A Pit Bull Ban Proposed May Be Proposed in Texas

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   Stacie Lposted 13 years ago

   A Pit Bull Ban Proposed May Be Proposed in Texas
   January 25, 2011 01:45 PM EST
   
   
   A proposed pit bull ban in Texas is in the works. The legislation has been written and is going to the state legislature for possible inclusion in this year's legislative session.
   
   The question of banning the breed has sparked anger on both sides of the debate. The pit bull is an aggressive breed by nature, yet some people say that it's not true.  Those who would oppose the ban say the dog is simply protective. However, most people don't agree because if you hear of a child being mauled by a dog, usually the breed involved in the mauling is a pit bull. So should pit bulls be banned in Texas? Some believe the breed should not only be banned, but it should be exterminated altogether.
   
   Pit Bull Ban Proposed
   
   According to The Huffington Post, "Justin Clinton, a 10-year-old boy from Texas, was mauled to death in 2009 by two pit bulls. After winning a $7 million civil suit against the dog's owners, the Clintons are now proposing "Justin's Law." The legislation written by Cynthia Kent, the family's attorney, would make it a third-degree felony to own a pit bull in Texas, though it currently has no sponsors in the Legislature."
   
   Do you want such a law in your state? Anyone who owns any aggressive breed of dog must take the responsibility of keeping their dogs in check so the animals do not harm or hurt helpless individuals. While the law may pass, it has brought to the forefront the argument again. If the pit bull ban proposed in Texas, is passed, or if another state picks up the ban, would you support it?
   
   Most people would support it, and those who don't support a pit bull ban better up their insurance policies. The dogs are dangerous as well as protective. If you are so scared that you need a dog that is capable of eating your child or your neighbors, then maybe you should look into moving.
   
   There are other species of animals that are not allowed in communities. For instance, would you want your neighbor to own a lion, tiger, or bear? No, it's just not safe, and to own a pit bull in a neighborhood is just irresponsible.
   http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.actio … 4978983413
   even though I'm not a fan of pitbull dogs, i think it's the owners who are responsible for their animals behavior...

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      brhamalaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      To start with lions, tigers and bears are wild animals the pits or not. I have been around pits most of my life and have never seen a mean one yet. Had one one time got hit by a car, vet said she would never walk again. When my 3 year old son would go out to play she could not be near him for his attention that it wasn't long till that dog was walking because she loved that baby that much. I think your dog, my dog or anyones dog is the reflection of the owner.
      You have a child that grows up to be a thief or a liar or a bully, they learn it somewhere. I think a puppy is the same, they have to be taught good or bad behavior.The owner should be held accountable for their breeds behavior not the breed.

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      Wesman Todd Shawposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      It's laughable in a very sad kind of way to see you accuse pit bull terrier owners of being scared.  It seems that you're support of such idiotic legislation is what is soaked in fear, my friend.  Do you realize that? 
      
      There is no need to fear someone's dog if you stay out of the owner's domain, sir.  I do agree that the owner is responsible for a dog's behavior, and I do recognize that often times fools buy pits in order to have a "mean" dog. 
      
      Just like with guns. . . . .you can not blame a gun for someone's violence.
      
      At one point in recent years pits were banned in Germany; but do you realize that in that very same year the German Shepherd was the breed to not only bite the most people in Germany, but worldwide???
      
      If you start banning dogs because of the faults of people, where will it end?  Will you be safe from my evil looking goldfish?

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         ShortStoryposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         That's not exactly accurate. Your gun will not jump the fence and go kill a neighbor. Your gun will not unexpectedly decide your grandchild needs to be injured. Your gun reacts with perfect predictability everytime, but an aggressive dog may not.

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      TheLove4Petsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      As Animal Control Officer  I had 5 Boston Terriers that would rampage the neighborhood, kill cats and a Pomeranian puppy and injured another small dog and acted aggressive to some of the neighbors. Of course, it was a Boston Terrier breeder who did not train the dogs at all, just used them for breeding and was irresponsible as far as containing the dogs. The owner of the Pomeranian puppy tried to get Boston Terriers banned from our County, needless to say this did not happen. Since all these trials and tribulations the judge ordered two of the most aggressive to be put down and the other three were adopted out to responsible dog owners. I have not had one problem or incident with these dogs that were adopted out. All I can say is Bad Dog Owner not Bad Dogs!

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      justmesuzanneposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I wrote to State Representative Tan Parker about this. He replied with a letter saying that he would not support this as it infringes on the rights of individuals. Additionally, my local animal control guy and local law enforcement officers (who are all bully-friendly) say that something like this will never pass in TX.
      
