief that all dog breeds are capable of being vicious, depending on the enviroment that it grows up in and the owners, a friend of mine owns a LARGE full blooded Rottie, which is considered a vicious breed, and he is totally gentle and loving an affectionate. It sounds like a witch hunt to me, sorta like what a previous op said, if ONE mexican killed someone, it wouldnt be logical to round up ALL of them and deport them because of the actions of one person


I have a full blooded female Rottie and she's just a big lap dog, until someone would try to threaten the lives of the people she loves and knows (me, DH, DS, SIL, nieces & nephews, couple of the neighbors, and her grandparents.) Any dog can be mean, but we raised ours with love and kindness and made her a big baby even though she is a ROTTIE. I've been around several Pits and they were just a sweet as my Rottie, not that I trust them all, but there are nice Pits, Rotties etc. in this world. Personally I'd rather be with a pit than some of the Labs in my neighborhood.

By the way isn't telling someone what breed of dog they can and can't have DISCRIMINATION? They same the USA is the land of the free, but you don't have the freedom to pick your own pet? :rolleyes: :eek: :mad: :rolleyes: :eek: :mad:

[Shann]

This breaks my heart. I cannot understand targeting out any breed. What about poodles, they are known to be mean, are they going to ban poodles too? I have to admit, I have a 14 lb yorkie who is very protective and can be very mean. I always tell my friend that I would be more worried about my dog running at me than her 100 lb rott. I do make sure that my dog doesn't get loose though b/c I don't want her running after someone. She's deathly affraid of tall guys and I have no idea why. Anyways, I just cannot believe this. :mad: What I don't understand though is why do ppl stay there knowing that their dogs will be taken away? If that was the case I would do all that I could to move to a place that would accept my dog instead of letting it be taken from me and then killed. WHEN WILL PPL LEARN TO SPAY AND NEUTER THEIR PETS?!?! UGH.. sorry touchy subject. *sob* poor poor puppies. :(

[schsa]

Any dog can bit and maul. Rot's just have a bad reputation. These people were told in advance about the dogs and they should made the effort to find a good home for them. It's too hard to have someone just come and take your pet from you. Even if you know the dog is a good animal, you never know when a good animal will turn.

I feel for the people but I understand how others might feel about that type of dog.

[Thamlet]

Even if you know the dog is a good animal, you never know when a good animal will turn.

So, then all dogs, regardless of breed, show be destroyed because you just never know when they'll turn? :rolleyes: Unless the dog is wired wrong, most of the time they "turn" because of the actions of their irresponsible owners.

You can't tie a pit bull to tree on a short chain, never socialize the dog and leave it unaltered and just expect it to be a good dog. The owners need to step up and take some responsibility. I will say that the American Pit Bull Terrier is not the dog for just anyone.


Traci

[HumblePie98]

ITA!!!

I try to stay out of these threads because it's a very touchie subject for me. I Have a 5 year old Pitt, he was abused, and forced to fight. I will stand here and say he is the best dang dog you could have. Jeek is so kind and loving. I trust him 100 percent with my son. In Fact, he sleeps with my little boy at night.

And I am not saying all Pitts are good-- But that goes with what Thamlet said!



So, then all dogs, regardless of breed, show be destroyed because you just never know when they'll turn? :rolleyes: Unless the dog is wired wrong, most of the time they "turn" because of the actions of their irresponsible owners.

You can't tie a pit bull to tree on a short chain, never socialize the dog and leave it unaltered and just expect it to be a good dog. The owners need to step up and take some responsibility. I will say that the American Pit Bull Terrier is not the dog for just anyone.


Traci

[Tisky67]

This is sad. Pitbulls are not banned here but in some towns, the have dangerous dog laws that require the owners to register the dogs (ie- pits, rotties, german sheppards) and to carry insurance on them that if they do attack a person the insurance will cover the injuries to the person.

I have a friend that has a pitbull named Baby and that is exactly what she is. She loves to see me coming because I keep a special treat in my car for her at all times cause I never know when I will stop by my friends house. You should see her when I pull up & I get her waffle out for her.

[christy461]

I usually stay out of these threads, too, but couldn't let this one go. We had a female pitbull for 13 years, until she died of old age. She practically raised my sons. She would curl up around them when they slept and went everywhere with them. In all of her 13 years she didn't bite anyone.

