Banning Pitbulls
- Thread starter Sharon
- Start date
Larry,
I totally disagree on this. If my dog got out and was run over I would not hold anyone responsible but myself. Why is that if someone wanders onto my property I am responsible for what happens to them when they are clearly tresspassing? If it was a small child then their parents are responsible for neglect, not me. As a responsible pet owner I have taken the necessary precautions to keep my dog safely on my own property and away from delivery people, etc. Would the same hold true is this child wandered into my fenced yard and fell in a pool?
I totally disagree on this. If my dog got out and was run over I would not hold anyone responsible but myself. Why is that if someone wanders onto my property I am responsible for what happens to them when they are clearly tresspassing? If it was a small child then their parents are responsible for neglect, not me. As a responsible pet owner I have taken the necessary precautions to keep my dog safely on my own property and away from delivery people, etc. Would the same hold true is this child wandered into my fenced yard and fell in a pool?
Frank
Chairman of the Board
Ok, how many people were laughing uncontrollably when they saw this?
I'm unsure how I feel about this - a child going behind a fence and getting bitten by a dog. Certainly I think the dog's owner has less responsibility than if the dog were loose - but I don't believe he is free of responsibility. For example, I sat on a jury where a dog attacked a guest while inside the house - a dog with some, but not much, prior history of such things. How would you judge THAT? We ultimately found for the defendant, but refused to award any punitive damages beyond medical costs and lost wages.
The reason why I am partly sympathetic to the victim in such an instance is - the danger would NOT exist at all without the dog. The unsupervised child would be totally safe, and even would STILL be totally safe in the presence of some other animal on the premises, such as maybe a poodle or dachsund. I'm of the inclination that you always should shoulder SOME responsibility if you have anything dangerous on your property, and it's there because you put it there. If the kid steps in an open bear trap on your fenced lawn - STILL your fault.
karaalexis79
Member
Frank,
I have to disagree with you on this. I own an Amstaff and a Pitbull. Now if someone were in my house or on my property with my permission and one of my dogs bit that person (whether it being a child or adult), I would be responsible. If my dogs ever showed any aggression towards anyone, they wouldn't be allowed to socialize with people that come to my house and I probably wouldn't own them.
Now on the other hand if some child or adult trespassed on my property (I have Beware of Dog signs) and that person was bit, then I wouldn't at all feel responsible. I live on 20-acres, so if someone is here that isn't supposed to be..oh well. If I lived in a neighborhood, and still owned my dogs or any dogs, they would be inside dogs. I wouldn't trust any dog to be left out by themselves, where people could get to them easily. You never know what could happen.
As far as a poodle or dachshund, being "totally safe" WRONG!! When I was a teen my parents owned and bred Rotties. One day my brother and I were walking the parents and out of nowhere come this little rust colored 8-pound poodle. It ran up to my male Rottie growling and sniffing. (BTW, both of my dogs were leashed and this happened in the middle of the street). Anyways, the poodle bit my Rottie, so he grabbed the dog by the ear and began shaking him. When he finally let go the poodle high-tailed it home, leaving his ear behind. This same poodle also bit my brother through his jeans, leaving a hole in his jeans and his leg. He was put to sleep after that. So just because a dog is small and looks seemingly sweet, doesn't always mean it is.
One more point to make. You say the owner should take some responsibilty because they have something dangerous on their property and they put it there. What about this senario?
A child wanders onto your property, you have a unlocked stick shift vehicle sitting in the driveway on a slight hill. The child enters the vehicle and hits the gear into neutral and rolls backwards into the street. A car hits your car with the child inside. In the end the parent's want to sue you for having something dangerous on your property (that YOU put there). Even though the child was trespassing. How would you feel about that? Would you wanna pay? If this sounds at all silly, that's because it is. But it is exactly what you are saying should happen, just in a different case.
