General Discussion

NashvilleLefty

(811 posts)

215. Welcome to DU, but I have to ask HOW you knew that they were Pit Bulls.

Tue Dec 4, 2012, 12:07 AM

Dec 2012

This is a big issue here on DU for several reasons.

First of all, because so many breeds are mistaken for Pit Bulls but are actually other breeds.
Secondly, because so many breeds have been mistaken for Pit Bulls that Breed-specific lawas have been passed.
The CDC is often quoted, but they are actually AGAINST breed-specific legislation.
Pit Bulls are actually some of the most family-friendly breeds historically.

Did you know that pit-bulls have been iconoclast as some of the most American dogs in the history os the US?

As a dog-lover, I could see that some clueless person who had no control over their mixed-breed dogs allowed them to attack your legally restrained dog.

But don't try to blame it on the breed, or on the dogs.

I'm not trying to denigrate what happened to your dog - there are larger implications. Please be aware of those.

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My 30 pound dog was attacked by three unleashed pit bulls [View all] Mangoman Dec 2012 OP

Owners helpless? Unleashed? Panasonic Dec 2012 #1

The post says the police and animal control were involved. Marrah_G Dec 2012 #5

The police were called and animal control Mangoman Dec 2012 #6

Owners? Doremus Dec 2012 #15

Sorry for the confusion Mangoman Dec 2012 #21

Oh how terrifying! Barack_America Dec 2012 #2

thank you for evilhime Dec 2012 #57

K&R as a warning - something terrifyingly similar occurred in our neighborhood. nt AnotherMother4Peace Dec 2012 #3

Pitbulls need borders. They should rarely be roaming free in an unconfined area. JaneyVee Dec 2012 #4

it is good to be prepared with something for those dogs quinnox Dec 2012 #7

My neighbors have two male unneutered pit bulls and they TwilightGardener Dec 2012 #8

Having seen my dachshund attacked at the beach Patiod Dec 2012 #68

Poor wiener dog! Dachshunds are pretty tough characters themselves-- TwilightGardener Dec 2012 #75

Our neighbors two chesies attacked my old sick Wheaten in front of me last year glinda Dec 2012 #89

What an awful story. Yes, that is exactly what I am afraid of-- TwilightGardener Dec 2012 #115

Aw, I love Wheatens Jersey Devil Dec 2012 #172

He really loved those dogs---not. roody Dec 2012 #205

92% of al fatal attacks involve male dogs........ kooljerk666 Dec 2012 #99

Yep, that is why I am particularly afraid. Now, these dogs TwilightGardener Dec 2012 #116

I had a neighbor like that once. MineralMan Dec 2012 #175

We also have two cats, we don't let them outside at all (two TwilightGardener Dec 2012 #180

Here in MN, our cats are all indoors. That incident happened in MineralMan Dec 2012 #182

I don't blame you, especially in a situation involving children. TwilightGardener Dec 2012 #188

The thing about pit bull owners, especially the ones MineralMan Dec 2012 #191

I guess they are too lazy to walk roody Dec 2012 #208

Yeah, I'm completely secure in my sexuality and manliness jollyreaper2112 Dec 2012 #9

How is that not sexist and unnecessary? Eyes of the World Dec 2012 #38

Some of the best dog trainers I know are women adigal Dec 2012 #52

Rule #1) only own weapons that are under your operational control. Not semi-autonomous. n/t lumberjack_jeff Dec 2012 #151

I always carry a .22 pistol with me when I walk the trail near my house. Ganja Ninja Dec 2012 #10

Yep. I was going to mention something similar. Xithras Dec 2012 #61

How is poor Milo doing? peacebird Dec 2012 #11

I rescued Milo when he was young Mangoman Dec 2012 #17

I cannot even imagine how horrible it must have been for you and Milo. He is a lucky puppy to have peacebird Dec 2012 #32

my dogs would not let me protect them hfojvt Dec 2012 #90

any off leash and unreliable dog is a bad idea TorchTheWitch Dec 2012 #12

You said it so well. dixiegrrrrl Dec 2012 #158

animal control is great here, too TorchTheWitch Dec 2012 #169

Well said - I have one idiot neighbor who lets his dogs loose Jersey Devil Dec 2012 #173

