Owners invariably to blame for 'dangerous' pit bulls

I was saddened and sickened to read your report (Pit-bull attack leaves party-goer seriously hurt, H&H July 30). My sympathies go out to the 24-year-old victim but the other victim in this story is the dog itself. Your article describes the dog as a pit-

I was saddened and sickened to read your report (Pit-bull attack leaves party-goer seriously hurt, H&H July 30). My sympathies go out to the 24-year-old victim but the other victim in this story is the dog itself.

Your article describes the dog as a pit-bull type which is well known to be popular with gangs who use them as a weapon to inflict pain and fear. These dogs are treated with pain and fear to bring out aggression but many dogs in this category are kind, loving and loyal.

In particular the Staffordshire Bull Terrier appeared in the top 10 breeds most suitable for families and especially children in a report researched and published by Southampton University in 1996. Your headline panders to the belief that these are naturally dangerous dogs, not dogs which have been made dangerous through cruelty by the very people who should be giving back to them some of the unconditional love and loyalty these dogs invariably demonstrate.

Jackie Healy

(by email)

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