Kara~
I have to disagree with you on this. I own an Amstaff and a Pitbull. Now if someone were in my house or on my property with my permission and one of my dogs bit that person (whether it being a child or adult), I would be responsible. If my dogs ever showed any aggression towards anyone, they wouldn't be allowed to socialize with people that come to my house and I probably wouldn't own them.
Now on the other hand if some child or adult trespassed on my property (I have Beware of Dog signs) and that person was bit, then I wouldn't at all feel responsible. I live on 20-acres, so if someone is here that isn't supposed to be..oh well. If I lived in a neighborhood, and still owned my dogs or any dogs, they would be inside dogs. I wouldn't trust any dog to be left out by themselves, where people could get to them easily. You never know what could happen.
As far as a poodle or dachshund, being "totally safe" WRONG!! When I was a teen my parents owned and bred Rotties. One day my brother and I were walking the parents and out of nowhere come this little rust colored 8-pound poodle. It ran up to my male Rottie growling and sniffing. (BTW, both of my dogs were leashed and this happened in the middle of the street). Anyways, the poodle bit my Rottie, so he grabbed the dog by the ear and began shaking him. When he finally let go the poodle high-tailed it home, leaving his ear behind. This same poodle also bit my brother through his jeans, leaving a hole in his jeans and his leg. He was put to sleep after that. So just because a dog is small and looks seemingly sweet, doesn't always mean it is.
One more point to make. You say the owner should take some responsibilty because they have something dangerous on their property and they put it there. What about this senario?
A child wanders onto your property, you have a unlocked stick shift vehicle sitting in the driveway on a slight hill. The child enters the vehicle and hits the gear into neutral and rolls backwards into the street. A car hits your car with the child inside. In the end the parent's want to sue you for having something dangerous on your property (that YOU put there). Even though the child was trespassing. How would you feel about that? Would you wanna pay? If this sounds at all silly, that's because it is. But it is exactly what you are saying should happen, just in a different case.
Kara~
Frank,
There are some exceptions concerning owner liability for a dog’s bite. Usually they are that the victim is a trespasser, a veterinarian treating a dog at the time of the incident, the victim is committing a felony, the victim provoked the dog, or the dog was assisting the police. Your scenario where you were on the jury is a whole different ball of wax. The dog was known to do it; the owner needs to take special precautions to protect others.
You don’t have kids do you? If you did you would never say, “The unsupervised child would be totally safe, and even would STILL be totally safe in the presence of some other animal on the premises…” Unsupervised children are never totally safe and depending on the child’s age the parent might be charged with negligence because they allowed the child to roam about, enter a confined area and get bitten. However as the child trespassed I think it wouldn’t hold water in court.
There are some exceptions concerning owner liability for a dog’s bite. Usually they are that the victim is a trespasser, a veterinarian treating a dog at the time of the incident, the victim is committing a felony, the victim provoked the dog, or the dog was assisting the police. Your scenario where you were on the jury is a whole different ball of wax. The dog was known to do it; the owner needs to take special precautions to protect others.
You don’t have kids do you? If you did you would never say, “The unsupervised child would be totally safe, and even would STILL be totally safe in the presence of some other animal on the premises…” Unsupervised children are never totally safe and depending on the child’s age the parent might be charged with negligence because they allowed the child to roam about, enter a confined area and get bitten. However as the child trespassed I think it wouldn’t hold water in court.
Frank
Chairman of the Board
Ok, totally safe was not the correct phrasing. Still, *no* dog on the premises - no kid getting hurt by a dog. Dachsund or poodle on premises - outside chance he will get hurt or bit - but not *killed*. Rottie or other large dog - possible chance he will get bit, killed or mangled and killed. One of the reasons people fear large dogs is not because they are MEAN. A wasp is mean, but I won't run from one.