      Here's my article on BSL:
      
      Breed Specific Legislation is Unfair to All Dogs and All Dog Owners
      http://www.associatedcontent.com/articl … tml?cat=53
      
      I hope you enjoy it and find it helpful!

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         Mel Jayposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Well this certainly is a contentious topic - I read your article and enjoyed it - thanks for that.  My view is based on having had a job where I was frequently exposed to dogs (and their owners) for a number of years before my currently role.  I have also owned many many dogs over the years.  My father had property and we sometimes had up to 9 dogs at any one time.  The worst dogs I ever came across in terms of being attacked are small terriers and chihuahuas.  I still have the scars from being attacked by a small terrier.  I have owned spaniels, kelpies, labs, shepherds, staffies, a pit bull once and now have whippets.  I have to say that my whippet (who spends most of his time on the couch) is more aggressive than my pit bull ever was.  In fact all of the staffies and pit bulls I came across were generally really sookie and cuddly types  - mind you they were owned by decent people who socialised them and took them to puppy school and the dog park.  All dogs are capable of being aggressive and there is the occasional rotten apple in any group, all dogs, even chihuahuas, were bred from wolves after all.  Where I live, the statistics about dog attacks are published by the council every year. Year after year labradors and german shepherds top the list for aggressive dogs.  What type of person you are informs what type of car you drive, what type of house you live in, what your hobbies are and what type of dog you get after all.  I think that while certain breeds are capable of doing more damage than others (it is easier to fight off a small terrier than a doberman) the real issue is the care and training that dogs get from their owners.

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      Dog Maposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I believe that something needs to be done. Certain people get pits to make them mean. They do not start out that way.  I don't like to see people ignorant about the breed owning one.  It takes a certain person to own a pit bull.  Therefore a pit owner should maybe have special license or permit and should be required to take a dog behavior class to get this permit.  I work in the dog field and have come across thousands of pit bulls.  Some of the owners are very responsible and I'd trust their dog with any kid.  Others I would take the dog away in a second if I could. I would like to see legislation just to stop the over breeding of pit bulls.  They get a bad rap and end up in she shelter more than any other dog.  They don't deserve this because someone is an ignorant dog owner.

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   ACRichmondposted 13 years ago

   To zero in on a specific breed in such manner is rediculous. Owners need to educate themselves, yes. Fifteen or so years ago this same arguement was about Chow dogs. They used to claim Chows reached a certain age and then their brain expanded and they would go crazy and attack their owners. Previous to Chows it was Dobermans.
     Yes there are many cases of dog attacks that have been brought to public notice but do they really equal out as judgement on a breed when there are soo many more Pit Bulls in existance than the registered ones being followed? Pits were in existence in seventies, eighties and they were not the targeted bullies.
   Popularity and cruel ignorant owners are who need to be banned.

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   Seeker7posted 13 years ago

   I think the  main problem with children and people being harmed by dogs or any other pet animal is the owners. Pit Bull Terriers have been banned in the UK now for some time. And to say that it was heartbreaking for many dogs and their owners was an understatement. I am a dog lover through and through, but because of the amount of attacks on children in particular, it was felt that 'something' had to be done. Whether this was the right decision or not, I can't really say. But one thing I am certain of, is that in every case of a child or person being killed or injured, it could have been avoided! We are back to the '@@@£ holes' in our society who not only treat the community at large with contempt but their animals as well. In situations like this there are no winners - not the kids killed or maimed, not their families and not the animals. Tighter controls on animal ownnership, compulsory training etc. is what is required at least as a starting point.

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      skyblugurll1posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I live in a town where pit bulls have been banned since the late 80's because of an attack on a child.  I truly believe it is due to bad owners who don't properly take care of their aggressive breed.  It is a very misunderstood breed and very sad..

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   Pearldiverposted 13 years ago

   They are BRED To Be the way they are... And will ALWAYS Attack Kids if able to! Maybe the breeders need to be put down instead?

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      ShortStoryposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      To be fair, Pits were never bred to attack children. In fact, they were bred to be aggressive to other dogs and passive toward humans. However, a child can seem like a small animal and Pits are a more aggressive and capable breed than most, so concern about them is very legitimate, especially considering the statistical information available. It is true that it is not the breed's fault, but that does not change the primacy of protecting humans first.

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   Seeker7posted 13 years ago

   Hi to Skyblugurll1 and pearldiver.
   
