I don't feel there is a problem with pit bulls in any community. It all depends on how they are raised and treated. I've known people that have pits and raised them with their kids without problems. It's quite possible that she wasn't treating the dog properly, or didn't have him fixed. Any unfixed animal can tend to show more aggression as testosterone levels increase. That's why it's recommended to have them fixed. But as for pits themselves, I think they are very good dogs, as I have myself seen.

I hope the city of Waukesha will be prepared for the deluge of pit bull ownership rights activists that will descend upon them and see them for what they are. If they take their advice, it is tantamount to taking advice from the tobacco industry about the dangers of smoking.

They need to reach out to some of the hundreds of municipalities that have successful BSL.

Listen to this interview with the assistant City Attorney of Council Bluffs. I hope city leaders will contact him for advice and support.

It is simply common sense that dogs of any breed can be a danger if not properly cared for. Unfortunately there have been too many owners who fail to commit to the needs of their pets and sometimes it does result in tragedy. The “pit bull” reputation has been ruined by people ill equipped to own them. Placing a ban on an entire breed or mix of the breed is ignorant at best. These intelligent dogs would no longer be registered, but would certainly continue to be owned. Responsible breeding (to improve) is a huge issue in itself and would likely fall further behind those who do so for illegitimate reasons and worsen genetics. Education and training are of paramount importance vs. discriminating. Make the owners responsible.

Again, this comment does not speak to the Waukesha attack. the pit was covered in its owner's blood. If you think any other breed or type of dog would do that, produce pictures. Simple fact is other breeds, even if they launch a bad attack, do not create flight for life, near death attacks on their owners. It is extremely important to keep this in mind. Other breeds rarely attack their owners and when they do, not like this.

Take a look at your neighbors, are they the kind that would own a banned breed? If they are, I suggest you move if possible. Maybe the author of this opinion lives in that kind of neighborhood, but this Waukesha neighborhood is not like that. I don't know the owner/victim, but my guess is she would not have broken the law to own pit bulls. My guess is that neighborhood would not tolerate someone openly breaking the law.

If pit bulls are banned, breeders won't be able to advertise puppies in the papers or online without fear of legal action. law abiding citizens won't own pit bulls. Mothers won't tolerate their children coming home with a pit bull puppy if its illegal to keep one.
Here is the link to the council bluffs interview:
http://blog.dogsbite.org/2011/03/kalamazoo-radio-host-talks-with.html

Here's a list of Large and small cities with successful BSL. Please note, these are city leaders, police chiefs, Animal Control officers, and municipal lawyers who are saying these laws work, are affordable, and provide an improved quality of life for citizens.



http://blog.dogsbite.org/2010/06/cities-with-successful-pit-bull-laws.html



SEND THIS LIST TO YOUR LEGISLATORS and CITY LEADERS!


http://www.workingpitbull.com/fatalbook.htm

I've known of Doberman, German Shepard, Shar pei, Akitas, the list goes on and on of dogs that can be considered "dangerous". Like Lynda and I have both said, it all depends on how the dogs are raised. Sheela, for you to say that only pits are dangerous and no other breed is just as ignorant as a law being passed to ban them. Do your homework. Look up the other breeds I've listed and see what they were originally bred for. All guard dogs, the same as a pit. If they are raised correctly, any of these breeds are good pets. If they are not properly cared for, or bred properly, they can be a problem. Actually, any animal can be, even small breeds. If I could have a dog, I would own a pit. So please, for the rest of us....remain quiet. Thank you!

Where in this story does anyone see any indication that these dogs were not well-cared for or supervised? The owner/victim was putting the dog in a crate. She knew how to take care of pits. It is NOT just how they're raised. The behaviors (attacking, not stopping an attack, all out attack) are bred into pit bulls.

Pit bulls were not bred for guard dogs. They were bred to fight and to kill or die trying. How anyone can look at that blood covered pit bull and think that is normal dog behavior or would want that near them is very, very naive.

I have never suggested and no one is suggesting that other dogs don't bite and sometimes maul. Pit bulls do this with much more regularity and inflict much more damage and horror than normal dogs.

Waukesha residents who wish to maintain their quality of life and safety for their children and pets should press for regulating pit bulls.

