Erin wrote on Nov 1, 2006 2:03 AM:Those Pit's should have been euthanized as soon as AFV had them. The pits' owners should not only have to pay for the vet bills of the Quinones remaining dog, but also for thier replacement fence and pain and suffering for poor Riley. I am truely sorry for your loss. Pit-type breeds should be outlawed in out town.

esteban wrote on Nov 1, 2006 7:10 AM:dogs will be dogs....

Jenny wrote on Nov 1, 2006 7:50 AM:The owners of those EVIL pit bull dogs are totally at FAULT. Those EVIL pit bull dogs kill a defenseless tiny pomeranian dog. They could have KILLED any of the kids who were out on the street coming home from school that day. Those EVIL pit bull dogs should be KILLED themselves and the owner of those EVIL pit bull dogs should be BANNED from ever owning dogs again because THEY COULD NOT RESTRAINT THEIR EVIL PIT BULL DOGS. Shame on them for keeping EVIL pit bull dogs. Pit bull dogs should be banned and the owners and the so-called lovers of pit bull dogs should be sent to rehabilitation to be trained that they have EVIL dogs that attack other dogs and would attack people because those IGNORANT OWNERS and those UNCARING LOVERS of EVIL PIT BULL DOGS don't know any better.

come on wrote on Nov 1, 2006 7:57 AM:It's a sad story, but you are crazy if you really believe that Pit Bulls are the only dangerous dogs out there. I have been bitten by a Collie before. Yes, even Lassie can be a brute, given the right circumstances. You cannot mitigate against every potential danger in life - everybody knows that is impossible. Keep your animals in your yard, make sure your fence is well maintained, and always walk your pet on a leash. That is how we can prevent this types of terrible events.

Not Surprising wrote on Nov 1, 2006 8:40 AM:It really isn’t surprising that two pit bulls escaped and attacked another dog. These dogs are far too often too aggressive and the owners can’t control them. They are very strong animals and with poor breeding, no training, and insecure yards they are extremely dangerous! It is time to get tougher with both the dogs and owners that can’t control them. This is the 2nd offense for the one dog so what is it going to take to realize this is a dangerous animal. Maybe next time it will be a child that is mauled to death?

???? wrote on Nov 1, 2006 8:51 AM:Why is the lady smiling in the photo?? What is she smiling about? Her dog died, her other dog is injured, and shes smiling as if she won a beauty pageant!! What happened was horrible, and I feel sorry for her dog, but dont play it up so you can be on the front page of the newspaper!!!

JD wrote on Nov 1, 2006 9:15 AM:I don't care for Pit Bulls but why must most people say "OUTLAW PIT BULLS"? So making them extinct will solve the problems of the world?! That's like saying outlaw all human beings because they have the potential of being dangerous!!! I strongly believe that Pit Bulls are only a reflection of their owners and their enviornment, much like any other breed of dogs. If you treat them well, then chances are they would be no problem! But if you neglect them or treat them bad, then chances are they are going to come off hostile and agressive! Let's be real! There are going to be a couple of bad apples in any species on this earth. We can't kill them all!!!

Ignorance wrote on Nov 1, 2006 9:45 AM:It's amazing how ignorant people can be about animals. First, just because they attacked and killed a dog does not mean that they will attack and kill a human. Dogs do know the difference, that's why some dogs attacks cats, but not other dogs. Secondly, I am sure that in the prior incident with one of the dogs, the person that got bit was to blame, or else the dog would have all ready been put down. Thirdly, Pit Bulls as a breed are not EVIL, they are very loving and sweet pets that require a bit extra attention. If the owners are not capable of providing these dogs with that attention, they should be taken away and adopted out to experienced Pit Bull owners. Lastly, you are all grieving for the poor family who lost thier little dog, but are eager to kill these Pit Bulls with no thought for the loss that it will cause their owners. I guess if one of your kids commits a crime, we should lock them up without a trial or anything and not have any thought for their or your life? These are still living creatures with people who love them and I am sure feel very badly for the damage that has been done. These dogs deserve an appropriate investigation into whether they are a danger to humans and a chance to be given a life.