   I completely agree with both of you. When the Pit Bull terriers were no longer allowed in the UK, 'some' owners reverted to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. They are very strong wee dogs and a good breed. However, in my village we have the typical 'nutters' going around with a couple of 'Staffies' with big leather stud collars and chains for leashes, really to try and make them look hard???? The incidents relating to this breed is rising and the simple reason is, is that this small minority have bought these dogs as a 'fashion' statement. They havn't a clue how to look after the animals properly and basically think it is 'funny' or 'cool' when their dog attacks another dog or even a person. The really good 'Staffie' owners are campaigning hard to change some owners attitudes, and I commend them for their dedication and hard work; and I give them my full support. Staffies like all dogs/animals, deserve decent owners. The community and especially our kids deserve that all pets have decent owners so that as far as possible they are safe. Will things change? Time will tell.
   
   **Apologies for the 'rant' I sometimes go off on one!

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      Castlepalomaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I live in Belize much of the time.
      
      Once a child jump the fence to get his ball, then pit Bull killed him. In court the pit bull and owner got off with judge throwing out the charges because the dog was just doing his job protecting the backyard

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   Rachel Hallposted 13 years ago

   For some years I lived in a country where dog fighting was supposedly illegal, but was ignored by the authorities.
   
   These pit bulls were bred from the most vicious dogs and the sight of these dogs after their fights was not pleasant (if they survived).
   
   Years of breeding have made these dogs natural killers and in my opinion a pointless dog to have as a pet.
   
   As Seeker7 points out, the staffordshire bull terrier is being treated the same way by 'certain' people and the more vicious the better.  If you check the dog rescue centres the Staffy is the most likely breed to be abandoned.
   
   So many dogs are owned by the wrong people, but in the case of
   pit bulls they should not be owned by the general public.

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   ACRichmondposted 13 years ago

   Animals cannot be "bred" for behavioral reasons anymore than humans can be Bred for such traits. Vets need to study human medical physiology first before learning animals due to the fact that the physiologies are similar. When the real beasts of this world breed these animals for fighting, they focus on training them to be agressive and usually keep one dog submissive to train the others how to fight.
   I have heard the breeding statement many times. Even if this was possible, do you really think people that enjoy dog fighting are truely intellegent enough to scientifically research and breed these dogs?

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      ShortStoryposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Of course they can be bred for behavioral traits. That is the very basis of domestication.

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   IzzyMposted 13 years ago

   My two cents.
   
   If a dog is capable of killing an innocent child, if the breed of dog becomes dangerous to children, then no-one should be allowed to keep them.

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   OpeningTheDoorposted 13 years ago

   well, if pit bulls are going to be deemed dangerous you might as well ban any dog or any animal for that matter. All animals can be dangerous in some form or another. I've worked at a pet store for several years and have bit by more animals or several variety and never once had trouble from a pit. So if you gonna ban a dog why not the how bout the chihuahua's, jack russells, yorkies, shih tzus, dachshund, or any other seemingly "harmless" dogs that bite me on a near daily basis?
   
   It's training not breed that causes dangerous dogs, if the owner is teaching that dog it's ok to act that way then of course it's going to. People have proven themselves to be far more dangerous than any dog.

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      Castlepalomaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Should the Judge charges the owner of pit bull for the death of the boy?
      
      Pit-bull, accounts for more dog-related injury and human deaths than any other dog. They will lock their jaws onto the prey until it’s dead. Do You think that Pit Bulls should require a speical handing licence to handle them?
      
      Dogs are the 3rd most dangerous animal on earth

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         Hoodalaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         pitbull jaws don't lock, they just hold on tightly.  Look at any dog sport and most dogs can be trained to hold prey firmly without letting go.  It just comes naturally to a pitbull.

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            Castlepalomaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Since Pit Bulls are most deadly and have the most powerful jaws of all dogs.
            
            Rather than banned Pit bulls altogether, why not have A certain trainer license for them.
            
            Dangerous men would want the most dangerous protective dog, causing more danger to the public. don't you think?

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               Hoodalaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               pit bulls don't have the most powerful jaws of all dogs.  I know this is a little ticky tacky but there are plenty of reasons to demand better breeding practices with these dogs without making false statements.
               
               Training a good protection dog is hard work and start with choosing the correct dog.  If you actually knew anything about protection dogs you wouldn't start with a poorly bred pit bull.
               
               Even starting with a superbly bred GSD or Malinois it is a crap shoot to find one capable of doing police or protection work.  So if your questions is "do I think idiots try to make pit bulls into something they aren't?" then the answer is yes.  Pit bulls were bred for fighting not for protection work and the two things just aren't compatible.  Then bring in 40 years of horrible breeding practices by people who aren't qualified to breed guppies let alone dogs and you have a completely new set of problems.

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                  Castlepalomaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  I never did the powerful jaw test myself; it is a statement from a few professional breeders. It’s kind of like, who has better eye sight, I say human beings others say eagles, it depends on what kind of tests and who is doing it.
                  