We had to really protect her from other people, though. The electric meter guy beat her with his metal stick and broke one of her ears and the mailman tried to run her over. We finally found that introducing her to new people and neighbors cut down on the abuse. I would love to have another one, but it's so hard watching to make sure no one hurts them.

[Trishntx]

I am a dog owner also, I have three. None of them are pit bulls. I lived next to a man who owned two of them. They were nice until they reached a year old. He was walking his dog one day and my son was on the other side of the street on the sidewalk, and the dog went crazy and ran to my son and attacked him. He bit him and he had to have stitches. Soon after that we heard the dog had bitten 3 other people and yet this man never refused to have the dog put down. He was always trying to convince people he was a "nice dog". I don't like pit bulls, never have. I don't trust them. Unfortunately here in Texas, pit bull fighting is all too common and people actually breed their dogs to conform to fighting standards. I am not saying all pits are mean. I certainly feel for the people who are having their animals taken from them. But you have to wonder what has so drastically happend to make them enforce such a law!!!!! I would choose the safety of my child over a dog anyday.

[Nanc952]

I think it is awful what has happened to being the country of the free. Pits today what tomorrow.

A lot is how people react it don't matter if anything happens or not they hear the word pit and go nuts.

We had a pit dumped in our area and I loaded her up to go around the neighborhood to see if she belonged to anyone as a lot of new people have moved in. One lady came out to my car and was loving and petting the dog till I told her she was a pit. (My God the dog showed it all over her short of wearing a sign) This same nut that was petting her and saying what a sweet dog she was jumped back from the car screaming she didn't know she was that kind of dog. Scared the dog and me half to death way she yelled. A lot is caused by how nutty people act. By the way this nice lady found out they are in to robbery so :eek: :eek:

All I can say is watch out you might think banning pits are all right but next will it be german shepards, yorkies, labs or any other breed just because someone don't like them.

Someone said wonder what they did. NOTHEN just probably the town fathers hate pits. That is what happen in our town they hate cats. It cost $32.00 to have a cat in town but $18.00 to have a dog.

[schsa]

what I am saying is that the most gentle dog will attack when provoked or teased beyond reason. I have two dogs myself and they have their own personalities. If one of them would bite someone it would be after being provoked but I could not guarentee that they would never bite.

[Willow]

I am a dog owner also, I have three. None of them are pit bulls. I lived next to a man who owned two of them. They were nice until they reached a year old. He was walking his dog one day and my son was on the other side of the street on the sidewalk, and the dog went crazy and ran to my son and attacked him. He bit him and he had to have stitches. Soon after that we heard the dog had bitten 3 other people and yet this man never refused to have the dog put down. He was always trying to convince people he was a "nice dog". I don't like pit bulls, never have. I don't trust them. Unfortunately here in Texas, pit bull fighting is all too common and people actually breed their dogs to conform to fighting standards. I am not saying all pits are mean. I certainly feel for the people who are having their animals taken from them. But you have to wonder what has so drastically happend to make them enforce such a law!!!!! I would choose the safety of my child over a dog anyday.


I was trying hard to stay out of this thread because for a while I thought I was the only one that had a different opinion and didn't want to be the only one posting who felt diffferently. lol I would never have one either. In my opinion they just look mean. lol I'm not saying every pit bull is mean or would bite but they scare me and it's not a dog that I would want to have. I believe all dogs will bite if given a reason but why is it that we don't hear about the other breeds being that way as much as pit bulls and rottweilers (another breed I would never own). I heard that pit bulls have a pre determined agression that is part of their genetic make up. I don't know how true that is because I haven't actually researched it. I'm not saying that anyone who has one is bad so I hope no one takes it that way. It's just not a dog that I would want to have.

[justme23]

I'm not sure how I feel about this... my cousin has 2 pits... when they are alone, they're really good dogs and just wanna play... when they are together, they are quite vicious and fight (I don't mean play fight, I mean, have had to be hospitalized and stitched up fight) constantly. They've also killed a cat and tried to attack her 2 year old nephew. While I love these dogs, I would never own a dog that would try to attack a child... and the whole 'you can train any dog to be mean' sentiment... well, I just can't go w/ that, these dogs are spoiled plum rotten... they are treated better than any dog I've ever seen and have never been trained to be mean... but they are.

[ahippiechic]

My mom has a Yorkie that weighs maybe 3 lbs. That is the most vicious dog I have ever seen. She has killed cats and a hamster, a cockatoo; and has sent my step dad to the ER on several occasions for stitches. She growls and threatens everyone who comes into the house. Now, since she is so small, she can't to the damage a Pitt or Rottie would, but mean dogs come in all breeds.