MB wrote on Nov 1, 2006 9:54 AM:First, there is no such thing as an "evil" dog - the implies a moral culpability on the part of the dogs. Dogs are not moral or immoral, they just are. Second, there is no such thing as "pit bull dogs" - they are a type, just like retrievers are a type, setters are a type, hounds are a type, etc. ad naseum. Third, why isn't anyone commenting on the fact that it was a fence-fighting Labrador Retriever that initiated the aggression in the other dogs? Goodness forbid, the almighty "family dog type" be the instigator in a deadly attack. Had the owners of the attacking dogs been responsible guardians, this would not have happened. The dogs would have been secured behind proper fencing. And had the owners of the Labrador retriever been responsible, this would not have happened either - had they too kept their dog secure, he would not have engaged in any sort of aggressive behavior with two other animals. And BECAUSE of the irresponsibility of PEOPLE, three dogs will die, and one is left injured. Way to go, humans!

It Happens wrote on Nov 1, 2006 10:40 AM:But it shouldn't have to. I agree with the comment as to why the family is smiling. There is nothing to be happy about. If the owners of the Pits knew they had potential and a history of getting out, in my opinion they are acknowledging their negligence by allowing them to get out. I have two dogs and believe, that while they are docile, I as the owner am 100% responsible for their actions.

JG wrote on Nov 1, 2006 11:13 AM:Note to the guy that said that the dogs should have a trial. 1st, they are not humans, second, If my child where to break into a home and kill that person and injur another, as much as I love my child, He would have what's coming to him. By the way... Pit Bulls have attacked humans. I can imagine that 99.9% of those attacked were not provoking those dogs. GET RID OF THOSE DOGS. The owners should be locked up for bringing these dogs into the neighborhood.

Pitbull lover wrote on Nov 1, 2006 12:11 PM:Like said in comments above PITBULLS are not the only evil dog breed out there. You can't blame the dog but you can blame the human for raising it the way they do. I have a PITBULL and it is the sweetest dog i have ever known. We also have little dogs and the little dogs climb all over the pit and the pit does nothing. It's not the breed of the dog it's the human raising it. I'm tired of hearing people say it's a pitbull it's a bad dog and shouldn't have a place here well what about the evil people breeding out there, maybe we should do something about them too maybe get read of them like people want us to get read of the pitbull breed.

CB wrote on Nov 1, 2006 12:39 PM:Nice to see that SOME of you are reasonable, intelligent people (JD, Ignorance, and MB). Why isn't anyone screaming about the Lab being "EVIL"? He started the whole thing! I have small Poms and they enjoy "baiting" the Pit Bulls that live next door, but I have never worried about it because the Pits are sweet dogs. In fact, I have rarely met one of the "Bully breeds" that wasn't a nice dog. ANY breed has the potential to cause harm if they are poorly bred and/or poorly socialized. One of my Poms was viciously attacked a couple of years ago and required a couple of visits to the vet - and the "evil" attacker was a Scottish Terrier. My heart goes out to the family of the victims, but the bottom line is that it could have been ANY breed that did this (including the Lab) - don't condemn one type of dog because of it. There are no bad dogs - only bad breeders and bad owners.

Retrogrouch wrote on Nov 1, 2006 12:54 PM:Hey MB and Ignorance, why is it that only pit bulls that are involved in lethal attacks? Is it becuase they are bred to kill? Could it be because there jaw strenth is many times stronger than the Lab that you are vilifying? Could it be because pit bull owners are a perfect match for the pugnacious nature of there dogs? Why would anyone own such a dog?

Diana wrote on Nov 1, 2006 1:47 PM:Our family had a similar experience in Vail Ranch. I was walking down my driveway with my two leashed Bichons, and we were viciously attacked by two bull mastiffs who were running wild. Their owner knew they were out, and was making no attempt to even locate them. My husband was bitten numerous times trying to fend them off as they attacked me and our beloved pets. One Bichon required surgery. The police were called as was animal control, and the best animal control could come up with was quarantine for the two attacking dogs, at their own residence down the street from our home. I begged animal control to have the dogs put down as I was scared to even walk down the sidewalk and I told them it would only be a matter of time before a child was next. It took an severe attack on an 8 year old to finally remove those menaces from the neighborhood. It shouldn't have had to come to that.

