Prince George, Canada Says "No Second Chances" to Pit Bull Owners

Newspaper Editorial Reams Irresponsible Pit Bull Owners
Prince George, Canada - The editors of PrinceGeorgeCitizen.com say the latest brouhaha over pit bulls erupted last week when a cat, accompanied by its owner, was killed by one of two pit bulls. The cat's owner was also nipped and scratched while trying to fend off the dogs. The dogs' owner conceded it was the third time they had killed a cat, but pleaded to have the dogs returned by the city's animal control department.

Clearly, the dogs' owners haven't learned any lessons. First off, pit bulls fall under the city's dangerous dog bylaw, which stipulates they must be safely confined to their yard. The owners failed to live up to their obligations when the powerful dogs scaled a six-foot fence in a break for freedom and mayhem. Nor was it a first offence for these dogs.

Despite the owner's pleas for mercy, there is no way these dogs should be sent home. They should be destroyed. Through the owners' negligence their dogs have terrorized the neighborhood. The dogs' owner said they would move to a home in a rural area in order to keep the dogs. But guess what? People in the country don't want a couple of pit bulls moving nearby either, for fear they'll attack their children, pets or livestock.

The city's bylaw was drawn up specifically to avert situations like this one. Pit bull owners have been given latitude to keep their pets as long as they abide by a simple set of rules, which include leashing and muzzling in public. With pit bulls' reputation and the public's general disdain for them, it's puzzling when owners don't take the necessary precautions that would prevent attacks. Those who don't should not get second chances.

Labels: Canada