For those of you who have asked, yes, we immediately filed a report against the pitbull. At first the owners said it would take a few days and that it would wear a muzzle, but in a courtyard where there are lots of little children and dogs, we told them and Animal Control that that wasn't good enough. The dog is now gone, although I haven't heard whether it was put down. I know Animal Control is sending an investigator for the case.
People with pitbulls, please keep them muzzled and train them well.
With gratitude,
Ellen
Even though this is such an awful time for you and poor franny, and a violent dog does need to be dealt with, I want to pass along some thoughts from a friend about the dangers of placing blame on the pit bull breed as a whole. We all love dogs and don't want anymore to get hurt, even via reputation:
ReplyDeleteAlthough it might be hard to have compassion for pitbulls in this particular moment, I think it's important not to contribute to what for some is a myth and for others is inflated, inaccurate science that says pit bulls as a breed are dangerous, violent dogs. No one really knows if pit bulls are predisposed to violence; in fact, most studies will show that this is impossible to support scientifically. We do know that pits are incredibly strong, powerful dogs, so that when they are violent, they do more harm. But what's more important is something we've all heard before: there aren't really bad dogs, just bad owners. My local humane society is always full of wonderful, loving pits in need of a good home--because people are too scared to adopt them. If you've ever known a sweet pit bull, though, you'll know it's a real shame when the stories of violent pits suggest that all pit bulls are sitting time bombs. Pit bulls are good dogs, but like any dogs, they can be raised and handled by irresponsible owners--as is clearly the case with poor Franny.
I totally agree. Poor Franny was the victim of one dog who happens to be a pit bull. The real offenders here are the human owners of that Pittie who probably doesn't get enough exercise, training, or attention. SHAME ON THOSE HUMANS.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for Franny. And I swear not all pit bulls are like that.
Sending healing licks from Santa Monica,
Sarah and our pack (3 rescue chihuahua mixes and yes, 1 rescue pittie)