This dog wasn't 'trained' nor 'raised' to be mean, she's always been this way. So some dogs are just mean, like some people are.

[janelle]

Well in Wisconsin they have made it open season on killing cats cause they kill birds. The bird lovers can now kill any cat running free. And this is birds not humans.

Pitts are only singled out cause they have killed people. Other breeds may have been vicious with biting but the number of people killed have been killed by Pits.

I think the owners should be ordered to take obedience courses as soon as they get a Pit. Learn how to control them and only have one. I think the pack gets these dogs aggressive. Maybe it should be mandatory to only have one. They have been breed to kill small animals. That was their purpose. Little kids can look like small animals to them. But the owners need to be responsible and learn how to discourage this type of behavior.

Any big dog can do harm if they get aggressive but it's the Pits that have killed the most. I know some idiots teach their dog to fight other dogs and this has not helped the breed but would put your child up against a vicious dog? What if your child was just on thier bike going down the street and two pit bulls were running free? This happened to my brother and he called the police when the dogs cornered him in his garage. The owner said she didn't even know they were out of the yard. Then he saw a little girl on her bike with her little dog and the policeman said it could have gotten ugly.

[bulldog6186]

I had my ankle about ripped off 16 years ago by a pitbull. No one never thought this dog would do what he did. He was a very gentle dog, I had been around him before. One day I was sitting there and he decided my ankle must have looked good. He grabbed ahold of my leg and drug me 15 feet. My ankle was just dangling, a few pieces of musle is what kept it on. It took 5 men to prey open this dogs mouth from my ankle, his jaw locked. This dog was treated better than most people treat their kids. When this happened I also owned a pitbull, he was a very loving dog as well and I just couldn't keep him after seeing what these powerful dogs can do. When I see any type of larger dog now whether it's a pitbull or a german shepard I just sweet like crazy and get terrified.

Now my parents had a weiner dog and she was the most vicous (sp) thing I ever seen, she has bitten at people. I can say that when she did bite at people that's all it was, a simple bite that's all. Not an attack and not anywhere as close to what a larger dog could do.

I agree, any dog can bite but I will also say that it is a larger dog that can bite and do terrible damage if not kill someone. I could be wrong, but I don't think there has ever been a death resulting from a smaller dog biting someone.

I'm a dog lover, believe me. I feel bad for the people that are getting their dogs taken away but another side of me says that it's all for the better :(

[HumblePie98]

n/m

[mom2cvam]

With the way things are going, pretty soon you won't be able to have a dog at all unless its a tiny little thing. Its not right. You don't like big dogs, thats fine, thats your right. So that makes it right for someone to come to my house and tell me that "We're sorry, we have a problem with your breed of dog, either you get rid of it or we're taking it". I don't think so. I have had doberman, a german shepard, a pitbull and now I have a springer spaniel. I will tell you that my MIL's poodle tried biting more times than any dog I've ever known. I will continue to have big dogs. Its not right to judge a breed of dog because some of them have attacked. Those dogs had it in them not all dogs do. I'm sorry to the ones who have been attacked, I really am. I can understand being afraid of a certain breed after that. My problem is when the government can tell us what kind of dog we can have as pets. I just feel that to judge a breed because of a few that attacked would be like judging a whole race by the actions of a few. JMO
I'm really afraid to think what could happen next. Right now its deciding what type of dog you can have, whats next??

[janelle]

If a person had a dog attack them they will naturally be afraid of any dog after that. At least for awhile. It depends on how badly they were hurt. Doesn't matter what kind of dog it is. When you have been hurt you have the fear it could happen again. Nothing about judging, just dealing with the fear of getting hurt again by a dog.

Some who were hurt enough to need stitches can go into a phobia about dogs or the thing that hurt them and have a hard time being around a dog again. It happens.

[Willow]

There is a thread in off topic chat about a pit bull that killed it's owner.

[cleaningla]

There is a thread in off topic chat about a pit bull that killed it's owner.

If he lived in Denver, he might be alive today. :(

[bulldog6186]

There is a thread in off topic chat about a pit bull that killed it's owner.


