Bjnemp (anonymous) says...

Owners of Pit Bulls justify their existence by touting how "loving and devoted" they are when in actuality they are vicious and unpredictable predators. I love dogs, and have two of my own (gentle breeds), but Pit Bulls should all be destroyed.

May 5, 2008 at 4:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

If we don't get rid of Pit Bulls, then owners should be required to have extra liability insurance on the damn things. Some cities and towns have ordinances against them. I'd like to see that happen here.

May 5, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MelissaE (anonymous) says...

I disagree.

A dog (any breed) is only as good as its owner. Teach a dog to be personable and friendly, you'll get a personable & friendly dog.

Beat a dog/engage the dog in fights, well, duh. You get a mean dog.

By saying "Pit Bulls should all be destroyed" is like saying that any "bad" kid or "mean" kid should be destroyed. It's not the kid who is bad--it's the kid's environment.

M

May 5, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hottopics (anonymous) says...

I HAVE TOLD THE CITY FOR OVER A YEAR THAT ITS GOING TO TAKE A PERSON GETTING ATTACKED.

MAKES ME SICK TO THINK I HAVE TRIED TO PREVENT THIS.

May 5, 2008 at 5:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

rdgrey (anonymous) says...

This is true melissaE but the big diffrence is that being bit by a mean poodle or even a collie is completly diffrent from the bite from a pit bull. Most other dogs will bite and then back off, a pit bull will just continue its bloody rampage with the strongest jaws of all the dog species. With all the pitbulls in this town with irresponsible owners its not a matter of if happens again, but when.

May 5, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hottopics (anonymous) says...

It has been about not if but when, you are absolutely right. I have said those words for almost two years now and well Saturday it happened AGAIN. Did you know another guy was attacked a few weeks back riding his bike. Guess what, the dog is STILL THERE!!!

This will happen again. And if we ALL dont get after the City Commission to change and toughen these laws, next time it will be a child. I promise you that.

May 5, 2008 at 6:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Bjnemp (anonymous) says...

You are wrong, MelissaE. The nature of dogs, God bless 'em, is that you can beat them, kick 'em, starve them, and they just keep coming back for more in hopes of a little love and attention instead. All except for Pit Bulls. That breed possesses an inherent gene absent in all other breeds that makes them ultra-agressive without provocation or warning. They also exert 800 pounds of pressure in their jaws when they bite; about triple an average dog of the same weight. They can crush human bones like corn flakes. "Personable and friendly?" Sure they are: until the internal light switch clicks and they attack for no reason. People who own Pit Bulls are harboring ticking time bombs with no regard for their neighbors, or their neighbor's children. If you own a Pit Bull, MelissaE, it's just a matter of time until your dog does what Pit Bulls were bred to do. Then it will be dead and you will be in jail and/or facing a huge lawsuit. Good luck with that.

May 5, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

imgone (anonymous) says...

MELISSA E...Dogs have natural instincts, it's in the genes.Some hunt,some point, some herd,some are protective.Pit bulls natural instinct is to fight and kill. Victims of these attacks should take the owner to court for failure to control their dog. My wife and I walk our dog , I carry a knife large enough and sharp enough to gut one of these dogs if attacked and I will not hesitate to do so.

May 5, 2008 at 7:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Bjnemp (anonymous) says...

Imgone: I hope you don't walk your dog on my street! I have a hyper 10 pound Pomeranian that slips under the fence sometimes and barks at anything that moves. I wouldn't want you to gut that yapping mutt for running loose. Hmmm. Let me thing that over and I'll get back to you.

May 5, 2008 at 7:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

flexj66801 (anonymous) says...

