Rottweiler Mauls Baby to Death

[Tazwell]

Obviously I can't show you a screenshot, since the original text is gone. But I'm telling you, it DID say Pit Bulls. You can see in the story and video that everybody thought they were Pit Bulls at first anyway, and they only identified them as American Bulldogs after they were taken into Animal Control and the owner was contacted.

I'm in Detroit, also, and all the news channels ID'd them as Pit Bulls at first, as well.

Perhaps I was looking at a different article at first, and the one that is in question was published later. I'm not on LB's side at all, and don't doubt that (he?) changed the text. I just know what I heard first.

 

[Sunnierhawk0]

*sigh*

 

[Herschel]

Tazwell, I believe you. I'm not really sure why people are calling you a liar? Either way--it is tragic.

 

[LB2007]

Go back to the end of page three, the news article with the Pits bulls listed is there.

 

[LuvinBullies]

Obviously I can't show you a screenshot, since the original text is gone. But I'm telling you, it DID say Pit Bulls. You can see in the story and video that everybody thought they were Pit Bulls at first anyway, and they only identified them as American Bulldogs after they were taken into Animal Control and the owner was contacted.

I'm in Detroit, also, and all the news channels ID'd them as Pit Bulls at first, as well.

Perhaps I was looking at a different article at first, and the one that is in question was published later. I'm not on LB's side at all, and don't doubt that (he?) changed the text. I just know what I heard first.

There's not a doubt in my mind the media probably first reported the dogs as "Pit Bulls"- that's what they always do. *sigh*

I don't think anyone is lying here, either- just repeating what the news said. The media ALWAYS hooks the audience with a "Pit Bull attack" story first- then the truth comes out later. That's why I don't crosspost or link articles of attack stories...they are always sensationalized to rip the reader's heart out and blame whatever breed of dog they feel packs the most punch at the moment. They manipulate the reader's emotions to continue the cycle of hate and ignorance concerning these dogs. Anything that even resembles a bulldog will be reported as a "Pit Bull" and anything big with black & tan (or anything close) markings will be reported as a Rottweiler.

Tazwell- I don't think you are lying at all. Not in the least.

LB- I hope you don't feel attacked. Stick around and I'm sure you will grow to understand why some of us are so quick to defend these dogs and why we work so hard to stop the spread of such negative hype. Like I said- it's tough to be the most hated breeds of dogs in the world. (Rottweilers and APBTs)

 

[drmom777]

I don't much like this argument. Why are we better off demonizing American Bulldogs, than any other bully breed? I am a fan of both the APBT and American Bulldog and it doesn't make a hill of beans of difference to me, the story still s#cks!

 

[LuvinBullies]

Why are we better off demonizing American Bulldogs, than any other bully breed?

Oh goodness I didn't think that's what anyone was doing...if I missed that I'm sorry. I'm against any form of breed-specific labeling in a negative press article. I think the argument was not against the American Bulldog so much as it was against those who reported the story mis-labeling the dogs as "Pit Bulls". But I see your point...when you start getting breed-specific it's all prejudice.

 

[drmom777]

I think what we want the article to say is "Pack of undersocialized, untrained dogs attacks....."

 

[LuvinBullies]

I think what we want the article to say is "Pack of undersocialized, untrained dogs attacks....."

You got it. That would be paradise, wouldn't it? Shangri-La.

 

[Groch]

I'm against any form of breed-specific labeling in a negative press article. I think the argument was not against the American Bulldog so much as it was against those who reported the story mis-labeling the dogs as "Pit Bulls". But I see your point...when you start getting breed-specific it's all prejudice.

I am very confused by some of the comments on this thread. Is the problem that the breed identified was not accurate?

Or, do you think that it is more honest if only positive articles be written that mention breeds, and that any negative articles should not mention breeds even if they are accurate?

As an owner of a bully breed are you saying that it is better if the world is ignorant that these large strong dogs who were originally bred to fight can ever be dangerous?

Bully type dogs are more popular now than ever in the history of this country. Many of those dogs are poorly bred and poorly trained. These dogs DO pose a danger. I think being honest and accurate is the best policy to educate the public and work out solutions that let conscientious owners of well bred dogs keep their pets, but also protect the public.

I am sure you are not arguing that keeping the public ignorant of a real problem is the best solution.

 

[simplymisty]

I will agree that when I see Pit Bull attack I get an even more negative feeling for them than I already have.

BUT for me, I've NEVER met a "good" pit. The problem is that where I live, animal control sucks and doesn't get a better handle on the owners who breed these dogs to fight. My 3 dogs were attacked by one then they took it back to the owner. A week later it killed my neighbors dog, again they took it back. DUH!

