heatheranna

http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines... Tucson, Arizona | Published: 07.16.2007 "Question: Are there any statistics on the breeds of dogs most often reported to have attacked and injured people in the U.S.? Answer: A study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2000 examined the breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998. The top five breeds were pit-bull types, Rottweilers, German shepherds, husky types and Malamutes. The top 20 breeds include Dobermans, St. Bernards, Great Danes and Labrador retrievers. However, the Humane Society of the United States has taken a stand against using breed-based dog-bite numbers to regulate dog ownership. It contends that unless the numbers of a specific breed are known, it is impossible to statistically calculate which are the most dangerous breeds. For example, if a study indicates that there are five bites by golden retrievers and 10 bites by pit bulls, but there are 100 retrievers in the community and 500 pit bulls, then statistically the retrievers are the breed more likely to bite."

There is no uniform way of collecting this data and conditions other than breed must be considered to be scientific. We know that intact males and chained dogs attack more. Children are likely victims b/c they don't see warning signs. The presence of food or puppies are a risk or a female in heat. The PURPOSE someone has a dog is the main risk factor. I have two adopted pit bulls as family dogs. My dogs are trained and obedient. Many pit bull owners seek the dogs for status, image, fighting, breeding or train them for protection, hence more pit bulls are involved in attacks. Plus pit bulls are one of the most common dog breeds even if they aren't officially counted by AC or the city.. there is only 50% compliance with these laws among ALL breeds and it is higher among people who are casual dog owners or into illegal activities. These dogs were VERY popular family dogs in the late 19th and early 20c. People ruined this dog breed and they very well may ruin another if this one is banned.

Also, many people just turn their dogs loose when there is a ban instead of turning them in or paying to have them pts. Then you will have more of the worst dogs (from the worst owners) running loose. I HATE irresponsible dog owners of all kinds. I have loose labs run up and harass me and my dogs and it ticks me off. I see pit bulls in the news and I HATE thier owners.. the owners need to be barred from owning dogs!!!!