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Thursday, September 11, 2008

Pit Bull Belonging to Pro-Pit Bull Activist Attacks Dog

posted by on September 11 at 18:18 PM

According to records from animal control, a pit bull belonging to one of the founders of Families Against Breed Bans (FABB) attacked another dog last Sunday at the grand opening of a pet store in Phinney Ridge.

“There [were] over 100 dogs through here on the weekend. We only had one incident,” says Nadja Chorba, owner of the Zak and Zoe pet store. Chorba says members of FABB had been invited to the store to talk about breed bans and educate the public about pit bulls. Then, Chorba says, the pit bull “decided he was unhappy at the moment” and attacked another dog. “There weren’t any loud noises” or anything else that would have startled the pit bull, Chorba says.

In an email, the owner of the yellow Labrador, Sam, that was attacked, claims that the pit bull belonging to the FABB founder “turned violently on [Sam] and locked his jaws on Sam’s neck.” Sam’s owner called the incident “an unprovoked attack.”

Animal control was called and the pitbull’s owner received a $269 citation.

The owner of the pit bull could not be reached for comment.

pitpic.jpg


Photo via FABBseattle.com

RSS icon Comments

1
Posted by Scottie Yahtzee | September 11, 2008 6:30 PM
2

OK OK OK OK - I wanna know why anyone hasn't capitalized on this VERY REAL reputation of pit bulls, and applied this to someone who we are all thinking about lately. Can't we use this to her disadvantage? I mean c'mon, to a lot of people PIT BULLS ARE NOT A GOOD THING. Who here would WANT to be likened to a pit bull?

unprovoked, unnecessary, at times life-threatening attacks? c'mon, the pitbull IS the pig.

Posted by onion | September 11, 2008 6:42 PM
3

What you can't see under that blanket there is the half-gnawed body of a toddler.

Posted by Balt-O-Matt | September 11, 2008 6:57 PM
4

Well, I guess that's one way to kick (or perhaps gnaw) off a campaign.

Posted by Mr. X | September 11, 2008 6:59 PM
5

Irony is beautiful.

But few pit bull fans appreciate the beauty of irony.

Posted by David Wright | September 11, 2008 7:11 PM
6

"In an email, the owner of the yellow Labrador, Sam, that was attacked, claims that the pit bull belonging to the FABB founder “turned violently on [Sam] and locked his jaws on Sam’s neck.” Sam’s owner called the incident “an unprovoked attack.”

Goodness. Get a grip. They're dogs. Frankly it doesn't sound much different than the behavior of some Seattleites in bars at closing time.

Posted by Getting Tired | September 11, 2008 7:11 PM
7

I didn't know that Palin was in Seattle at a pet store.

Posted by Cato the Younger Younger | September 11, 2008 7:13 PM
8

I finally figured out why Jonah Spangenthal-Lee posts all these anti-pitbull slogs.... He's trying to distract us from the horrifying truth... He's a hockey mom!

Posted by eat my ass | September 11, 2008 7:32 PM
9

The owner was "cited." For what? What is the possible penalty? A $50 fine ?

The other dog was terrorized, the patrons likely were distressed, the pit bull was out of control, it's only luck someone wasn't seriously injured, if this was not a dog it would be a serious assault, perhaps with a deadly weapon, so why isn't the owner looking at 1-2 years in jail?

And I'm sick of them citing those dog bite statistics cuz the ratio of bites/populatio is way out of whack for pit bulls and pit bulls don;t just bite they seem to maim and kill -- I haven't heard of ANY other breed that tries to dismember someone ...

Pit bull fans, you are welcome to respond with data.

Posted by PC | September 11, 2008 7:39 PM
10

@3,4,5,7,8
'Atta boys/girls. That's the spirit.

Posted by onion | September 11, 2008 8:14 PM
11

PC apparently you didn't read the news story this week about the mini-dachschund that chewed off its owners toes.

It's natural for dogs to want to dismember a part of a body if they are able to do it.

Hundreds of dogs in one store and ONE puppy attacks another dog. That's just typical animal behavior...not evidence that pit bulls are evil...c'mon people...you are treating pit bulls like uncontrollable fiends, and then when they display typical dog behavior that could be prevented with proper training and ownership you blame the whole breed instead of realizing it was very typical DOG, not breed behavior.

Plus, realize what makes the news and what doesn't. If a lab bit another lab at that event, wouldn't have even made the news....but because it was a pit bull...especially since it was at a breed ban meeting...it made the news.

Posted by Hunter | September 11, 2008 8:15 PM
12

Well supposedly FABB supports an ASPCA recommendation for
"Laws that hold dog owners financially accountable for failure to adhere to animal control laws, as well as civilly and criminally liable for unjustified injuries or damage caused by their dogs."

Hmmm. I wonder if the owner of the pit will plead nolo contendere to a civil or criminal suit for the damages.

