Pittbull ban passed, quesiton for existing owners

[HeatherRose]

All I can go on is pure experience when a topic like this comes up (again, and again). The two pitbulls I've met in my lifetime have been absolute snugglebunnies.

What kind of dog does Don Cherry have? I used to walk one... she was really sweet too, but strong. She walked me most of the time... does that breed fall under the category too?

[havenbounce]

Good cause I live east...so east they call it Ottawa! But really you should get into it, God knows what breed will be next!
Ginnette

[havenbounce]

Don has a Bull Terrier! He is said to be against this bane but was going to wait untill it was passed before commenting on it.
No not yet!
Ginnette

[Invictus]

By the way, that whole thing about the cranial swelling causing chronic headaches is Dobermans, not pitbulls. Even then, I've yet to have this 'fact' confirmed by a vet.

[darkscale]

I feel bad for the people who have dogs that an uninformed neighbour might mistake for a pitbull. Christ, its bad enough that we're fighting for our dogs, but to have a dog thats not a pitbull and still have to fight for it...............

i have a boxxer and it has happend more that once
i just cant wait for it to happen again
unfortunatly i do not have any papers statting that what she is other than a bill of sale frome the pet shop i bought her at
and that only says she's "boxxer type" i was tolds that she is pure bred but i have my doughts her muzzle is faily long for a boxxer and it gives her a pitty look i think the whole thing realy sucks because it dose not only affect pit bull owners but all dog owners. you would think that living in a democracy we the people
would have some say and not just michale bryant,iam assuming
he never had a dog growing up

[havenbounce]

I've been helping the NATIONAL CAPITAL COALITION
FOR PEOPLE AND DOGS to fight this bill and have learned a few things. Like did you know Bryant only wanted to make a name for himself because he plans to run for Prime Minister. He wanted something that he thought would be quick and simple and make him look good to the public. With the attacks that had happened he thought this would be the easiest route for him. (boy was he wrong!!) Also he thought passing this would make him look good to the residence in his ridding. Why because he wants to put up some housing and needs the public support to make it happen so again thought this Bill would be the easiest way. (again boy was he wrong)
So this bill really has nothing to do with dogs but has alot to do with "fame"
Ginnette

[mykee]

Ginnette, by your response, I'm guessing you haven't read my previous opinions on this topic. LOL.. I myself own two labs, and my guess is it'll be a WHILE until they're banned.

[sleddergirl]

All breeds can attack. Its happened before and will happen again. I'm sure, by your responses to this topic, Mykee, that your labs have never attacked anyone. Well, neither have my pit bulls. Dogs are dogs. Dog owners should be held accountable for the actions of their dogs, regardless of the breed.

[havenbounce]

If you go by statts, labs and goldens could be next on the hit list. After all they rank #1 in dog bites that needed a doctors care.
But just because the breed of dog you own isn't on the ban list doesn't mean someone shouldn't worry about it.
But if the ban does go through this will still open the door for someone to complain about your dog and that will allow bylaw or the police to enter your home a seize your dog.
I don't own any of the breeds on the hit list but I'm doing EVERYTHING I can to make sure it doen't go through.
Ginnette

[C.ADAMANTEUS]

Originally posted by sleddergirl
All breeds can attack. Its happened before and will happen again. I'm sure, by your responses to this topic, Mykee, that your labs have never attacked anyone. Well, neither have my pit bulls. Dogs are dogs. Dog owners should be held accountable for the actions of their dogs, regardless of the breed.

AMEN!
Rick

[tHeGiNo]

I really don't know why they are banning pit bulls, i know people that had pitbulls that were SO friendly all there life, and people say the thing with pitbulls what makes them agressive is that as they age there brain gets to big for there skull, there skulls cracks, and thats what makes them go nuts, anyone know if this is true?

Firstly, this problem does not crack the skull - as inviticus suggested, the swelling causes severe headaches. Also as suggested, it is a problem associated with Dobermans.

