Friday, March 26, 2004

Re: Guide dog on the mend after mauling, March 26

When I read that one of the pit bulls that attacked a guide dog in Victoria has been put down and one remains locked up, I wondered why the owner is not locked up as well. A dog that is well socialized, gets love, exercise and humane training is not dangerous.

It's also interesting that almost all the dogs that spend their lives endlessly chained or caged and left alone in yards are from those "dangerous" breeds. It is the treatment of those animals that results in injuries, trauma and sometimes tragedy. Many people keep dogs from those breeds as weapons, and they should be liable.

Laura Hamm

Vancouver Sun 2004

Macho dog owners to blame for bites

Friday, March 26, 2004
Readers place the blame on dog owners -- not the dog - when pit bulls attack.
CREDIT: The Associated Press

Charley, the dog attacked by a pit bull in Yaletown, is known to most of us that live in the area. He is a friendly, loveable dog. But it's not the pit bull that is at fault, it's the macho types who have these vicious, destructive animals.

There are many pit bulls in the area that are friendly and well-behaved. There are also the ones whose owners sit back and let them run loose in parks while they destroy flowers, shrubs and childrens' swings.

The dog that attacked Charley should be put down and the owner handed a large fine. Maybe if the fines were large enough, these owners would be more responsible.

Patricia Barker,

Vancouver
© The Vancouver Province 2004

Macho dog owners to blame for bites

Letter

Friday, March 26, 2004

In some municipalities there are laws for dogs such as pit bulls. And I don't care if you don't like it -- the law says muzzle the dog when it's outside.

If you aren't prepared to muzzle your pit bull then don't have it. The reason for the muzzle is clear. None of us are strong enough to pry a pit bull's jaws open if it decides to attack.

Meredith Cooke,

Maple Ridge
© The Vancouver Province 2004

Macho dog owners to blame for bites

Letter

Friday, March 26, 2004

I believe the animals that attacked the guide dog in Victoria should be destroyed.

I'm astounded these obviously vicious animals were sent home to an owner that apparently can not handle these dogs. What if it was a child these pit bulls had gotten ahold of!

Mandy Menzies,

Surrey
© The Vancouver Province 2004