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Originally Posted by Britster  I agree that man has definitely let these innocent dogs down... did you see the photo of the ShihTzu attack? Surely that was not just a little "nip" and they are not that much bigger than Yorkies.
The main reason ban legislation doesn't work is because it's never a black or white issue. So, if we are allowed to ban Pitties because they were "bred to kill" that also makes it able to ban Yorkies because they were ALSO bred to kill. Both are terriers. Who is to say we can ban one, and not the other? (Btw, Pits were bred to kill dogs. NOT people. Any Pit that showed human aggression in the early stages of the breed were killed). Pugs are banned in a certain area for goodness sake. I can't imagine being told I am no longer allowed to have keep a Pug. Or if suddenly, Yorkies became super vicious because of stupid breeders, and suddenly, Yorkies were banned and were no longer allowed to have them.
I just try to put myself in their shoes. These Pitties are peoples PETS. As passionate as we are about Yorkies -- they are a very passionate crowd about their breed. They like certain traits to them and characteristics that no other breed possesses. It's not that easy to just be like "Oh, I'm gonna pick another breed..." just like so many of us here will always have Yorkies.
Responsible Pit owners never bring their dogs to dog parks, for example. Because they know the risk involved. They know that even IF another dog starts something with them, the Pit will get blamed.
I don't believe that the breed will ever cease to exist. It's just not realistic. I wish that every one would have to pass some sort of test before owning one... shoot, I wish EVERY person that was going to get a dog had to go through some kind of course first or something. But THAT will never happen, either. |
Yes, I saw the picture of the "ShihTzu attack." Although it looked yucky and I am sure hurt -- It was JUST her nose. It was not a serious wound, no danger of becoming a fatality. She will probably look just fine in a month, looks very superficial so may not even scar. If a pit bull had latched on like that, she would probably have no face. There is just a huge difference. You really cannot compare them as the same. A toy dog is just not capable of inflicting the same caliber of damage. We are also usually able to over-power the small dogs but not so with a large pit or rottie. Big difference again in how we can use some self-defense against one but not so much against the other. It is not the dogs' fault -- it is man's fault all the way around -- from breeding them, to allowing them to roam unattended, untrained, etc.... Just too many jerks out there!
What legislation are you talking about that does not work? Some cities have banned the dogs and although I am sure some still live there, at least people have a law to call upon if there is a threat.
Just what trait or characteristic about a pit bull is not able to be fullfilled by another breed of dog? I cannot see where their would be any huge void if all of them were spayed & neutered and the breed just slowly disappeared within a decade or two. There ar eplenty of other large, intelligent, loving dogs.
Responsible pet owners are not a problem -- it is the irresponsible ones! They rarely take their dogs to a dog park either. They usually just chain them up in the back yard or let them run loose! As far as why we could ban one and not the other.....I think that is pretty obvious. Yorkies are not going to kill and maul.
I do like your idea of all pet owners having to pass a test. I have advocated that before -- both for pet ownership and before becoming a human parent. The test would have to be both basic knowledge and psychological in nature. It is the crazies "who know enough" but "don't care enough" that are the real danger. I don't know that I have the only answer, but I have not heard of any other that will save as many lives as an immediate enforced spay 7 neuter campaign. Still, I'm open if anyone has another workable solution.