Anyway - I voted *against* banning the dogs. I don't believe that a breed can be reasonably singled out for blame. I don't care if someone thinks they were bred for meanness. Shepherds are very often police dogs, and they don't do that job because they are good with sheep. Several other dog breeds were bred for hunting, and it's my belief that if they can be trained to take down an animal, they can do the same to a man - after all, the meanest animals in Africa are the wild dogs and hyenas. Very small animals don't get bad press because, let's face it - I don't care HOW mean your Yorkshire terrier is, it's not a threat. I've never seen a Pomeranian take down a man, but I have seen them bite.
Anyway - I voted *against* banning the dogs. I don't believe that a breed can be reasonably singled out for blame. I don't care if someone thinks they were bred for meanness. Shepherds are very often police dogs, and they don't do that job because they are good with sheep. Several other dog breeds were bred for hunting, and it's my belief that if they can be trained to take down an animal, they can do the same to a man - after all, the meanest animals in Africa are the wild dogs and hyenas. Very small animals don't get bad press because, let's face it - I don't care HOW mean your Yorkshire terrier is, it's not a threat. I've never seen a Pomeranian take down a man, but I have seen them bite.
Frank, you said: The unsupervised child would be totally safe, and even would STILL be totally safe in the presence of some other animal on the premises, such as maybe a poodle or dachsund.
(Not sure how to bracket a quote on this forum)
The truth is, NO child is totally safe around ANY dog. Children should never be unsupervised with a pet, especially one that is not their own household's, regardless of the breed. Poodles and dachsunds, even if they are small, still have teeth.
(Not sure how to bracket a quote on this forum)
The truth is, NO child is totally safe around ANY dog. Children should never be unsupervised with a pet, especially one that is not their own household's, regardless of the breed. Poodles and dachsunds, even if they are small, still have teeth.
I agree, they can be the sweetest most loving dogs in the world. We have a half pit/half american bulldog mix and she is the sweetest dog in the world. We have never had a problem with her being aggressive toward anyone. It's all in how they are raised. A dog is only a product of it's enviroment!
Cowgirl
Well-Known Member
I'm so tired of hearing people say "My dog would never bite anything!" Well, you don't know that for sure...Anything with teeth can bite. We have a maltese, and she has never bitten anyone yet, but she really does not like small children. Children tend to grab at her, and she is small, so it makes her nervous. We always tell visitors to leave her alone, and if we see there is going to be a problem, we will crate her. I am not saying I agree with the ban..but I can see why people want to have it. Even if a dog wasn't trained to do what their breed is known for (ex. like a border collie working sheep) they still carry the characteristics for doing that job. Herding dogs often don't make good house dogs because they have so much energy, and unless they're kept busy they make a nuisance of themselves. I don't know why, but it seems that pits and rotties are the "cool" breeds to have. It's like the owners think they're big and bad if they have one. Well, no one should get a dog because they think it will make them look good. THAT is the problem. The problem is definitely with the owners. I am so sick and tired of seeing ads in the classifieds for Rockwelders, Rotwelers, Rotwellers and others. If people can't even spell the name of the breed they own, they should not be allowed to own the dog. Come on people! How lazy are you? Learn how to spell the breed!! It is not that hard. That is just responsible ownership. I will never own a pit because I don't like them...they're just not my kind of dog. I guess people think it is easier to ban the dogs than to make sure the owners are educated, responsible owners.
Cowgirl!It's definitely NOT in how a dog was raised and I get tired of that line, too. If that were the only factor, we wouldn't have had to have our dog put to sleep. He was raised in a loving atmosphere and socialized early with kids and other animals. He wasn't left home alone to fend for himself - we took him to work with us. He wasn't physically abused nor did we even yell at him much. So what more could we have possibly done to alleviate the dog's fear/aggression traits and keep him from wanting to eat the neighbor kids and other animals?