Concerned wrote on Nov 1, 2006 1:48 PM:People have bred dogs to perform certain funcitons for centuries. The Pit Bull was bred to fight. The majority of people who own Pit Bulls do so for one purpose. They want to be perceived as being tough. I don't think what happened, and what continually happens with this breed, was the dogs' fault. It was the responsibilty of the owner. So let's put the owners to sleep! Just kidding. The owners of Pit Bulls need to take responsiblity for what their dogs do. Make them pay, make them pay, make them pay. It's the capitalistic solution!

Retrogrouch wrote on Nov 1, 2006 3:58 PM:Concerned, I like your idea but let's do it proactively. If someone wants to own a pit bull let them put up a 100,000 dollar bond to mitigate any damage these killers might do. That would make them build a strong enough fence to contain there dogs. Further I doubt any insurer would indemnify them if they knew that they harbored these K9 marauders.

Concerned wrote on Nov 1, 2006 4:39 PM:Righton Retro, a price tag on Pits and other similar breeds, is justified.

Gary in Murrieta wrote on Nov 1, 2006 5:43 PM:My neighbor accross the street had a pit bull. That is until it bit one of his children. Now they have a cat.

K-9 craziness wrote on Nov 1, 2006 7:55 PM:It's just like when humans fight. The winner is usually the one that gets in trouble. What's all of this talk about youth in asia? It's always easy to blame somebody elses kid, especially when they're not on this continent to defend themselves. How do I know that the offending dog was legal or full Pit breed? I heard that he barked with an accent and breached the fence as though he had done it before. Remember "Petey" from the "Little Rascals"? He was a Pit Bull too, and they all survived, amazing. Individual breeds are neither "good" nor "bad". K-9's behave as k-9's are. Without training, certain aspects are very predictable. K-9's instinctively hunt and defend in packs by default. Euthanization by lethal injection is a day late and a dollar short. Forced relocation, whose costs should be aborbed by the owner would be just as effective. Having said that, the offending dogs should have been dispatched immediately by the gentleman with the firearm at the moment of attack. No cry, no foul... I mean, howl. This story exemplifies why we all pay high homeowner's insurance premiums. There is an Asthmahound Chihuahua that lives on my street that terrorizes me every morning on my way to my vehicle. I don't know if he's purposely leaving toothpaste in his mouth to scare me, or if he really has rabies, but I'm not taking any chances. I run, backwards. Additionally, down the street there is a Cornish Rex/Siamese tabby that is always in an elevated position and eyes me as if he were ready to pounce. I think that these too should be outlawed as well. Have you ever seen African Cichlids attack?...

I Hate To Say It wrote on Nov 1, 2006 8:08 PM:And I know I will get reamed for it ... The doggies mama asks "where's the security?" Good question, but on the other side of the coin, a homeowner is responsible for their own security. Not to absolve the attacking dogs owners of any liability, maybe the doggies mama should have had a stronger fence. Our little dog was attacked by coyotes in our backyard because our fences were easily jumped over. Granted we were new to the area and not completely aware of the potential risk but, when it comes down to it ... who's fault is that? OURS!

CB wrote on Nov 2, 2006 10:03 AM:Exactly right on the security. The only dog I ever caught jumping my fence was an Australian Shepard. When I first moved in, there was a section that was only 4' tall - it is now 6' tall all around my property. Even with that, I never let my Poms out unless I'm either out there with them (which I was when the Aussie jumped the fence, luckily), or I'm listening intently from the house. And I would NEVER leave them in the yard when I'm not home. They think they are much bigger (and tougher) than they are and they need to be protected from themselves at all times. Goes with owning Poms. BTW - the majority of dog attacks are by mixed breeds, it is just that the media seems to only report when it's a "bully breed". It's a shame - they are generally very sweet dogs if they are bred and raised right.