Posted by LMSW | September 11, 2008 8:16 PM
13

Well, you know what they say -- no bad dogs, only bad owners. I assume the leaders of FABB will be put down?

Posted by Fnarf | September 11, 2008 8:20 PM
14

ok, i am a RESPONSIBLE pit bull owner - i loathe anyone who fights dogs, don't even ask what i would do to a dog fighting piece of poop if given the chance...now, with that said... I NEVER WOULD HAVE TAKEN ANY OF MY DOGS TO AN EVENT WITH OVER 100 DOGS! that is part of being a RESPONSIBLE pit bull owner!

i have had champion show dogs, rescued dogs, shelter dogs, you name it...i had a pit bull rescue with 14 dogs. while some of my babies were able to play nice with others...some had to be isolated from the others because of natural dog aggression. i have never had a pit bull that was in any way human aggressive.

The dogs can't help it, they were bred to fight for generations, while many are perfectly fine around other animals, MANY AREN'T.

here's my motto:

NEVER TRUST YOUR PIT BULL NOT TO FIGHT

this is a case of IRRESPONSIBLE PITBULL OWNERSHIP.


Posted by christinajade | September 11, 2008 8:30 PM
15

What???? The Pitbull advocate had no comment ? Say it ain't so. These people never seem to be able to shut their mouths when they are spouting off about the virtues of Pitbulls and how wonderful they are. But their rhetoric always comes at the expense of someone else being seriously injured. And I am sure this responsible Pitbull owner had a breakstick with them. It's like I keep saying, these dogs are not for the inexperienced. Develop some dog handling skills first, before you decide to get a Pitbull.

Posted by papillon | September 11, 2008 8:49 PM
16

@14

Well said. Someone who actually gets it.

Posted by papillon | September 11, 2008 8:54 PM
17

Fine. Go ahead and enact your retarded breed ban. But don't come crying to Elenchos when nothing changes. He will not hear your bellyaching then, no sir.

Posted by elenchos | September 11, 2008 9:13 PM
18

Labs are the best dogs ever. They are so adaptable and social and intelligent. They have the right combination of hedonism and work ethic, combined with cute chocolate pudding eyes and soft fur. I just hate to hear about a Lab in trouble. :-(

Posted by LabLover | September 11, 2008 9:14 PM
19

Yes, but are Labs entirely innocent? Labs have a reputation for being....shall we say, a bit randy? How many times has your leg been humped or had a Lab stick its nose in your crotch? You certainly don't find
pigs wearing lipstick demonstrating that kind of behavior.

Posted by Getting Tired | September 11, 2008 9:41 PM
20

The lab was not injured at all, not one scratch. No, the dog should not have been brought and yes, the owner of the pit bull should pay the damages (vet check) and a big fine. But dogs of all breeds do put teeth on each other all the time, and while there as a lot of noise, nobody *at all* was hurt. While she has, thankfully, quit her leadership role in FABB, I hope we hear a public statement from this woman who has irresponsibly endangered pit bulls.

Posted by FABB member | September 11, 2008 9:52 PM
21

so 2 dogs got into it in a stressful situation. how long did it last? did the pit kick the lab's ass? was there blood?

"cited" sounds like the BS warning i got in the mail for having my terrier off leash at magnusson in february in a rainstorm. the only other person in a half mile was a birder. seattle has some upfuckingtight people.

Posted by max solomon | September 11, 2008 10:03 PM
22

@11

"Hundreds of dogs in one store and ONE puppy attacks another dog. That's just typical animal behavior...not evidence that pit bulls are evil..."

That's actually very good evidence that pit bulls are inherently dangerous. Care to try again?

Posted by Dubcek | September 11, 2008 10:10 PM
23

@20

Again same point. If all breeds "put teeth on each other [and I've never seen that without aggression] all the time" then why was this the only aggressive dog in a group of 100?

Posted by Dubcek | September 11, 2008 10:16 PM
24

100! is a very large number.

Posted by w7ngman | September 11, 2008 10:28 PM
25

Errr, 99*98/2, but who's counting.

Posted by w7ngman | September 11, 2008 10:29 PM
26

@18

Labs are cool dogs. They love to play. Take them to a lake and you almost have to drag them back to the car when it's time to leave. Of course they wait until they are in the car before they shake all the water off.

Posted by papillon | September 11, 2008 10:40 PM
27

Geez, Slog. Give it a rest, will you? Any time a pit bull is in the news in a negative way, it gets posted here. What's the deal?

100 dogs got together and there was a fight. I guess no one here, and no one reporting this has ever been to a dog park.

Posted by Bender | September 11, 2008 10:49 PM
28

What a cute puppy!

Posted by NapoleonXIV | September 11, 2008 11:00 PM
29

Wait, so there were no injuries? Why is this news at all?