The more I read you all going back and forth, the more I realize that a ban isn't the solution - holding the owners responsible for their pet's behavior is. And I feel like if you have your vicious killer (insert dog breed here) penned up in the yard and some kid jumps your fence and is injured, that's their parents' fault. But if your dog jumps the fence and hurts someone, that's your fault for not properly containing the dog. I'm not convinced that you should be liable for injury to someone who is trespassing on your property, kid or not. If that were true, then it defeats the purpose of a guard dog.
Vraiblonde 
You are correct, how you treat a dog is only one factor in how they behave. A dog, like any other animal, can turn or attack at any time. Sometimes there is no noticeable provocation. It is a risk one assumes when owning a pet. You are again correct in saying a ban isn’t the way to address this issue.
Furthermore, I feel like you do that a trespasser is fair game for the dog and the owner is responsible for any harm done if their dog should get loose.
You are correct, how you treat a dog is only one factor in how they behave. A dog, like any other animal, can turn or attack at any time. Sometimes there is no noticeable provocation. It is a risk one assumes when owning a pet. You are again correct in saying a ban isn’t the way to address this issue.
Furthermore, I feel like you do that a trespasser is fair game for the dog and the owner is responsible for any harm done if their dog should get loose.
Why is it that certain breeds of dogs are ALWAYS stereotyped? Is it b/c of what you see in the movies, what breeds are always & ONLY reported on the news, or b/c you are ignorant, uneducated, and follow in the footsteps of others?
I feel that banning Pitbulls is ridiculous. All that is going to lead to is the banning of Rotts, Dobes, Chow's, etc. I own a Rott, he is the sweetest and loveable dog I have ever had. And I don't think that you people who voice your opinions & feelings on banning a specific breed understand why the owners of these dogs are so defensive! If we follow the LAWS written in order to own ANY breed of our choice, then BACK OFF! I am not speaking on behalf of those (which are out there), who chose to flaunt their dogs aggression, neglect & abuse them, or train them to be killer attack dogs. I am speaking on behalf of ANYONE who owns a dog that is stereotyped who is a remarkable owner, an animal lover, and perhaps just did RESEARCH on that particular breed, and happens to adore that type of dog!!! If there were a case of a 70 yr. old woman who owned a Pitbull that attacked someone or showed signs of aggression,should not be allowed to own it, due to the mere fact that that dog was protecting her, her family, her property, etc.? Give me a break! That is the TRUE sign of a loving companion! That dog is obviously showing how willing and able it is to protect her if need be, and any responsible owner, that shows love, affection, and companionship should EXPECT that from their animal. If my dog were to ever attack a human being over the protection of me or my family...SO BE IT! And by the way to you one sided respondents....A lab, retriever, boxer, shephard, collie, pug, etc. ARE VERY MUCH CAPABLE AND HAVE DEMONSTRATED THESE SAME TRAITS THAT YOU ARE BASHING PITBULLS FOR.
I feel that banning Pitbulls is ridiculous. All that is going to lead to is the banning of Rotts, Dobes, Chow's, etc. I own a Rott, he is the sweetest and loveable dog I have ever had. And I don't think that you people who voice your opinions & feelings on banning a specific breed understand why the owners of these dogs are so defensive! If we follow the LAWS written in order to own ANY breed of our choice, then BACK OFF! I am not speaking on behalf of those (which are out there), who chose to flaunt their dogs aggression, neglect & abuse them, or train them to be killer attack dogs. I am speaking on behalf of ANYONE who owns a dog that is stereotyped who is a remarkable owner, an animal lover, and perhaps just did RESEARCH on that particular breed, and happens to adore that type of dog!!! If there were a case of a 70 yr. old woman who owned a Pitbull that attacked someone or showed signs of aggression,should not be allowed to own it, due to the mere fact that that dog was protecting her, her family, her property, etc.? Give me a break! That is the TRUE sign of a loving companion! That dog is obviously showing how willing and able it is to protect her if need be, and any responsible owner, that shows love, affection, and companionship should EXPECT that from their animal. If my dog were to ever attack a human being over the protection of me or my family...SO BE IT! And by the way to you one sided respondents....A lab, retriever, boxer, shephard, collie, pug, etc. ARE VERY MUCH CAPABLE AND HAVE DEMONSTRATED THESE SAME TRAITS THAT YOU ARE BASHING PITBULLS FOR.
