More Pit Bull attacks

[Tahuyaman]

That is exactly correct. A large percentage of "Pit Bull" attacks don't involve Pit Bulls at all.

Some involve pit bull mixes. Pit bull’s are not unfairly characterized as a dangerous breed of dog.

[donttread]

Any large-ish dog that in any way resembles an American Pit Bull Terrier, AmStaff or Bulldog will be labeled, by those who don't know what they're talking about - and that often includes the police and even shelter authorities - as a "pit bull" or "pit mix". It might only be a quarter pit bull and resemble one of those breeds in only the most superficial way, but if it becomes aggressive and injures someone, that's another "pit bull attack" for the media to chew on...and another deceptively skewed statistic for the ignorant to repeat.

I'm pretty sure the fatalities list is vetted reasonably well.

[donttread]

That is exactly correct. A large percentage of "Pit Bull" attacks don't involve Pit Bulls at all.

Yet Collies and Shepards don't kill many people. do they?

[Standing Wolf]

I'm pretty sure the fatalities list is vetted reasonably well.

No, it isn't. DNA testing is rarely if ever done on any dog by the police, shelters, or any other agency, despite the circumstances, because it's relatively expensive. Far easier and cheaper to simply say "pit bull" because they think it looks kind of like one and move on.

[Tahuyaman]

No, it isn't. DNA testing is rarely if ever done on any dog by the police, shelters, or any other agency, despite the circumstances, because it's relatively expensive. Far easier and cheaper to simply say "pit bull" because they think it looks kind of like one and move on.

Are you denying that a Pit Bull is prone to aggressive behavior and a dangerous breed of dog?

[William]

It is illegal to import American Pitbulls or Pitbull Terriers into Australia. They are classified as a restricted breed, and it is illegal to sell or give away a restricted breed. Owners who breach these rules can face fines of up to $77,000 and/or 5 years in prison - the dog may be seized and put down immediately.

They are very few, but we still get fatal attacks from Pitbulls which have been registered as something else - a Kelpie Cross or something similar. The Australian authorities say there is no such thing as a 'safe' Pitbull, no matter how loving and gentle they may seem. Children and the elderly are at the greatest risk.

[Peter1469]

It is illegal to import American Pitbulls or Pitbull Terriers into Australia. They are classified as a restricted breed, and it is illegal to sell or give away a restricted breed. Owners who breach these rules can face fines of up to $77,000 and/or 5 years in prison - the dog may be seized and put down immediately.

They are very few, but we still get fatal attacks from Pitbulls which have been registered as something else - a Kelpie Cross or something similar. The Australian authorities say there is no such thing as a 'safe' Pitbull, no matter how loving and gentle they may seem. Children and the elderly are at the greatest risk.

Down under has enough viscous wild animals to deal with.

[donttread]

You can raise one to be a seemingly friendly dog. Not every pit bull is going to attack a human being, but it’s foolish to trust any pit bull. Especially around small children.

Exactly. Well said.

[donttread]

Down under has enough viscous wild animals to deal with.

Really it seems like everything can kill you down there!

[Don29palms]

You can raise one to be a seemingly friendly dog. Not every pit bull is going to attack a human being, but it’s foolish to trust any pit bull. Especially around small children.

Apparently you didn't know that pitbulls were also called nanny dogs because people had them to babysit their children. This is one of those threads that amazes me how seemingly intelligent people can be so stupid.