It always seem to turn out with family members saying how sweet the dog was and that the dogs were raised from just being weeks old and how they can't believe how/why this happened cause the dog wouldn't hurt a fly. It's just so sad no matter how you look at it :(

Sometimes no one will ever know why dogs bite when they do. I have an older dog now that I don't believe he would ever bite but I would never write that in stone because I just don't know.

[Tulsa_para]

wow, this really hits close to home. I own a Great Pyrenese.... very very large dog, is he my baby-yes. BUT, I have a very high fence (doubt he would jump, he is a lil lazy) that I check once a week for security. when my son has friends over and they want to go outside in the backyard, caesar goes into his room (the converted garage) . neighborhood children are not allowed around him unsupervised, if at all. My 7 year old son is not around him unsupervised. is this extreme? no, just cautious. Last october my son and I were outside in the front of our hosue and we were both vicously attacked my a pit bull in the street. my son miracously[sp] barely escaped having his arm/hand bit off (the dogs mouth went over my sons fist and up to his forarm, the canine teeth both went on either side of the arm. I however, was not so lucky. I was bit on my right leg, knocked to the ground ( I smacked the back of my head on the asphalt) and I was dragged. I still do not have full range of my neck and my leg looks like I have the flesh eating disease. My son was not only attacked, he witnessed his mother being attacked. This dog did not have his shots, nor was he licensed to be in the city limits. Animal Control released the dog to the owners (my neighbors-who by the way, cussed me out as I was on the phone with 911) who were to find a home outside the city limits. did they? nope. But they thought getting a new Pitt would be a good idea. they now have 2 pitt bulls. So not only do we have one dangerous animal who has tasted blood, but a new worry also. Do I have a love for pits? absolutely not. Do they belong in city limits, I do not believe so. I cannot be around large unknown dogs now. If I see a dog running loose in the neighborhood, I call the owner if I know them, they have 15 minutes, if it is still loose, I call animal control. We have approx. 14 kids on this street alone, I couldnt see another family go through what we have.

[hblueeyes]

I am so sorry to hear of you and your sons attack. They way you supervise your dog is correct. All dogs are potential bitters. But the actions of your neighbors is horrendous. My dog loves and I mean LOVES the UPS man. The UPS man likes Lex too. But when he is on vacation, and a new guy is delivering, I go out so he does not have to come in the yard if the dog is there. Some people dont like dogs or have a fear and I am respectful of that.
It is a shame others are not. Maybe you should have sued your neighbor and had a court ordered extermination of that dog. I am also appalled that your animal control officer did no follow up. You need to call them and complain as well. Where I live all dogs need to be registered. It costs $2. This way they can make sure that your pet has all his shots. If you do not register your dog the fiine is $500. That is a good incentive to get your dog his tags and registered.

Me :p

[hblueeyes]

It is a shame but California has jumped on this ban wagon. I just don't know what I'll do if Illinois joins in on this. My pit mix is one of the family.

Me :p

[cstarlight]

Well, It's hit Kentucky too!! The city of Louisville is HOT on this now, i happen to live the next county over so it does not affect me or my pitt but it is still very sad. People in Louisville were turning their dogs in and animal control automatically puts them down.....NO pitts can be adopted PERIOD!! Our animal control here started taking peoples pitts from there so they would not end up being put down. It won't happen here cause it's up to the voters to decide in this county and it didn't pass. Either way if it did i would move else where.

[DBackFan]

Flame away but I wish they were banned worldwide.

[Momof2totsand1teen]

Flame away but I wish they were banned worldwide.

Me too.

[catssass]

Flame away but I wish they were banned worldwide.

Me, too...I absolutely do not see the point of having a pet that can have even the littlest possibility of being so dangerous to my family , I find it no different than having a loaded gun in the house, you never know who will set it off...
...also, it seems that these dogs seem to attract irresponsilble owners, maybe they should only be allowed if the owner attends classes and has some guidelines to follow before being they are able to own one. For example, my neighbor had one, it attacked him, they got rid of it (thats a lucky family :(), now they have another one, you should hear the viscious growls that come from it, I can't even go in my back yard because the fence that separates our yard is only 4 feet high, I live in an upscale area and these people have taken the pleasure out of my home, I have contacted our city council to try and get a ban here...

[Pepsi4me]

I just dont trust pitbulls. We ahd some neighbors who just moved that had a pittbull & admited that they got it from someone who tried to train it to fight. :eek:
It was always running lose in the neighborhood. It came into our yard & rammed into our dog trying to knock her down. The owners always said oh he's a good dog. But he was trained to fight so what if one time something triggered in his brain & he starts attacking?
I just think that pittbulls are time bombs & may attack at anytime. Yes any breed can do this but I think Pittbulls have it in their mind more cause of how the breed started out.

