Girl killed by pit bull terrier

[Third Opinion]

Why people think that a dog bred for fighting will be good round a house is beyond me. I see countless chavy idiots walking round with these things on leads (if you are lucky) often with their 16 year old girlfriend pushing a buggy in tow. They are not responsible owners as they are often goading these animals to be aggressive to others. I am quite frankly surprised we do not see more of this but I am sure a lot of minor attacks go unreported.

Recently I had the displeasure of teaching some chavy fool who boasted of how his "Staffy could bring down a donkey" and how it had fatally wounded the little old lady up the roads Yorkshire Terrier. He was not a dog lover just complete idiot who thought he was a hard man through owning a dog.

Licenses should be introduced again to own a dog I believe.

 

[Locrian]

Yes, have you?

Then what exactly did you mean by

I would hate to see the end of the "family" pet, however if it saves lives then it's going to be necessary.

Should we ban (which means slaughtering) all dogs because you dont understand them?

Come on, mine wasnt ugly his brother our other dog was brown/black.

Sorry, no offence mate, but that truly is not my cup of tea. His head is as big as his body!

 

[Tute]

Then what exactly did you mean by



Should we ban (which means slaughtering) all dogs because you dont understand them?

What I meant is that if people don't take more care around animals, both in the way they treat them and control them, then we'll end up with very strict controls on who can and can't own them.

Controls that will probably place owning a pet out of the reach of most normal families.

I'm not really sure how you got what you said above out of my post, I honestly didn't mean that and I apologise if I did.

 

[Locrian]

What I meant is that if people don't take more care around animals, both in the way they treat them and control them, then we'll end up with very strict controls on who can and can't own them.

Controls that will probably place owning a pet out of the reach of most normal families.

I'm not really sure how you got what you said above out of my post, I honestly didn't mean that and I apologise if I did.

Such systems are already in place.

If dog ownership is to be controlled, it inevitably means slaughtering thousands and thousands of dogs doesn't it? That is what you just suggested

There seems to be a ridiculous media trend lately against our canine friends. Clearly, the cats are the winning.

 

[Tute]

Such systems are already in place.

Thats what you have just said, if dog ownership is to be controlled, it inevitably means slaughtering thousands and thousands of dogs doesn't it?

I don't understand what you're saying here. If there are stricter controls on who can and can't own and keep pets, then why must animals get slaughtered? I'm not saying that we kill animals, i'm saying that the ownership of them gets stricter controls governing it.

I can't get where I said these animals should be "slaughtered"?

 

[Robosapien]

Maybe a wolf broke into the house, dog tried to defend the baby and failed, dog gets blamed due to being covered in blood.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beddgelert

Awaiting "stupidest post of the decade" replies...

I haven't read the thread or the news, what will happen to the parents now? i.e. will it be treated as unfortunate accident or negligence?

 

[Mr_White]

I can't be bothered to read through half the drivel that's been posted.

But it's never the dogs fault, it's the fault of a disgusting and reckless human for not raising it properly.

Any dog is capable of this if not raised properly, freaking chihuahuas are more aggressive than pitbulls, it's just the pitbull attracts the sort of owner who wants it for protection or a weapon, or merely a status symbol, and certain breeds are unfortunate enough to attract these worthless scum bags.

 

[Locrian]

I don't understand what you're saying here. If there are stricter controls on who can and can't own and keep pets, then why must animals get slaughtered? I'm not saying that we kill animals, i'm saying that the ownership of them gets stricter controls governing it.

I can't get where I said these animals should be "slaughtered"?

Because with your tighter controls thousands of people who own dogs will no longer be allowed to own them, quote:

Controls that will probably place owning a pet out of the reach of most normal families.

Under your system how do you propose the dogs currently kept as pets are disposed of? I'm simply stating you have not thought this through. The practical implication of putting stronger restriction on canine ownership have much stronger ethical implications than you seem to realise. This is totally ignoring the fact its a damn human right to want a dog as a pet if i want one.

 

[dirtydog]

This is totally ignoring the fact its a damn human right to want a dog as a pet if i want one.

No it isn't a human right...

I would support much tougher ownership rules and a new licensing scheme, to weed out unsuitable owners. Hell I'd have similar rules for having children if I had my way.

 

[phykell]

Most people aren't fit to own pets anyway. Any additional (sensible) legislation to protect people and animals is welcome IMO.

 

[Locrian]

Most people aren't fit to own pets anyway. Any additional (sensible) legislation to protect people and animals is welcome IMO.

Thats quite a strong sweeping statement. Would you care to back up that argument with some actual evidence? I would love to see how youve got most
people are incapable of responsibly raising a dog.

 

[Tute]

Because with your tighter controls thousands of people who own dogs will no longer be allowed to own them, quote:



Under your system how do you propose the dogs currently kept as pets are disposed of? I'm simply stating you have not thought this through. The practical implication of putting stronger restriction on canine ownership have much stronger ethical implications than you seem to realise. This is totally ignoring the fact its a damn human right to want a dog as a pet if i want one.