Posted by Bender | September 11, 2008 11:05 PM
30

The "quote" that I gave was not: the dog was "not seriously injured" it was "no one was hurt" the lab in this very innocuous incident was not injured in any way. There was no puncture, no wound, not even a scratch. This was not a "vicious attack" it was a 30 second incident that has been far too over dramatized. This is not news...

Posted by Nadja | September 11, 2008 11:13 PM
31

Not news? But OMG, it was a PIT BULL!!! How could it not be news???

Posted by Bender | September 11, 2008 11:22 PM
32

@7 for the win.

It all comes down to owners wearing exploding dog collars that neighborhood toddlers and old people can set off when attacked by the pit bulls.

Posted by Will in Seattle | September 11, 2008 11:40 PM
33

If it had been ANY other breed of dog that "attacked" the lab this wouldn't have ever been mentioned. If you weren't there, don't judge. The lab was totally fine and the only reason this is making news is because it was a pro pit bull group and a pit bull reacted LIKE A NORMAL DOG to an overstimulated lab approaching too quickly. In this case, the lab owner needs some education on proper greetings between dogs. You should all be very happy that this pit bull in question has amazing bite inhibition and the owner should be applauded for that.

Posted by roxys.mama | September 11, 2008 11:59 PM
34

How do you spot an inexperienced dog owner lacking in basic dog handling skills ? Just look for the dog walking in front of its owner pulling the owner along. Basically the dog is walking the owner. This is a big clue that the dog owner has little, if any, control over their dog.

Posted by papillon | September 12, 2008 12:13 AM
35

Papillon-
Stop watching Cesar Millan and educate yourself about dog training. Walking in front of their owner has nothing to do with "who's in charge"
http://www.dogstardaily.com/

Posted by seattle dog trainer | September 12, 2008 12:16 AM
36
If you weren't there, don't judge.

Well, I guess everybody can stop having an opinion about everything that didn't happen in their living room while they were watching, right?

This isn't news just because it involves pit bulls, although it's true the press loves its pit bull stories. It's news because an advocate who headed a group opposed to any regulation of their dangerous dogs was publicly shown to be incapable of controlling her pit bull. This is called "irony." Also "hoist by your own petard."

It's like when an advocate of abstinence-only education and no sex before marriage finds out her unwed teenage daughter is pregnant.

In either case, saying that this is PERFECTLY NORMAL behavior does little to bolster the argument the person is making, because the reality of the situation undercuts their logic in a particularly pointed way.

Posted by flamingbanjo | September 12, 2008 12:31 AM
37

She just fell in your lap Dan, and gnawed your arm off. If "bitch" Palin wants to be compared to a pit bull, it's our god given right to make fun of her.

Posted by fruc it all | September 12, 2008 12:57 AM
38

Ah, so it was obviously not this poor innocent pit's fault at all, no no no, it was that "overstimulated" lab that "approached too quickly" that OBVIOUSLY triggered "normal dog behavior" in... one dog out of 100.

It sounds like, in this case, the action of the pit bull was not "normal dog behavior" because NONE OF THE OTHER DOGS BEHAVED LIKE THAT.

Posted by Donolectic | September 12, 2008 12:59 AM
39

@35

Good article about leash training your dog not to pull you down the street. Thanks for the tip.

Posted by papillon | September 12, 2008 1:02 AM
40

thank jezus that wasn't a toddler there instead of a lab.

instead of a breed ban, can we just enact a pit bull owner ban and put the poor dogs in a wildlife preserve? it's the pit bull owners who are the dangerous sociopaths.

Posted by jrrrl | September 12, 2008 1:45 AM
41

ps #14 #16: there were 100 dogs there OVER THE WEEKEND, not crammed into a dog food aisle at the same time. and yes, it is irresponsible dog ownership to take your pitbull where there may be other dogs. you know, like, for a walk around the block.

Posted by jrrrl | September 12, 2008 1:49 AM
42

Fear, fear and more fear!! I wish pits knew all the controversy that surrounds them at the moment. I guess they could learn from german shepherds & dobermans who have gone down this road before them. They are dogs and they rely on people to help them socialize and lead happy & healthy lives. My heart aches for this breed at the moment, there are bad dogs and there are bad owners but there are many, many people with GOOD DOGS who are GOOD OWNERS. This breed is unfairly maligned because of ignorance and fear. Spend an appreciable amount of time with a good pit and he/she will be in your heart forever.

Posted by ARMom | September 12, 2008 7:32 AM
43

Okay, normally I am not on the side of the pit bull. But...

A. Taking your dog to one of these kinds of events with alot of dogs, all on leashes in a small space, is a bad idea. No matter what kind of dog you have.

B. The Lab wasn't hurt. At all. I would be singing a different tune if this was actually a fight and there were acutal injuries, but, it sounds like it was the pit bull displaying dominance. If the pit bull had wanted to hurt the other dog, it would have (as @33 said, seems like he had bite inhibition, which is a good thing). It seems to me like the Lab owners flipped out about something that wasn't that big of a deal.

