Saturday November 7, 2009, 2:42 pm
Poor dogs..

Big Gorilly Hygs

Saturday November 7, 2009, 8:18 pm
I'm Ill and sadly can't go to look at the site...sorry!!!

Noted with sorrow and disgust at what MAN has done to all of our animals!

Cranky!!!

Saturday November 7, 2009, 9:46 pm
It does make you wonder what instigates these dogs to attack people. I have often wondered if there was something in the dog's food like a preservative that causes some strange behavior.A few years back we had two dogs like these who lived over the road go berserk & were put down by their owners.

Saturday November 7, 2009, 11:13 pm
This doesn't sound like a "Rampage" Two men suffered dog bites which were not serious. This sounds like another case of the media trying to sensationalize something to sell newspapers. I volunteer at an animal shelter and I have handled many pit bulls who are just like any other dog. People need to be educated about dogs. The writer of this article does a disservice to animals.

Sunday November 8, 2009, 12:48 am
I've never had any problems with any dog, but I wouldn't like to meet two Pitbulls like these two. By the way the race Pitbull is banned in Norway and some other Europeean Countries.
In the U.S. they are banned in a number of municipalities and some counties, including Denver CO, Springfield MO, and Dade County FL. But internationally there are far more sweeping bans -- they are banned completely in Ontario, Canada and in Australia, France, UK, Norway, Italy, Denmark, China, New Zealand.
Thanx Lone

Sunday November 8, 2009, 4:53 am
THEY SHOULD BAN THE STUPID PEOPLE, NOT THE DOGS! - THANKS TERRY

Sunday November 8, 2009, 5:33 am
I totally agree with Michael H. Marilyn and Gorilly and Alpha. poor animals...so sad. Maybe the writer should be...Oh I'm not even going there. I
I have family members and friends, who have pits and I've never had any problems. These poor animals have been labeled bad, and granted some (ppl, blank) do train these dogs to fight, but keep in mind that it is "People" who train them this way. I don't like to hear or read about "Any" animals that attack, of course not! Sometimes, and I stress "Sometimes" when a dog is backed into a corner, he's gonna bite. And "People" should who adopt these animals should have some kind of training as to how to take care of these animals, before they are even allowed to adopt. If these people, are NOT trained, and maybe have some kind of license to own, then it should be the "People" who get shot down, with penaties of course! So sad and frustrating.

Sunday November 8, 2009, 7:15 am
You might as well ban all little dogs as they are far more likely to be aggressive and bite because people treat them as toys or babies, not as dogs. The dogs then do not know how to behave!

Personally, I think that no-one shuld be allowed to own a dog without having a licence. This would enable the authorities to track whose dogs they are and to ensure that everyone knows how to handle them. You can't drive a car on your own without a full licence and lessons before hand, why not a dog?

Let's face it, many of us know of Cesar Millan and how he can change people's attitudes towards their pets, it just proves that it is the PEOPLE not the dogs who are at fault.

Sunday November 8, 2009, 9:56 am
poor dogs

Sunday November 8, 2009, 10:53 am
From the picture (if that really was the two dogs involved) you can see their ears are clipped and they're in good shape...possible raised to fight? Now, what is it they have planned for the 10 teenage (19 being oldest) boys who raped a young girl outside the gym where her prom was being held for over two hours while some 10-12 additional people stood around watching and taking pics with cell phones? And nobody called the cops? She'll live the THAT attack the rest of her life...are we a bit upside down on what constitutes unacceptable behavior in this country? Just wondering...

Sunday November 8, 2009, 10:59 am
It is possible that a specific breed will be more aggressive than another because of selective breeding. Dobermans, Rottweilers, the various breeds that fall under the "Pit Bull" class, and German Shepherds (nowadays to a lesser degree) are often bred for aggressive traits because that is what the ultimate owners of these dogs are wanting.

A good example of selective breeding is the Poodle. Poodles were originally used as hunting dogs, being excellent water retrievers. The men started shearing them to allow better performance in the water. The ladies of the French aristocracy noted that the trimming could be styled, thus the modern concept of the Poodle was born and the hunting traits were slowly bred out in favor of better parlor and show behaviors.

People tend to blame the breed members for behaviors people see as undesirable, but the fault lies with the people, not the breeds. Maybe we should be banning specific people breeds instead of dog breeds.

Sunday November 8, 2009, 11:26 am
People raise dogs to be nasty the owners should be put down

Sunday November 8, 2009, 11:30 am
That photo wasn't with the article. The poster probably googled "fierce looking pit bulls". You can also google photos of pit bulls with children.