Unfortunately, Pit Bulls have a bad reputation because of some negligent people who have abused their dogs and trained them to be aggressive. Pit Bulls are actually very intelligent and highly trainable. They are renowned for being affectionate and loving, often described as suitable dogs for children, therapy providers for the disabled and elderly and less likely to bite than many other popular breeds, contrary to popular belief. In fact, In fact, the highest obedience trial record is held by an American Pit Bull. What is often not understood is that while some Pit Bulls may be aggressive towards other dogs (they were trained for dog fighting, after all...) well raised Pit's generally possess NO human aggression. In fact, human aggression has been bred out of the breed. Just as anything - be it a gun, knife, reptile, or god - in the wrong hands they have the potential to be dangerous. This is true for any breed. There is a clear relationship to the type of owner associated with dogs responsible for human attacks

Pit Bulls strive to take uphold behaviors that their guardians instill in them, and their behavior is reflective upon the care, training and socialization practices (or lack thereof) used by their owners. I have seen and worked with several Pit Bulls, and of the several have encountered only two that I had to approach with caution. In both cases, they were neglective owners who purchased the dog for all the wrong reasons.

As for being forced to spay your dog, I personally would have absolutely no problem with this, as long as there was a spot reserved for breeders to continue breeding (via licensing etc.). The pros for spaying your dog severely outweigh any cons - if there are any to outweigh. It is relatively inexpensive, and could save you a load of trouble and vet bills for the future. God forbid should your dog develop pyometra - a $300.00 vet bill turns into $2000.00.

**EDIT**: Didn't include references:

I suggest anyone with any misconceptions go to any search engine and enter "Pit Bull Myths." Some great sites I found for references when posting this were:

http://blockheadpits.tripod.com/id16.html
http://www.austinlostpets.com/kidsko...er/pitbull.htm

[sleddergirl]

Although I am a pit owner, I do see both sides, part of being an adult I suppose.

At one point in time, there was no human aggression in this breed. Back in the day, when the "old dogmen" were fighting them. Do I condone dog fighting........absolutely NOT.....but the fact remains that those were the people who developed this breed. Unfortunately now, there are tons of punks out there breeding them for aggression specifically. I love the breed, but I am also extremely careful about the individuals within the breed that I choose to own.

As I said before, Tank is fixed and microchipped. We don't go to dog parks and he is never off leash while outside my property. But that doesn't excuse the punks that use this breed as a status symbol. Nor does it excuse the poor examples of the breed that have attacked people. My whole point is, there are poor examples of every breed .......some from poor breeding practices, some from poor training or lack of training altogether.
I train my pits away from their natural instincts, hence keeping them in check. I also take the time to know my dogs well enough to recognise potentially dangerous situations.

I just don't believe that banning any particular breed, is the answer to dangerous dogs.

[Matt_K]

David, at least you didn't copy it word for word eh? :P

Most people, who are unfamiliar with the American Pit Bull Terrier, falsely believe that they are dangerous dogs. Unfortunately, Pit Bulls have a bad reputation because of some mean people who have abused their dogs and trained them to be aggressive. Pit Bulls are actually very stable, intelligent, and highly trainable. They are strong athletic dogs, and they require a guardian who is responsible and will give them plenty of exercise and training. They are very loving and loyal and make excellent animal companions.

http://www.austinlostpets.com/kidsko...er/pitbull.htm

[C.ADAMANTEUS]

spaying and newtering can also increase the life of your dogs, lessen risks of cancers, and health problems. (alot less hormones when fixed) Actually it can be beneficial to your animal.
Are they gonna let people retain licenses for breeding? Really curious.
Also my pitts have all been trained. IN OBEDIENCE. And I bet I can call off of ANY situation.
tHeGiNo....... I believe you were looking for the word "BREAD" instead of "trained" LOL j/k Got the idea
Rick

[tHeGiNo]

Thanks Matt, Nick had pointed out to me on MSN that I did not include some references. I included them now .