I am so sorry to hear this. peace13 Dec 2012 #13

I would think that the landlord would also be liable as the dog was being kept on his/her avebury Dec 2012 #109

She went all routes trying to settle. peace13 Dec 2012 #155

I kind of wondered if you sister had gone to small claims avebury Dec 2012 #156

Good vibes for your dog and you. KurtNYC Dec 2012 #14

Years ago, our German Shepherd puppy was almost killed by a neighbor's pitbull qanda Dec 2012 #16

Fighting dogs tama Dec 2012 #20

pitbulls are ideal for fighting dogs because regardless of how harshly TorchTheWitch Dec 2012 #189

I'm not expert tama Dec 2012 #197

Lovers of the breed don't breed. roody Dec 2012 #209

lovers of any breed breed for health and temperament TorchTheWitch Dec 2012 #241

Yeah right. Professional dog breeders are 100% responsible people. TheMadMonk Dec 2012 #255

As a shelter volunteer, I'll settle roody Dec 2012 #261

And the same can be said of German Shepherds standingtall Dec 2012 #211

I had a similar experience, but only one dog was running loose. Arkansas Granny Dec 2012 #18

I'd call an attorney, too. CrispyQ Dec 2012 #19

Thanks for the good advice Mangoman Dec 2012 #23

Your local bar association can give you a referral--most bar associations have attorneys msanthrope Dec 2012 #86

An attorney would be appropriate. jonthebru Dec 2012 #87

absolutely TorchTheWitch Dec 2012 #192

Cool story, bro. ceile Dec 2012 #22

why don't you believe them? quinnox Dec 2012 #25

Post removed Post removed Dec 2012 #30

I'm sorry you have that problem Mangoman Dec 2012 #31

Ignore that poster Stuckinthebush Dec 2012 #53

The pit was laying down Mangoman Dec 2012 #62

Horrifying Stuckinthebush Dec 2012 #107

It's not amazing tama Dec 2012 #219

Don't mind that poster qanda Dec 2012 #101

I believe you... Quantess Dec 2012 #104

I apologize AlexSatan Dec 2012 #178

Because very few people are able to accurately identify American Staffordshire Terriers Recursion Dec 2012 #82

That's right, there's a lot of confusion about dog "types". Ligyron Dec 2012 #146

And not all dogs that fit into the 'pitbull' category are renie408 Dec 2012 #157

Well, actually, you're completely wrong. "Pit bulls" are American Staffordshire Terriers Recursion Dec 2012 #165

Actually, that is not correct. Ligyron Dec 2012 #223

So you're defining a class of dog by non-adherence to a breeding standard? Recursion Dec 2012 #227

not exactly... Ligyron Dec 2012 #228

So how would you identify if a dog meets your criteria for being a "pit bull"? Recursion Dec 2012 #233

Don't Judge a Book by it's Cover or Appearances Can Be Deceiving Ligyron Dec 2012 #242

I think he was addressing the "cool story, bro" poster. MineralMan Dec 2012 #194

RIght, I was assuming the "cool story, bro" came because of the phrase "pit bull" Recursion Dec 2012 #212

The term pit bull is a broader term than American Staffordshire Terriers. pnwmom Dec 2012 #248

Pardon me ? Mangoman Dec 2012 #28

you're post is the reason why Javaman Dec 2012 #36

+1 obamanut2012 Dec 2012 #56

Classy Le Taz Hot Dec 2012 #69

Hah? Warren DeMontague Dec 2012 #139

Not cool, bro. MineralMan Dec 2012 #176

it is completely unacceptable for brokechris Dec 2012 #24

I am sick of people letting their dogs run free... Comrade_McKenzie Dec 2012 #26

In California there are leash laws. At a minimum those people should be required to pay for your still_one Dec 2012 #27

The OP can sue them CountAllVotes Dec 2012 #48

How sad - because it's not human we kill them without due process. n/t IDoMath Dec 2012 #130

That is the law CountAllVotes Dec 2012 #133

An unjust law is an unjust law IDoMath Dec 2012 #136

You've obviously never heard of someone being shot by police. Heywood J Dec 2012 #224

The owner has every right to make a court battle of it and SOME in fact DO spend... TheMadMonk Dec 2012 #257