I took my 90 lb Doberman to something like this a couple of years ago. He was bitten on the nose by a little Dachshund... lots of blood. But, I didn't freak out and call animal control on the owners because it was a shitty situation for their dog. In close quarters, with a big dog sniffing him, the little dog felt threatened and lashed out. Was I pissed? Sure. But, we were both stupid for having put our dogs in that situation.

Posted by Julie in Chicago | September 12, 2008 7:41 AM
44

wiener dog are savages!

Posted by Bellevue Ave | September 12, 2008 8:12 AM
45

Dogs suck.

Posted by Ralph | September 12, 2008 8:27 AM
46

My old Sheltie seemed to have a death wish, and would always try to interact with the ONE dog that would bite him--with the result that he got bitten three or four times, never seriously. Of course, it never made the papers because the dogs that bit him were a dachshund, a Shiba Inu, a Jack Russell (all well-known for having issues with other dogs, BTW). Another of my Shelties was seriously bitten by a Dalmatian (badly enough to require sedation and stitches) but that never made the papers either. All these incidents happened in class (Agility or Obedience).

IF the pit bull didn't actually hurt the Lab, it certainly sounds like he was trying to show dominance. It would be interesting to know which of the dogs was neutered, or not neutered). I have two unaltered male Shelties right now (one will be neutered, the other is going to be bred and YES I have done the relevant testing). One gets along fine with other unaltered males. The other does not, and is not allowed to interact with other unaltered males. They do, however, get along fine with each other, mostly because they know that *I* am in charge. We've never had an incident, primarily because I am around other aware dog owners who PAY ATTENTION.

I would never take my dogs to (for instance) an outdoor festival or something where there would be very likely clueless owners of unaltered dogs who read signs of dominance as "play" (is your dog approaching another dog with chest out and ears and head up? That's not play, guys--that's dominance. It can turn IN to play, but if the other dog doesn't submit, you could have a problem...). Or people like the folks I saw walking their dogs recently--the man had charge of a small terrier, the woman a St. Bernard who she could barely control and who was pulling hard towards my dogs. We kept moving.

Posted by Nora | September 12, 2008 8:53 AM
47

cats are worse
people are pretty bad too
so is brendan frasier

Posted by pffft | September 12, 2008 8:56 AM
48

You can put lipstick on a pig in a blanket, and it's still a pig in a blanket.

And no, I don't feel like letting it go.

Posted by The Incredible Sulk | September 12, 2008 8:57 AM
49

You put any dogs in a small space and they'll nip at each other... I say "nip", because A) pitbulls can't "lock" their jaws, no matter what that woman said, and B) if the pitbull really went for the throat, the other dog wouldn't have walked away without a scratch. This is a case of one dog (the pitbull) establishing boundaries with the other dog. It's like a warning shot, and it gets the point across.

This happens all the time, but because of the woman's position and the breed involved you deem this SLOG worthy..? Pathetic.

Posted by mojo mojito | September 12, 2008 9:08 AM
50

While I was not at the event, I find it intersting that Jonah SL has failed to reply to my e-mail and phone call.(prompted by his his initial e-mail re:FABB)

I suppose he has a better blog if No statement is given by FABB. Typical investigative "journalism", I suppose.

In ACTUAL news www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news/Pet-dies-after-dog-attack.3988587.jp

Posted by Julie Russell | September 12, 2008 9:24 AM
51
Posted by Julie Russell | September 12, 2008 9:27 AM
52

I was there. NO ONE WAS INJURED!!!!! Can you say OVERREACTING????

Posted by Jones | September 12, 2008 9:31 AM
53

This reporter better learn to get his facts straight and report quotes exactly how they were said to him if he doesn't want to be slapped for libel or defamation.

Posted by Jones | September 12, 2008 9:38 AM
54

Since the link has expired:

April 20,2008

Golden Lab kills Bichon-Frise. Quotes from Mary Downey, the BF's owner:

"The dog came running over from the other side of the park...It broke Kizzy(BF)'s jaw, ripped out an eye and punctured her neck on both sides..It just shook her around like a ragdoll."

That, Jonah SL would be news.

Posted by Julie Russell | September 12, 2008 9:50 AM
55

This is why cats are superior.

Posted by Original Monique | September 12, 2008 9:50 AM
56

A dog has an altercation with another dog WITHOUT injury. Is that newsworthy? Just visit a dog park any day of the week and you will see this, and much more. I have viewed more than this wandering through Seattle streets and surrounding areas. Although some may view AC as lax in Seattle, if you have done your research you will know that the fine is not $50 as one person discribed, or even a slap on the wrist, but a hefty $260 fine with a black mark against the dog - again this for a non injurious dog bite! Give me a break!