CB wrote on Nov 2, 2006 10:15 AM:Exactly right on the security. The only dog I ever caught jumping my fence was an Australian Shepard. When I first moved in, there was a section that was only 4' tall - it is now 6' tall all around my property. Even with that, I never let my Poms out unless I'm either out there with them (which I was when the Aussie jumped the fence, luckily), or I'm listening intently from the house. And I would NEVER leave them in the yard when I'm not home. They think they are much bigger (and tougher) than they are and they need to be protected from themselves at all times. Goes with owning Poms. BTW - the majority of dog attacks are by mixed breeds, it is just that the media seems to only report when it's a "bully breed". It's a shame - they are generally very sweet dogs if they are bred and raised right.

Linda wrote on Nov 2, 2006 5:23 PM:As a volunteer at a local humane society, I can testify to the fact that there are many breeds of dogs that are aggressive to other dogs, but love humans. Pits are terriers and terriers are frequently dog aggressive. I have met many pits at the shelter that were absolutely wonderfully affectionate and gentle towards both people and other dogs and some that were just the opposite. Dogs that aren't socialized towards other dogs when they're puppies can become dog aggressive. ALL dogs should be restrained in their yards. I've had to call animal control many times because my dog was threatened or attacked by loose dogs in the neighborhood...rottwilers, dobermans and jack russels, to name a few.

To Retrogrouch wrote on Nov 3, 2006 9:35 AM:The reason you only read stories about Pitbulls is because it makes good news. Society has deemed Pitbulls to be deadly and we are atracted to violence, so we read the articles about such violent things. The papers won't sell with stories about an Irish Setter attack. Hence why you should never rely solely on the news to form your opinions. Saying that all Pitbulls are dangerous is like saying that all men with black hair are dangerous.

To JG wrote on Nov 3, 2006 9:38 AM:Yes, Pitbulls have attacked humans and men have killed women. Does that mean that all men should be kept away from women? Just because Pitbulls have been known to attack humans does not mean that these Pitbulls would attack a human. You have obviously never owned a dog and do not understand that each animal (not breed) has it's own personality.

SD wrote on Nov 3, 2006 7:54 PM:We live in a society that points blame on anything and everything but ourselves. As for the owners of the two Pit Bull dogs that attacked Holly and Julian's beloved Pomeranian they should be held 100% responsible including all fees that the Quiones face from the yard to emotional damages. Owning a Pit Bull or any potentially dangerous animal, comes with a lot of responsibility. Unfortunatly, a lot of these owners just want the dog for a status symbol and could care less about the time, energy, and training that these dogs need. Pit Bulls are known for their full body strength but also their jaw strength. Unfortuanlty, they have been and are currently breed thru some bad breeders to focus on these aggresive genes. You need to get a license to drive a car, a license to fish, a license to own a gun; there needs to be regulations on breeding of the Pit Bull breed and other known dog aggressive dogs. Only reputable breeders that meet the guidlines and careful monitoring of buyers should be aloud. Pit Bulls and other dangerous breeds have the capacity to kill as do guns. The person owning a dangerous dog is just as responsible as the owner of a gun who pulls the trigger and kills someone. People need to take responsibilty. If you choose to have a dangerous breed or any dog that shows agressive behavior to other dogs or people, take the time to educate yourself and train your dog. Many dogs are a product of the bad breeding and they should never be in the hands of a person who is not educated on dealing with these breeds. Many attacks are unnessary. Now the Quinones have to deal with the heartbreak of losing their beloved dog; the emotional loss for their kids because there were dog owners who could not take the time to educate themselves or train their dogs as a responsible citizen. No other dog, person, or fence should be to blame but the Lowrys'.