[Donnagg123]

I think the problem is the owners rather than the breed. What I mean is that if more owners would keep their dogs better contained we would not be having this problem now. I see dogs all the time out running around and it is scary sometimes to even want to go outside. I understand that dogs get loose and such, but it is rediculous seeing at least 2-3 dogs per block out running around. If you cannot keep better control of your dog then you shouldn't have one. JMO

[HumblePie98]

I think the problem is the owners rather than the breed. What I mean is that if more owners would keep their dogs better contained we would not be having this problem now. I see dogs all the time out running around and it is scary sometimes to even want to go outside. I understand that dogs get loose and such, but it is rediculous seeing at least 2-3 dogs per block out running around. If you cannot keep better control of your dog then you shouldn't have one. JMO
ITA! YOu should have to take a class to own a pitt. We have one. He's never escaped either. In fact he's never been outside off his leash!

[Vee030473]

The most horrifying example of the lack of breed predictability is the October 2000 death of a 6-week-old baby, which was killed by her family's Pomeranian dog. The average weight of a Pomeranian is about 4 pounds, and they are not thought of as a dangerous breed. Note, however, that they were bred to be watchdogs! The baby's uncle left the infant and the dog on a bed while the uncle prepared her bottle in the kitchen. Upon his return, the dog was mauling the baby, who died shortly afterwards. ("Baby Girl Killed by Family Dog," Los Angeles Times, Monday, October 9, 2000, Home Edition, Metro Section, Page B-5.)
In all fairness, therefore, it must be noted that:
Any dog, treated harshly or trained to attack, may bite a person. Any dog can be turned into a dangerous dog. The owner most often is responsible -- not the breed, and not the dog.
An irresponsible owner or dog handler might create a situation that places another person in danger by a dog, without the dog itself being dangerous, as in the case of the Pomeranian that killed the infant (see above).
Any individual dog may be a good, loving pet, even though its breed is considered to be likely to bite. A responsible owner can win the love and respect of a dog, no matter its breed. One cannot look at an individual dog, recognize its breed, and then state whether or not it is going to attack.


Alot of people make the mistake of thinking if its not a Pit,Rottie,or Dobie... that your chances of getting bit are much less,thats so not true!!! I was bitten by "Lassie" while pushing my son in a stroller many moons ago.He had put his front paws on the stroller and I went to shoo him away and got a nice bite on my leg before he left!!! :eek:

[catssass]

[I]


Alot of people make the mistake of thinking if its not a Pit,Rottie,or Dobie... that your chances of getting bit are much less,thats so not true!!! I was bitten by "Lassie" while pushing my son in a stroller many moons ago.He had put his front paws on the stroller and I went to shoo him away and got a nice bite on my leg before he left!!! :eek:

ITA but ...a pitbull is more likely to KILL its victim not just bite, we had a peke for 13 yrs, he never bit anyone but was very protective and I wouldn't trust him alone with a baby, I now have a shi tzu that is just a tiny muffin and I still wouldn't leave him alone with a child, all it could take is a tug on a tail or ear, all pets can bite if provoked

[KEARLA]

I think the ban stems from how alot of Pit Bulls are raised. I watch the animal cop show based in Detriot on Animal Planet. They have a ban on Pit Bulls within the city limits because they are ALMOST all used for fighting. It is not the breeds fault, it is the people. My sis once dated a guy who raised Pits and they were all the sweetest things ever. I work with a guy who has one. He had a heck of a time getting home insurance because of it. ANY dog can bite and kill. I do not trust my dog around people and she weighs a whopping 15 LBs. It is a shame that good dogs and people are targeted because of bad ones. Although, I can understand where they are coming from. Dog fighting is an epidemic and this, unfortunately, is one way to slow it down. Just like banning smoking in public places is supposed to help cut down second-hand smoke lung cancer.

[Bubblescc]

I think they should ban the owners instead! lol

[Mom2Cass]

I think they should ban the owners instead! lol

I agree..We have a 3 year old male pit bull and we love him to pieces...and so does our 18 month old daughter.
We got him from a rescue and they temperment test them to see what kind of homes they should go to (other animals, kids,ect)
He and Cassidy get along great and I am not worried at all But he is a animal and I do watch them play to make sure she does not get to harsh(she likes to sit and jump on him) and he get excited and licks her to death.

