A breed apart
This morning we learn that Bandit, the pit bull put on death row four years ago, is still alive and well and a friendly member of the “inmates” at the Toronto Humane Society. Now Bandit is being joined by Rambo, the pup that got out of a back yard on Christmas Day. Rambo’s owners are appealing the automatic death sentence.
This comes from a law that was enacted a couple of years ago when then-Attorney General Michael Bryant reacted to several pit bull attacks and decided to take, in my view, a canine version of a racist approach to the problem.
My nephew has a pit bull. Maggie is 11 years old and a very sweet and compliant dog. That’s due to my nephew’s training and loving control of her. She is a big suck that loves belly rubs, her special pillow and her squeaky toys. She willingly follows commands and has never given anyone a second’s worry about her behavior or demeanour.
On the other hand, once when I was walking my beloved Border Collie Lee Roy, a leashed pit bull suddenly broke loose from his owner’s grip and in a flash, had my dog in the middle of a street, his jaw clamped on Lee Roy’s neck. That dog fully intended to kill my four-legged friend and its owner was paralyzed. I’m not proud of it, but adrenaline kicked in and literally kicked that pit bull to get it off my dog. It didn’t seem to have gotten hurt and looking back now, I’m quite lucky it didn’t clamp onto my leg. Lee Roy was shaken and wet with saliva but unhurt. I was in tears and almost hysterical with fear. The other owner spit out a string of apologies, scooped up his dog and ran away! It was truly terrifying.
And then again, my Beagle was once severely attacked by a black lab and I was bitten by a Yorkie.
I fully understand the history of the pit bull but I blame the owners, not the dogs. And there are people who deliberately exploit their inherent tendencies to fight and be aggressive. But Bandit is proof positive that a ban on the breed isn’t likely sustainable or sensible and probably won’t stand, in the long run.
January 25th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I did not wish harm to any animal however the owners of agressive dogs have no one to blame but themselves when the breed gets banned. If pitbulls are safe then it is up to the owners to prove it to me. Also the owner of Rambo knew this very thing could happen once they received this puppy knowing the law was in effect. Again if the owner can’t keep the dog safe for it’s own good and the good of the public then I am sorry but the dog must pay the price maybe this will be a lesson to owners to care properly for their pets.
January 25th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Hi Lisa,
Great blog. I hope that you are contacting the Attorney General, Mayor McCallion and the rest of the Mississauga City Council to let them know your feelings.
This ban has done nothing but punish responsible dog owners. I have 4 year old “substantially similar” dog…(pit bull is not a breed, so she is a mutt). She has had 4 rounds of high level obedience training and she was training to be a therapy dog. Now my obedient and loving family dog spends her life with a cage on her face. She has done nothing wrong, and I have done nothing wrong.
Mississauga AC had the ability to interpret this law differently. The animal is not a purebred dog. What the heck is “substantially similar” anyway? Is a Visla not substantially similiar? What about a lab/boxer cross?
Please make your voice heard. The media is often blamed for perpetuating the “pit bull” myth. You have an opportunity to be a voice for innocent dogs and owners.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Hello Susan and Lisa
I think the nature of the dog is influenced by both breed and upbringing. I feel for those like Susan, that have a well behaved dog. However, being a mother with children, ( and having past experience in the veterinary field) I do fear for our safety when I encounter some breeds of dogs AND owners. “Pit Bulls” ( meaning the various breeds they lump sum this term into) unfortunately are at the disadvantage of having a history of being aggressive. Stats show that these dogs are responsible for approximately 65 % of the deadly dog attacks against adults and children in North America. Whether it is breed or upbringing, this warrants attention! Why take that chance? I also would not give a gun to someone because they were well behaved! I beleive in setting up for success! Susan, my interpretation of substantially similar is in relation to a dogs history of aggression.
So I do agree with the laws, and would like to see them widespread. Dog fighting is no longer fashionable!