Everybody has a right to their opinions. Everybody is going to believe their opinions are right. It is very sad that this happened & it is absolutely true that we have to many irresponsible pit bull owners, breeders & so on. There is no disputing that at all. In fact I would say that over half of the owners of pit bulls in this town are irresponsible. But, Let step back form blaming the animal. Sure, there is something bred in to make the breed what is was founded for. But its not a ticking time bomb as some would like to think. What is bred in is GAMENESS, The willingness to do its job until it is done. The original job of a pit bull is just as its name states. They were bred to fight bulls in a pit to the death. So yes, They are aggressive, & yes they do have gameness, But they are not monsters who attack for no reason unless they were taught to do so and/or mistreated by their owners. You cannot blame that on a breed of dog, ANY DOG. Pit bulls have been around for two centuries & in the last two-three decades have become a problem for everyone. Well, I can tell you all that before the pit bull, There were problems with other breeds. Dobermans, Rottweilers, Chows, among others have previously been in the publics eye as hostile monster dogs that should be banished. Now before anyone decides they want to label me as an owner, I am not. I do however know many RESPONSIBLE owners & have owned an ABPT myself. But I believe it is completely ignorant to punish an animal & more specifically an entire breed for the actions or irresponsibility by some of its supposed care givers. If anyone cares to enlighten yourself. Here is a link that some can find some facts out.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American...

May 5, 2008 at 7:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Bjnemp (anonymous) says...

Kstrebuchet: You are so hostile! I have been bitten by dogs several times but I wouldn't dream of killing one of them. Of course, those bites came from a Chihuahua, a Pomeranian, and a border collie; and they were just single bites. They healed in a couple of days. Now, a Pit Bull is a whole different situation. They don't bite. They mame, crush, tear, and aim to kill. A Pit Bull that attacked me or mine I would kill in a flash with no remorse. A small breed that just doesn't know any better, I would smack on the head (the first time) and have a serious talk with it's owner. Most dogs are wonderful animals that make mistakes. Pit Bulls, however, are vicious beasts that need to be sent to heaven for an attitude adjustment. Like you, I would kill an aggressive Pit Bull running loose, and God help the owner of one that attacks a member of my family.

May 5, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Bjnemp (anonymous) says...

Sorry, flexj: It's not the dog's environment, or how it was (mis)treated, or how it was raised. It is the inbred nature of the beast. Pit Bulls have a recently discovered mutant gene that makes them random killers. It's not their fauls. Yes, they are dogs---loving, dedicated, loyal dogs---until the involuntary gene clicks and the flesh tears. There is no place in our society for Pit Bulls, jungle cats, or giant snakes.

May 5, 2008 at 7:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MelissaE (anonymous) says...

I don't own a pit bull. I own 2 strays that appeared on my doorstep.

I stand by what I said.

Think of this: Should we kill all Great White Sharks because one attacked someone in the ocean last week (or maybe it was the week before)....should we kill the bear(s) that attack campers? Who entered their territory?

I'm not defending a dog that bites....I'm just defending the harshness of "killing a breed" that, in all common sense, if the owners were sufficient, would maybe stop being known as a "killing breed" to begin with.

I suppose if you want to tax people and/or raise insurance rates for them, well, go ahead. Who's gonna police those people to make sure they've reported themselves for owning a "vicious dog"? Not too many. Kind of like reporting yourself for drunk driving.

Melissa

May 5, 2008 at 8:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

anonomom (anonymous) says...

Sadly we had to deal with a family with several outdoor only pitbulls for a couple years in our neighborhood. In that time a neighbors pet was destroyed by one, they frequently (as in several times a week) jumped the fence and roamed the neighborhood and were aggressive. When I called to report it I found that animal control is only available part time on certain days. If I called on a day they were not available, the police told me that UNTIL someone got hurt, they weren't coming. Nice, huh? It really is sad that in a town this size there aren't better protections. The whole thing was rediculous and until people in about a 2-3 block radius of this home started calling non stop for every little thing, nothing happened. Eventually they were removed, but again, it took years and organizing the neighborhood. It shouldn't be that hard, and people should be able to enjoy their own property without fear.

May 5, 2008 at 8:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hottopics (anonymous) says...

Its either THEM or YOU! Im sorry, I am a huge dog lover and as much as I believe this breed should be ended it isnt easy to put them down. But its a logical choice. They have the power of a dang alligator to bite and rip you or your child and your pets. It is proven time and time again that this breed is born and bred dangerous.

