But there is something in this story that infuriates me. The source of the injury to Pittsburgh Steeler’s linebacker James Harrison’s child was a pitbull dog. And I’ve heard these kinds of stories way to often. The breed should never be around children. In fact, I believe the entire breed should be destroyed.
But before I go on, let’s get this into perspective. The pitbull is NOT part of dogfighting. The dog was not abused, or mistreated. There have been no reports of the dog causing trouble, or getting loose, or anything that would indicate it would harm anyone. This is not a Michael Vick kind of situation. This is all about the breed.
Pitbulls are a breed of dog bred for one thing, fighting. They are known for their aggressiveness, and the injuries they give to adults as well as other dogs and animals. They are prone to sudden vicious attacks, without cause. In my experience, every pitbull will at some point turn and attack without cause at some point in their lives. And the manner of raising the pitbull, and it’s parentage have little to do with that.Case in point, back in the mid-90’s I was working at a stock brokerage firm in NYC near Wall Street. In the middle of one day a call came in that the daughter of one of the brokers I knew had just been taken to the hospital. The cause of her injuries was the one of the family’s pitbulls.
This pitbull had been raised with the child from birth. It was bred as a family dog, and the broker was a recognized breeder. All of his dogs were raised in a gentle surrounding, with good bloodlines. Up to that point there had never been an incident with the dog. The attack occurred in the kitchen, with the mother and a family friend present.
The little girl was just 6 years old. The dog was 5. For no apparent reason the dog turned on the girl as she entered the kitchen. It bit her face, requiring plastic surgery though she face would always retain marks from the attack. But at least she survived.
Just as James Harrison’s son will survive. He was bit in the leg. He will be in a hospital for at least another day, as the injury is considered severe but not life threatening. Just as with the experience my broker acquaintence learned about, Harrison’s dog attacked without provocation. 2 adults, one being the mother of James, were also injured while trying to rescue the boy.
Why do people continue to have these animals? Especially around children? I just don’t understand it.
They are beasts at the best of times. They are popular because drug dealers in the 80’s used them to protect crack houses from police raids. They serve no purpose, and are without any merit in my opinion.
How many children will need to suffer from attacks by these beasts before they are destroyed? How many people will be attacked? How many more headlines will it take before the status of owning such a vicious and unpredictable creature fades?
Owning a pitbull leaves you with one result. Given time it is bound to attack. I’ve found that to be true in every case of someone owning a pitbull. And sadly, children often are the victim of these attacks.
Canada, Australia, England, Norway, France, Singapore, Iceland and even Serbia get it. They all restrict or forbid the breed. Various cities and counties across the nation including Sioux City, Overland Park, Miami-Dade, Youngstown, and Sparta among many others get it. Even the state of Oklahoma has proposed the ban of these dogs.
I am sorry to hear of the injury to Steeler’s linbacker Harrison’s child. But I hope that if any positive can come out of this horrific attack, it is that it helps to end the existence of this breed so that no other child ever goes through this again.
23 comments:
This article is full of conjecture and false facts, even contradicting it's self. The reasons you are giving for a ban on all pitbulls is true of nearly every other dog breed, because it is the nature of a dog to try and rise to the top of their pack, often by attacking the weak first. Though many dog bites go unreported, or even just unnoticed once they are reported, it is the pitbull that gets a bad name. It is not a bad name because of the reputable breeders and owners, it is because of the crack dealers and dog fighters, and also because of misinformed people spreading false truths.
It is sad news to hear about a child or anyone being attacked by an animal. Unfortunately, this article said very little about what happened to the child, and instead gave alot of false information and opinion from the writer. There are thousands of people every year that are attacked and killed by dogs, not just pitbulls. I've known plenty of people over the years that have had pitbulls that were very friendly throughout their entire lives. But, according to the author's theory, shouldn't ALL dogs be destroyed because they all can potentially harm someone? There are also so many people that get attacked, raped and murdered by other people. Does that mean that the entire human race should be destroyed because of the ones that do such horrible things?
I was expecting an informative news piece, but this article offers nothing useful to anyone, because it contains NO REAL FACTS about anything. It just shows that the author is afraid of an animal he obviously knows nothing about.