Sunday November 8, 2009, 11:48 am
Pitts Bulls unfortunately are being targeted by of authorities due to the bad name they have been given if they could have only darted them to remove them from the premises in Sacramento then call the Pitt Bull Shelter to re-evaluate their behavior..I feel so sorry for these Beauties someone has put a lot of work and money into these dogs how unfortunate they could not have better regards to keeping their Animals in a tighter enclosure than letting them run free without supervision..someone has been really mean to these digs for them to attack another person because it's not their demeanor to do so..People make Dogs mean (any Breed)
(I knew of a Labrador Retriever that attacked their owner and left scared on face due to having a burr inside his ear cavity and he never showed any discomfort until the day he attacked)

Sunday November 8, 2009, 12:18 pm
The majority of dog attacks on people and other dogs in NZ are by Pit Bull and Pitt Bull X's and associated breeds
This is not the fault of these dogs as they were bred for fighting (and many of them are used for that here) and as a result are often vicious and unpredictable. We tried to ban their importation here a couple of decades ago, but of course our politicians of the day thought they knew better; they are now of course saying hindsight has 20/20 vision.
I think it's very easy to have warm fuzzy feelings toward these animals, sure there's pictures of kids cuddled up to them; there have certainly been before and after pictures in the press here with the parents and owners wringing their hands saying "Butch (or whatever it's name was) was such a lovely dog, wouldn't hurt a fly"; these dogs are not to be trusted especially around small children.
Reality tends to set in once your child or your dog has been savaged as my own dog was. Many of these animals are land sharks.
Ideally these dogs should never have been bred, but they have and unfortunately if they rampage they should be shot.

Sunday November 8, 2009, 12:53 pm
All animals, and people, are driven by natural instinct. These dogs have been inbred to ensure that they become fierce fighters for gamblers. I have been in dog rescue (I'll rescue anything) for 30 yrs. It is not necessarily the dog or breed but tampering with natural behavior when breeding. This is what has to stop.

Sunday November 8, 2009, 1:04 pm
From the article
=============
The two men who were bitten were treated at hospitals for their injuries, which Hernandez said were not severe.

=======================================================================

Good Lord, if these 'bites' constitute a rampage, then I wonder what a real rampage is! BLOODY IDIOTS. Where in hell were their owners? And why did they have to shoot? Because of the gap in the fence? Obviously they are not trained dog catchers. BLOODY IDIOTS.

SORRY, I'M IN A RAGE NOW. THIS IS SO, SO NOT NEEDED!!!!

RIP dear woofs.

Sunday November 8, 2009, 1:20 pm
Exactly, where were their owners?
This is the problem in NZ; these dogs are more often than not owned by irresponsible bogans as a status symbol for their "manhood", they take very little care of them, they are undisciplined and just left to roam.
However if they had inflicted these bites on the face of your child or dog I feel reasonably certain you wouldn't be saying "RIP dear woofs" then.

Sunday November 8, 2009, 5:31 pm
Poor dogs.
Rx Terry

Sunday November 8, 2009, 7:43 pm
This breed needs a strong pack leader (human) & where were the owners?? they should be held responsible. I'm sorry they had to be shot but then they did bite!!

Monday November 9, 2009, 6:25 am
My husband and I just had a long conversation a couple of days ago, about these types of dogs that have that "killer instinct" in their genes. Even though Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Chows, and Rottweilers can be raised to not be mean, they still have that in their blood and can turn even on their own owners, without warning. As much as I am an animal lover, and have two incredible dogs myself, I feel these dogs should be against the law to own. Either that, or their needs to be harsher laws against those owning these types of animals, knowing that they can cause great harm, disfigurement, and death to anyone.
I know Home Owner's Insurance companies that refuse to give people Home Owner's Insurance if they have one of the "named" as being vicious and erratic at their home. The potential liability of owning one is high, and insurance companies for the most part do not want to take that risk.

If you must own one of these types of dogs, then harsh laws, such as possibly paying fees to own them, higher and stronger fences must be in place, or one of the chain linked even on the top type of pen should be where they must stay. Chaining them also as an extra precaution. When out walking them, there should be a law how they are totally secured by a harness, and some way it is more assured that they cannot break away to harm others. Also, if you ever have one incident whereas these dogs are out roaming the neighborhood, off their restraints, and running amuk, then fines should begin. If the dog ever attacks anyone, then it should be mandatory that the owner pay all of the doctor bills, pain and suffering, and a very steep fine. At that place, depending on the situation, I feel the dog should be put down, even with the first offense. If one of them attacks a first time, then chances are it will do it again.

Like I said, I am an animal lover, and my two "fur kids", my Pug, Tazz, and my little "Chi-Weenie", Bubba Gump, are the lights of my life. No matter how badly I feel, or how bad a day is, as soon as you see their excitement when you come home, or the way they play and so silly things, just has to bring a smile to your face.