What I dont understand is where were all of you when the meetings when under way and it was presented to the commission that tougher laws were to be made. I thought they had taken care of dogs that attack but come to find out the wording wasnt right and these dogs will be released at day 10 and back to the owners. Even before they go to court for the charges. But what sets my tush on fire is that the City Prosector continues to dismiss these cases. No fines are being paid if they remove them from the city limits. No fines are being paid PERIOD. We need to set examples that people who have known vicious dogs or have bitten without provacation be removed and put down. Maybe if one bit a commissioner or the City Prosecutor things would change.

May 5, 2008 at 8:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jennienbj (anonymous) says...

I just have to say that I have two pitbulls and they are the most loving and caring dogs that I have ever had. It is all in how you raise them. Does anyone remember a couple of years ago people were afraid of rotweilers or dobermans? Now we have moved on to pitbulls. If you have never been around pitbulls then you can judge them. I had never been around them until I bought two of them. I love my dogs and they have never snapped at anyone, tried to go after anyone, bitten anybody. My dogs love everyone from babies to elderly people. I am more scared of the rots or dobermans or even some of them little ankle biters. Any dog can be mean, any dog can be nice. I completely agree with Melissa and I disagree that you should destroy pit bulls. Should we destroy everything that is mean and vicious? No! How many times do you think that someone has been bitten by a different breed besides pits and not been in the news? A lot, because people love to over react first. If we put a ban on pits than we need to a ban on rotweilers, dobermans, labs, mastifs, and whatever big dogs that you can think of?

May 5, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hottopics (anonymous) says...

They should ban them from continuing to be bred. Any dog has the ability to protect itself. But these pits prove their abilities to destroy and kill over and over and over.

They are banned in the UK, Canada, even in our surrounding states and several Kansas cities. There is a reason for this. You cant control people who abuse or train these dogs to kill but you can keep them away from your community.

If you are willing to carry a liability policy that will protect others as well as yourself when a attack happens, if you are willing to assume the responsibility of owning this breed, you should be willing to comply with a few requirements to keep everyone safe.

You will never win this argument. You can, however, agree to disagree. But my family is more important to me than the Pit Bull dog. Any dog that can and has caused vicious injuries and death. Common sense, just plain common sense.

May 5, 2008 at 9:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

lnoller (anonymous) says...

Pit bull TYPES are not the only breeds to have bitten people and are not the only breeds to have violently attacked people. Call for a ban on pit bull types for biting then every breed that has bitten someone should be banned. That means no one could have dogs, of any kind. Look at the statistics of the places that have put bans into effect and you will see that bites have not gone down but have risen. Breed bans have proven themselves to not work. Irresponsible owners will and do just go out and get another dog, breed makes no difference.
Just a little "pit bull" education... The term "pit bull" does not define one breed but several. The term includes American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, Cane Corsos, Presa Canarios, Bull Mastiffs, just to name a few, including ANY dog that resembles what a pit bull is supposed to look like. Lets bunch up all the other type dogs together and you would see pit bull types are actually responsible for less bites than the other types. The stories of a pit bull biting make front page news, while the story informing readers the breed of the dog was not correct is always a little one liner lost somewhere in the paper in the next few days. The boxer that bit several children, here in Emporia, was never even reported, even though the police were called. Neither was the lab, or the golden retriever. Oh, Boulder CO banned pit bull types even though the number one biting breed in their area is the Labrador... Their bite stats like all other places with bans in effect went up after the pit bull ban.
Take a look at the "Find the pit bull test" and see who can get it right... http://www.pbrc.net/misc/PBRC_find_th...
I know some will cheat but give it a try.