Now, I'm off to read a real news article that hopefully gives me some news on James Harrison and his son.
Michael,
While I can respect that you have an attachment to the breed, I do not. I am unaware of any point where my post contradicts itself. Please do alert me to that.
And as for the list of countries, counties, and cities that restrict or ban pitbulls, that is factual. So I ask you to prove your challenge that I have presented false facts. If you can, I will gladly admit my error.
Also, the experience I shared is hardly the only case I have heard of. As I implied,and now directly state, roughly 90% of all people who I have known to own a pitbull have had the dog turn suddenly. I cannot say the same of any other breed across the nation.
Your excuse of the nature of dogs is of course true. But at the same time it is not relevant, as I am aware of dozens of dog breeds where that same instinct is not the cause of attacks on innocents. Again the key is not a badly treated dog, but just a sudden unprovoked attack, as was in this case and in the story I shared.
And I ask you to recall that the entire pitbull breed was bred for the purpose of dogfighting. There is no other reason the breed exists. Thus all of its characteristics and genetic traits are that of an aggressive fighter. That is a fact, and cannot be trained out of the dog.
It is also a fact that any dog can become vicious. But it is the extreme nature and suddenness of the attacks that has led the pitbull to be the top of the list for these offenses.
So I again will state my belief that the breeds known as pitbull should be destroyed. Even in the best of hands, this breed is at best a loaded weapon. At the worst, well just consider the cause of this post.
Ferretlover,
This post is not a news reporting source. It has never been said that the purpose of the blog is such. That you found this blog is a wonderful thing, that you were looking for other facts on the case is not my fault.
I ask you to prove your ascertion that I have made a false statement. Please clarify what I said that was false, and provide proof of that, as I can my sources for what I have stated as fact and not my opinion. If I am incorrect on a factual point, I will be glad to admit my error.
Also, as I have stated before, I never implied that any dog cannot, or may not attack a person. I have never stated that pitbulls are the only breed to cause such injury.
But as I also stated, the manner, degree and lack of cause that is associated with the pitbulls is so extreme - to my knowledge and multiple reports - that no other breed reaches its level.
I'm glad you have known people that have not been attacked, or had their pitbulls attack anyone or anything else, YET. I stand by my experiences and those of dozens of owners across the nation I have known over decades. That is my opinion and I have yet to see reason to change it.
And no, all dogs should not be destroyed because of their potential. If for no other reason than the fact that all other (or at least all breeds except one that I am aware of) were not bred to be aggressive fighting machines. Thus they were originally bred to be weapons, a purpose that I feel most do not understand nor can they cope with. In addition to the fact that since dog fighting is illegal (as it should be) there is no purpoose for the dog. In fact, I find them inherently a danger. This cannot be said of other breeds.
If you are looking for information on a news story, I suggest that in the future you note the description many blogs and site provide to their visitors. The very top of my site, on every page, declares what my blog is about. I will not apologize for your unwillingness to accept that. Nor does your attempt at insult for your displeasure with what you did find change what will be on my blog going forward.
Lastly, if you want to understand this author and the purpose of this blog, I invite you to read several posts. If you like what you find read on. If you do not, go away. I did not force you to read my blog.
But in trying to assume facts about myself, from a blog post you are seemingly directly opposed to, only weakens your arguement and exposes you lack of knowledge about me.
Oh, and let me clarify something.
While my blog is a commentary, it does use fact whenever possible or relevant. I have never knowingly used misinformation on any subject I have written about, and normally search out specific facts for each post.
Case in point, the attack on James Harrison's son. At the time of this post, all facts regarding the attack, those present, and the medical status of his son are exactly what was known and reported nationally at that time..
Further, facts about the breed know as pitbull, especially the restrictions and bans on these dogs as well as the historical purpose of the dog are accurate. While intensive research was not done, facts easily available under a Google search will verify what I have stated as factual.
While we all have opinions, which I respect as long as they are respectfully stated, I do not abide generalized statements about the credibility of facts that I present.
My commentary may have views some will object to, but the facts I present are just that. Of course I am human. There are limits in time to research any subject and still post in a reasonable time frame. If I am incorrect on a fact, it is human error. I always will be greatful and admit any error if it is presented to me.
