ANNA BRITT
Re: “Beware of rescue dogs” (May 27 commentary):
Why would someone who claims to care about dogs go out of her way to persuade others against adopting the most abused and euthanized breed? Yes, pit bulls may sometimes be more aggressive than other dogs, but they are just as deserving of an equal shot to prove their loyalty.
The writer's argument is that since pit bulls kill around 12 humans per year, people must use extreme caution around them and avoid adoption. I would like to point out some statistics:
An average of 22 people are killed each year by cows. 450 people on average die each year from falling out of their beds. Accidental gun deaths claim 1,500 lives a year.
More to the point, to quote Ledy VanKavage, an attorney for Best Friends Animal Society, “ ... a team of researchers who analyzed fatal dog-related incidents from 2000-2009 found that breed was not a factor ... . Reckless owners should be prohibited from owning any breed. Innocent dogs shouldn't be penalized for being born into a certain breed. All dogs are individuals.”
A study of dog bite-related fatalities concluded that breed was not a determining factor in the deaths. Instead, leading causes include absence of an able-bodied person to intervene, owner failure to neuter, and dogs being kept isolated from positive human interaction.
I would never have thought that pit bulls could be life-changing dogs a year ago because of negative stereotypes. However, I fostered a pit bull from a local shelter and was able to find him a loving home after experiencing the love and happiness he gave me for the month he was in my care.
He never once threatened any member of my family, and showed love to every stranger he met.
My experience with a pit bull opened my eyes to the gentleness that pit bulls have to offer. I hope the writer is able to experience the same kind of love, and become a proponent of their rights as well.
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