We are also very careful about him and other dog (he does not like them normally) and always have him on a leash when we go anywhere and tell people that he doesn't play well with other dogs. (in our presense anyway..he got loose from my in-laws yard and was running and playing with all the dogs in th neighborhood fine). However, He was attacked my 2 other dogs(labs) not on a leash (in a public park) and that freaked him out for awhile.. Sad thing is if anything would have happened he would have been blamed and HE was on a leash!

Anyway here is a pic of Mr. Murray!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/mommacass/murray2.jpg

[peanut92973]

i'm sorry but its wrong. we have a pit bull . hes a year old and a big baby. i believe the ones that are mean it's because of there blood line or there owners. alot of people get pit bulls for a stats symbol. these dogs require alot of attention(they want to be with somebody 24-7). they also require alot of excerise. it's on how you train them. i love my pit bull and wouldn't trade him for anything.

[KEARLA]

I think they should ban the owners instead! lol

:D :D :D ITA :D :D :D

BTW...Mr. Murray...awwww, what a cutie!

[cstarlight]

Well i guess not all areas are willing to entertain the pit bull ban idea...this is in our newspaper today!!


MIDDLESBORO, Ky.

City's pit bull proposal meets strong opposition
A proposed ordinance to ban pit bulls prompted a backlash from dog owners and has city leaders backing away from the proposal.

A City Council meeting Tuesday night drew pit bull owners and others opposed to the proposal. The proposal would have given pit bull owners 30 days to remove the dogs from this southeastern Kentucky city. Violators would have faced a $400 fine and up to 90 days in jail.

City Councilman Dewey Morgan predicted that the ordinance in its current form will be defeated.

Morgan said he would prefer an ordinance focusing on the responsibility of pit bull owners to take care of their animals to keep the public safe.

Middlesboro Mayor Ben Hickman said he's not aware of any attacks in the city.

[Cheri2057]

We had one here also that bit seeral kids during a week time waiting for a school bus and then finally bit my ex husband while we were at a neighbors and ripped his arm up so bad the cops were called and he shot the dog 23 times before he died, when he thought he was dead the dog got up again and attacked. I would neer own one and I hae dogs big and small.

[papadsgirls]

My nephew was given a tiger pit, she is wonderfull. He has been sick this week and she has stayed right with him. My daughter crawled on the couch and she crawled right up beside her and took a nap with her. How can our goverment let stupid laws continue. Just like in the state of NC killing a horse is a hanging offince. But does anyone get hung for killing a horse? Nope they just slap them on the rists and tell them not to do it anymore. now there taking good dogs from good familys just because there a pit.

I took my nephew to get a new collar for his pit, we were looking at collars, and a guy walked up to us and asked what kind of dog we had, we told him we had a 8 month old pit, the first thing out of his mouth was "Do you want to fight her?" Needless to say I was asked to leave, I went off on the man. My nephew could not believe I said everything I did. But that just made me so mad, I saw fire. Thats whats wrong with people today, you can't blame an animal for the way the people treat them.

I am a proud owner of a ice rescued mix breed (that my 4 yr. old daughter rescued), a beagle, a dashound, and now a tiger pit. All of them get along wonderfully and thank goodness I have 10 acres fenced in. Needless to say, they wont hurt you but they sure will keep you out of my yard. Just might lick you to death.

[Bubblescc]

http://www.sorryagain.com/14603.jpg http://www.sorryagain.com/batdog.jpg http://www.sorryagain.com/sorrypup.jpg http://www.sorryagain.com/11404.jpg http://www.sorryagain.com/9502.jpg http://www.sorryagain.com/9505.jpg http://www.sorryagain.com/dscf0703.jpg http://www.sorryagain.com/8204.jpg ]

[Bubblescc]

just adding some pics, I know not all like these dogs and thats ok that is your choice.these pics are for the ones that do....thought they were cute

http://www.sorryagain.com/wedsadie.jpg http://www.sorryagain.com/wedhateme.jpg http://www.sorryagain.com/wedbaddog.jpg http://www.sorryagain.com/11704.jpg http://www.sorryagain.com/13803.jpg http://www.sorryagain.com/12801.jpg http://www.sorryagain.com/30605.jpg http://www.sorryagain.com/sun38.jpg http://www.sorryagain.com/15601.jpg http://www.sorryagain.com/30405.jpg http://www.sorryagain.com/10001.jpg http://www.sorryagain.com/10003.jpg http://www.sorryagain.com/monsterpool.JPG

[Bubblescc]

the reason this upsets me is because Will it stop with pitt bulls? What breed of dog will be next?