But I do not take well to ambiguous allegations that I have purposefully mislead my readers. Such allegations are baseless and inaccurate.
Comment as found at 1800blogger, where I am a contributing author.
Dave Says:
May 31st, 2009 at 12:37 pm e
I want to first off state that I respect your opinion. However, if the future owners of a pitbull decided to do a little dog 101 research they would find that pitbulls take a certain kind of owner. They are more dominant than most breeds but there are specific guidelines to raising and training them. I am not stating that every attack that has occurred is strictly the owners fault because everything has its exceptions. I know several people that have been bitten by a dog in the face while they were children and none of the dogs were pitbulls. I just feel that if we were to eliminate this breed the reasoning would be all wrong. I don’t think it is all the dogs fault. Especially with children in the household or the possibility of them being an eventual part of the household future pitbull owners need to pay more attention to what breeds need certain treatments. Just like humans, we are all different and respond differently to situations. I appreciate your time and I hope you have the ability to come down from your original “destroy the breed” theory. People just need to have a better understanding of what they are getting into and pay more attention how certain breeds need to be treated. thanks again
Dave
Comment as found at 1800blogger, where I am a contributing author.
Audra Says:
June 5th, 2009 at 12:44 am e
I stumbled across this and decided I just couldn’t pass it up without commenting. Yes, it is truly sad when someone, especially a child, gets injured. Yes, it is also very sad when the cause is a pet, but I find this article absolutely ludacris that you could write such a strong opinion on Pits. Have you ever owned one or raised one? I don’t think until you actually know all about the breed that you should sit here and state how terrible and beastly these animals are. I have had pits all of my life and look, I’m still here and have still not had any kind of trouble with them, AT ALL. I’m assuming you don’t know many people with Pits seeing as though everyone you know that has or has had one has gone through the dog snapping for no apparent reason. This article is ludacris and just another poorly researched conclusion on an already wrongly named breed.
Audra,
You may have difficulty with the position I hold - as many pitbull lovers do - but there are at least as many, if not more that disagree with your opinion.
I'm glad nothing has happened with your pitbulls yet. The operative word is yet. In my experience and observations, the only factor is time. And that is based on many people with pitbulls, research wiich is included in this article, and yes my opinion.
If you think that the factual history of the origination of the pitbull breed is incorrect, I advise you to do your own reasearch and show me where I was wrong in what I found. If you think the research I did on the states, cities, and counties that have laws against pitbulls is incorrect I again ask you to do the research to show me where I am wrong.
Based on the multitude of ordinances against this breed, it's history, my first-hand observations, and second-hand conversations, I stand firm on my conclusion about the breed. Even if you dislike that conclusion.
Comment as found at 1800blogger.com, where I am a contributing author.
Marcus Says:
June 5th, 2009 at 6:08 pm e
This stories should be analyzed by a dog specialist, not by someone who had a friend who had a dog who bit someone.
All dogs respect dog pack hierarchy. It must be checked if it was taught the dog that the children at home were above him in the hierarchy.
Dogs usually bit each other in the face to teach respect to the hierarchy. But in a human it hurts. All you have to do is to be a responsible owner, learn everything is known about dog behavior and communicate well w/ your dog, teaching who is the leader and establishing boundaries while fullfulling his needs of mental and physical exercise and stress release.
Marcus,
I suggest you re-read my post. While I am no specialist I believe the various cities, counties, and States I mentioned all do have specialists. So my opinion is not that far from what a specialist believes.
Also, while dog behavior may include actions as you suggest, such is not an excuse for what happened. As I stated in the post, this was not an attack on the face of the Steeler's child, but the leg. To all information present, the owner is a responsible one. As was the stockbroker I mentioned in my example.
I again state that the unprovoked actions of the breed, tend to always be the most severe and violent of dog attacks. They are a breed created solely to fight, and are unreliable for any other purpose at best. There are always exceptions, but the outcry would not be so extreme, from so many sources, over so much time, were there not just cause.