Food for thought wrote on Nov 6, 2006 6:35 AM:It might be a good solution if pitt bull owners have to prove they have their dog/s under control before they receive a license. My neighbor has a pitt bull that is allowed to roam and it has entered my property and attacked my dog while she was calmly standing right next to me. She was under control and not challenging the pitt in any way, shape or form. I have seen the pitt bull owner try to call his dog to him and it rarely responds. He will chase it around a while if he really wants the dog, otherwise he gives up. Another of my neighbors, a woman in her sixties, used to walk her maltese daily on our road. She had to stop all walks, with or without her pet, due to the pitt bull running at her threatening to attack her and/or her little dog. The pitt bull owner has yet to fence his yard or obedience train his dog. I bet if you asked him though, he would declare he truly loves his pet. Pity he doesn't love his neighbors. To deter the dog from my land, I have gone a few times to the adjoining fenceline and when the dog runs at my property, I crack a bull whip in the air and yell, NO! This has worked so far. It has been a couple of months since the dog has entered my property. I do not know if obedience training would make the difference, but common sense says it would.

kathy wrote on Nov 15, 2006 11:33 AM:okay, no dog is 'evil'. thats just ridiculous. ANY dog with teeth has the potential to bite. to ban an entire breed wouldnt solve any problem... then pittbulls wont be the most likely to bite, another dog breed would. are you gonna ban them too? i have a better idea; require all owners to take training courses in managing dogs. this way, only those really serious about having a dog will be the ones who own these animals. these people will be more likely take care of the animals they have. too many stupid and irresponsible people are allowed to own animals. they dont know anything about their natural behavior and expect them to be 'good'. or they allow them to escape their yards or run free with out any enclosure. its true there are some bad dogs but in general you cant blame an entire breed for the actions of a few uncontrolled animals. a person just needs to know what each breed needs and what the were bred for before the take one as a pet. rotties and pitbulls were bred for protection. with out an outlet for their bred in characteristics and behavioral tendancies and the proper care and training specific to them they are gonna have behavioral problems, and you know what? its not the dogs fault. they cant go out and hire a trainer or install a chain-link fence big enough to run around in. for example, can you really blame a large rotty, kept in a 10 by 10 kennel away from social interaction all his life, spending every maddening day locked, up watching everything around him treat him like hes some vicious killer bcz hes big and loud...and one day he escapes his prison? what do you expect him to do after never being properly socialized or trained. i mean, we've all been bitten by dogs, some are honestly vicious and sick, but to say that they are all 'evil' and all deserve to be banned is just stupid. really people, get a grip. if anything needs to be banned its stupid people. its terrible that that family had to lose one of their pets, a family member in ideal cases. i agree totally that the 'blame' should be on the owners of the pitts. and now that they did kill another animal, they probably should be euthanized. but that doesnt really punnish the owners- we cant put them to sleep., but they need to be punnished for the pomeranians death also. mostly i think people need to be regulated, not the dogs. and you cant be prejudiced against any breed. thats practically racism but on an animal scale. you need to train your dog or confine it properly or you have no business owning any animal. and if dogs can break into a yard, theres a good chance they can escape it too, so we're just lucky the aussie wasnt vicious or he could have done the exact same thing to someone elses beloved pet.

lovesNICEdogs wrote on Nov 22, 2006 5:19 PM:I am so sorry for the poor little Riley. A horrible way to go! And to the idiot pitbull defenders: 1) Pitbulls were bred to fight other dogs. They are extremely dog-aggressive and very focused and efficient towards killing other dogs 2) Pitbulls don't obey normal dog behaviour, eg, the attacked dog shows submission; normal dogs stop. Pits will kill anyway. 3) You can't compare a poodle nipping to a pitbull attack although you all try. It's the difference between being run into by a motorbike at 15mph and a Hummer at 90mph. Other dogs may fight other dogs but it stops with submissive behaviour and it isn't to the death. 4) The pit bull owners are COMPLETELY to blame! And the pits are to blame! The fact that they came THROUGH an existing fence only shows how lethal they are now; putting the blame on Riley's owners to "test" their fence (just how would one go about doing that anyway!) is ridiculous. 5) Over the course of a 15 year lifespan, dogs will get out of the house or yard on occasion. There's no way a pitbull can be guaranteed to be secured 100% of the time, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for 15 years to keep the neighborhood safe. The pit is going to get out. Requiring owners to keep pets secure isn't workable. Having a pit-bull free neighborhood is!! 6) Why would anyone want to keep these vicious animals? Okay, I'll acknowledge that they're probably pretty sweet with their owners (some of them, anyway) but so aren't a lot of other dogs that won't cause this level of pain and destruction. Why not a complete pitbull ban and let the breed die out. No loss to humanity, society or other dogs. Why not get a nice, sweet dog that LIKES other dogs, maybe even likes kids?