BSL is just that..BS!I am a 62 yr old woman and my husband is almost 70. We have been responsible pit owners for 23 yrs! NEVER ,EVER had an incident betwen dog and human or dog and dog.Change owner laws~make large breed owners and their dogs attend classes and training and have insurance .16 yr old gang bangers should not be owning or breeding any large dogs and destoying a wonderful breed. These dogs have been used as "nanny pits",farm workers,search and rescue,community therapy dogs etc! Dont take the easy way out~take time and thought and work on individual basis when it comes to these and all large breed dogs and their owners. Responsible people will be happy to comply ~ the others should not be involved with any pet!

The probem is that it is impossible to screen out bad owners so the only realistic approach is an outright ban. It sucks for those who are responsible, but what else can the City do? What if someone had died in this attack?

I would hate to see this ban take place, since I know several families in Waukesha with wonderful dogs (that happen to be pit bulls or pit bull mix) that would be affected. Would people who currently own pit bulls be "grandfathered in", or would they have to give up their dogs for adoption to other communities? That would be so sad. It would be like taking away a family member! It seems unfair to treat the sweet, mellow, couch-potato pit bulls I know just like violent criminals because of their breed.

Also, what about mutts that have some sort of undetermined amount of pit bull blood in them? Would they be included in the ban? How would you determine what amount of pit bull blood to ban and what not to ban? And, as other people have mentioned, what about other agressive, "fighting" breeds that bite such as german shepards or dobermans? Where do you draw the line?

I think that Christine Destefano's proposal is a good one. Or, maybe we just need tougher enforcement on "problem" dogs or "problem" owners. The pit bull that attacked its owner chased a child down the street several months prior to this incident. Perhaps if Waukesha had some sort of "problem dog" ordinance in effect that could have resulted in a visit to the owner...kind of like how child protective services might visit a home after a report of child abuse.

If there is a ban I'd want a grandfather clause as well. You cannot just take people's pets away.

And I guess I should clarify that I don't support an outright ban, I just think that after the fact citations aren't going to help matters. I am sure this woman is going to be charged but what good does that help the guy who was attacked?

I knew someone who lived in Waukesha that lived next to a pitbull whose owners would let it roam around the yard without a chain or a fence. They couldn't let their kids in the yard for fear that this dog would come and attack their kids. Yes the dog was well behaved but as we have all seen, they can snap and attack in a split second. People shouldn't have to live in fear of their neighbors' dogs.

As a dog trainer and I am studying animal behavior, there are many factors involved here. 1st research the breed as pit bulls were never bred to be aggressive towards humans, they have become that way from all the back yard breeders, as many people breed with out pedigrees, many of these dogs are related. There are a higher number of incidents with bully breeds as they have become the going trend, they are most owned and breed and most aren't fixed. If the breeds needs aren't met with exercise, mental stimulation(training), leadership anything can happen. I am part of a therapy dog program and we many wonderful well balanced pitbulls that are amazing and most a rescue/shelter dogs.
Banning this breed will mean other Bully breeds that look similar will and can be placed in the same list.
Maybe spay/neuter requirement, special License if kept in tact (limit of litters, yearly inspections, temperament testing on parents), and temperament test to be required for current owners. Then maybe we can get back the true temperament of the "nanny dog" remember little rascals
Contact your insurance agent see what breeds are on there. Are they for everyone NO.

Once again, I stand by what I've originally said. I see no problem with PIts, provided that they are properly bred and cared for. Yes, apparently this dog had and incident in the past. People are so quick to blame the animal itself. But let's take a look at how it was being cared for. This woman was keeping these dogs in crates. I have never agreed with that for anything. Can you possibly imagine how it must feel to be stuck in a crate for hours? Really? That right there takes a mental and emotional toll on ANY breed, and respectable breeders of any dog would not agree with it either. As Tenderpaws states, the animals need stimulation and exercise. Is it possible that she was keeping them in crates for hours upon hours? Another thing, were these dogs fixed? I've stated that before. I've even known of a Golden Retriever who went after his owner because he wasn't fixed. And the people that owned him buy only AKC registered pups that they show. So they are very good to their dogs.
Also, Pits were not bred for fighting. They were bred for hunting, which began in the UK. Look into their history.
And Jeff, I have never seen a Pit just snap without reason, so you don't speak for all of us. I have never known any animal to snap without reason. I don't live in fear of anybody's dogs. Nor have I raised my kids to. I've raised them to understand and respect the many breeds that are out there. My kids are now all alive and well, and in their 20's.

Here's a story for all of you who are so against (afraid) of Pits.
I know a couple that owns a Pit. They got him as a pup. A few years later, they had their first child. They introduced the baby to the dog and he accepted her with no problem. A couple years later they introduced their second child, and no problem. A few years after that, when the girls were about 7 and 5, they were outside with the dog in their fenced yard. Suddenly, their mom hears the girls and a man screaming, and the dog going nuts. She runs outside and the dog had a man by his leg as this guy was trying to jump back over the fence. He got away, but the police were able to catch him later. Turns out, he was a known sexual predator/child pedophile. And he was after those two girls. Now tell me, was that Pit out of control? Did he snap without reason? Think about that!

In that same neighborhood a lab attacked another neighbor I don't understand why labs are not banned all dogs are dogs racism is wrong can not pin one dog must take action to all

Why do we put sexual pedophile in the waukesha community near schools and now trying to banned pitbulls theres more to worry about in this community as far as drugs gangs sounds to me like personal agenda's and needing votes dictators are not right nor good for anyone

Sheela, where are you getting your facts from? Pit bulls temperament test better than golden retrievers and many other dog breeds that are considered to be "family dogs". http://atts.org/breed-statistics/statistics-page1/ They were once known as "nanny dogs" because they are great with children. Criminals that mistreat (to put it mildly) this breed are responsible for their current reputation. Laws can be made so that ANY dog that is found to be dangerous can be removed, why single out one breed?

So I have read some of the ignorant comments on here and now I am going to leave mine. I will start off saying that I was attacked as a child by a Cocker Spaniel, do I think they should be banned, NO!!! I foster pit bulls for MADACC (as well as other breeds) and I have NEVER had a problem with these dogs, period! They are wonderful, loving dogs who are awesome around my other dogs, cats, and my 18 month old son. For those of you who say "Waukesha residents who wish to maintain their quality of life and safety for their children and pets should press for regulating pit bulls.", please get a clue! I bet you have never been around pit bull, have you?! I don't respect opinions based on no experience!
Also pitties originated as "nanny" dogs, were used in the military for watching and protecting our troops, and can we forget about the Little rascal's dog Petey????
Pitties are just this decade "evil dog to blame". In the 70's it was the Dobermans, 80's was the German Shepherds, 90's was the Rottweiler, and Pits are today.
The only reason pits do more damage If they bite is because of their jaw size. clearly you won't hear about a Yorkie or Poodle attacking someone (but it happens A LOT), because it doesn't make a good story. Please read this link:www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2254479/Sausage-dogs-are-the-most-aggressive-dogs.html. Not pitties, rotts, but SAMLL dogs!!
This BSL regulation needs to stop! BLAME THE DEED, NOT THE BREED!!

*SMALL dogs :)

Here are some facts:
BSL does not work and is not morallly or fiscally responsible. Will Waukesha DNA test all dogs? Who will be subjectively determining which dog looks like a pit bull type dog (what is a pit bull anyway - just american pit bull terriers? Bull terriers? All Amstaffs? What about Cane corsos or dogo argentinos? Can yYOU pick out those breeds by look?) http://www.guerrillaeconomics.biz/bestfriends/
http://network.bestfriends.org/11240/news.aspxbiz

The website dogsbite.org cited here has been proven to be unreliable..
http://btoellner.typepad.com/kcdogblog/2010/03/the-truth-behind-dogsbiteorg.html
For a laundry list of reputable organizations that oppose BSL and copies of their position papers, go here: http://stopbsl.com/bsloverview/the-lack-of-professional-support/
And if you're wondering why so many well-meaning people like Sheela are led astray, check out the media statistics and you'll understand why perceptions are the way they are. These statistics are based on number of media reports. Golden retriever attacks do not make the news. Pit bull type dog attacks do. Pit bull type dogs also make up a larger percentage of dogs in many communities. http://graceblogg.wordpress.com/2010/11/03/dog-attack-statistics-merrit-clifton/

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=221596275216

http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/advocacy-center/animal-laws-about-the-issues/dangerous-dog-reckless-owner-laws.aspx

Test your pit bull spotting skills: http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html
Hint: There is only one. Still willing to ban family pets because someone somewhere thinks it "looks" like a pit bull?

Being a proud owner of a fantastic dog named Amber (that is a huge hit with everyone she meets), we're saddened to hear that people could generalize so easily to "ban pitbulls" (it's almost like saying, 'let's ban children' -- children are products of healthy parents, as are all dog breeds with their owners). Responsible dog owners of any breed with good intentions have well behaved pets. Please reconsider your generalizations and realize that it's never that easy (I was bitten by a 'sweet' little poodle when I was child. They shouldn't be banned either.) Perhaps having certain checks on the owners is a great idea. It's unfortunate that this breed seems to attract the wrong people, but the breed should not be to blame.

I would suggest reading up on this story from a few years ago...some of you may remember...there was this guy, he played professional football and in his spare time financed and ran a dog fighting ring. I won't go into the details of how the humans involved with the ring treated the animals for fear it may make some ill, but I would refer you to this article.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/magazine/12/22/vick.dogs/2.html
For those uninformed of the nature of a pit bull, go to a local shelter and meet one. If they scare you read this book before you go....
The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick’s Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption by Jim Gorant
It outlines the 49 VICTIMS that were saved from Michael Vick's kennel and rehabilitated. Maybe then you could understand that it is Humans that teach aggression in pit bulls, they only want to make their owners happy.

(1) Banning "pit bulls" and considering it "breed-specific legislation" is flawed from the very beginning. The "pit bull" is not a breed. The "pit bull" is something referred to by the media, ill-informed rescue organizations, and fanatics ruled by fear who are looking to ban any muscular dog. If you want to create "breed bans", you'll have to start by naming an actual breed. Do you mean the American Pit Bull Terrier? If you are at all confused, you can look at the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA) website for specimens of the true APBT. Among real dog men that created the breed, any dogs showing any aggression toward humans whatsoever were killed, with a bullet in the head. Talk to anyone with a real sense of history about this breed who doesn't exist in a "rainbows and unicorns" kind of world about the dogs will tell you that dog aggression IS a natural part of their genetic makeup, but human aggression is NOT. Furthermore, APBTs fought in the pit were around 45 pounds, so some of the huge mutant dogs that exist now are the result of backyard breeding and crosses like the Ambully. For a "pit bull" ban to be considered a breed ban, you'll have to get specific. And if you hang out at ADBA shows and see real APBTs, you'll realize they are some of the human-friendliest dogs around.

Did he really suggest that using pit bulls for protecting junk yards (what is this the movies?) would be permitted? Meanwhile people like me with the a lovable, friendly, happy pit bull would have to move away? Smart. Good luck with that.

Last comment, unless later response it warranted, I adopted my pit bull 3.5 years ago (she was found on the streets of Milwaukee). She is phenomenal with children and adults alike. My sister has three pit bulls, all Canine Good Citizens (CGC) certified, two therapy dogs. They volunteer in their community on a weekly basis and make a difference in people's lives.
This type of legislation is wrong.

(2) [I get very emotional when reading stories like this and noticed a few grammatical errors in my prior post. I apologize. Let me take a deep breath so I'm sure I'm making sense.] In my opinion, bleeding-heart activists will be just as responsible for the demise of these dogs as the evil media and thugs like Michael Vick. That's what I meant by "rainbows and unicorns" above. I argue regularly on the Facebook page "Pit Bull Chat" with owners who feel it is appropriate to take "pit bulls" to dog parks. Responsible owners have to set their dogs up for success, not failure, and even if it's another dog that starts something, the "pit bull" will ALWAYS be blamed. Once a fight starts, it will be hard to separate the dogs without a break stick, which isn't even legal to carry for pit bull owners in some areas!!! I organize play sessions for my dog with other owners and dogs I trust, and we don't have problems. My "pit bull" and I are regularly charged by off-leash dogs with irresponsible owners in very nice neighborhoods in Los Angeles, CA and Brookfield, WI. The dogs that charge us are never "pit bulls" but Golden Retrievers, Wheaten Terriers, Boxers, English Bulldogs, Schnauzers, and Cocker Spaniels. Because of an aggressive off-leash Cocker Spaniel that charged my LEASHED dog and me, I have a scar in my leg. Just before reading this, I had to pick my dog up while walking him to avoid a charging dog. Dogs will be dogs. Sigh. Let me *try* to make one more point, here...

(3) I think the point I'm trying (but not succeeding) to make in my posts is simply that this issue is complicated and needs more than knee-jerk reactions and links to dog bite reports and temperament tests on the internet, which will NEVER change people's minds. I have owned rescue dogs that were likely "pit bulls" since 1996. (They were street dogs without pedigrees, so it's impossible to speak of their lineage with any certainty.) My family has also owned Bouvier des Flandres and other breeds. Like Cesar Millan says, our pets are are (1) animal, (2) species, (3) breed, (4) name. When attacks happen, we need to shine a spotlight on specific owners and their specific dogs, not make sweeping generalizations based on INCORRECT information that people propagate as if it were true. We need to stop backyard breeders and puppy mills. Breeding of animals should ONLY occur to protect or improve the breed by continuing a GOOD bloodline, not for profit, and it should only be done by people who are subject matter experts in their breed of choice. I would be willing to bet that any "pit bull" that has attacked a human was either from a rescue or backyard breeder, NOT an honorable bloodline. I know children who have been attacked by Cocker Spaniels and German Shepherds from bad bloodlines. The dogs were put down. The breeds were not banned. Shame on the media for all of the fear-mongering. Shame on rescue groups for making "pit bulls" sound like harmless couch potatoes. Shame on humans.

If you are going to ban a dog, it should be all or nothing. To pick one breed because of an incident is wrong. I know of a child, while growing up in Milwaukee, that had his face partically riped off by a lab becasue the dog was teased by this youngster. Dogs don't usually attack their owner, so something set it off in this case and that needs to be looked at first. I own a pit and love it to death. I have come to realize that it is all in how it is raised. They are just like kids, if you treat them with respect, yet set guidlines they will respond in specific ways. And sometimes you can do everything right, and that child/dog will have issues. Interventions are needed at that point.

I feel that jumping to conclusions and banding a specific breed of dog is wrong!

Does anyone have any info on the meeting taking place on August 5th aganist the ban?

I recently got a pitbull puppy and he is being raised around several small children, other dogs, and cats. I was well aware of the ban prior to purchasing my pitbull. Its ALL based on how ANY animal is raised. Just like humans. The ones raised poorly usually turn out to be low life's. Can we ban low life human beings? NO. I will agree with what some say there could be benefits to regulations being set, and if that happens I will abide by them. I'm sure it will result in my wallet being thinner if regulations are set.

Janet Soto:
It make me sad to think how imature people are. I am an owner of a 11 month old pit. She is the sweetest, loving dog i have owned. I grow up with dogs all breeds. My family are dog lovers. I believe it's how you raise your pet. My pit is around children all the time. She is soo gentle with them she plays with them. She is well behaved for her age.. please let's all unite together and raise our dogs with love and respect for them. We need to get educated on the breed of dogs we have. Stop listening to the media, they don't give us all the info. I love my pit and her loving ways. We need to raise our pits or any breed of dogs with love and guide lines.

It's called lock-jaw guys.... Pits have it and that is why they cause so much damage if they do bite--they need to fully close their jaws before they can release something. Pits were also used to herd and chase bulls. These dogs are wonderful animals--all of my life I was raised around them and never had a problem. My parents brought me home to one (Shannon was her name) and from the moment I was in motion I was all over that dog chewing on her ears and her tail and trying to snuggle with her 24/7. If all "pits" are supposedly evil creatures who are out to hurt people and animals, there is no way that I would be around today. It is true, dogs turn out how their owners train them and their blood lines have a play in that too! I love how a previous person said "do we ban low life humans...no," so why would we ban a whole breed off of a few dogs, how is that fair? It would be like saying, hey that girl just shot someone---her whole family should be banned from this country they are all out to hurt and kill people." Everyone should be educated on the dog of their choice as that dog will become a life long commitment and friend--if you want a dog do research first to make sure that the dog you want is right for your life style and personality. Also go to a breeder who has cared for the puppies since birth, they will know how to match your temperament with the right dog.
I <3 my dogs and all dogs--my whole family says if I could I would adopt them all--not just one breed

Gina-

As much as I hate to admit it I, I will eat my words. All of my life I have been told that by vets, trainers (alike), and other pit owners. I never considered to look it up-- but not once did I ever implement pits were part of a bad crowd

It saddens me that this incident occured, but to ban a specific breed over it is completely and totally wrong, and ignorant. Dog OWNERS make Dogs bad. Breeds are not born that way. I am proud to say I am a "grandma" to a very healthy 3 year old pit named Buster. He is the most lovable, 55 pound lap dog I know. A baby really. Write this Alderman, tell him respectfully how wrong he is! mailto:revroger.patton2@gmail.com