Charles Town mayor seeks to strengthen vicious animal ordinance

Mayor Peggy Smith told Charles Town City Council members Tuesday night she has observed several pit bull dogs in the city and said she is concerned for residents, particularly children.

[Edd]

Are you aware that 77% of all agressive dog bites are pit bulls and rot's. The key is agressive. Without provocation.

[ccw]

Not all pit bulls or rot's are aggressive, matter fact most people in the area have kids that have these dogs if we are going to worried about a dog maybe bitting someone maybe nobody should own a dog, actually if you also check into it more small dogs are likely to attack kids then a large dog like pits, rot's. so lets get rid of all the small dog's since we have been in this area we have had four kids bite by nasty little dog's.

[Richard]

My main concern was when I came home from work, and pulled up at my house, and a pit bull got out of his fenced in yard, and met me at the driver's window, and I was unable to even get out of my car. Several weeks later a pit bull at another house killed the family's terrior. And yesterday, I witnessed a pit bull up flowing springs road that killed a cat. Pit bulls need to get out of the city limits.

[Frank]

Pit Bulls are awesome dogs!

[Lady Madonna]

Look everyone. Pit Bulls and Rots are menacing animals bred to like ... be menacing. I don't like dogs that attack and kill children and oftern turn on their owners. For the life of me I don't understand why someone would have them as a pet? I worked with a guy back in the 90's, was married, had a Rot, and then he and his wife had a baby. One day the dog decided to chew up the baby and now his kid is disfigured for life!

Dogs should be pets. Think labs and shih-zhus and bassett hounds.

Anyway, I support an ordinance against vicious dogs and sometimes the vicious owners!

[Exhausted]

Lady Madonna do you have family members in Charles Town? You certainly have a great deal to say about our county and you live in MD. I will say I don't disagree with your comments about Pitt Bulls

[Lady Madonna]

Exhausted,

I live in Shannondale. My computer service is in Maryland.

And most times you can find me and my girlfriends drinking beer at Glory Days in Ranson!!!

[David]

It nice to see the lack of dog education on these comments. The number one biter of people is Labrador Retrievers followed by Chows due in large part to howe many there are. Secondly, poorly trained dogs will attack if provoked. Rottweilers are listed as a family dog because they are naturally protective of their families against strangers. Proper training eliminates any bad instances. People are afraid of Rots because they get quite large and you read about them if someone is attacked. We need less people purchasing dogs who cant take proper care of them. Large dogs need lots of exercise, shouldnt be living in apartments or small townhomes where they feel confined because their owner is too lazy to walk the dog twice a day.

[Bubba Stump]

I just recently moved to Ranson, On the 3rd day there I got a call from my home owners insurance co. saying they are droping me because my dog is listed as agressive...He was a 7 1/2 year old American buldog, akita / chow mix. They were concerned about the akita/chow part. He has never bitten anyone and my 5 year old kid plays with him and has since she was 6 months old. American bulldogs are good family and work dogs , same goes for akitas, I looked it up before kid was born. Since Akitas were bred as chineese guard dogs back in the day they recieved the agressive stereotype. I ended up surrerending him to the SPCA, and they were amazed at how kind and non agressive he is...They need to evaluate all dogs individually instead of labeling off the breed.
If the city could make all dogs go through an evaluation of behavior and grant a lisence on dog by dog basis I'm sure the attacks and complaints would go down. I seen some dogs in the neighbor hood that look like they are not well taken care of , and some that are trated like a family member. Dogs are indiviuals like people. It's based on how they are raised, it's not a dogs fault they bite, they feel threatened, Dog owners need to take responsibility for thier dogs and raise them and treat then correctly....

[Jason]

""Are you aware that 77% of all agressive dog bites are pit bulls and rot's. The key is agressive. Without provocation.""

What is the most aggressive dog breed?

Dogs arent naturally an agressive animal, but they can be trained to be, for example by dog fighters or miss treatment.

A lot of people confuse a dog biting/attacking out of fright, as aggression, when in fact, in the dogs mind it is self defense, eg. person approaches stange dog, dog is wagging tail, person puts hand down towards dogs head to stroke it, dog bites hand. The person sees it as an agressive dog, but with understanding of dog behaviour it is self defense.

From the dogs point of view:-

hey, you walked up to my face (approaching from the front is agressive behaviour in dog language),

I showed you I was frightened but I'd fight if I had to (tail wag - a wagging tail can me happy, exited, frightened, ready for action),

but you still went for me (hand on top of head is a very dominating thing to do to a dog you don't know).