Posted by Cassandra | September 12, 2008 9:53 AM
57

Seriously, didn't happen. The owners of the Labrador, Sam, have a rude, pushy dog. They are typically clueless owners. They let their dog rush another - twice. Two dogs postured and growled at each other, there were NO BITES, read the animal control report, NO BITES. The law reads, as Sam's owners well know, that they can basically say the dog bit and, even if there are no marks, like there aren't, AC still has to respond. This was typical dog behaviour. Nothing more, nothing less. The dog who was provoked did not put ONE SINGLE mark on the Lab. Not one. The Lab also did not put a mark on the other dog. There was nothing different in this situation than happens with other dogs, even from the same family or at dog parks, of EVERY breed, EVERY day.

To the woman who said 'never trust', that's a ridiculous statement to add to any dog, but, it's especially ridiculous to print in a rag like this.

Kirstan

Posted by Kirstan | September 12, 2008 9:54 AM
58

Another actual NEWS-STORY

http://www.kptv.com/print/15977680/detail.html

The Gist:Portland, OR
2 German Shepherds attack man's 2 dogs.

Both of the man'sdogs suffered puncture wounds to their necks and legs.

That would qualify as an attack.

Posted by Julie Russell | September 12, 2008 10:10 AM
59

Hunter -are you serious about the mini dachshund story? Send me the link! I need to be vigilant about my mini as she snores by my feet (apparently).

Posted by scharrera | September 12, 2008 10:14 AM
60

What a bunch of BS.
Poor reporting.
I was there. There weren't "100's" of dogs - there were a lot of dogs. Maybe 15 at the peak.

There was NO injury. There was alot of noise - that's what dogs do when approached by another dog when the owner isn't being vigilant, (the lab owner). This was a Pit Bull reacting and "Correcting" a rude improperly socialzed Lab.

I'll say it again.
NO injury!

Pit Bulls can be rather noisy when "correcting" or even playing; agreed this wasn't a "play" thing... and I'll say it again "NO injury".

In fact the Pittie involved had great bite inhibition when correcting this dog.

Do you get it people?

This is "dog behavior" and those of you that think you own innocuous dogs, (ie Labs, Retrievers) need to have control over your dogs as well. Let's remember that Labs are statistically the second most frequent to bite in Seattle. Uh-huh.

And here's a little something for you from a few weeks back:

http://www.komonews.com/news/national/26032164.html

Yup! This was a Lab puppy that KILLED a 2 month old baby. (funny one had to "Dig" for this info and it never made the "top" news.) - a perfect example of the way media poorly handles Pit Bull attacks verses other breeds.

And here, in this SLOG we have it again:

Proof the media is completely irresponsible when reporting "supposed" dog attacks.

Nice job.

Will I say it again? Yes -

There was NO Injury!!!!

Get a grip people. No matter the breed of your dog? The size of your dog? Learn what proper socialization is. Learn how to properly introduce your dog to another. Don't just let your leashed dog walk up to another leashed dog unexpectedly.

If you decide to get a dog?
Big or small? Pit Bull or Poodle?
Get educated!!!

Posted by Colete | September 12, 2008 10:49 AM
61

@60 -- I would add to this, understand what kind of dog behaviors are play, what are dominance/submission, and what are precursors to a fight.

I echo the comment that this type of thing happens all the time at dog parks. If a dog doesn't follow the social rules, another dog usually "corrects" it, or it may turn into an actual fight if the owners aren't being watchful. Obviously, this was the former.

Posted by Julie in Chicago | September 12, 2008 11:16 AM
62

"Taking your dog to one of these kinds of events with alot of dogs, all on leashes in a small space, is a bad idea. No matter what kind of dog you have."

Wrong. We have an extremely friendly Portuguese Water Dog. She's met over a thousand dogs since we've had her. She's never exhibited aggressive behavior to A SINGLE ONE, not even those who snapped at her.

You see, she was bred to work on Portuguese fishing boats, not rip other dogs to shreds.

Posted by Sean | September 12, 2008 11:32 AM
63

@11, that dachsund story was posted on Slog, we all saw it. The debate is not about horrific stories it is about the frequency of horrific stories and paricular breeds.

Posted by inkweary | September 12, 2008 12:00 PM
64

My dog was attacked by a pit bull last week.

Posted by pete nice | September 12, 2008 12:16 PM
65

My pit bull was attacked by a Schnauzer and she didn't even defend herself.Skin was broken and my dog simply looked confused & moved away from the attacker.(Sorry...puts holes in the Genetic Destroyer theory)


Authorities can't even agree on the percentage of bites caused by pit bulls in Seattle. Some say 12%, some16% and still others 23%.

We don't know the sample size, so even if it's 23%, that may be representative of 2 bites.
The reality is this:

As ANY population of dog grows, there will be more activity from that breed(pos.or neg). Seattle's pit bull pop. is on the rise.

Nearly ALL pit activity is reported by the media while ALL dog activity is not.
Can you say SKEWED?