Of course, this is my opinion, but from close personal experience of having been bitten twice by dogs, and knowing the inbred issues of certain types of dogs, I feel people's safety, including the owners should be taken into consideration.

Monday November 9, 2009, 11:04 am
Have you had any personal experience with these dogs or is all your information from second hand sources?

Monday November 9, 2009, 11:41 am
Well my experience is certainly first hand having been bitten while rescuing my dog from an unprovoked attack to say nothing of the injuries to my dog; fortunately I'm not some "little old lady" and was able to give this dog the kicking it richly deserved; now if only I'd been able to find the owner. I'd certainly never turn my back on one again.
I suspect Michael that you are in denial on this topic and you're going to tell me that you have one or you know one and it wouldn't hurt anyone and that has been my experience with many of them too (the most harrowing thing is to watch traumatised owners of these dogs whose children have been shredded by them trying to come to terms with how their "pet" attacked their child) but that doesn't alter the facts; the unpredictable nature of and unprovoked attacks by these dogs on people, especially children and on other animals is irrefutable and very well documented.

Monday November 9, 2009, 12:17 pm
Pam, terriers are also dangerous as they are bred to hunt and attack. Little dogs are dangerous and labradors can lick you to death... Joking apart, it is not the dogs, it is the owner. Pit bulls are a status thing (used to be dobermans) but I know many who are properly trained and looked after and the only dangerous thing about them is when they sit/lie on your feet!

Monday November 9, 2009, 12:40 pm
John R- I merely asked a question. You have no right to say I am in denial or anything else about me. So please don't get personal and confine your comments to the topic

Monday November 9, 2009, 12:47 pm
I merely answered and gave my opinion.
I would suggest you review your earlier posts to see how I could possibly have reached that conclusion erroneous or otherwise about your position on this matter.

Monday November 9, 2009, 1:06 pm
I reviewed my posts and I see nothing that would give you the right to assume you know anything about me. I would suggest you stay on topic. I am not here for personal comments by me or to me.

Monday November 9, 2009, 1:08 pm
I wouldnt live in a town that discriminated against pitt bulls...Mine are mixes and those are supposedly the worst and I be damned if anyone can say mine are bad for scrappy is 10 years old and has NEVER bitten anyone not say if the SOB tried to hurt me or my family he would attack but that is why he has has schooling and what he has been trained for. I spent alot of money on both dogs and they have passed numerous tests over their behaviors. So I dare anyone to say they are bad dogs it is the damn owners that are the problem...So there you have from me...LOL

Big Gorilly ghgs

Monday November 9, 2009, 1:19 pm
Stop being precious and pedantic; actually have an opinion.

Monday November 9, 2009, 1:21 pm
Dead right Steph the owners' responsibilty and care is the key.

Monday November 9, 2009, 1:35 pm
My father, my step-mother, and their 2 small dogs were attacked in their street less than 100 yards from their house by a pit bull "that had never bitten anyone before." In fact the dog and his owners had lived 3 doors away for several years with no problem. Both their dogs were killed, and my step-mom was mauled pretty badly, and if not for my father close by to pull the dog off her, she likely would have been killed. Was it the owners fault? Perhaps, but they were rather elderly people who did not appear to be training the dog to attack people who weren't even in their yard. And the dog knew my parents and their chihauhau and schnauzer as they did this walk several times a week for years. The dog was of course destroyed and the owners paid for medical care, but it was traumatic for everybody.
So I have no answer, but since these dogs had already bitten someone they would have likely been put down if the police could have captured them without shooting them anyway. I definitely would not expect a police officer to endanger his life in this situation. If he felt he had to shoot the dogs, he probably did. A sad story for sure.

Tuesday November 10, 2009, 8:45 am
John R- Flamers like you are not welcome on this site. Michael has done a like of work to help animals. He obviosly has an opinion otherwise you wouldn't find it neccesary to flame him. Why don't you go back to playing with your toys and leave the adults alone. Of course someone like you wouldn't do that..

Tuesday November 10, 2009, 8:47 am
By the way if you are going to flame someone you probably shouldn't call them "precious" duh!

Tuesday November 10, 2009, 10:36 am
Obviously your use of the English language is not quite comprehensive Ann.
I am extremely interested in animal welfare my parents were dog breeders of German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers and I work as a volunteer at a native bird rescue organisation.
This doesn't mean I support the breeding and ownership of dogs that have killed and maimed several children in NZ alone; all of which is documented fact.
I was not flaming anyone.; Michael's question asked if I had any experience with these dogs or if I was merely spreading rumours clearly making the implication that I was some sort of animal hater spurred on by righteous indignation when if he had read my post he would have discovered that indeed I had. perhaps you should read all of my posts rather than just typing.
being an animal lover doesn't mean you should allow them to bite kids and other animals because they're misunderstood.