Despite making up 6 percent of the U.S. dog population, pit bulls are responsible for 23% of dog attacks–more than any other breed–according to a 2019 study that examined 50 years of research. Of the 521 Americans killed by dogs from 2015 to 2019, 66% were attacked by pit bulls, according to DogsBite.org.
Two fatal attacks occurred last week. A one year old boy in Texas was killed by his baby sitter’s 3 Pitbulls. Days later a pack of 10 pitbull mixes killed a 50 year old man in a backyard in New York. They only stopped when a police officer shot one dead.
Pitbulls were originally bred to fight bulls. When thoat sport was outlawed in Britain in the early 1800s, breeders mixed their dogs with terriers to create a better dog for fighting. In the late 19th and early 20th century, however, Pit Bulls were regarded as loving pets. Helen Keller, Mark Twain, and Theodore Roosevelt all owned pit bulls.
What can be done to curve pit bull attacks? My uncle D. five months ago had to shoot at two pits that were roaming his neighborhood, because they were trying to attack him. After he shot, they left him alone.
Some may say more education for people who buy or adopt pit bulls is necessary. Many communities require pit bulls to be registered, be vaccinated for rabies, be sterilized, and the owner must be at least 21 years old and keep liability insurance of $100,000. In many cases, the dog must be properly confined with warning signs, and a leash and a muzzle must be used. What are your thoughts? Are pit bulls dangerous? Be sure to complete our poll.