Next, I would just like to say, I am a responsible owner of a full blooded American Pit Bull Terrier. Don't punish me or my dog for someone else's mistake. It is the owner who is responsible, not the dog and certainly not the type of dog.
Educate yourselves before you call for the guillotine.
Just so everyone knows... American Pit Bull Terriers are the only breed in history to be bred to be specifically NOT human aggressive. Again, educate yourselves.
http://www.atts.org/index.html - A site that doesnt hate or love pit bull types but gives REAL statistics.
http://www.pbrc.net/
A Pomeranian killed a baby... http://www.igorilla.com/gorilla/anima... They should be banned.
Poodle attack - http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitts...
And here is a site that lists some dog attacks... http://www.standunited.ca/sourcesforr...

May 5, 2008 at 10:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

emporian (anonymous) says...

I dont think I am for a ban because once you start banning stuff, where does it stop? However I found some interesting statistics from the Center for Disease Control. http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/dogbree...

If the dog messes up, the owner should pay plain and simple.

May 5, 2008 at 11:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

micheal_vick (anonymous) says...

OMG I,m gonna VOMIT!
This discussion a perfect example of the processes taking place everyday in Topeka and D.C. by lawmakers, blinded by their "warm & fuzzy `feeling" addiction that feeds exclusively on the U.S. citizens civil rights, spitting in the face of freedom as we evolve into the perfect Marxist Society.
There, I said it. Do I need to pack for a Siberian residence now?

May 6, 2008 at 12:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

gazette_reader (anonymous) says...

Pit bulls used to have a history of being great pets, but I think there have been a few lines of them that were bred to be vicious attack dogs, and descendants of those lines are the ones we hear the most about.

If you didn't realize it, this dog was living at an address right across from the Walnut Elementary School playground, next to the cross walk across Nineth Avenue.

I don't know if I support banning dogs; after all, insurance companies don't like German Shepherds, either, and they can be terrific dogs if the owner works with them. I also think that in many instances, a dog can be minding its own business in its own yard when some neighbor kid decides to open the gate and play with it. (Not that that was what happened here.)

I guess what puzzles me in this instance is the thought process that must have gone into selecting the right pet:

I want to get a dog. I live near a school and there are many children who walk by my house. I don't have a big yard. What kind of dog should I get that would be a good match for these parameters?

I know! I'll get a pit bull!

May 6, 2008 at 2:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

It is so typical for those who support these animals to say, "It is very sad that this happened..." SAD? The woman had to go to the ER for crying out loud! What is sad is that people are still supporting these killers despite all the evidence.

Making comparisons to shark or bear attacks is sad too. Sharks and bears are animals in their own wild habitat; people go swimming or hiking at their own risk. Pit Bulls, on the other hand, are supposedly domesticated. And yes, the owners know exactly how dangerous they can be. I'm with Tre. People love to push the envelope and think they look so cool with their killer pets.

Hottopics, I had no idea you had worked so hard to get an ordinance passed. I'll be by your side if this comes up before the Commish again.

May 6, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

lnoller (anonymous) says...

Kstre.... And the site posted by another said it was rotties, and yet another site states labs... You can find all the stats you want. Keep in mind that pit bull types are also the most misidentified types. I tend to look more at the sites that deal with actual breeds, registered, like the ATTS.
I have owned nothing but APBTs and been around thousands of others. I have never had one single show any sign of aggression.

May 6, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

netloafer (anonymous) says...

This is a public safety issue and I don't think we should lose sight of that. I have seen the incredible power of these animals first hand. I had a friend in graduate school who owned two pit bulls. He had three little children. Like many, he admired the power and beauty of these animals. I pleaded with him many times to find a more suitable home or environment for them and he told me that they were gentle creatures and well domesticated. He seemed to treat them quite well and he constantly told me that the dogs would never harm his kids. Unfortunately a time came when one of dogs attacked his little daughter and the other dog joined in the mauling. He was able to rescue her, but not until her arms and face had severe damage, requiring intensive medical intervention. You would think that would have been enough, but it wasn't. He blamed the incident on the little girl, saying that she somehow provoked the first dog by pulling on its fur. The incident not only physically injured the little girl, but it also had a terrible impact on her psyche.