Not really, what if that were a child? Would that change your perspective? The OPs dog was almost still_one Dec 2012 #198

Since the OP was bitten he might be able to sue the owners for emotional distress, as well. nt JudyM Dec 2012 #252

when I lived in Europe, brokechris Dec 2012 #29

and that's why their dogs have gotten so wimpy Enrique Dec 2012 #35

Bullshit. That's a working dog with a funny haircut. AtheistCrusader Dec 2012 #49

Agreed, Poodles are not wimpy dogs! Marrah_G Dec 2012 #72

They're actually pretty damn mean MynameisBlarney Dec 2012 #118

I've heard that Marrah_G Dec 2012 #121

Yup. MynameisBlarney Dec 2012 #132

I have two MuseRider Dec 2012 #187

Hmm MynameisBlarney Dec 2012 #229

Ha, Ha. FlaGranny Dec 2012 #103

I take it you've never dealt with a poodle TrogL Dec 2012 #114

And one of te smartest breeds. nt Ilsa Dec 2012 #184

Standard poodles were bred to hunt bears Recursion Dec 2012 #149

Tell that to Lukanikos tama Dec 2012 #220

This is a fascinating story. EmeraldCityGrl Dec 2012 #225

Post removed Post removed Dec 2012 #33

Horrible JustAnotherGen Dec 2012 #34

Kill the dogs... Bigmack Dec 2012 #37

Well, that's both unreasonable and illegal. TwilightGardener Dec 2012 #43

Very reasonable .... Bigmack Dec 2012 #77

LOL, I have seen that sign before. But anyway, I don't TwilightGardener Dec 2012 #84

Not arbitrary... packs of roaming dogs are a clear and present danger.. nt Bigmack Dec 2012 #97

That's where I found myself Mangoman Dec 2012 #44

What kind of dog is Milo? Patiod Dec 2012 #74

Milo is a border collie blue heeler mix Mangoman Dec 2012 #92

Terrible stuff Franker65 Dec 2012 #39

There is a bad area not far from where I live CountAllVotes Dec 2012 #40

so that area is essentially off limits to you Enrique Dec 2012 #42

if it sickening really CountAllVotes Dec 2012 #45

Post removed Post removed Dec 2012 #41

Yep. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #46

i walk my dog in the woods all the time blueknight Dec 2012 #47

I have done dog rescue for 5 years, and I had to put a dog down a few weeks ago adigal Dec 2012 #50

Pit Bulls were bred specifically to kill other dogs BlueCaliDem Dec 2012 #51

Yes , milo will be ok Mangoman Dec 2012 #100

This has been the brightest news to me for the day. BlueCaliDem Dec 2012 #128

Life's Abundance CountAllVotes Dec 2012 #143

I'm sorry to read that. It must have been devastating for you and your family BlueCaliDem Dec 2012 #195

major differences CountAllVotes Dec 2012 #235

Indeed. A waste of good Vegemite to feed it to animals. /nt TheMadMonk Dec 2012 #258

They weren't bred to kill other dogs. JoeyT Dec 2012 #111

But they WERE bred to kill Mangoman Dec 2012 #122

So were Rat Terriers JoeyT Dec 2012 #135

A rat terrier will do less damage Marrah_G Dec 2012 #147

Oh I completely agree with you. JoeyT Dec 2012 #163

beagles and other scent hounds are/were not bred to kill Mosby Dec 2012 #159

LOL...And guess what RAT Terriers were bred to kill??? renie408 Dec 2012 #162

I had one too. JoeyT Dec 2012 #164

Laughable. flvegan Dec 2012 #266

But in more recent history they have been bred to fight other dogs Marrah_G Dec 2012 #124

Joey, I'm familiar with the history of Pit Bulls. BlueCaliDem Dec 2012 #190

I believe that is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, an English dog Ligyron Dec 2012 #230

The top image shows an American (Pit) Bull Terrier (official name) BlueCaliDem Dec 2012 #240

PEE AYE TEE. Pit. They were bred for PIT FIGHTING from dogs... TheMadMonk Dec 2012 #260

