This from wmctv.com in Memphis TN regarding an attack on an eight year old child, a representative of the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby stated "Without knowing the level of the dog's socialization, whether he is neutered, and whether he is owned or stray, it is difficult to say what led to this happening. What we can tell you is that any breed of dog can be involved in a bite or serious attack."
T.J. Lemon's father, Torre, pulled the dog off his son and hopes the dog is not returned to the neighborhood. Mr. Lemon stated ""If a dog is coming at a police officer they don't ask questions," said Torre. "Why would you want to give a dog back to somebody whereas this dog could get out and do this to another child?"
A very sensible question.
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In video found here Andrea Rothwell, Veterinary Services Supervisor for Lee County Domestic Animal Services in Lee County FL said " all dogs can become aggressive" in a piece titled "Aggressive pit bulls: Nature or Nurture." This may come as a surprise to Ms. Rothwell but no other breed or type of dog requires the level of advocacy that is seen with pit bulls. There is a reason for that. It should be noted that the Lee County Shelter takes in between 1500 to 1600 pit bulls a year and only two of ten will be placed, the rest humanely euthanized. Ms. Rothwell's shelter is drowning in pit bulls.
Andrea Rothwell and more. This is the photo she has chosen for the Shelter's "meet the staff" page, she made it public.
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Bryan County Sheriff Clyde Smith made this statement to the press after the mauling death of 21 month old Monica Laminack "Smith added he assumed any breed of dog — not just pit bulls — could have done this. “I’m no authority on dogs, but when they start, they will attack.” Monica was mauled to death by seven pit bulls owned by her family, These dogs were pets. Sheriff Smith ordered the pack of pit bulls euthanized at the scene. Two other dogs owned by the family, not pit bulls, were not involved in the attack and not euthanized.
Above is Sheriff Smith, below is Monica Laminack.
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Kevin Ray of Canine Therapy Center, listed as a "pet dog behaviorist" spoke to WSAV3 after the death of Monica Laminack. "Ray says attacks are not breed specific, any dog can attack if in a stressful situation. And in all his years of training, he has never been bit by a pit bull."
Kevin Ray, pet dog behaviorist.
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In this report from CBSAtlanta.com, "dog expert" Angie Woods states "This is not a breed-specific problem, so I don't want people to think anti-pit bull dog sentiments." Ms. Woods also said ""My official training is in veterinary medicine, I spent 17 years in veterinary medicine. I really love to focus on the behavior side." These statements were made in response to the mauling death of two year old Beau Rutledge, mauled to death by a pit bull owned by the family for eight years without indication of aggression.
Dog expert Angie Woods above, Beau Rutledge below
This article is a double treat. Victoria Stilwell, actress and reality show personality, voices her opinion " While some might think this attack is breed specific, Stilwell said it's not. Some dogs do feel uncomfortable around children."
Stilwell also spoke to AJC.com “We’ve got to look at behavior, not breed.” It should be noted that Stilwell's "certification" comes from Animal Behavior and Training Associates. Please click here for a rip-off report on this home study Petco affiliate.
Victoria Stilwell
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Aimee Davis of Pitties in the City spoke to myfoxatlanta.com, the quote "Davis believes that any dog which is not properly trained is capable of attacking."
Ms. Davis is doing damage control following the mauling death of two year old Beau Rutledge by the family pit bull. Collies are not known for killing family members. Poodles, Yorkies? Nope, no deaths.
Aimee Davis, Vet Tech, above. Beau Rutledge below. Remember, this child is dead, killed by the family pit bull.
How do these breed specific advocates sleep at night?