I can't say that I have any solutions to offer, but I really do wish that the owners of these animals would consider the public. If we continue to allow this type of thing sooner or later a child on the way to or from school is going to become a victim. Unfortunately, it will happen here! I think there are solutions, but pit bull owners don't seem willing to consider the public safety concerns many of us have. Any time the public raises concerns, pit bull owners cite the dogs' beauty, etc., then tell us they feel badly about the most recent mauling incident, and follow it all up by saying they will not allow any comprimise for the sake of the community. I don't know how we solve the problem in this type of environment.

May 6, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

USNretired (anonymous) says...

THIS dog AND its owner should both be punished and I hope the victim sues. If the punishment is bad enough the problem will (hopefully) correct itself. Banning anything only works in controlled environments and rural areas are never controlled environments. I have small dogs and a fence, and I don't walk the little guys because there are a lot of strays and escapees running around. Most seem friendly but it only takes one that will attack, and I don't feel like carrying my .45 just to walk a dog.

May 6, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Bjnemp (anonymous) says...

KSTREBUCHET! I was joking about the "hostile" behavior. Read my comment again. I was agreeing with you. I give the ankle biters and scared dogs a pass but I would give an attacking Pit Bull an injection of speeding hollow points. I'm sorry about your child being attacked. The young are the most vulnerable to vicious animals.

And Jennienbj: you asked " should we destroy every thing that is mean and vicious?" Well, duh! The answer is yes, and that includes animals AND humans.

Anyone who owns a Pit Bull is either on a power trip, seeking attention, trying to compensate for a lack of testosterone or other physiological "shortage", or just plain mental. Pit Bulls are ticking time bombs of death and will love you & lick you right up to the instant the inbred switch clicks and they rip your throat out or maul some innocent child to death. The breed(s) should be outlawed in city limits, if not the entire state. I would put a bounty on the furry jaws of death and declare an open season.

May 6, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hottopics (anonymous) says...

The victim should be suing the city for not protecting the citizens. And I too, realized this dog was right across the street from Walnut school, OMG!! Unfortunately it will take a child getting attacked before more people push the city to make drastic changes and protect all of us.
Most of these people who own the pit bull do it for the status of having a cool dog that can kill. STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES FORREST GUMP.

People have to be cautious in their own back yards and its not fair.

May 6, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

ksfarmer (anonymous) says...

Every pit bull picked up by animal control should have to be sterilized before returned to the owner. All animals adopted through the local shelter also.

May 6, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

This issue needs to go before the City Commission. The only way it will get on the agenda is if we get up a petition. I'm told that the other way to get it on the agenda is to contact commissioners directly. Here it the website that contains all their e-mail addresses. By the way, your message will carry more clout if you sign your name. I did.

http://www.emporia.ws/web%20page.nsf/...

May 6, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

USNretired (anonymous) says...

The charges against the dog's owner seem pretty mild, considering what happened. Is this the best the local authorities can do? Is there some other agency that can do better?

May 6, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jennienbj (anonymous) says...

Okay, so everyone has their opinions but seriously nobody would have any types of dogs if we banned them or destroyed them because they attacked. I am not for them little ankle biters that chase me and wanna bite me. I had one come after me a couple of weeks ago, while I was walking my pit bull, he looked at the dog, looked at me and then took off the other way. He wanted nothing to do with that dog or for a matter of fact people or kids that walk by us. He wants to play, I swear sometimes he thinks he only ways like 10 pounds and is a cat or something! I love my dogs!

May 6, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

madpoet (anonymous) says...

It is true that any breed of dog will attack if provoked. BUT some breeds are more prone to attacking for little reason and are capable of inflicting way more damage. I've been attacked by Rotts and Pits. A neighbor somehow made a Jack Russell and Lab mix vicious too. Large aggressive breeds should be monitored more closely and insured to protect everyone, owner and the community.

May 6, 2008 at noon ( permalink | suggest removal )

lnoller (anonymous) says...

