I watched an interesting fifth estate episode on pit bulls and breed bans last night.
Im very sceptical of these types of shows due to the tendency to drive a pre planned agenda, but there was some interesting data mentioned.
In Toronto, the last year prior to the breed ban, there were well over 100 dog attacks recorded (I don’t remember the precise number). Last year there were 15.
In the US there was a large study done, and over half of all serious dog bites were from pit bulls. They didn’t mention what the percentage of the dog population pit bulls are, but I think it is safe to assume it is far less than 50%.
The debate and lobbying around this issue reminds me a lot of the gun debate in the states. Blame the less than flattering statistical data on ‘bad owners’, meanwhile people continue to get injured or killed, because of course you can never eliminate imperfect human pet owners. Nevermind the ones that feel they did everything right and still had an unexpected attack.
Having said that, I wouldn’t want an emotional response to the issue, I want a factual data driven response. But I am definitely starting to believe that the risks are too substantial to continue hoping that responsible pet ownership is all that’s needed, or is even achievable.
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