Allan wrote on Nov 26, 2006 9:47 AM:Let's get real here. The Mrs. looks a little too happy after the dog attack to be described as having difficulty in getting past this horrible act. DON'T leave your dogs outside unattended. They are a huge ressponsibility that must be regarded when you get a pet. Do they leave their small children outside unattended, the dogs being the baby sitters. I have had all kinds of breed of dogs, from the so-called sweet Jack Russell to the so called killer Pit Bull. In 40 years, I have never had an incident as I am a responsible pet owner (with children). To say that ALL Pit Bulls won't stop on command, walk away etc. is ridiculous at best. Spend the cash, train your dogs, don't chain them in a yard all day, To own a Pit Bulls requires ever diligence of watching behaviors, being consistant and above all socialization. This dog is NOT for everyone. Nor is it a dog that is only owned because you want it to fight. Ours was afraid of the Squirrels outside. The Devil Dog du jour was the previously the Doberman (Remember the movie They kill their masters?) and then the Shepard and Rott. Pits make great press because of videos that you see them on all the time. The bad ass dog. If you can't secure these dogs and spend the timne with them, DON"T own them.

courtney wrote on Dec 1, 2006 2:30 PM:This incident goes to show it is the dog owners irresponsiblity that gives "pit bulls" a bad repuation. It is unfortunate the owners of the attacking dogs have not learned the importance of socialization and training when having such a powerful breed. "Pit bulls" are great, they actually passed the Animal Canine Tempermant Test 4th highest out of 144 breeds. They have been proven to have a better tempermant than the breeds of the dogs they attacked. As I said before it is the owners fault not the dogs.

Moe wrote on Dec 23, 2006 7:45 PM:My pit bull was attacked by a golden retriever. My samoyed was attacked by a border collie and a golden retriever. Both were leashed at the time of the attacks and not even aware of the attackers. These were 3 seperate instances. Goes to show pit bulls arent the only dogs capable of attacking another dog.

doug wrote on Dec 30, 2006 10:47 PM:yes it's always the owners fault not the breed it's the deed. How many kids, dogs cats must die before you all get it!. Not all amimals are equal!! we don't live with tigers and lions because we found out along time ago it's dangerous. We humans have bred a monster, suitable for fighting but not as house pet. Many children will have to die but the pitbull ban will come.

Shaylee wrote on Apr 10, 2007 5:19 PM:Well I feel for the loss of Riley it is stories like these that are pressing forward on the ignorance of people. No dog is born visious and a "vicious dog law" is rediculous. Pit bulls are no more visious then any other breed. All dogs learn there behaviors from their owners. And it IS the owners who should be held responsible. Well I do not dissagree with more meassure being taken towards the dogs the attacked Riley. A dog who has attacked a child should not be aloud to EVER roam free. But NO "pit bull" is born visious. And it is also the lable of "pit bull" that I believe brought this story to were it is today. Why wouldn't it? Media eat up pit bull stories, and spread ignorance on a great loving and loyal breed. Well I am sorry for your loss. I do not share your ignorance.

Megan wrote on Apr 22, 2007 5:33 PM:Pitbulls have an unfair rap. They were bred as fighting dogs, so yes, genetically they have dog-on-dog aggression. HOWEVER; they were also selectively bred to be loyal, loving, little furry balls of affection to their humans. It is sad that the Pom died, but in all honesty, the dogs would not be likely to attack a child. Also, why is the owner of the Labrador not taking responsibility for allowing his/her dog loose? The Pits should NOT be euthanized, but the owners do need to be educated about securing the dogs. They need to be supervised at all times when outdoors and off-leash.

Michael wrote on May 12, 2007 4:44 AM:I was out walking this morning when my German Shepherd was attacked by 2 pitbulls. To cut a long story short they savaged her so horifically that she had to be put down. She was in our family for 11 years and is now gone. After 20 minutes of trying to free her I went for help, during this time the owner managed to get his 2 dogs off and left the scene (what a hero). Pit bulls are a waste of space.