This scenareo is the smame as 1 man running towards a stranger, shaking his fist, while the stranger says, please don't hurt me, or I'll be forced to hit you. The man still running so the stranger gives him a punch in the face. Most people can see this as self defense, but when a dog defends it self people call it aggresive.

Answer

Actually, fear is a type of aggression. This is called fear motivated aggression. Also, not all dogs are the same. Certain breeds of dogs tend to be more aggressive then others, no matter how they are raised, not that this is not a factor. The other types of aggression are dominance, territorial, possessive, protective, and redirected aggression.

Potentially aggressive breeds:

Llasa Apso: can be cranky with kids

Toy poodles: bite out of self defense

Dachsunds: not very patient

Rhodesian Ridgebacks: very dominant breed

Miniature Pinschers: "big dog" mindset in little body

Pekinese: intolerant

Chihuahuas: prefer adults, not tolerant of kids

Chow Chow: one-person dogs, bite without warning

Giant Schnauzers: very dominant breed, will even challenge adults

Old English Sheep Dog: very protective of owner

Cocker Spaniel: very protective of owner

Rottweilers: very protective
Typically gentle breeds that have "bad boy" reputations:

German Shepherd: great with kids

Bulldog: gentle, playful

Rottweilers: can be gentle, affectionate

Great Danes: gentle, affectionate

Boxers: good with kids

Mastiffs-very docile
ANSWER

Some people (like the top answerer) are ignorant and shouldn't talk about dog personalities. Dog breeds are different and they were breed specifically for that defining characteristic they were valued for. Different breeds of dog have their own personalities and tendancies. Some will be aggressive toward animals, others to humans, and others only display aggression toward other dogs (pitbull terriers are a perfect example of this last one). As far as aggressivness toward humans go the most aggressive dog is by far the Fila Brasileiro. Breed to hunt and kill jaguars 2 on 1 these dogs have a very high pain tollerance matched by their size. They were also breed to guard private estates and were specifically breed for their aggressiveness toward strangers. These dogs are very affectionate to their owners but because of the Ojeriza (natural loathing of strangers) they are very dangerous dogs.

ANSWER It is also a shame that people have not done their research. The dachshund is proven to be the most mentally unstable breed that is prone to violent outbursts. The Pit Bull ranks up there with the Golden Retriever in terms of friendliness.

[Jason]

The top 3 most aggressive dog breeds!!!
Attention, America, or at least all you state and local politicians who are banning or considering banning ownership of pit bulls, Rottweilers and other big, scary dogs: In the midst of your rush to pass breed specific legislation, a new study has shown that the most aggressive dog breed in the world is ...
Yes, the dachshund, the weiner dog, better known in some countries as the sausage dog.
This vicious beast, despite enjoying a good reputation, is at the very top of a list of 33 dog breeds that were rated for their aggression in a study that analyzed the behavior of thousands of dogs.
One in five dachshunds have bitten or tried to bite strangers; about one in five have attacked other dogs, and one in 12 have snapped at their owners, according to the study, which was reported in the London Telegraph.
Before all you dachshund owners start experiencing the same fears as pit bull owners, and begin contemplating how to hide your pet from authorities (a large bun, perhaps?), it should be pointed out that, as a small dog, a dachshund won't inflict the same amount of damage as a large one, or the same amount of headlines.
So you're probably safe. Now that we're all relaxed we can move on to No. 2 on the most aggressive list .... German Shepherd, maybe? Perhaps the Chow Chow, or Doberman.
Nope. It's the chihuahua. Look out, Paris Hilton.
Chihuahuas, even smaller than dachshunds, and the fashion accessory of choice for Paris Hilton and other celebrities, were the second most hostile breed.
According to the study, they are fairly regularly snapping or attempting to bite strangers, family and other dogs.
In third place was another small dog ... the breed that captured our heart in the television show, Frazier -- the Jack Russell terrier. The study shows beyond any doubt: Small dogs are not to be trusted.
Just kidding, of course. But that is precisely the sort of generalization those passing laws against pit bulls are making.(Then again, they are probably small politicians, who really can't be trusted.)
There may, however, actually be some basis behind my theory that small dogs often display a bit of a Napolean complex -- at least judging from the number that yap and snap at my big dog.
Dr. James Serpell, a University of Pennsylvania researcher who worked on the study, said smaller breeds might be more genetically predisposed towards aggressive behavior than larger dogs.
"Reported levels of aggression in some cases are concerning, with rates of bites or bite attempts rising as high as 20 per cent toward strangers and 30 per cent toward unfamiliar dogs," he added.
Most research into canine aggression up to now has focused on dog bites, but researchers said that data (pit bulls aren't at the top of that list either) is misleading. Most dog bites aren't reported, and because the bites of big dogs are more likely to get reported, they are generally viewed as more aggressive.
The study, published this week in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science, involved researchers from the University of Pennsylvania questioning 6,000 dog owners. Breeds scoring low for aggression included Basset hounds, golden retrievers, labradors, Siberian huskies. The rottweiler, pit bull and Rhodesian ridgeback scored average or below average marks for hostility towards strangers. Greyhounds rated the most docile.

