Pregnant woman mauled to death by family pit bull

[celstu1]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I'm sure we'll get a rash of responses that say pit bulls aren't any worse than other dogs; it's the owners fault etc. Yes, I suppose it is the owners fault, however, it sure seems that the number of deaths involving pit bulls is extremely high. I understand that any breed can bite, but does death result? I know people say that they are against breed specific legislation, but it seems like this breed does need some type of breed specific legislation. If we don’t eventually get some type of breed specific legislation, then we’ll have to make legislation that will affect all breeds, and that’s not fair either. Has a Yorkie EVER caused a human’s death? I have nothing against Pit Bull, I loved Cesars pit bull Daddy, but I'm beginning to believe that Pit Bull owners should have to show that they've had some specialized training. Anyone else have some ideas on what we could do to help prevent these deaths?

Pit Bulls are genetically wired to bite the face/neck area. They lock their jaws on prey until they bleed out and die. Pitbulls are more fearless than other breeds of dogs, which make them a deadly opponent. These are factual statements about the pitbull breed. Not sure how to stop the problem though. Its very sad!

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by celstu1

Pit Bulls are genetically wired to bite the face/neck area. They lock their jaws on prey until they bleed out and die. Pitbulls are more fearless than other breeds of dogs, which make them a deadly opponent. These are factual statements about the pitbull breed. Not sure how to stop the problem though. Its very sad!

I'm read some of those things before, but others say it's simply not true. I haven't done enough research so I can't say which is true. Are you sure of these facts? Where did you get them? I heard that the "lock on their jaws wasn't true", but I don't know.

Part of me just believes that dogs that were bred for the ring, are bred because they have that killer instinct, and that would be passed on. Time and time again you read, "Oh he was the perfect dog, never gave us a moment trouble." That part even scares me more.

[MauiGirl]

So the owner got the other dog back, and some neighbors aren't happy.

In this article the spokesperson for the Humane Society states that neutering does result in less aggression (less testosterone produced). He also states that “Nobody can deny that pit bulls are physiologically built differently,” he said. “The jaws are aligned differently, they do more damage,..."

Female Pit Bull Released to Husband of Mauling Victim - Pacifica, CA Patch

[MauiGirl]

Sonoma councilwoman wants crackdown on pit bulls

Sonoma councilwoman wants crackdown on pit bulls | PressDemocrat.com

[roseylovestosho]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

So the owner got the other dog back, and some neighbors aren't happy.

In this article the spokesperson for the Humane Society states that neutering does result in less aggression (less testosterone produced). He also states that “Nobody can deny that pit bulls are physiologically built differently,” he said. “The jaws are aligned differently, they do more damage,..."

Female Pit Bull Released to Husband of Mauling Victim - Pacifica, CA Patch

I know the female dog had nothing to do with it, but personally I would be scared $h*#less regardless.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I'm read some of those things before, but others say it's simply not true. I haven't done enough research so I can't say which is true. Are you sure of these facts? Where did you get them? I heard that the "lock on their jaws wasn't true", but I don't know.

Part of me just believes that dogs that were bred for the ring, are bred because they have that killer instinct, and that would be passed on. Time and time again you read, "Oh he was the perfect dog, never gave us a moment trouble." That part even scares me more.

This website that someone linked earlier claims they do have a locking jaw, in the "myth" section: Dog Attack Deaths and Maimings, U.S. & Canada, September 1982 to June 25, 2010 - By Merritt Clifton - DogsBite.org

I don't hate any breed, but I think it is absurd for pit bull advocates to portray them as the gentlest and least dangerous dogs in the world and then point fingers at chihuahuas. If people can't be realistic about a particular dog breed, then I don't think they should have those dogs.

The man who was killed recently in his home by his two pits in my town, there are many conspiracy theories floating around about him too. Pit bull advocates claim the coroner is lying, the police are incompetent, and all kinds of silly things.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Maximo

This website that someone linked earlier claims they do have a locking jaw, in the "myth" section: Dog Attack Deaths and Maimings, U.S. & Canada, September 1982 to June 25, 2010 - By Merritt Clifton - DogsBite.org

I don't hate any breed, but I think it is absurd for pit bull advocates to portray them as the gentlest and least dangerous dogs in the world and then point fingers at chihuahuas. If people can't be realistic about a particular dog breed, then I don't think they should have those dogs.

The man who was killed recently in his home by his two pits in my town, there are many conspiracy theories floating around about him too. Pit bull advocates claim the coroner is lying, the police are incompetent, and all kinds of silly things.

