More thoughts on pitbulls

There is no right for anyone to say you cannot own a certain type of dog. You would have to ban every single other type of dog – blue heeler, rotties, husky breeds and more – that has been linked to aggressive attacks. This is wrong. I have an aunt with two pitties, and they are the sweetest things ever. They are left with children and babies in our family as they cuddle and keep them safe. 

Kristal Macland

Banning a dog bread is not going to fix the issue, the true issue is how humans raise dogs. Technically, most dogs have the potential of hurting humans, but we teach them not to. Unfortunately, when a human trains or mistreats a dog, it becomes aggressive, this is a biological instinct to protect itself. Also, the incident that took place in Kamloops was not with a pitbull, but a pitbull-like dog. I believe that it would be more effective to focus on better animal protection laws/bylaws as well as proper enforcement of these laws.

Emma Frutiger

Pitbulls can be lovely dogs. Good with other animals, children. But when they aren't, there is very little to stop them. They're dangerous. It's like having a pet tiger. They should be banned.

C. Cavanaugh

I have years of experience working around all different types of breeds, and the only thing making a dog unsafe is the upbringing and guidance by a human being. I would love to see animal control/SPCA gain more power in taking dogs away from unfit owners. Harder restrictions on getting dogs and fewer restrictions on homes allowing dogs so less are abandoned. Pitbulls shouldn’t be stereotyped. Unfortunately, their appearance attracts the wrong people, but the breed, if raised properly, is amazing with children – goofy, and happy. Banning seems like a BandAid on a bullet hole situation; when really we need to be banning unfit dog owners. 

Skyler Cartwright

Even though I do not own a pitbull, please realize it is a broad name. It should be distinguished as "bully breed." I own a bully breed. A Boston terrier. This horrible incident should fall solely to the owner of the animal. They did not take proper precautions in ensuring the safety of others and the canine. Dangerous dogs should be destroyed, especially if they are in the hands of someone who does not understand the breed's needs. No breed should be banned. Each domesticated canine has the capability of living with people and community without incident if properly trained. Owners should be required to train and socialize their dog accordingly. 

Rand Thompson-Hendricks

There are no bad dogs, just bad owners. I have lived with many pitbulls, some not even mine. Never bitten. Had my hands and face tongue washed, at least daily. More Chihuahuas have tried to bite me than any other dog. Even a friend's wolves were friendlier than the Chihuahuas.  A dog only knows what it is trained to do, or because of fear or being attacked – the same as a human. 

Maryann Bolen

Pitbulls should be banned. These dogs were never bred to be house pets or regular dogs. They were bred to kill large animals and other dogs. In the early years, dog fights were a regular sport. If the pitbull killed its opponent, the owner won money. It's not in the pitbulls' DNA to be a nice, stay at home sleepy pooch. In Quebec, six people in the last three years have been mauled to death by pitbulls. The animal shelters' argument that "all dogs bite" is bogus. A tiny bite from a dachshund won't kill me. Montreal previously banned pitbulls, but SPCA lawyers claimed the law was unfair and won their case. Pitbulls are predators, they are not regular dogs.

Lynn McGrath

No dog should ever be banned. It is 100% to do with the owners. I have a purebred American pitbull terrier that would not hurt a fly. He is the gentlest dog I have ever met. Instead of banning the dogs, how about people have to go through a test before being about to buy/adopt a dog? Please. Do us all a favour. Don't blame the dog. Blame the owners. 

Michelle Coleman

This breed is too dangerous and should be banned, as in so many other jurisdictions. Far too many people have been killed or injured by pitbulls.

Kyle Stanfield