Some may love this breed. But I take that to be similar to some people enjoying cutting themselves. I don't agree with it, I have an opinion against it, I am vocal about my opinion. But some will still love it all the same.
Comment as found at 1800blogger, where I am a contributing author.
tahj123 Says:
June 12th, 2009 at 9:21 pm e
that is so very sad i hope she is ok what happened to the pitbull
Comment as found at 1800blogger, where I am a contributing author.
Samantha Says:
June 17th, 2009 at 2:37 am e
You say that communities have come up with the same solution as you. That doesn’t mean much when there are WAY more communities in this world that don’t have the same restrictions on the breed. And if you want to talk about consensus, just look at this page because you don’t have anyone on the same side as you.
You’re blocking out any counter arguments that are coming your way.
Samantha,
First, no opinion that avoids vulgarity or racist commentary is ever withheld or refused on any blog that I work on or own. Every comment that has appeared on this issue has been posted.
Second, The fact that there have been a few vocal supporters of pitbulls responding to my post does not sway my opinion. I respect their opinions, but I am not moved by them.
And while there are currently more communities without restrictions on pitbulls, that trend is diminishing. Thankfully.
Oh, for clarification, my solution is extermination of the breed. So most communities are far more gentle in their restrictions. Though the fact that the breed is seen as a danger is in line with my view.
Tahj123,
Generally any animal that attacks a human and draws blood is destroyed to my knowledge. I expect that is what has happened to this pitbull, but I may be wrong.
Comment as found at 1800blogger, where I am a contributing author.
Tom Says:
June 18th, 2009 at 12:43 pm e
Admin,
Thought I agree with you partially that Pit bulls have their aggressive side to their breed, however, they can also be great pets as well. When you use the term “extermination of the breed” so loosely, it almost sounds as though your the next Hitler. How can you say so freely to destroy a breed? There are amazonian tribes that are born and trained to kill on site of any foreign tribesmen, though their practices seem inhumane, but should they be destroyed or exterminated? The answer is NO because they are in fact human and trained or taught wrongly (though their teachings and traditions should not be judged upon by me or others). The same goes for Pit Bulls, because of numbers of incidents, you decide that a potential loving dog should be eradicated? That seems to be a very harsh conclusion to a very Hitler like view.
I am not trying to deny the fact that Pit Bulls can be rather aggressive and dominant, but under correct supervision and training, they can become the ideal dog for any family. Though there might be incident that arise with a so-called trained Pit Bull, their are tons and tons of incidents with various other trained breeds as well. Perhaps your conclusion with the eradication of Pit Bulls, may also lead to the eradication of German Shepherds, Bull Dogs, Huskies or any other breed that has had incidents in the past.
Best of luck in a world where extermination of any living animal/human is frowned upon. And I really hope your Hitler like view changes…
Best Regards,
Tom
Comment as foound at 1800blogger, where I am a contributing author.
Howard Says:
June 18th, 2009 at 1:04 pm e
“Owning a pitbull leaves you with one result. Given time it is bound to attack. I’ve found that to be true in every case of someone owning a pitbull. And sadly, children often are the victim of these attacks.” This is so ill-informed. Since pitbulls are basically everywhere, how come there aren’t more stories of attacks. The odds of you getting crushed by a vending machine are much higher. I think vending machines are far more vicious. If the blogger decided to do a little more research, you’d find that pit bulls used to be the most popular breed in America. They were considered the perfect family dog! Ever heard of ‘Our Gang’? Petey was a pit bull. Of course, that was when dogs were allowed to be dogs. Given the freedom to roam and get the exercise they needed. Instead, people who bring dogs into their homes, locked up most of the day, and not giving them enough exercise, are shocked when their dogs act out. Sure, pits are strong and powerful, but when treated responsibly, they are still the PERFECT DOG! Too bad the same can’t be said about you mis-informed bloggers…
Howard,
Your comment, and view, as already been addressed in a seperate reply by me. I have no need to repeat it.
Tom,
Wow. A comparison to Hitler. And people say I am reaching when I voice an opinion about a breed created solely for dogfighting. I know I’m on the extreme view of this breed, but Hitler?
I think you need to calm down a lot.