Posted by Julie Russell | September 12, 2008 12:47 PM
66

So a couple of dogs got into a scrap in a crowded, so what?

I've seen plenty of obnoxious, hyper and aggressive Labs lunging at my leashed dogs -- so far, no pitbulls. (=

Plenty of shi**y little dogs, as well.

Oh, I do find it so interesting that the same people who wish to ban and kill pitbulls are also the same ones who endorse Sarah "Pitbull" Palin, who thoroughly enjoys (and celebrates) attacking and killing animals minding their own business... hypocritical much?

No doubt pitbulls would be disgusted of such a comparison ...

I'll take a REAL pitbull over Palin any day.

Posted by Marliss | September 12, 2008 12:51 PM
67

Um, I'll repeat what Jonah said again.

There were hundreds of dogs OVER THE WEEKEND, not stacked on top of each other at the same time in a small pet store.

It's newsworthy because ANIMAL CONTROL HAD TO BE CALLED and the pit bull owner was cited.

It's newsworthy because this happened at the grand opening of a new local shop in Seattle, not six months ago in England.

I'll leave you with over 54,000 videos of pit bills trying to viciously kill babies, animals, adults, etc.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=pit+bull+attack&search_type=&aq=f

Posted by jrrrl | September 12, 2008 12:54 PM
68

"We have an extremely friendly Portuguese Water Dog. She's met over a thousand dogs since we've had her. She's never exhibited aggressive behavior to A SINGLE ONE, not even those who snapped at her. You see, she was bred to work on Portuguese fishing boats, not rip other dogs to shreds."

That's really great Sean. Thanks for pointing that out, but maybe you were reading a different article when you responded to this one. You see no dog was "ripped to shreds" and actually nothing at all happened to the dog in this alleged attack. So your point (if there was one) doesn't count for much here.

Posted by Cassandra | September 12, 2008 1:21 PM
69

Uh, yeah, idiot, if you drop "pit bull" into the search engine it comes up with the same number ergo it's not "54,000 videos of pit bills trying to viciously kill babies, animals, adults, etc."

You're a pathetic, terrified, ignorant, little moron. I imagine you sh*t yourself any time you see a big scary pitbull.

Here's a link you might find useful for somebody such as yourself: http://www.depend.com/?s=DEPENDS


Posted by Marliss | September 12, 2008 1:30 PM
70

Any a-hole can call Animal Control. Particularly if they are attempting to defame a reputable group like FABB.

I could have called animal control when that Schnauzer drew blood from my pit bull...But I checked her, saw that it was minor, gave her some Rescue Remedy and a quick vet visit, and called it a day.

Given that these folks contacted the Stranger, it would appear they are more "Media hungry" than scarred from the alleged "attack".

We are used to facing prejudices as pit bull owners, but this case is EXTREME.

Posted by Julie Russell | September 12, 2008 1:39 PM
71

I find it sad that the owners of the "victim" (who was apparently ABSOLUTELY UNHURT FROM THIS INCIDENT) have nothing better to do. Sensationalism? Do they seek attention because their lives are so boring? I think from what I've read throughout the comments that they are indeed getting attention. Although the attention that the are getting is not really in their favor. Be careful what you wish for. The "victim" owners have succeeded in making themselves look like the dicks that they apparently are and the writer of this story perhaps should get his stories straight and not take words and information out of context? He seems to be a bit of a dick, too. Hope he doesn't get sued. Makes the Stranger look bad.

Posted by duchess | September 12, 2008 2:21 PM
72

Hey @67 - jrrrl;

ANYone can call Animal Control and make a complaint.
The owner of the Pit Bull in this incident could have made a complaint.

I wasn't needed though by either owner and it was a waste of City money and staffing to even process such a ridiculous complaint. Animal control is understsaffed and they have much bigger problems with People that don't leash their dogs and unlicensed dogs and cats.

Let me tell you a story:

I have 3 adult Pit bulls. I am surrounded by responsible, kind dog owners in my neighborhood, all breeds.

One day my youngest, (he's six) worked with a neighbor dog in digging a hole under our fence between our yards.

My neighbor's dog has NOT been socialized and she admits it and she is appropriate with her handling of her dog knowing what she does about him; the dog is a Shepard/Collie mix, a very BIG dog.

So my oldest dog goes into my neighbor's yard, just sniffin around - my 8 year old Pit Bull. (and he wasn't even the one that dug the hole).

HE got his BUTT KICKED!!! My neighbor was mortified and apologetic, my dog had puncture wounds on him and her dog was unscathed. She wanted to pay for any veterinary care. She pulled her dog off of mine and brought my dog home.

Her first words were:

"Your dog is so sweet and sensitive...and he didn't want to fight back...I'm so, so sorry."

You know how we worked it out?

