Increasing Number Of Dog Attacks Sparks Controversy Over Breed
Recent headlines concerning dog bite liabilities have been shocking: In a small California town, a 63-year-old woman was out walking in her neighborhood when she was attacked and killed by her neighbors four pit bulls, who had escaped from their inadequately fenced yard and were running free. An autopsy later revealed that the woman had suffered more than 150-200 bite wounds to her body. Because the dogs owner had previously been cited when the dogs attacked a horse and rider in the area, the owner was charged with murder. The case is pending as of this writing, yet casts a spotlight on a situation involving certain breeds that is only growing more critical each year.
Injuries and deaths are on the rise
Statistics show that this year, 16 people (some of them small children) have died as a result of dog attacks; 15 of those attacks were by pit bulls. The numbers are sobering; even more so when one compares them with other behaviors. For example, one activist noted that a major auto manufacturer recalled millions of vehicles when it was discovered that several accidents had resulted in 51 deaths over a 14-year period. In contrast, in just a seven-year period, pit bulls have been responsible for three times as many deaths151in the U.S. One would think, says the source, that more attention would be given and a robust strategy to reduce the aggression in the breed would have been mounted.
Many dog behaviorists acknowledge that bites of pit bulls are generally more devastating due to the incredible force their jaws generate during a bite, as well as their tendency to latch on and hold. Some are calling for careful breeding programs that can, over time, reduce the level of aggression in these dogs the way breeders reduced aggression in Dobermans back in the 1970s. They argue that pit bulls arent the ultimate problemit is irresponsible owners and breeders. These unsavory people fail to follow appropriate breeding protocols, allowing inbreeding in order to turn a quick profit without a care to the decline in the stability and quality of the bloodline and temperament that results over time. Failure to properly socialize pit bulls or any breed of dog from the time they are puppies can also result in adult dogs that are fearful, nervous, aggressive, and difficult to controlall of which can increase the likelihood of an occurrence of biting.
A cornerstone of dog ownership is responsible care
Pit bulls have their many fans as well as their foes, but its clear that regardless of which side of the fence one is on, there must be strong improvements in responsible breeding, care, and oversight of these and other so-called bully breeds in order to reduce the number of tragic consequences. Dog bite liabilities are upsetting enough, but when the liability increases to include murder, the stakes are simply too high.
Injuries and deaths are on the rise
Statistics show that this year, 16 people (some of them small children) have died as a result of dog attacks; 15 of those attacks were by pit bulls. The numbers are sobering; even more so when one compares them with other behaviors. For example, one activist noted that a major auto manufacturer recalled millions of vehicles when it was discovered that several accidents had resulted in 51 deaths over a 14-year period. In contrast, in just a seven-year period, pit bulls have been responsible for three times as many deaths151in the U.S. One would think, says the source, that more attention would be given and a robust strategy to reduce the aggression in the breed would have been mounted.
Many dog behaviorists acknowledge that bites of pit bulls are generally more devastating due to the incredible force their jaws generate during a bite, as well as their tendency to latch on and hold. Some are calling for careful breeding programs that can, over time, reduce the level of aggression in these dogs the way breeders reduced aggression in Dobermans back in the 1970s. They argue that pit bulls arent the ultimate problemit is irresponsible owners and breeders. These unsavory people fail to follow appropriate breeding protocols, allowing inbreeding in order to turn a quick profit without a care to the decline in the stability and quality of the bloodline and temperament that results over time. Failure to properly socialize pit bulls or any breed of dog from the time they are puppies can also result in adult dogs that are fearful, nervous, aggressive, and difficult to controlall of which can increase the likelihood of an occurrence of biting.
A cornerstone of dog ownership is responsible care
Pit bulls have their many fans as well as their foes, but its clear that regardless of which side of the fence one is on, there must be strong improvements in responsible breeding, care, and oversight of these and other so-called bully breeds in order to reduce the number of tragic consequences. Dog bite liabilities are upsetting enough, but when the liability increases to include murder, the stakes are simply too high.
Source...