Finally after it attacked a child they fined the owner and put it down. Instead of just taking the dog back maybe they should look closer at the owners.

I agree that it's not the dog, it's the owners and what they do with the dogs. I just wish that I could get the "negative" out of my head, but I don't think that will personally happen for me until I meet one that has a good/responsible owner.

The dog fights are so bad just in my area that when my dogs go the groomer, vet, boarded, etc. if they also have a pit or will have a pit during the time of my dogs stay - my dogs will NOT stay there. Again, this is just due to the fact that I know that most of the people here are STUPID dog owners. I just can't risk my dogs.

Please know that I am just being honest and am not attacking the breed, but all the stupid owners here who think there is big money in dog fights. Again, if you know of anyone in my area who are great owners, I'd love to meet their dog to finally see that there can be great owners of these dogs.

 

[simplymisty]

Thought that maybe I should add that I have a GSD another breed that has a bad rep (even my house insurance co tried to tell me I couldn't own her and get insurance on my house).

Has she attacked - YES. Am I upset about it... NO. She was trained to attack anyone who comes in our house who passes a certain point without being aknowledged. She's saved us from several break ins and she also saved my son's life when the pit got in our yard and also from another dog (mixed not sure what breed).

The police know that she is trained to attack and so far haven't had a problem because I took her through their police dog trainer. Now my youngest GSD mix - did I want to put her through it also - yes. Did I? No, only because the trainer didn't recomend it since she's such a scared dog. We both agreed that that kind of training on a dog like her could be very dangerous since she can be unpredicable. Which then would make me one of those STUPID dog owners.

Sorry for the double post, I've been bashed here before and just wanted to make it clear that I know it's NOT the dog, it's the owner. I even left a rescue that I fostered for because they would rescue pits then take them to the kill shelter to be put down.

Heck - my golden could act just like the pits I've experienced if he had the right training, any dog could. It's just sad that "pits" happen to be the chosen breed so they get the bad rap.

For Rotties - just my 02, I don't care what I read about the attacking - I grew up w/ my uncle having them and after what that dog did to put out a fire and save his life, I'll never have an ill feeling toward the breed.

I think we can all agree that we HATE STUPID DOG OWNERS because they give all of us and our dogs a bad rap. It's just sad that it's too easy for people to own a dog. If only you had to go through all the checks and no notice spot checks that you have to when you foster. I'll keep dreaming.

 

[Squishy22]

I didn't mean it as a justification for the attack, I know it wasn't.
A cat Buster doesn't know doesn't have to provoke him, it doesn't justify his beahviour around strange animals but it helps come to an answer.

Why the hell would you A. Take a baby to a party and B. Take a dog to a party? WTF!?

I agree totally that the dog should NOT have been to a party with a baby. Stupid thing to do!

 

[LuvinBullies]

I will agree that when I see Pit Bull attack I get an even more negative feeling for them than I already have.

BUT for me, I've NEVER met a "good" pit. The problem is that where I live, animal control sucks and doesn't get a better handle on the owners who breed these dogs to fight. My 3 dogs were attacked by one then they took it back to the owner. A week later it killed my neighbors dog, again they took it back. DUH!

Yours is an all too common occurrence when people allow their dogs to roam at large. My biggest pet peeve is people allowing their dogs to roam offleash. I am sorry to hear your dogs were attacked- did the "Pit Bull" attack your dogs while you were walking them or in your yard? I'm sure that was awful. What did the owner say? Did you or your neighbor confront him about having an offleash dog? What are the leash laws in your area like?

Finally after it attacked a child they fined the owner and put it down. Instead of just taking the dog back maybe they should look closer at the owners.

WHAT? That's horrible. Was the child okay??? What did the owner have to say for himself? Were charges were brought against him? Did the parents of the child have his butt thrown in jail?!

I agree that it's not the dog, it's the owners and what they do with the dogs. I just wish that I could get the "negative" out of my head, but I don't think that will personally happen for me until I meet one that has a good/responsible owner.

My two (and a half) year old son Slade says hello and he hopes you are doing well today. He would like to introduce you to Dante (avatar), his APBT and best good buddy. His mommy teaches him everyday how to treat all animals properly and he wants you to know he loves his dog very much and is very sorry Dante reminds you of dogs you've had such bad experiences with. He promises Dante is a good dog.

The dog fights are so bad just in my area that when my dogs go the groomer, vet, boarded, etc. if they also have a pit or will have a pit during the time of my dogs stay - my dogs will NOT stay there. Again, this is just due to the fact that I know that most of the people here are STUPID dog owners. I just can't risk my dogs.

