Terry Allan Hall Loc: Republic O' Tejas

Some valid points (highlighted)...if we could look more closely into each attack, I believe in most, if not all, cases, the animal was from inbred stock...when a breed becomes popular, "back-yard breeders" cross brother to sister, to get bigger litters, so they have more puppies to sell.

Boo_Boo Loc: Jellystone

There is no evidence to support your claims. Many of these animals were immediately put down; their bodies cremated once it was determined that there were no rabies. No DNA testing was performed on those animals. The only dog that I know of, at this very moment who attacked and severely wounded a 4 year old child, was taken into custody and subsequently saved with provisions that the biting teeth be removed and the dog never to be placed in another home, is in AZ. All others, to my knowledge was destroyed; and again no testing was done to determine their linage. If you have information that is different than what I have stated, please provide your sources.

Artemis

I agree with you Ginny
Pit bulls were not only bred to attack but to keep attacking until it's a kill. In-breeding is a problem with all breeds because it accentuates their positives and negatives, if in the wild it would never happen, it has been promoted by people. Now after years of breeding it works it's way into the DNA of the animal, creating this so called memory gene. I point this out because it is not entirely up to who brings up the dog. The dog can come from a loving home and one day a switch gets turned on and it decides to attack.

For example I've had a golden retriever, all on it's own as very young puppy stared to retrieve dead birds it would find on the coast. Had a border collie, couldn't figure out why she chased the horses until I realized she wasn't chasing them she was herding them.

Found a mix puppy, very loving dog, slept and would clean cat she was raised with. Would suddenly chase cat and if it would be completely submissive she would just stop the aggression, well one day the cat became slightly defensive, and the dog reacted and she broke it's neck, never drew any blood. Had nothing to do with how she was brought up.

Pit bulls " may" have a switch also, as far as I see it, it's a crap shoot, a gamble each owner takes, unfortunately innocent people can be collateral damage.

Terry Allan Hall Loc: Republic O' Tejas

So...what you're saying is that there's no DNA evidence to prove either your point or mine...right?

And while I've never tried to do so, I'm guessing that it would be difficult to verify lineages from "back-yard breeders", as they'd most likely NOT want to admit that they sold an inferior animal, whether to a pet store or directly to the buyer. Likely would cut into the profits, ya know?

Maybe Animal Control should start taking DNA from dogs being destroyed for viciousness, which might prove to be instructive...

Blacksheep

LOL, Umm, well, like he said....

Boo_Boo Loc: Jellystone

That is right. There are no across the states tests on these animals yet and no database yet, many states are in the process of passing laws and building a mega base regarding animal attacks--not just pit bulls. Vets have hypothesized that the reason for the sudden triggers is a result of breeding for the aggressive tendencies. In my mind, backyard breeders need to be shut down and fined or jailed there are too many animals that come from these puppy mills that wind up in bad situation. Animal control in 15 states do take DNA, scan for microchips, when they either capture or kill a dog or cat. Larger animals are always tested; by larger I am talking about bears, cougars, and the like.

Terry Allan Hall Loc: Republic O' Tejas

No longer keep a rattlesnake, since I because a Dad...my daughter, who enjoyed petting my boas and pythons (still does), was too young to distinguish harmless from venomous.

Good article, though...for instance, you strike me as an aficionado of yapping little dogs that, while ornamental, serve no real purpose, Bs...but at least you'll probably never crap your pants in fear of one.

Terry Allan Hall Loc: Republic O' Tejas

We're pretty much on the same page, I'm pleased to note. 8-)

Boo_Boo Loc: Jellystone

This often happens when humans start breeding for characteristics. Designer dogs! Take the Lacy, this dog will be able to survive in any situation. They have been bred to take down large animals, as big as bulls. They can survive eating scrub grass and go for days without water. Now they are great dogs, but in 20 years they too may become a hazard to humans and in particular small children. I like mutts. Most of them are a combination of many breeds. I do love animals, and my heart breaks when I turn away a pit bull. But, my family has to come above my rescue efforts.

Thank you for the insight and thought you put into your comment.

OldSchool Loc: Moving to the Red State of Utah soon!

And, you can find these stories for German Shepards, Mastiffs, Rottweilers, Dobermans, etc. etc.

And, do these stories state what their environment was like? The owner? Like I said, you can make almost any dog mean, and a killer if one mistreats, or trains them to. It's not the breed, it's the owner!

Terry Allan Hall Loc: Republic O' Tejas

Sadly true...there was a story out last year about an idiotic mother who went on a 4-day coke binge, leaving her 5-month old baby locked up in the house with her 3 Teacup poodles.

As she didn't leave food out for the little yappers, they had to "improvise"... :(

no propaganda please Loc: moon orbiting the third rock from the sun

Yes, the animals were probably from badly bred stock, and may have been brother to sister or father to daughter breedings. However, people do that type of breeding because it is convenient and they don't have to look for a non related male each generation. The more inbred they are the smaller the litter size is and the higher the percentage of neonate death, but that might not show up in the first generation that it is done. More often it is just a result of breeding two dogs, allegedly of the same breed, with no regard to either temperament or type, or soundness of mind and body. The for profit registration services such as the Continental Kennel Club and the Universal Kennel Club will register any dog even mix breeds, which they term "hy-breds" as long as you pay the fee. they do not require DNA or any other proof that the parents are as stated, and the people who offer dogs registered by those groups have no idea how to socialize puppies or train them before they go to their new homes, That type of careless breeding is likely behind the animals that end up being biters. Of course when you bring the puppy home, no matter how well bred the dog is, if you tie it to a tree and just give it food and water, you will probably end up with a dangerous dog, or at the very least an animal that is impossible to live with.

no propaganda please Loc: moon orbiting the third rock from the sun

I hate to be picky, as my spelling is none to good but it is German Shepherds, named that because one of their chores was herding sheep, although their main use was protection on the farm, They are still used for sentry work and police work, which they are very good at.

Had enough

I agree in part to banning this breed. I have cared for many children that where mauled by all different breeds. My oldest daughter had a Pitt Bull given to her 10 years ago. Her name was Sage. I warned my daughter multiple times to get rid of the dog and she refused. The outcome was 10 years of the most loving pet anyone would find. She was an excellent guard dog to. No one would ever have been brave enough to go into their house uninvited. She played well with the children. She was just so loving. Sadly Sage passed away a week ago. She will be greatly missed. Pit Bulls are usually a bad choice if they've been previously owned. You never really know how they've been cared for. Anyone who chooses a dog for a pet needs to be fully aware any dog can turn on you at any time.

Brian Devon

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We definitely have that problem with Gracie. Fixed female labs are really notorious for putting on the pounds.