SxyPrincess
New Member
Whoa, Ciara! Hold onto your panties!
No need to hold on to anything! After reading what some of these people have said, if they only knew how ignornat they sound? If you've never owned one the breeds being discussed, how can you justify any of your "opinions," b/c that's all they are! Where are the facts?
SxyPrincess
New Member
I own 2 of the breeds that have been discussed but I've never put in my two cents. I don't feel the need to justify my dogs behavior to suit everyone.
Your right--you are sounding a bit ignorrant! But hey, those aren't the facts, just my OPINION!!! 
Your right--you are sounding a bit ignorrant! But hey, those aren't the facts, just my OPINION!!!
Well my intentions are not to sound ignorant! And I understand that people are entitled to their own opinions. And I agree w/you too 
I don't feel the need to justify the behavior of my animal in order to please others. It is just frustrating to listen & hear someone's opinions that are most likely 90% based on a stereotype.
I just don't want to see something like this go any further...once it starts w/a Pitbull, it will continue right down the list! And one of the 2 particular breeds that you own, will most likely be included
I don't feel the need to justify the behavior of my animal in order to please others. It is just frustrating to listen & hear someone's opinions that are most likely 90% based on a stereotype. I just don't want to see something like this go any further...once it starts w/a Pitbull, it will continue right down the list! And one of the 2 particular breeds that you own, will most likely be included
Ciara,
I re-read my posts and thanks for pointing out that I'm ignorgant! I never would have known that on my own. Please point out EXACTLY what I said to make me so uneducated. I think I mentioned that my dogs breed is one of those questionable too.
Have a nice day.
I re-read my posts and thanks for pointing out that I'm ignorgant! I never would have known that on my own. Please point out EXACTLY what I said to make me so uneducated. I think I mentioned that my dogs breed is one of those questionable too.
Have a nice day.
Caira,
When you said, "After reading what some of these people have said, if they only knew how ignornat they sound?", who the hell were you talking about. While the voting has been close there aren't many supporting a ban that have cared to post here. Please clarify who and what you are talking about.
You also ask for the facts, well little missy, check the CDC site and you will find that the pit bull and mixes is responsible for around 65% of all deaths from dog bites, meaning 9 of the 17 that are averaged each year. Had you read the previous posts you could have figured that out all by yourself.
When you said, "After reading what some of these people have said, if they only knew how ignornat they sound?", who the hell were you talking about. While the voting has been close there aren't many supporting a ban that have cared to post here. Please clarify who and what you are talking about.
You also ask for the facts, well little missy, check the CDC site and you will find that the pit bull and mixes is responsible for around 65% of all deaths from dog bites, meaning 9 of the 17 that are averaged each year. Had you read the previous posts you could have figured that out all by yourself.
First of all this how you spell ignorant! And second of all I did not feel the need to point specific people out, but someone did say Nobody HAS to have a pitbull - if you want a Rockin' Boss dog, get a real one like a Dobie or a Rottie. Not a skulking coward of a pitbull. Tell me that doesn't sound ignorant? I am not interested in your statistics off of a website, so give that one up! I am simply saying the exact same thing as others have said. Don't bad mouth a particular breed of dog unless you have owned one in order to form an educated opinion!
Hey! Thanks again for pointing out my typo! We need more people like you. 
And you still didn't answer my question about my posts, not what anyone else said in their's.
You seem to have come on board here, yelling, shaking your fists and stomping your feet.
Only my i'gnant opinion....
And you still didn't answer my question about my posts, not what anyone else said in their's.
You seem to have come on board here, yelling, shaking your fists and stomping your feet.
Only my i'gnant opinion....