"In all that time I have had to have one dog put to sleep due to aggression. Through no fault of her own she was put on the end of a chain and not socialised. By the time she came to me it was too late and I didn't feel safe putting her into another home.
Posing her son with one of the pit bulls |
"This would've happened regardless of breed - dogs need socialisation, affection and boundaries. A dog on a chain or locked in a yard had no idea how to react to the outside world and will usually react aggressively out of fear. Being owned by a family doesn't necessarily make it a family dog.
"I personally own a pit bull that came through my rescue. He is desexed, well socialised, well trained and is an all round good dog. I have two young children and trust him.
"My pit bull was recently attacked at our local dog park by an aggressive bichon frise. This dog repeatedly went for my dog's throat and was out for blood. My dog submitted and waited for me to save him from he attack.
"Had my dog been the aggressor it would've made headlines, but because he's the big bad pit bull and it's 'only a bichon' it's apparently ok, funny even.
"People need to wake up and realise that dogs are the same regardless of breed and need to be respected and treated well.
"Once we start putting more attention onto the owners and make being a dog owner mean something, things may begin to change.
"While the breed is condemned we will get nowhere."
[I might be inclined to believe her if only I could see these photos of these kids, elderly people, cats, dogs, ponies, goats and other pets which have been torn to pieces by these aggressive Bichons.]
(Stuff.co.nz - June 20, 2013)