Sherri Flosi: Vicious dogs were not true Pit Bull Terriers
Re “Pit bulls can be deadly; hold owners accountable” (Opinions, Nov. 2): I’m appalled that an article can be written without fact checking. I am very heartbroken for the family that had to endure this horrific mauling. It is unfortunate that there are irresponsible owners who breed for aggression, and they should be held accountable for their dogs. I have not seen what these dogs looked like, but I can almost guarantee they were not a American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), but a mix, which can lead to uncharacteristic behaviors. I think those facts need to be more researched than to just label them as “pit bulls.”
APBT’s were never bred to be human aggressive. United Kennel Club standards for a mature male to be 35-60 pounds, not 75 pounds. UKC characteristic standards read “The essential characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier are strength, confidence and zest for life. This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. APBTs make excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of children.” They do not make good guard dogs. They actually used to be called the American Nanny Dog. By the way, Pit Bull and Parolees is about rescuing Pit Bulls, not promoting them instead of guns!
Sherri Flosi, La Grange
This story was originally published November 4, 2014 at 5:02 PM with the headline "Sherri Flosi: Vicious dogs were not true Pit Bull Terriers."