Thank you, here's what it says:

Myth #7: Pit bulls do not have a locking jaw
Pro-pit bull groups continuously attempt to debunk the pit bull "locking jaw" expression that is often used by the media and the public. A pit bull's jaw may not physically lock, but due to selective breeding for a specific bite style -- to hold on and to shake indefinitely -- we consistently hear in news reports that the dog "would not let go." DogsBite.org has recorded numerous tools used to try to get a pit bull to release its grip including: shotguns, hammers, pitchforks and pipes.

The Myth page is very interesting. Pit Bull Myths - Dangerous Dogs - DogsBite.org


Wikipedia says:

There is no evidence for the existence of a physiological "locking mechanism" in the teeth or jaw structure of normal pit bull-type dogs,[36] although a dog's jaws can be locked in a closed position by surgically correctable jaw abnormalities.[37] Despite the lack of a physiological "jaw locking" mechanism, pit bull-type dogs often exhibit "bite, hold, and shake" behavior and refuse to release when biting;[20][28][38] methods to force pit bull-type dogs to release their grip include breaking an ammonia ampule and holding it up to the dog's nose,[28] or using a "break stick" to lever the dog's jaws open if it bites a person or animal.[18][39 Pit bull - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Here's one we've all heard:

Myth #1: It's the owner not the breed
The outdated debate, "It's the owner, not the breed," has caused the pit bull problem to grow into a 30-year old problem.1 Designed to protect pit bull breeders and owners, the slogan ignores the genetic history of the breed and blames these horrific maulings -- inflicted by the pit bull's genetic "hold and shake" bite style -- on environmental factors. While environment plays a role in a pit bull's behavior, it is genetics that leaves pit bull victims with permanent and disfiguring injury.
The pit bull's genetic traits are not in dispute. Many U.S. courts agree that pit bulls pose a significant danger to society and can be regulated accordingly. Some of the genetic traits courts have identified include: unpredictability of aggression, tenacity ("gameness" the refusal to give up a fight), high pain tolerance and the pit bull's "hold and shake" bite style.2 According to forensic medical studies, similar injuries have only been found elsewhere on victims of shark attacks.3

Perpetuators of this myth also cannot account for the many instances in which pit bull owners and family members are victimized by their pet dogs. From 2005 to 2009, pit bulls killed 82 Americans, about one citizen every 22 days. 44% (36) of these attacks involved a family member and the family pit bull.4 As demonstrated by the 2009 fatal pit bull mauling of Carter Delaney, who had been the dogs' caretaker, the genetic trait of "pit bull dog-aggression" caused his horrific death.

Couldn't find these links a couple of years ago, it sounds like the pro pit bull people have been working hard to pass out bad information instead of trying to come up with some type of solution and this goes back to my original statement that they are in denial. If you are a lover of the breed, quit denying that there is a problem and start looking for solutions.

[jrsygal37]

I belong with several rescues on FB. Just to update the facts on this story. The woman actually fell off a ladder and the dog was hovering over her, they believe trying to nudge her to wake up. The dog did not attack this woman. Everyone is quick to judge this breed, but in some caseses they act much too quickly. I'll see if I can find the follow up. This is what was posted, a few days ago.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by jrsygal37

I belong with several rescues on FB. Just to update the facts on this story. The woman actually fell off a ladder and the dog was hovering over her, they believe trying to nudge her to wake up. The dog did not attack this woman. Everyone is quick to judge this breed, but in some caseses they act much too quickly. I'll see if I can find the follow up. This is what was posted, a few days ago.

Actually those stories were published by pit bull advocates. The preliminary reports from the autopsy say that the dog's teeth matched the bite wounds. Only one dog was involved. Pitbull mauls pregnant owner to death

[jrsygal37]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Actually those stories were published by pit bull advocates. The preliminary reports from the autopsy say that the dog's teeth matched the bite wounds. Only one dog was involved. Pitbull mauls pregnant owner to death

You are right Nancy. After I just posted this, a link came up on my FB page stating they were faulsly published by advocates of the breed. I think it's a shame that a group or groups would lie to me it just puts more bad press on teh breed. I still strongly believe that the Pitbull is a good dog in the right hands. As I've stated many times I'm a strong believer on banning the breeding of the Pitbull, but not the breed itself. I feel that there are too many flooding the shelters, adults and puppies being killed by the minute to bring more into society. I also feel that in order to adopt or own a Pit you should have to be fingerprinted and have a criminal background check run on you as well as be made as a pre-requisit to take education classes as well as training with the dog. It is the hands of the people who own this breed that has turned it into what it has become. Elaine

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by jrsygal37

You are right Nancy. After I just posted this, a link came up on my FB page stating they were faulsly published by advocates of the breed. I think it's a shame that a group or groups would lie to me it just puts more bad press on teh breed. I still strongly believe that the Pitbull is a good dog in the right hands. As I've stated many times I'm a strong believer on banning the breeding of the Pitbull, but not the breed itself. I feel that there are too many flooding the shelters, adults and puppies being killed by the minute to bring more into society. I also feel that in order to adopt or own a Pit you should have to be fingerprinted and have a criminal background check run on you as well as be made as a pre-requisit to take education classes as well as training with the dog. It is the hands of the people who own this breed that has turned it into what it has become. Elaine

I think they have been so hell bent on "damage control" that they are not seriously seeing that there is a problem. I'm a little confused about the idea of banning the breeding, but not banning the breed, do you mean that the ones alive would be allowed to live, but no new ones would be allowed to be born?

We have a serious problem with pit bulls needing adoption here too. I do see part of the problem is the pit bulls connection with dog fighting. I think once this was outlawed in every state and authorities took the problem seriously; people would no longer be breeding pit bulls for the ring. I think some of the pit bulls in the pet market may have been bred for the ring, but just didn’t show quite enough aggression, so they petted them out.

[jrsygal37]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I think they have been so hell bent on "damage control" that they are not seriously seeing that there is a problem. I'm a little confused about the idea of banning the breeding, but not banning the breed, do you mean that the ones alive would be allowed to live, but no new ones would be allowed to be born?

We have a serious problem with pit bulls needing adoption here too. I do see part of the problem is the pit bulls connection with dog fighting. I think once this was outlawed in every state and authorities took the problem seriously; people would no longer be breeding pit bulls for the ring. I think some of the pit bulls in the pet market may have been bred for the ring, but just didn’t show quite enough aggression, so they petted them out.

Nancy, the way I feel is that I don't believe the breed should be banned from being owned, as some states are doing. I believe that the breeders should be banned from continuing to breed the Pit Bull, at least until the over population that is taken place in rescue and shelters is under control. So, yes my belief is not to ban those already born, but to ban people from producing more into an already over populated society. I would say it's safe to say the shelters in NYC alone are made up with probably 95 percent Pit Bull or Pit mixes. Everyday on my FB page there are picture upon picture of Pits both adults and puppies being destroyed. Urgents, that need out now or they'll be put down. The philosphy taken by ACC is not to adopt but to destroy. The temperment test they distribute is ridiculous in itself and a simple cold there will put these dogs on the kill list.

I do believe you are right with the dogs being bred for the fighting ring. I strongly believe that anyone owning this breed should have to have a criminal background check run on them, and their prints on file.

Elaine

[Britster]

Originally Posted by Maximo

This website that someone linked earlier claims they do have a locking jaw, in the "myth" section: Dog Attack Deaths and Maimings, U.S. & Canada, September 1982 to June 25, 2010 - By Merritt Clifton - DogsBite.org

I don't hate any breed, but I think it is absurd for pit bull advocates to portray them as the gentlest and least dangerous dogs in the world and then point fingers at chihuahuas. If people can't be realistic about a particular dog breed, then I don't think they should have those dogs.

The man who was killed recently in his home by his two pits in my town, there are many conspiracy theories floating around about him too. Pit bull advocates claim the coroner is lying, the police are incompetent, and all kinds of silly things.

I totally agree. A lot of Pit Bull owners on other boards can't stand a lot of these "Pit Bull activists" because it makes it worse for them. Like, responsible Pit owners DON'T take their dogs to the dog park. They have a very high tendancy to be dog aggressive. Then when a fight breaks out and the Pit kills a dog -- there's another Pit ruined in the media. It's the ones who are like "oh they are just like any other dog - it's the way you raise them!" who help ruin things for the breed. With owning such a powerful breed comes great responsibility.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by CouversMom

Pacifica dog mauling?what really happened? - National American Pit Bull | Examiner.com

Wow thank you for sharing this. I am concerned by the number of pit bull maulings but when stories are unfairly covered and hyped by the media it leaves you untrusting towards whats reported

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by chachi

Wow thank you for sharing this. I am concerned by the number of pit bull maulings but when stories are unfairly covered and hyped by the media it leaves you untrusting towards whats reported

Unfortunately, that story of her falling off the ladder was not true and has been posted by Pit Bull advocates. She has bite marks that match the dogs teeth, and die from loss of blood and shock. See post 69.