Earl wrote on Jun 13, 2007 8:14 AM:None of this would have taken place if the lab owner was responsible enough to keep their dog where it belongs. I own a Rott and a Pit and keep my dogs where they belong. They are also well trained. All my family is trained also to reconize any potential chance of agression when we walk our talks. Pits are a loveable and loyal breed.

hadiya wrote on Oct 4, 2007 4:03 PM:i hope the best my dog ran away so i know the feeling'

jordan s. wrote on Nov 26, 2007 12:42 PM:there was a recent story in charlotte of a pom killing a child. all dogs have aggression and when they are wild up they are all lethal. it is unjust to ban off a breed with potential to prove all the media wrong. i own a pit bull it has gotten loose twice in my neighborhood(this was my fault), though i was irrespoinsible at the time my dog neither killed or attacked ANY human or animal. my dog is a lover. he is sweet and would never attack unless he felt like he was being intimidated which is what any dog would do. it all comes from the training of the dog. all dogs have a potential of being dangerous, i had half of my head ripped open by a german shepard, but you don't see me out there trying to ban the breed for a careless owner. i have also had a cocker spaniel latch on to my arm and not let go for two minutes. ban the deed not the breed.

geoff wrote on Feb 1, 2008 8:17 PM:I just have to say tell my sister's similar story. Her neighbor, and friend, had a Pit Bull. Her neighbor was over at her house working on her ceiling fan. She let her Pomeranian out into the back yard. My sister walked outside to get Simba, her Pom. She saw her neighbor's Pit with Simba in its mouth shaking it. She called her neighbor and he used a bat to beat his own Pit Bull to death. Good ridance as far as I am concerned. Yes, Simba died, too.

Sally M wrote on Apr 15, 2008 7:10 AM:The owners of the pitbulls should be the first ones to suggest the dogs be put down. How can you propose you are a responsible dog owner and keep a dog that clearly has issues.

Roger wrote on May 9, 2008 5:08 PM:My rottweiler that once killed two pitbulls; when I wasnt home, got back from work, learned that two pitbulls had somehow gotten into my backyard, and my dog being a guard dog killed both of them. =O they were nice dogs; but owners should have more responsibility, if i was still at home those dogs wouldnt have died. I still feel bad about that

UV wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:32 PM:I have owned a collie, mastiff, two miniature pinschers, two American eskimos and now an American pit bull terrier (in addition to dozens of other pet animals!). I disagree with some comments that have suggested that pit bull owners are of a certain nature or want to portray a certain imagine. I have owned dogs of various sizes and assumed temperaments due to a desire to rescue unwanted dogs. Interestingly, my pit bull is the most docile of all the dogs I've owned. He is quick to please and is friendly to all people; he also lives indoors and in harmony with my tabby cat, two canaries and five fish. I did not expect this of the pit bull, and I recommend that other responsible individuals own an American pit bull before assuming too much about this breed.

There is truth in the comments that American pit bulls were bred to fight other dogs and large game; this was originally done in 18th and 19th century Europe. However, one must remember that pit bulls were also bred for their stamina, courage, intelligence, playfulness, obedience and loyalty to humans. It is unfortunate that some people have taken advantage of the American pit bull's qualities and incorrectly bred them for aggression, fighting and as a means to wrongfully make money. The negative characteristics are not due to the dog itself, but to incorrect breeding and lack of proper obedience and training by owners.

As a journalist and editor for eight years, I also have to express my disappointment in the media's desire to cover juicy stories and the over-representation of aggressive pit bull stories. The media does not cast a full light on all issues. And, if I can digress, even statistics should be taken with caution; there is no consistency on where figures are obtained, the ratio of aggressive to non-aggressive pit bulls (since many pets are unreported), the number of medical emergencies from certain-breed dog attacks (since injuries made by small dogs are less reported and don't receive medical attention as often as injuries made by larger dogs), and other variables.

My heart goes to the Quinones, Lowrys and others who have been emotionally or physically hurt by dogs of any breed. All people, and dogs, deserve some understanding.