By the way. I notice that in all the calls to save these animals from my words, only 1 person so far has asked a word about the girl in the attack. Who to my knowledge is ok.
All these vocal and feverent lovers of pitbulls seem highly remiss in their concern for the human in this story.
If exterminating every single pitbull saves the life of a single child, I would do it. If you could give me an equally compelling arguement about another breed of animal, I probably would have the same opinion. But I am unaware of another breed that was created solely for their ability to be aggressive fighters.
I place people above animals. I like animals, but they are not the same to me. Don’t like that? Oh well. Want to call me Hitler for it, go right ahead.
But I have to believe that when such a small minority of people are so absolutely tunnel-visioned about a singular view, there must be some truth to it. Because all fanatics are wrong. That’s true of me, or any person that would place the life of an animal above a human being.
Your convictions, like many breed specific laws, are based in misinformed opinion and lack of understanding canine behavior. Readily available numbers from the CDC of a human being attacked or killed is many times higher from numerous other breeds. And if you do take an objective look at this information please take time to look up the jaw strengths of various breeds. Many working breeds are better equipped and predisposed to hurt humans. Toy breeds are also widely regarded as violent toward humans. An animal of small statue is equally dangerous to children. All animals should be kept with the understanding they are unpredictable.Your assertion that pitbulls are more unpredictable than any other breed is simply not based in fact.
Your convictions, like many breed specific laws, are based in misinformed opinion and lack of understanding canine behavior. Readily available numbers from the CDC of a human being attacked or killed is many times higher from numerous other breeds. And if you do take an objective look at this information please take time to look up the jaw strengths of various breeds. Many working breeds are better equipped and predisposed to hurt humans. Toy breeds are also widely regarded as violent toward humans. An animal of small statue is equally dangerous to children. All animals should be kept with the understanding they are unpredictable.Your assertion that pitbulls are more unpredictable than any other breed is simply not based in fact.
Anon,
Please provide the link to the CDC proving your claims as I have yet to see numbers that validate your theory. In addition, the ascertions I made were based on facts readily gleaned from reputable sources throughout the internet and can be found on a simple Google search.
Added to that are my personal experiences, both as a dog owner (though never of pit bulls) and as the friend of dog owners. Thus I would say that dogs are NOT unpredictable - unless treated poorly by a human being. Pit bulls tend to be unpredictable in the best of cases, as i provided an example and this story seems to indicate.
Objectively, pit bulls are more of a danger to children and adults than any singular breed I am aware of. But I would love to read specific data that proves this incorrect, as I have yet to find any.
Pitbulls kill an average of 2.5 people a year, that's a big problem *eyeroll* If pitbull haters would use their brains once in awhile, they'd see how stupid they really sound.
Firstly I would like to say that I respect people's fear of pitbulls or any other dog breed and I wont try and talk them out of it but I strongly disagree with the conclusion that they are all "bad" and should be exterminated. I own a American pitbull terrier (apbt) and a pit husky cross both of which are very friendly loving animals. Below I will post part the ukcs description of the history and caracteristics of the APBT which can be found at this link http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/Breeds/ AmericanPitBullTerrierRevisedNovember12 008 Sometime during the nineteenth century, dog fanciers in England, Ireland and Scotland began to experiment with crosses between Bulldogs and Terriers, looking for a dog that combined the gameness of the terrier with the strength and athleticism of the Bulldog. The result was a dog that embodied all of the virtues attributed to great warriors: strength, indomitable courage, and gentleness with loved ones. Immigrants brought these bull and terrier crosses to the United States. The American Pit Bull Terrier’s many talents did not go unnoticed by farmers and ranchers who used their APBTs as catch dogs for semi-wild cattle and hogs, to hunt, to drive livestock, and as family companions. The essential characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier are strength, confidence, and zest for life.This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. APBTs make excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of children. Because most APBTs exhibit some level of dog aggression and because of its powerful physique, the APBT requires an owner who will carefully socialize and obedience train the dog. The breed’s natural agility makes it one of the most capable canine climbers so good fencing is a must for this breed. The APBT is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with stranger Aggressive behavior toward humans is uncharacteristic of the breed.
Post a Comment