Dear Editor:
I would like to commend Mr. Jim Hague on his excellent handling of the article “Morning dog walk ends in tragedy” in the June 15, 2003 edition of the Reporter. All too often individuals uphold false images and rumors concerning pit bulls, perpetuating a negative public image of this lovable breed.
As a Weehawken resident and pit bull owner, I would like to personally thank you sir. Pit bulls have long been victims of their own bad press. It is not uncommon for pit bulls to be generalized as vicious killers, something which, they are not. As mentioned in the article by Jeff Welz, it is important for irresponsible owners to take ownership of their dogs’ actions, as well as their own. Yes, this pit bull did attack and kill another dog. One must however realize that dog aggression has been a part of these dogs for as long as they have existed.
It should be noted that there is no “pit bull” breed. There are generally three distinct, but closely related breeds commonly referred at pit bulls: the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. It was the owner’s responsibility to properly look after and restrain his dog. An animal cannot be faulted for acting on genetic predisposition. It is also essential for the public to differentiate between dog aggression and human aggression. While pit bulls have long been bred to maintain a certain level of dog aggressive characteristics, it is also the only dog breed in history to have been selectively bred for bite inhibition with humans. A pit bull that is aggressive or even attacks another dog will not necessarily behave in this manner toward humans. Any pit bull that does display aggression towards humans has been poorly bred, and a poor example of the breed. As animal lovers and responsible citizens alike, we must strive to avoid situations such as these.
Pit bulls are not an everyman’s dog. They require strict training, extensive exercise and most importantly, vigilant attention and restraint. Acquiring pit bulls from reputable breeders or rescues ensures sound temperament and conformation. If owners would only buy responsibly and train their animals, confrontations such as these could be avoided. Of course any dog owner must be responsible with their animal. I cannot count the number of times, while walking my own dog, I have been confronted by owners and their off leash pooches, or extremely aggressive dogs loose in front yards with only a three foot fence confining them. We were also attacked once, by a very aggressive, large dog, being walked by young children. As adults we should know that none of these examples are acceptable behavior.
So thank you Jim Hague for helping the public to understand that one must judge the deed and not the breed. Pit bulls can be loving and loyal pets; they were once used as symbols of American pride during WWII, and I can only hope that others realize that there are relatively few bad dogs but an exorbitant number of bad owners.
Aurora Piacentino