[Bubblescc]

couple more pics....sorry I wanted to share them all..lol

http://www.sorryagain.com/zdanger.jpg http://www.sorryagain.com/princeisagoodboy1.jpg http://www.sorryagain.com/wedwatchgrow.gif http://www.sorryagain.com/8202.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y9/publicemily83/friends/ijustwanttoloveyou.jpg http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i197/noonoosgirl/Smokey2.jpg http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i136/Trudnc/aliandmile.jpg http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img [IMG]http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/katis97006/100_0020.jpg

this kept my mind busy for a while, got lots of things on it. I jjust posted these really for the people that have pitts and know how loving theycan be. I am not trying to start an arument or anything.

[Vee030473]

Those pics are awesome! You are right,it won't stop at Pits. There will be another breed that some people feel need to be banned. It is sad but true that most, if not all, trained to fight can not be rehabilitated.But there are so many more that are just family pets and companions,and those should not have to suffer because of what people have imposed on the breed. In the south there are events known as "hog doggin" where dogs mainly Pits are put in a pen with pigs,for the enjoyment of people watching the pigs die.My point of bringing this up is because at these events,they are sponsored by local companies,with concession stands and all.In many states this is not illegal because it technically is not dog fighting,only one dog involved and because the pig is someone's property,they can do as they see fit with their property!!! For those that say Pits are more likely to bite / kill, please understand that ANY DOG that is protective,is more likely to bite/attack/kill.Because a protective dog feels as if he/she is the Alpha in the family,the protector. Does that mean that every protective dog should be tossed asideor banned ? I dont think so,I think that the owners of pets need to be better educated,more informed and responsible animal owners starting from puppyhood.

[Chiizii]

What a step backwards! Banning Pit-Bulls! How incredibly stupid.

Do not punish the breed, punish the people who train such lovable, wonderful, family dogs into fighters.

There is no excuse for people to be so ignorant. there are things you can learn to do to protect yourself while you walk.

Never approach a strange dog, especially one who's tied or confined behind a fence or in a car.


Don't pet a dog without letting him see and sniff you first.


Never turn your back on a dog and run away. A dog's natural instinct in this situation is to chase and catch you.


Don't disturb a dog while it's sleeping, eating, chewing on a toy, or caring for puppies.


Be cautious around strange dogs. Always assume that a dog sees you as an intruder or potential threat.


If a dog approaches to sniff you – remain still. In most cases, the dog will go away when it determines that you're not a threat.


If you encounter a potentially aggressive dog, never scream and run.


Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog. Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until he is out of sight.


Be cautious around strange dogs and treat your own pet with respect. Because children are the most frequent victims of dog bites, parents and caregivers should:

1. Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.

2. Be on the lookout for potentially dangerous situations.

3. Teach young children, including toddlers, to be careful around pets.

4. Teach children not to approach strange dogs and to ask permission from a dog's owner before petting it.




What to Do if Attacked


If the dog does attack, "feed" him your jacket, purse, bicycle, or anything that you can put between yourself and it.


If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Do not scream or roll around. The face is the most common area for attack, particularly the lips, nose, and cheeks.


Some people, such as mail carriers, carry protective devices, such as pepper spray, to ward off attacks. One deterrent product that does not physically harm the dog is called the “Dazer.” It produces ultrasound that can ward off a dog within a 20 foot radius.

Why It Is Best to Remain Still During an Attack?

Dogs attack for one of three basic reasons:


Dominance and territoriality - the will to control and protect resources

Through fear - for reasons of self-protection

Fear predatory reasons - when the so-called "prey drive" is activated.

Dominance aggression is usually directed toward the face or hands of a person when their face looms too close or their hands somehow threaten or interfere with the dog or its possessions. Standing motionless and looking away will often defuse this type of aggression.

Fear aggression often takes the form of a "cheap shot" directed toward a person's calf or thigh as they turn to exit the scene. Standing still can deactivate this type of aggression by halting the perceived challenge while simultaneously holding one's ground.

Predatory aggression is stimulated by motion and commotion, running away and by yelling. It is best to stand still and be quiet to defuse such attacks.