So I guess the logic of some here should also be applied to other things??
We lost a young kid not very long ago because an irresponsible gun owner shot into a field. So, no one should be allowed to own guns.
Cars kill people on a daily basis so no one should be able to own a car.
The smoking ban might as well be in place too... I mean, we all know the dangers smoking cause to not only the person smoking but to those around it.
I dont get the logistics of small dogs being any less dangerous. They can still kill, as proven by the pom example.
Again... look at the places that have banned pit bull types and check their bite statistics. Bites have not decreased in any of those places but have risen.
Some of you need to check out the myths surrounding pit bull types.

May 6, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

ksgirl (anonymous) says...

I have two dogs and if either one of them attacked another person I would have them put down. I will not have an animal that is violent and that would hurt someone else. I personally could not live with the guilt of having a dangerous animal. It doesn't matter how much I love or care about the dog because a human life is more important. I think people should stop and think about what is more important. The life of a person or the life of a dog? I don't care what breed of dog it is because if it attacks its not worth having. My sister and I were both attacked by chows when we were little and my parents made sure those dogs were put down so that they could never hurt anyone again. If I were attacked or my child I would make sure that dog was put down too. That is why I would treat my pets no differently if they attacked someone. I value my life and the lives of others. Sometimes you have to put people first instead of pets.

May 6, 2008 at 12:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

momof3 (anonymous) says...

My dog and I have been chased down and bitten at more times than I can remember by "dogs at large". EPD always gives the same story....no one on duty...blah, blah, blah. Just for the record, not once has there been a pit bull involved in any of these attacks. Have we been lucky? Maybe. My dog is NEVER outside her kennel without being on a leash.

My son was bitten by a German Shephard. The owners of this "lovely" dog have a very poor excuse for a fence and told the EPD that the dog has never shown any aggression and was probably just playing........since the bite was not serious, and the owners had proof of vacinations, they were not even given a ticket.......

I understand, I am not stupid, that a larger dog can inflict more damage than a smaller dog. That does not change the fact that there are alot of small dogs here in Emporia that run loose and do bite.

No matter the breed, people need to be responsible pet owners. Destroying a whole breed does not seem like the answer to me. JMO

May 6, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

netloafer (anonymous) says...

I'm not sure that most people are advocating the destruction of the breed, but there are quite a few of us who want pit bull owners specifically and dog owners in general to understand that we do have a public safety issue that will sooner or later effect a child here in Emporia. It's not enough to say that "my dog would never hurt anyone" or "other dogs are just as bad." People have to see that they have a potentially deadly weapon with these dogs. They are extremely strong and often aggressive. That should be enough to warrant the owners of these animals to consider the community before their own freedom to own them. But, I don't think that is what we're going to get here. We'll continue to have the status quo until someone's child or an elderly person is mauled. That's where we're headed.

May 6, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

lnoller (anonymous) says...

IF.... ? If I had to choose? Now, that is just silly. I wouldnt choose to be bitten by any dog. But, like the Pom story I posted above, little dogs can kill and have.
Why do I have a pit bull? I actually have a full blooded American Pit Bull Terrier, and there is a difference between a pit bull, Am Staff, Staffie, APBT, etc. I have owned several in my life and will continue to own them. Each one had been raised around children, with no problem. Mind you, I did say APBT which is the only breed to be bred to specifically NOT be aggressive towards people. I am curious as to what people think these dogs have been bred for. So many on here seem to be confused about the history of the different pit bull types. Anyway, I have an APBT because I have extensive experience with them. I have been around them for years and have visited several breeders and seen thousands (literally) or APBTs. Out of those thousands, not one, not a single one, has ever shown the slightest sign of aggression towards me (who was a stranger to them). I love the breed. I love their "personalities," their loyalty, their gameness (a trait only APBTs have), I love their sillyness and their funny ways of going about getting attention. I love that my dog knows the difference between playing with a child and playing with an adult. I love their intelligence, their willingness to please... Just the tip of the iceberg.
Where does the "aggression by nature" come from?? Opinion? Yes because it certainly isn't truth.
I am curious as to your experience with pit bull types?