Oh, sweet ignorance. flvegan Dec 2012 #265

Yes, but I won't hold it against you. eom BlueCaliDem Dec 2012 #267

And the best you have is still pathetic and sad. eom flvegan Dec 2012 #269

what a horror. barbtries Dec 2012 #54

The owners of those dogs should be banned from owning dogs Marrah_G Dec 2012 #55

Even with smaller dogs, I always think it's a good idea to TwilightGardener Dec 2012 #59

Absolutely Marrah_G Dec 2012 #66

I think it is foolish to think that dog breeds are all about looks and not about hedgehog Dec 2012 #70

They don't particularly play nice with other dogs Marrah_G Dec 2012 #76

My dad came upon a situation like this once, he calmly walked up and teewrex Dec 2012 #58

When, where did this happen? News link? Anything to verify your story? cleanhippie Dec 2012 #60

This happened on Sugarloaf Key MM 17 Mangoman Dec 2012 #63

I used to live on Big Pine Key. I know the area well. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #73

Not sure about the newspaper Mangoman Dec 2012 #105

I have NEVER seen a dog fight make the news unless JanMichael Dec 2012 #185

around here, dog fights don't usually make the news brokechris Dec 2012 #134

I have a link to the five year old girl who was killed by a couple of loose pitbulls renie408 Dec 2012 #148

you can't be serious JanMichael Dec 2012 #179

Perhaps you missed the part where he and his wife were bit? cleanhippie Dec 2012 #210

"bit" JanMichael Dec 2012 #214

Uh, yeah, ok, dude. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #216

when I lived in Seattle, brokechris Dec 2012 #238

Thats my point. Thank You. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #239

I would only expect it if the bites to the humans brokechris Dec 2012 #264

Do you really think every aborted dog attack goes into the newspapers? pnwmom Dec 2012 #247

you're lucky the owners were around to ID, plenty of times no one claims the dogs. Sunlei Dec 2012 #64

"People should not be allowed to collect dogs like they are rose bushes. " Marrah_G Dec 2012 #67

The local shelter is filled with dogs CountAllVotes Dec 2012 #79

Pit bulls are the majority in shelters here also Marrah_G Dec 2012 #120

I was attacked twice by pit bulls dogs. texanwitch Dec 2012 #65

Get some bear spray cliffordu Dec 2012 #71

Spray... Bigmack Dec 2012 #80

Stealing. nt msanthrope Dec 2012 #88

I cannot believe the owners allowed three unleashed Pitbulls Rex Dec 2012 #78

2 days ago a friend told me that her son's pitbull got out of its kennel Zorra Dec 2012 #81

Pitbull owners rush to the defense of the attacking dogs in 3...2...1... Aristus Dec 2012 #83

Glad you and your dog survived! MynameisBlarney Dec 2012 #85

I should do that CountAllVotes Dec 2012 #94

Indeed. MynameisBlarney Dec 2012 #110

Yep it is a hunting knife CountAllVotes Dec 2012 #119

The clip knife I have MynameisBlarney Dec 2012 #141

I tried to find an image MynameisBlarney Dec 2012 #145

You'd do better with a can of pepper spray and a stout stick TorchTheWitch Dec 2012 #243

I believe the day will come soon when this breed will be banned. The Link Dec 2012 #91

You are not alone CountAllVotes Dec 2012 #95

Wow, what a story, I am sick & shaking......... kooljerk666 Dec 2012 #93

Can this collapsable baton serve as a walking cane? CountAllVotes Dec 2012 #98

I do not think so but a HD real heavy duty cane or walking stick is even better........ kooljerk666 Dec 2012 #108

I've used a 7' piece of oak handrail... MynameisBlarney Dec 2012 #126

the taser cane looks like an option CountAllVotes Dec 2012 #127

So glad you and Milo Carolina Dec 2012 #96

Many years ago ... CountAllVotes Dec 2012 #112

so true, but almost all my dogs have been Carolina Dec 2012 #131

well this dog CountAllVotes Dec 2012 #138

people are often the problem with dogs Carolina Dec 2012 #177

Carry bear spray. mzmolly Dec 2012 #102

Pit bulls are dangerous animals michigandem58 Dec 2012 #106

Carry pepper spray lbrtbell Dec 2012 #113

Yep , if the OP doesn't want to carry a handgun spray is the next best thing. former-republican Dec 2012 #251