[Jason]

"Temperament Testing" isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Owners of 67 dogs temperament tested and subsequently adopted from one shelter were interviewed by telephone within 13 months of adoption. The interviews included questions about jumping up, house soiling, separation-related behavior, barking and aggressive behavior.
In evaluating dogs that passed the temperament test used by the shelter, it was found that 40.9% exhibited lunging, growling, snapping, and/or biting after adoption. When barking was included, this percentage rose to 71.2%.
"Our results indicated that there are certain types of aggressive tendencies (territorial, predatory, and intra-specific aggression) that are not reliably exhibited during temperament testing using this particular evaluation process," the researchers said The researchers said temperament tests often fail to identify certain types of aggression.

[Robert]

I own several Dogo Argentinos. They are by far the toughest dogs out there and have the potential of killing an adult man in a matter of seconds, but they don't.
Some of these people on here are such little bitches.

My friend owns a miniature Pinscher and let me tell you, I have got bitten by this shitty dog about a dozen times. He is very aggressive and like someone said on here, he thinks he's a fully grown pit bull or something like that. The last time he bit me, I accidentally stepped back onto his head and crushed it,(I'm 6'3, 280lbs., he's 1'1, 30lbs, guess who won) Poor thing went to the vet for 2 weeks and now he doesn't bark at me anymore, go figure.

[Pit Bull]

Mayor Peggy Smith is an absolute ignorant idiot. She obviously has no knowledge about animals or dogs. She saw a pit bull in a yard so she is concerned? She saw an owner walking a pit bull on a leash and the dog was pulling? Are you serious? Pit bulls are not dangerous because they are Pit bulls. Each dog is different. Some of the best trained dogs I have met have been pit bulls. The dogs she saw were probably not even pits. Everyone calls boxers, American bulldogs, English mixes and any other dog that looks similar a pit bull. Peggy Smith....have you ever met or socialized with a pit bull? I doubt it. The last dog I was bit by was a lab, I've never been bit by a pit. Seriously Peggy, educate yourself before you jump on a hysterical bandwagon.
How about you get your officers to work on all of the drunk drivers coming from the track? How dangerous are they to the community?
You have much bigger problems to resolve before you worry about a dog owner walking their dog.

[brian]

The last 2 dog attacks that ive heard of in charles town were by pit bulls,..of what ever breed. One of which i witnessed. whether its an inbred trait or the owners didnt raise them right it doesnt matter, they are dangerous dogs,..Why do you think the owners of pit bulls get them? Because they are pretty? NO. Because they like to intimidate others.
The one attack that i witnessed a lady was walking a young child in a stroller while also walking her 2 leashed dogs. One a cocker spaniel and the other a mixed breed. The pit bull was in a car 100 feet away with the windows down. The pitbull jumped out the window ran down the street and attacked the 2 dogs. Its a wonder the kid in the stroller didnt get hurt while the woman tried to keep hold of her dogs and protect the kid. What would of happened if the lady had stuck her hand in between the pit and one of her dogs? Could of got ugly. Luckily the owner was able to get her dog in check( a little late) as the spaniel was bleeding from the mouth and the other dog had a nasty wound to the neck.
As the owner had gotten hold of the pit by the time i got out the door i stashed the Casull by the door. At risk of going to court i would of used it to defend the woman and child. The dogs are a nuisance.