May 6, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

b_k (anonymous) says...

Maybe if our City would take action from dogs running loose this whole thing could have been avoided.Its horrible that everyone is fighting over a problem I have addressed with the police and our animal shelter. We HAVE ANIMALS RUNNING LOOSE and I being an animal owner can tell you they are animals they can bite. But owning them you are suppose to be responsable for them that includes making sure they are in your care at all times.When company comes to my home they allways ask do my birds, cats, and dog bite...my answer is they can they are cabable but do they I personally have never seen it but as I said they can and my dog does not run the nieghborhood leaving little presents on other lawns let alone biting people.The city needs to GET IN THE REPEAT OFFENDORS OF LETTING MY DOG RUN LOOSE POCKETBOOKS and it would stop.But when you call and they can not come out or have noone to come out thats silly we pay taxes.I personally have hauled my nieghbors dog to the police station and dropped him off myself becasue they don't have an officer available.How far does a person have to go is what I asked the police chief in an email do I need to start pulling over speeding cars. These things are not the job of Emporia citizens but the job of our City Enforce THE LAWS we have quit slapping hands for heaven sakes and that should help with the safety of our community

May 6, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Kujiin (anonymous) says...

I've been around this breed for a few years. Some I don't trust and some I do. I firmly believe is all about RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP and PROPERLY RAISING a of a dog REGARDLESS of BREED that makes the difference. People and pets alike are put at risk when pets have freedom to roam.

May 6, 2008 at 3:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Bjnemp (anonymous) says...

The argument is being made that Pit Bulls are sweet, loving, gentle creatures akin to kittens. It is also being said that "responsible ownership" and "proper raising" of these animals will result in a timid companion. I have bad news. I don't care how loving and responsible you are while raising a lion, an alligator, or an Anaconda, sooner or later it will grow up and have a toothache or bad day and kill you, or someone else. Pit Bulls are no different. There is no other way to say it: people who insist on owning these vicious genetically-altered killing machines are deluded, selfish, reckless idiots who are every bit as dangerous as their predatory pets. If you own a Pit Bull and it kills one of my dogs, or attacks one of my children, I am coming for your dog. Then I am coming for you.

May 6, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JohnDoe (anonymous) says...

You also don't need a Ferrari to race but the body and power sure does help. Same thing goes for dogs. A vicious chihuahua isn't the same threat as a pitbull because of the more massive and muscular build. I've never seen a pitbull I would call "gentle." Then again I've never seen a pitbull owner that I didn't think was on probation or parole. The city needs to ban the breed completely.

May 6, 2008 at 6:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hottopics (anonymous) says...

CREATE- In September of 2006 my dog and my neighbors dog were both attacked and killed by a PIT mix. They already knew the dog had issues and CHAINED it to a tree. He escaped went under TWO fences to kill my dog. It went to the pound where it was released after the 10 day hold. Within 24 hours it did the same thing and killed again. IT COULD HAVE been returned to its owner but I forced the issue to have it destroyed. Since then I advocated the Commission to change the vicious dog laws. I still have that meeting on tape. It passed but I found out a few months ago they left out a huge part about what happens to the dog. Its a sickening mis-justice and I will be going back again.

The worst part about it??? Laura Miser DISMISSES all the cases and lets the owners WALK away with court costs. I have tried to help people who have dogs that have been killed by these ANIMALS find justice only to watch Miser push the papers in a file and let them go.

Can I have anyone interested in helping shake the Commissioners butts into getting it right this time before someone gets killed??? Contact ME!!

May 6, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

Hottopics, I'm so sorry to hear that you had such a terrible experience and lost your dog. We need to find out why the commission left out such a large part of the ordinance, and then fix it.

I'm with you on returning to the commission on this. I have already sent e-mails yesterday, and plan to send one to the city manager today. I urge all of us to do that so we can get this issue on the agenda.

May 7, 2008 at 5:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )