Animals in the News - Pit Bulls
Once again, pit bulls attacking people are spotlighted in the news. You may have already seen this on CNN or your local TV station or newspaper. Earlier this week in Fremont, CA, a mom saved her infant son from a pit bull attack by putting him in a garbage can in the garage while the dog attacked her, biting her repeatedly on her arms. She and the baby were saved when a couple of contractors working on a house across the street came to her aid and scared the dog away.
While this breed of dogs is much maligned and probably deservedly so, it's the owners who ultimately are accountable for the bad behavior of their pets. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) as quoted by the article, "pit bulls lead the pack in terms of dog breeds that bite the most." Whether that is due to nature or nurture, that is, it's in the nature of the breed or the breed is trained that way, is not clear to me. Regardless, if you own such a breed, you need to be damned sure you muzzle your dog while it's outside (perhaps at all times except at mealtimes) and not in your direct control and keep the backyard gate locked securely. It's in your best interest, in the best interest of the public at large and in the best interest of the dog.
The pit bull involved in the attack will most likely be euthanized. A fund to help with the mother's hospital care was established at a Fremont bank. See linked articles for details.
San Jose Mercury News article - article may be time-limited or requires registration
CBS5 Pets & Animals section with raw video - note: dog's co-owner's name incorrectly identified as Charles Silva; should be Charles Shelby.
Once again, pit bulls attacking people are spotlighted in the news. You may have already seen this on CNN or your local TV station or newspaper. Earlier this week in Fremont, CA, a mom saved her infant son from a pit bull attack by putting him in a garbage can in the garage while the dog attacked her, biting her repeatedly on her arms. She and the baby were saved when a couple of contractors working on a house across the street came to her aid and scared the dog away.
While this breed of dogs is much maligned and probably deservedly so, it's the owners who ultimately are accountable for the bad behavior of their pets. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) as quoted by the article, "pit bulls lead the pack in terms of dog breeds that bite the most." Whether that is due to nature or nurture, that is, it's in the nature of the breed or the breed is trained that way, is not clear to me. Regardless, if you own such a breed, you need to be damned sure you muzzle your dog while it's outside (perhaps at all times except at mealtimes) and not in your direct control and keep the backyard gate locked securely. It's in your best interest, in the best interest of the public at large and in the best interest of the dog.
The pit bull involved in the attack will most likely be euthanized. A fund to help with the mother's hospital care was established at a Fremont bank. See linked articles for details.
San Jose Mercury News article - article may be time-limited or requires registration
CBS5 Pets & Animals section with raw video - note: dog's co-owner's name incorrectly identified as Charles Silva; should be Charles Shelby.
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