I worked for a trainer whose yankeepants Dec 2012 #117

One thing is for sure Mangoman Dec 2012 #153

Please accept my heartfelt wishes for you and for you dog.....this is terrible Swede Atlanta Dec 2012 #123

even so, I would much rather fend off a dachshund brokechris Dec 2012 #144

Ever dealt with an angry dachshund? TrogL Dec 2012 #234

I've dealt with a lot of dogs. n/t brokechris Dec 2012 #236

So happy to read Sekhmets Daughter Dec 2012 #125

So glad you and Milo are ok. n/t TDale313 Dec 2012 #129

I am so sorry to hear about the attack on Milo. avebury Dec 2012 #137

omg. Liberal_in_LA Dec 2012 #140

SMH Mr Dixon Dec 2012 #142

Three dogs is a pack. n/t lumberjack_jeff Dec 2012 #150

My 20lb dashchund mix NOLALady Dec 2012 #152

They won't stay indoors. Plan on seeing them again. nt Bigmack Dec 2012 #167

Get the most barracuda lawyer you can find! nt raccoon Dec 2012 #154

So what did your dog do to deserve the attack? Lionessa Dec 2012 #160

I would have gladly sprayed to both dogs Mangoman Dec 2012 #166

A knife is a really bad and useless choice, truly, Lionessa Dec 2012 #168

((((Milo)))) Helen Reddy Dec 2012 #161

Stranger jumps out of bushes, stabs woman walking dog in chest several times, jtuck004 Dec 2012 #170

My 30 lb dog teenagebambam Dec 2012 #171

If the dog is off the leash it is a "bad owner" - period Jersey Devil Dec 2012 #174

Our dog is off the leash tama Dec 2012 #200

Sure, off in the woods somewhere is fine but Jersey Devil Dec 2012 #203

Understood tama Dec 2012 #218

So sorry to hear this. Hope Milo will be ok. War Horse Dec 2012 #181

Well the sheriff called Mangoman Dec 2012 #183

sounds more like they gave a false address TorchTheWitch Dec 2012 #245

I'm terribly sorry. Lefta Dissenter Dec 2012 #186

How terrible for you..... AnneD Dec 2012 #193

Sorry to hear that, hope your dog makes a full recovery. muse03 Dec 2012 #196

I won't do pit bashing War Horse Dec 2012 #207

Where is the NRA when we really need them? Ernesto Dec 2012 #199

Not Really Applicable in this thread. Remmah2 Dec 2012 #237

2 things hollysmom Dec 2012 #201

Sending positive thought and many many hugs Raine Dec 2012 #202

Pet Pitt bull = penis extension. crazyjoe Dec 2012 #204

I once saw a pack of three disassemble a cat quaker bill Dec 2012 #206

Sounds odd but.. dooner Dec 2012 #213

I was desperate and would've preferred Mangoman Dec 2012 #222

Welcome to DU, but I have to ask HOW you knew that they were Pit Bulls. NashvilleLefty Dec 2012 #215

Pick out the PITBULL...... kooljerk666 Dec 2012 #226

Good post Ligyron Dec 2012 #231

dogs 5, 15, and 25 look powerful! Look at those muscles. Liberal_in_LA Dec 2012 #244

I disagree Mangoman Dec 2012 #232

I'm looking forward to you proving up your claim. n/t flvegan Dec 2012 #217

Lol Mangoman Dec 2012 #221

Good for you. Proves nothing. next? flvegan Dec 2012 #262

The details seemed very believable to me. pnwmom Dec 2012 #246

a far better idea is pepper spray and a stout walking stick TorchTheWitch Dec 2012 #250

Thank you! n/t pnwmom Dec 2012 #254

you're very welcome TorchTheWitch Dec 2012 #256

Thanks for your opinion. n/t flvegan Dec 2012 #263

When will people learn . . . markpkessinger Dec 2012 #249

Bf and I saved a neighbor's dog from a pit mix several weeks ago. beam me up scottie Dec 2012 #253

my little guy was attacked by a pit a couple years ago... KG Dec 2012 #259

I'm sorry, but your story simply doesn't seem believable, MadHound Dec 2012 #268