I completely understand why you feel the way you do based on what you've said. But I can PROMISE you this: no crusty dogfighter will ever take their dog to the groomer and I highly doubt would pay to board their animal either. The vet maybe but that's debatable. If you see a "Pit" at the groomers it's probably a Staffordshire or an APBT who competes in conformation/agility/or is a therapy dog/beloved pet etc. While it is indeed possible the owner of such a dog could be irresponsible and/or stupid- my suggestion to you is instead of turning tail and leaving with assumptions talk to the owner for awhile. Find out what they do with their dog. Heck- ask the dog's name and give him/her a scratch. Be careful when doing this, though. You might get completely drowned in slobbery kisses if you aren't careful.

Please know that I am just being honest and am not attacking the breed, but all the stupid owners here who think there is big money in dog fights. Again, if you know of anyone in my area who are great owners, I'd love to meet their dog to finally see that there can be great owners of these dogs.

I appreciate your honesty and I have made every effort to put myself in your shoes. I do not blame you for your feelings based on your encounters. I blame a lot of things...but not you. Hopefully one day some of the negativity you feel toward the breed can be softened and you, too, may empathize with the most hated breed of dog in the world. Even if you just are able to give an APBT a pat and tell him he's a good boy I'll be satisfied.

 

[simplymisty]

We had a crapy chain link fence w/ a gap where the handle went down. The "pit" ran there to get to my dogs because they were barking. Got my goldens nose through their and when they jerked their heads up, that's how it got in our yard. The owner never knew the dog was lose and due to the 911 dispatcher argueeing w/ me, the cops were delayed (since I wasn't sure if my son was hurt - just the dogs she didn't want to send anyone - my son was so upset that I couldn't find out if he had actually been bit) and the dog was gone before they got there (due to me opening all gates to try to rescue my dogs.


The child ended up being ok after a while (surgery). No, the owner of the dog was/is in a gang and threatened them. That's why all my witnesses also backed out.

Honestly, I do LOVE to read and hear about the good ones. It helps to slowly take away all the negative.

My groomer actually just got "in" with some "pit" owners and they're going to now have their group go to her to groom their dogs since she's not scared. She knows what happened to us and she's going to try to set up some appointments with them on the weekends so I can come see and start to feel more comfortable around good dogs. Plus then I'm hoping I can talk to some of the owners, etc. I'm just scared. I know that dogs and sence fear and I just can't avoid that I'm going to be fearful for a while.

THANK YOU!!!! For actually reading what I wrote and not bashing me for my feelings. Hopefully in the next couple of months I'll be able to meet that group and get to know some really great dogs. I'll PM you after I do to let you know how it went.

 

[LuvinBullies]

THANK YOU!!!! For actually reading what I wrote and not bashing me for my feelings. Hopefully in the next couple of months I'll be able to meet that group and get to know some really great dogs. I'll PM you after I do to let you know how it went.

You are more than welcome. Bashing gets us nowhere. Plus it's just not very nice .

I'd love to keep up with your "Pit Bull Therapy" . I'm just kidding with you- I take your situation quite seriously and I'm sorry to hear of YET another moron mishandling the breed. Please keep me updated- I can't wait to hear about some of your positive encounters I am absolutely positively sure you will experience. Wow- just think- what if everybody who was afraid of a certain dog breed sought out to overturn their fears by seeking out the good dogs and owners of that breed? What a different world we would live in...

Thank you.

 

[Amstaffer]

Honestly, I do LOVE to read and hear about the good ones. It helps to slowly take away all the negative.


.

I live about 1.5 hours north of you....if you are ever in the Milwaukee Area and want to meet the friendliest dog ever (Which happens to be a Amstaff aka Pit Bull) I would love to introduce you to Sal and Athena.

 

[simplymisty]

Thanks Guys!! I'll keep you updated.

I actually might need to go to WI (Waukesha) for work. If I get to head that way I'll PM you so I can meet Sal & Athena.

 

[Tazwell]

I heard that there was another dog attack, a deadly one, involving a Rottie here in Detroit... Ugh... I hope this doesn't set off some sort of "Vicious dog awareness" thing...

Anyway, I was looking for it online, and I came across this article:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070914/METRO/709140391

It has a picture of the dog that killed the 4 month old Baby

 

[drmom777]

Actually it says they don't know the breeds of dogs involved, though someone mentioned "pit bulls". Are there roving packs of dogs in Detroit? I have never seen anything like that here.