So read the headlines on March 2nd, 99; one day after two separate attacks by Pit Bulls in California, one attack killing a 3-year-old girl. And what kind of reaction will this create? Most likely the typical reaction: PIT BULLS MUST BE DESTROYED! Unfortunately, it could create a push for legislation banning ownership of pit bulls in some states, counties, or municipalities.

For some reason, the media loves pit bull attacks. Even if it is only a bite, if a pit bull did it, the newspapers report it. But why do they not report other bites? I guess “Cocker Spaniel Bites Cable Guy” just isn’t an exciting headline (no offense intended to Cocker owners). In the last two years of my employment with Athens-Clarke County Animal Control, I have investigated many dog bites to humans. Of all the cases I have investigated, rarely has a pit bull been involved. But were these other bite cases in the news? I didn’t see any articles. (I hesitate to name any particular breed that most commonly bites people. In my opinion, it is an individual dog that is apt to bite, not a particular breed.)

So what am I saying, that the above news article is false? I cannot say that. Seeing a picture shows that the dog involved was truly a pit bull and the reports show the child involved truly died. What I am asking is should this incident be used to create legislation against owning pit bulls? Should this create a bias against owning them as pets? Should we turn our noses up at them and adopt the attitude that ALL pit bulls attack children? I say no.

What these headlines should do is cause us to promote responsible ownership. Pit bull owners should know the history of the breed, understand attitudes toward and risks associated with the breed. Responsible ownership eliminates problems and keeps incidents off the front page.

Since pit bulls were originally designed and bred for blood sports, the urge to rumble is often found in individual dogs. The dogs cannot be blamed for their instincts. Fighting has become part of their nature.

According to Pit Bull Rescue Central (PBRC), “ignoring or denying the real nature of these dogs can have dangerous repercussions.” If you own or are planning to adopt a pit bull, there are specific things to keep in mind to prevent the possibility of another “Pit Bull Attacks…” headline.

A fight between a pit bull and another dog can break out with no warning. I have experienced this first hand. Athens-Clarke County Animal Control seized several dogs from dog fighters. One dog impounded was a 4-month-old red brindle male. I spent time with the dog while he was at the shelter and became attached to him. When his time was up, he ended up at my house instead of in a black trash bag. I named him PeteBull, had him neutered, and he adjusted well to life with my other dogs. No problems. I felt that since he was neutered at 4 months, had never been rolled, and grew up around my other dogs, I had successfully raised him not to fight. I never observed any displays of dominance or aggression toward the other dogs. But one evening, when PeteBull was about 10 months old, I called the dogs in to eat after I got home from work. PeteBull came to the back door with an extremely swollen face, ripped up ears, and many punctures on his face and neck. That was bad. But what was worse was when I called my large mixed breed hound, Roosevelt, and he didn’t come running to the door as he usually did. If I had understood then what I am writing about now, and had been responsible, the incident could have been prevented. I have no idea what caused the fight. But for some mysterious reason, Pete had killed Roosevelt.

But maybe the reason isn’t so mysterious. According to PBRC, “You can have all the dog experience in the world, but if you really don’t understand the fighting background of these dogs, and recognize it as something real, you are likely to risk accidents. Take note that a fight can strike very suddenly, for no apparent reason. Two dogs may have been best friends for years, sleep together, cuddle, play, even eat at the same bowl and one day, something triggers one of them, and boom!!! It is not the ‘HATE’ of other dogs that will cause Pit Bulls to go at it, but an ‘urge’ to fight that has been bred into them, and is now part of the breed character.”

PBRC makes these suggestions to pit bull owners:

1. "The very best situation for a PitBull is to be the only pet. The next best situation is to have a neutered male and a spayed female. If you get two females or two males together, chances are very high that they will not always get along.

2. NEVER leave Pitbulls unsupervised with other animals. When no one is around to supervise, the dogs should be safely crated or in separate rooms.

3. Always monitor the dogs while they play, and don't let things escalate.

4. Never leave at their disposal food, bones, toys, or anything that could trigger a fight. Note that in general, the first fight is an indicator of more to come. At this point, the dogs may need to be separated at all time.

5. ALWAYS have your Pitbull on leash when you take it for a walk.

6. Do not bring an adult Pitbull in a dog park or any other area where it may come into contact with other dogs that are off leash.

7. Remember that even if it's a non-Pitbull dog that starts the hostilities, the PitBull has the genetic to finish the fight, and will most likely pay the price in the hands of the authorities.

8. Early socialization *MAY* help, but is not a guarantee against your PitBull becoming aggressive at some point in the future. ALWAYS be prepared for it!"

I am by no means a pit bull expert of any kind. I am just a pit bull lover that hates to see a wonderfully intelligent, obedient, and loving breed get a bad rap when responsible ownership could prevent that rap.

Feel free to contact Bill if you are interested in adopting a Pitbull or want more information concerning the breed, dog fighting, or just to chat. He can be reached at ACC Animal Control at 706-613-3540 or by email at: PeteBullDog@Juno.com

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