My response was that I would take care of everything with my dogs' veterinary care, that my dog should have NEVER been in her dogs' yard in the first place; That her dog was just protecting his yard and his home. Ultimately, it was my dog's fault for going into my neighbor's yard!!! My dog was NOT a victim adnneither was I; and no one called Animal Control. No one freaked out and created Drama where none existed...and there was major injury to my dog. But he healed and he learned.

You see, dogs usually work things out - they have a specific social structure and behavioral methods of dealing with each other. Too many people expect dogs to have human traits in a pet store, a dog park etc.

And it's more often about people making a bigger deal out of dog vocalization than needs to be.

Two dogs that were sniffin' butts and one encroached on another's space. Again, they were being DOGS and acting like DOGS. No one got hurt. And the anti- Pit Bull folks are looking really foolish pushing this instance.

None of us advocate dog attacks, bites fatalities on other dogs or humans by any breed, large or samll. If we are going to stop such things we need to focus on solutions and people behavior. Getting rid of a breed, attacking a breed for acting like a dog, doesn't make attacks go away because ultimately it's almost always about human error and stupidity by an incompetant dog owner and if you think getting rid of one breed is going solve that problem, your logic has failed. Any dog can maim, kill, or bite if not handled properly.

It's a PEOPLE problem.

And I agree, this instance ISN'T newsworthy.
What a waste of reader's time.

Don't create drama when there isn't any. It's insulting as a Native Seattlite that the author of this piece thinks we are so dumbdowned that we will accept this article as even noteworthy.

The Author has taken a page out of Swiftboat politics and Rove sensaltionalism....and we're taking about DOGS!

Shame on you for even writing this article. Seattlelites are not that stupid and especially Seattle DOG people.

Posted by Colette | September 12, 2008 2:33 PM
73

I have come to the conclusion that dogs of any kind should be banned from the City of Seattle. Anyone attempting to bring a dog of any breed into the city should be tasered twenty times while hanging by their hands from the Aurora Bridge. Your fucking animals are out of control shitting and biting machines, and I'm sick of seeing them lurch you around the lake and down the sidewalk.

Colette, Julie, et alia: FUCK YOU.

Posted by Fnarf | September 12, 2008 4:06 PM
74

It is amazing to read peoples comments on this board. Does the fact that the Lab wasn't dismembered or killed negate that he was attacked at all? So the Lab wasn’t hurt – this time. What if it had been a little puppy, or worse a young child? It has not even been one week since the poor woman in Seatac was brutally attacked – and those pit bulls pulled her ears off. Is that enough damage to call the animal control and not be considered to be over-reacting?




I think Pit Bull owners should be both criminally and financially liable for their dogs behavior. Put them in jail for criminal assault and make them pay all of the medical bills caused by an attack.

Posted by Yeah-me | September 12, 2008 4:59 PM
75

Oh, Pit Bulls can be loving and gentle. I have owned one--he was real loving until he attacked and killed a goat and then the next day attacked and maimed my pony.

I am a dog lover and owner of two dogs. I do not easily say to ban an entire breed -- but they are terribly dangerous. But while all dogs can and will bite, only the fighting breeds dismember and kill with such vicious intent.

How many people have to die before we acknowledge that not all dogs are created equal? You just can’t love their genetics out of them. They were bred to kill and that is what they do.

Posted by mangom | September 12, 2008 5:05 PM
76

christinajade writes:

"ok, i am a RESPONSIBLE pit bull owner - i loathe anyone who fights dogs, don't even ask what i would do to a dog fighting piece of poop if given the chance...now, with that said... I NEVER WOULD HAVE TAKEN ANY OF MY DOGS TO AN EVENT WITH OVER 100 DOGS! that is part of being a RESPONSIBLE pit bull owner!

i have had champion show dogs, rescued dogs, ooshelter dogs, you name it...i had a pit bull rescue with 14 dogs. while some of my babies were able to play nice with others...some had to be isolated from the others because of natural dog aggression. i have never had a pit bull that was in any way human aggressive.

The dogs can't help it, they were bred to fight for generations, while many are perfectly fine around other animals, MANY AREN'T.

here's my motto:

NEVER TRUST YOUR PIT BULL NOT TO FIGHT

this is a case of IRRESPONSIBLE PITBULL OWNERSHIP."

okay okay...THEN JUST WHO CAN YOU TRUST TO BE A RESPONSIBLE OWNER? THIS IS AN OWNER WHO HAS PROCLAIMED TO ALL OF CYBERSPACE "PIT BULLS ARE SAFE IN THE HANDS OF RESPONSIBLE OWNERS".

CHRISTINA, WHAT ABOUT AN EVENT WITH 50 DOGS? HOW ABOUT 12 DOGS? WHEN DO YOU THINK IT IS SAFE TO TAKE A PIT BULL IN PUBLIC WITH OTHER ANIMALS? "NEVER TRUSTING YOUR PIT BULL NOT TO FIGHT" WOULD RESTRICT YOU FROM ANY CONTACT WITH ABOTHER DOG.
AND YOU DON'T REALIZE IT BUT WITH THAT STATEMENT, YOU JUST MADE THE CASE AGAINST THE USE OF PIT BULLS AS SERVICE DOGS.