That's fine, i'll admit that it was more of a suggestion rather than a well laid plan. I don't really like the conclusion that was "jumped-to" though, I didn't expect the only option to be the mass slaughter of animals. I honestly thought that there would be a way to do this without a "cull".

And yes, it's your right to own one. But if some people aren't going to control their animals properly, then the whole population will pay the penalty. I'm not saying it's a good thing, but if it were to become a huge problem, that's what the government reaction would be.

 

[Locrian]

Guys, all im saying is that we dont need another knee jerk News of the World driven campaign to outright ban something simply because a group of people dont understand and are fearful of it.

There are far more pressing threats to human life than dogs!

 

[phykell]

Thats quite a strong sweeping statement. Would you care to back up that argument with some actual evidence? I would love to see how youve got most people are incapable of responsibly raising a dog.

It is isn't it? But don't take my word for it, go to your local animal rescue centre...

I'll tell you what, how about you take a stab at what percentage of dogs actually receive the amount of physical exercise they should receive? And yes, ensuring a dog receives adequate exercise is one of the criteria for a responsible owner.

Evidence on this particular subject is all too easy to provide but let's start here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/manchester/3931529.stm

 

[4T5]

To be honest guys i really don't understand how Pit bulls are still about in this country.
About 15-20 years ago i had to take my mates Pit bull bitch to the Wood Green animal shelter as the new law stated that Bitches had to be neut-ed (sp?) and a chip for I.D. was inserted. The dogs had to be castrated and chipped as well.
This new law was supposed to rid the country of Pit bulls as they could no longer breed.
Any dog still in the country had to meet the above requirements and when out Had to were a Muzzle.
What happened to let people still own these dogs. I know i have read he had it for a security job but still surely a German shepherd or summit would have done.

Surely if the law states these dogs should not be kept then it is up to the law to sort it.

This personally bothers me as i have kept Staffy bull terriers for over 20 years. My current staff who i have had since pup is now 6 years old and he is the Biggest Staff you will see. Already i have had people ask me if Frank is a Pitbul and already i have had people act negatively towards him.

It seems that once again the actions of irresponsible owners will effect normal dog owners/lovers.
I have to say my dog is not left with children and that is not because i think he may bite but more because i don't trust kids alone with dogs.
Situations like this Stink to high hell, we have a gorgeous little baby girl ripped to bits a grandmother attacked and the owner nowhere to be seen.
If Frank god forbid did anything like this i would only blame Myself.

 

[Phalanx]

what about Staffies? do they count as Pit Ball terriers because I have a few friends with the most wonderful little staffies in the world.

 

[4T5]

No they don't count as Pit bulls they are Staffordshire Bull terriers and well known for being Super friendly towards Humans.
The only reason i am worried is mine is as big as a Pit bull and is as Fit as ****. Get near him and he will jump up you and lick you to death the soppy git but from afar he looks mean.

 

[Third Opinion]

This personally bothers me as i have kept Staffy bull terriers for over 20 years. My current staff who i have had since pup is now 6 years old and he is the Biggest Staff you will see. Already i have had people ask me if Frank is a Pitbul and already i have had people act negatively towards him.

Many people will probably question why do you want to keep a dog which was primarily bred for fighting (baiting I believe)? It is understandable to be nervous as dogs can still do unpredictable things regardless of how they are treated. Same goes for human beings. The difference with dogs is if something like my mums shitzu lashes out the worst I will get is probably a nip on the ankle, the same can't really be said for a bull terrier breeds.

I am not knocking you I am sure you are a responsible owner it is just these types of dogs are given a bad name by those who think it is fashionable to own a 'hard' dog.

 

[moss]

Sorry, no offence mate, but that truly is not my cup of tea. His head is as big as his body!

lol, no his head was in proportion to the rest of his body. He weighed about 10stone, he was about 4 times the size of a Staf Bull Terrier.

 

[4T5]

Many people will probably question why do you want to keep a dog which was primarily bred for fighting (baiting I believe)? .

Well my reason for owning Staffs is there english working class heritage and the fact there build and there nature suits me perfectly.
A soft dog would not be comfortable around me and would be intimidated.
Staffs are like athletes if bread and kept well and i pride myself on how fit he is and how well he looks.
On top of that i am completely in charge of my Dog and he never leaves my side. I Never let him off the lead or leave him anywhere.
There is only One person he is ever left with and she knows him well and Does not walk him whilst i am away visiting down south.
I am fully aware of my Dogs abilitys and own and keep him with this Always in my mind.

How many dogs has mine attacked = None.
How many times has he been attacked by other dogs when he is on the lead(Not Bull terriers) = Plenty.
How many times has my dog ever been out or got out alone = Never.