In summary, if a dog is making an aggressive advance - stop running, remain motionless and silent, do not look into the dog’s eyes, and keep your hands to yourself. Or, in an extreme situation, drop to the ground, curl in a ball, and protect the nape of your neck with your hands.

[Njean31]

What a step backwards! Banning Pit-Bulls! How incredibly stupid.

Do not punish the breed, punish the people who train such lovable, wonderful, family dogs into fighters.

There is no excuse for people to be so ignorant. there are things you can learn to do to protect yourself while you walk.

Never approach a strange dog, especially one who's tied or confined behind a fence or in a car.


Don't pet a dog without letting him see and sniff you first.


Never turn your back on a dog and run away. A dog's natural instinct in this situation is to chase and catch you.


Don't disturb a dog while it's sleeping, eating, chewing on a toy, or caring for puppies.


Be cautious around strange dogs. Always assume that a dog sees you as an intruder or potential threat.


If a dog approaches to sniff you – remain still. In most cases, the dog will go away when it determines that you're not a threat.


If you encounter a potentially aggressive dog, never scream and run.


Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog. Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until he is out of sight.


Be cautious around strange dogs and treat your own pet with respect. Because children are the most frequent victims of dog bites, parents and caregivers should:

1. Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.

2. Be on the lookout for potentially dangerous situations.

3. Teach young children, including toddlers, to be careful around pets.

4. Teach children not to approach strange dogs and to ask permission from a dog's owner before petting it.




What to Do if Attacked


If the dog does attack, "feed" him your jacket, purse, bicycle, or anything that you can put between yourself and it.


If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Do not scream or roll around. The face is the most common area for attack, particularly the lips, nose, and cheeks.


Some people, such as mail carriers, carry protective devices, such as pepper spray, to ward off attacks. One deterrent product that does not physically harm the dog is called the “Dazer.” It produces ultrasound that can ward off a dog within a 20 foot radius.

Why It Is Best to Remain Still During an Attack?

Dogs attack for one of three basic reasons:


Dominance and territoriality - the will to control and protect resources

Through fear - for reasons of self-protection

Fear predatory reasons - when the so-called "prey drive" is activated.

Dominance aggression is usually directed toward the face or hands of a person when their face looms too close or their hands somehow threaten or interfere with the dog or its possessions. Standing motionless and looking away will often defuse this type of aggression.

Fear aggression often takes the form of a "cheap shot" directed toward a person's calf or thigh as they turn to exit the scene. Standing still can deactivate this type of aggression by halting the perceived challenge while simultaneously holding one's ground.

Predatory aggression is stimulated by motion and commotion, running away and by yelling. It is best to stand still and be quiet to defuse such attacks.

In summary, if a dog is making an aggressive advance - stop running, remain motionless and silent, do not look into the dog’s eyes, and keep your hands to yourself. Or, in an extreme situation, drop to the ground, curl in a ball, and protect the nape of your neck with your hands.


i can add one more to the what to do list if you are attacked. if you survive, go home and get your gun, then find the dog and shoot it in the head. ;)

[Vee030473]

:eek: Shoot it in the head? Thats really not a good suggestion,especially if you dont know if the animal is up to date on rabies vaccinations. The head is what is needed to determine rabies in an animal.

[Njean31]

:eek: Shoot it in the head? Thats really not a good suggestion,especially if you dont know if the animal is up to date on rabies vaccinations. The head is what is needed to determine rabies in an animal.


i was being silly. ok then, shoot it in the heart.

[Vee030473]

Ifn something bites me,and Ive been bitten before,I never ever want to see it again LOL I just want lots of medical personnel :D and a cigarette ( Im an exsmoker) but Im sure I'll need something to calm my nerves :p

[aneisu]

Breed specific legislation doesn't stop at pit bulls - if you have an alaskan malamute, siberian husky, dalmatian, rottweiller, doberman pincher, german shepard or great dane - those are all breeds someone somewhere is trying to get banned. It is silly to think just because a dog is a certain breed they should be killed. It depends on the environment the dog lives in as to what temperament they have.

[buttrfli]

heres the video that goes with bubbles' pics... its so sad :(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2Qlw3pzWv4

[Bubblescc]

heres the video that goes with bubbles' pics... its so sad :(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2Qlw3pzWv4

thanks buttrfli I hadnt seen this yet......My nephew sent me the pics and I thought of this thread on here. thanks again!