Posted by ernie | September 12, 2008 6:52 PM
77

This is ONLY news because the owner is a cocky big mouthed "expert" on dog behavior fighting the "good" fight while pimping her "ambassador of the breed".
You pit bull nutters want to be taken seriously, stop with the copouts, excuses and lame ass media bashing and clean up your own back yard and start being honest about your chosen breed. They have an incredibly strong tendency to be dog aggressive and should NEVER be around other dogs.

Posted by ernie | September 12, 2008 7:19 PM
78

@62. That's great that your dog is extremely friendly and not aggressive. So is mine. My point in saying that taking your dog to those events is a bad idea is that while your dog may be well-behaved, other dogs may not be.

So, my dog was bitten because I was an idiot and took him to a place where I should have known there would be ill-trained dogs in close quarters. At least at the dog park they have room to run around and work it out themselves, but on leash, in a store... not so much.

Posted by Julie in Chicago | September 12, 2008 10:10 PM
79

It was bad enough when pits had "locking jaws," but the new generation is so deadly their bite is too fast to be detected by the naked eye--or the vet.

Posted by Chris | September 13, 2008 10:29 AM
80

The link doesn't seem to work for some reason, but if you type "pet dies after dog attack" in your search engine you will be taken to the story of a lab that killed a small dog in a park. The dog that bit off a woman's face in France was also a lab. Hear that, Denver? Time to ban labs.

Posted by Chris | September 13, 2008 10:41 AM
81

http://www.salon.com/wires/ap/us/2008/09/13/D93658900_dog_mauling/index.html

I know that the media over-reports pit-bull attacks. But it really does seem like they do a lot more attacking and killing than other dogs. It's hard not to think so when we see the news all the time.

Posted by pffft | September 13, 2008 5:50 PM
82

For those defending pit bulls, the letter from Sam's owner describing what happened has been posted on www.dogsbite.org. The pit bull didn't just bite and release, he grabbed the Lab by the neck and would not let go.....this is TYPICAL pit bull behavior, a hardwired behavior that has been selectively bred into fighting dogs. The owner of the pit bull could NOT get her dog to release the Lab. The Lab was not fighting back, it was terrified. When they finally got the pit bull off of the Lab, the dog was shaking and trembling so hard, he was going into shock.

Pit bull owners are often young women who cannot accept, or do not have the intellectual capacity to understand, the basics of genetics and animal husbandry. Temperament and behavior in domesticated animals is under a strong genetic control. The majority of pit bulls are poorly bred dogs, since most pit bull breeders are dog fighters, drug dealers, thugs and losers who are either breeding for aggressive temperaments OR not actively breeding AWAY from aggressive temperaments. They are hard-wired for certain behaviors that make them victorious in the fighting pit, but a dangerous addition to our neighborhoods.

Anyone who claims otherwise does not have a good grasp of reality.

Posted by jane | September 15, 2008 1:23 PM
83

Jane, did you not read the fact that there were absolutely no injuries!!!! The owners are making a mountain out of NOTHING!!!

Posted by Jones | September 15, 2008 3:26 PM
84

I guess it's not as sensational to mention that 2 Labradoodles killed a Westie last year at Magnuson Park? Or that my Dauchshund has bitten 3 people (and, yes, he's been through years of training and, yes, we are still working with him, but the guy still has to go outside to pee, you know)? Or that I have personally witnessed unprovoked Chihuahuas attack both dogs and humans in a myriad of situations (you live downtown--you see ALOT of Chihuahuas)I don't seem to remember 83 forum responses after any of those unfortunate events . . . interesting.

Posted by Lady | September 15, 2008 5:34 PM
85

what, people are amazed that the stranger published this as "news"?

of course they did. this isn't a "newspaper"and no one working at the stranger is a "journalist".

they're all just a bunch of a-holes with computers. come on, they live in the snobbiest-city-with-no-reason-to-be.

please, if the stranger were a real paper, they wouldn't have to give it away for free. stories such as this generate responses which give the illusion that ads should generate higher fees.

Posted by dan scamage | September 16, 2008 11:06 AM
86

Hmmm. The lab actually didn't have any puncture wounds, no blood drawn, etc... so something tells me this is someone with an agenda "exaggerating" the truth about what actually happened and what the lab was ACTUALLY doing to the Pit Bull....

Posted by Dawn | September 16, 2008 12:01 PM
87

For everyone's information, and for the official record, our dog Sam WAS physically injured, with puncture wounds that are still healing, and we, with our vet's help, are monitoring for infection. So please lay off that argument.

Posted by Irene | September 16, 2008 9:35 PM

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