                  In third world countries there is a lot of poor protective dog owners and a lack of fences.
                  
                  I play fight with every (main stream) top 10 dangerous dogs, even a timber wolf. Something tells me not to play with a pit bull unless I raise him myself.

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                     ACRichmondposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                     Pit jaws are not made of steele. Their face is very defined but I have had a few dogs with the same feature and thier jaws were normal as well. At this point Pits are the most reported. As I said before, in the nineties Chows were most reported. Then Rotweilers squirmed in before Pit. Pit gets the most attention since they are poplular to the creaps who use them for fighting or try to increase their braun by training. In the nineties I had a neighbor who did such with his Chow. If it were not for my Newfoundland's protection, I would have been a statistic. I bet he owns Pits now, sadly. Ever see Our Gang? Gee in those days it was Shepherds. And it all comes down to the owners ego and limited intelligence.

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                        Castlepalomaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                        I can see a trainer, like in the dog whisper show; can handle any dog in time. But he dose get bitten a lot and the dog’s draws blood on his show too many times for my liking.
                        
                        I live a lot in third world countries and from the many dog attacks in which only drew my blood once. Mainly because I am cautiously brave and do not handle as many dogs as trainers.
                        
                        For the safety for owner and the public, a quick lesson for a license to handle these dangerous dogs would give a little more relief in a fearful world.

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                           ACRichmondposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                           And who will pay for these? More basic priveledges being controled by government and too many animals and people to truely follow. These people are hard and ugly. They know what they are doing and they are the ones creating the personalities that are so dangerous. Should people get a license to have children? Will a short class teach them not to beat a child or teach them morales? In an ideal world it might work but we cannot regulate everything. Take a look at Dept of Family svs. They struggle to protect abused children and so many children still fall through the cracks. But is licensing people going to change that? We could use some harsher punishments for these people and lists such as we have for sex offenders. The people creating these mean spirited pets are the ones that need to be monitored. Would a license for sex deter sex offenders? Remember Michael Vick? Some of his dogs were able to be rehabilitated. I have had such success with animals in my past on a lower scale of need. But the people are another story.

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                              Castlepalomaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                              True there are too many rules out there, for us to be able to follow and handle.
                              
                              I like your idea that people should get a license to have children? In China you are allowed ONLY one child. Over human population is more of our source of too many problems.

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    habeeposted 13 years ago

    The problem isn't the dog - it's bad owners and irresponsible breeders.

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       TheLove4Petsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I agree! As an Animal Control Officer for 13 years I have observed just about every breed that has bitten a child or person. Yes, I am careful when I come across a Pit Bull stray because I do not know how the dog has been trained or treated, but I am more cautious around Red Heelers and Blue Heelers , German Shepherds and some Labradors and of course the small house dogs which can be vicious but usually because they are scared. Any dog can bite whether in fear, abuse or protective of it's property. Dog owners need to spend more time to train their dogs better and be more responsible in controlling their dogs.

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    ravkoposted 13 years ago

    I believe it's not the dog, it's the owner..I have 2 Presa Canario's and we weight pull at a event that has about 100 pitbulls, there has never been a fight between any of the dogs or owners for that matter...There is a 3 foot rule that everyone must abide by, if you don't - your thrown off the property, we have never had any problems and did I mention it's a family event so yes there are a lot of kids of all ages, no one has been bitten...What about the people that walk their dogs off leash threw a park  and either me or someone I know is walking our bully breeds on a leash, the other dog runs up to us causing a disturbance, we are usually to blame this irritates me knowing my dog is on a leash and that idiot with the black lab has it running free there's a responsible dog owner...So no I don't think pitbulls should be banned, their owner is the problem, just like that black lab's owner I used as an example...

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    gjwriterposted 13 years ago

    Pit Bulls are the latest victims of human sociopathic behavior.  The only one who pays the price are the dogs.  There is a reason that the dogs rescued from the Vick fighting operation have received so much attention and their lives remain public.  Dogs handled by responsible, compassionate, caring and consistent handlers are fantastic dogs.  Most of the dogs rescued from this operation had serious fear issues because they had been so abused, mishandled and mistreated.  They had to watch other dogs be slammed to the ground until dead, electrocuted in a swimming pool, thrown down stairs and hung because they wouldn't fight.  The problem is never the dog.  They are a strong breed dog, but they are also loyal, compassionate and caring.  I'd be willing to bet that every dog involved in some incident had a sociopath at the most, or a moron at the least as an owner.

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       Castlepalomaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Mainly yes, hard to keep track of protective dogs, many of them go wild in the third world countries.

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