[YOUR SMART]

brian wrote:

The last 2 dog attacks that ive heard(THAT YOU HEARD ABOU?) of in charles town were by pit bulls,..of what ever breed.(DO SOME RESEARCH!) One of which i witnessed. whether its an inbred trait or the owners didnt raise them right it doesnt matter, they are dangerous dogs,(BLAME THE OWNER NOT THE BREED)..Why do you think the owners of pit bulls get them?(GREAT PETS) Because they are pretty? NO. Because they like to intimidate others.(OR MAYBE YOU HAVE A INFERIORITY COMPLEX?)
The one attack that i witnessed a lady was walking a young child in a stroller while also walking her 2 leashed dogs. One a cocker spaniel(ARE YOU SURE?) and the other a mixed breed(ARE YOU SURE?). The pit bull(ARE YOU SURE?) was in a car 100 feet away with the windows down. The pitbull jumped out the window ran down the street and attacked the 2 dogs. Its a wonder the kid in the stroller didnt get hurt while the woman tried to keep hold of her dogs and protect the kid. What would of happened if the lady had stuck her hand in between the pit and one of her dogs? Could of got ugly. Luckily the owner was able to get her dog in check( a little late) as the spaniel was bleeding from the mouth and the other dog had a nasty wound to the neck.
As the owner had gotten hold of the pit by the time i got out the door i stashed the Casull by the door.(TALKIN BARNEY BAD AND DID NOT DO ANYTHING!) At risk of going to court i would of used it to defend the woman and child. The dogs are a nuisance.(AND YOUR UNEDUCATED AND IF THE NEWS REPORTED EVERY DOG ATTACK, YOU WOULD SEE WHAT THE REAL DANGEROUS BREED S ARE!)

That's a good one!

[Now what]

Girl killed by three family dogs in Thomasville
A 5-year-old girl was killed by her family's pitbull dogs in Thomasville. Monday evening in the confines of a fence marked with a sign "Beware of Dog," three dogs attacked and killed one of their owners,...

Read full story from www.walb.com

[brian]

lol,..A personal attack. Must of hit a nerve. Yes pits have several breeds under the Molosser family (of any breed).
How can any dog "be a great pet" when they are predisposed to attacking all other dogs on sight,(as any website on pit bulls will tell you). Reputations arent caused by nothing. Other wise labradors, Golden retrievers, and Cocker spaniels would be grouped in with Pit bulls, Rotweilers, and Chows.
And yes after stashing the Cassul i did go outside( it wasnt needed after the woman got her pit under control)in order to tell the woman with the child to make sure she reported it to the police so the pit could go on the nuisance dog list. At which point the male friend of the pit owner told me to mind my own business and go back in my house. After realizing I wasnt going to do either, he got in his truck and left.
Thanks for pointing out my Infiriority complex. My Therapist said i doing better though because i no longer make personal attacks against people on the web when they view their opinions or state their storys.

[Ur pits sux]

Pit bull kills woman, injures owner during Deltona attack -- Or...
A pit bull so docile it shared a bed with its owners viciously attacked and killed a 63-year-old woman Friday, almost tearing off the thumb of one of its owners as she tried to get the dog off her sister.
Full Story: Orlando Sentinel

[Oh Boy]

THIS GUY NEEDS HELP--READ THIS CRAP--LOL

brian wrote:

lol,..A personal attack. Must of hit a nerve. Yes pits have several breeds under the Molosser family (of any breed).
How can any dog "be a great pet" when they are predisposed to attacking all other dogs on sight(A TYPICAL COMMENT OF A PERSON WHO WATCHES AND BELIEVES TV. I BET YOU THINK THE DUKES OF HAZZARD IS EDUCATIONAL?),(as any website on pit bulls will tell you THE ANTI-PITBULL WEB SITES). Reputations (REPUTATIONS MEAN THE TRUTH?)arent caused by nothing.(JUST NEWS CASTS AND UNEDUCATED PERSONS FRON RANSON) Other wise labradors, Golden retrievers, and Cocker spaniels would be grouped in with Pit bulls, Rotweilers, and Chows.
And yes after stashing the Cassul i did go outside( it wasnt needed after the woman got her pit under control)in order to tell the woman with the child to make sure she reported it to the police so the pit could go on the nuisance dog list. At which point the male friend of the pit owner told me to mind my own business and go back in my house. After realizing I wasnt going to do either, he got in his truck and left.
Thanks for pointing out my Infiriority complex. My Therapist said i doing better though because i no longer make personal attacks against people on the web when they view their opinions or state their storys.YOU JUST DID!