American Pit Bull

[annavc]

Some of you may remember a few weeks ago that I posted a request for advice on persuading someone I knew not to get another dog after losing their Staffy puppy who wasn't spayed or microchipped and who was shut in at home all day every day. Anyway, my pleas fell on deaf ears and she's just told me that as of yesterday they have got an American Pit Bull. I don't know much about these dogs but am I right in thinking that they are on the dangerous dogs list and have to muzzled at all times? Do correct me if I'm wrong. Anyway, I'm just really worried that these people do not know what they're doing. The dog is a fashion accessory and I wish there was something I could do about it. Any advice would be very gratefully received. Thank you.

[happy_face]

I thought these dogs were banned in the UK because of their aggression.

She would need some serious dedication to make this dog a nice and well behaved one. And that doens't mean leaving it at home alone every day

[caz21]

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/domest ic/dogs.htm

Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 prohibits four types of dog:

the Pit Bull Terrier
the Japanese tosa
the Dogo Argentino
the Fila Brasileiro

It is an offence to own or keep any of the above types of dog, unless it is on the Index of Exempted Dogs and is in compliance with the requirements. In any event it is an offence to breed from, sell or exchange (even as a gift) such a dog, irrespective of whether it has been placed on the Index of Exempted Dogs.

It is important to note that, in the UK, dangerous dogs are classified by �type�, not by breed label. This means that whether a dog is considered dangerous, and therefore prohibited, will depend on a judgment about its physical characteristics, and whether they match the description of a prohibited 'type'. This assessment of the physical characteristics is made by a court. A leaflet providing guidance on the physical characteristics that a court would consider in reaching its judgement can be found below.

The 1991 Act was amended by the Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act 1997. The 1997 Act removed the mandatory destruction order provisions of the 1991 Act by giving the courts discretion on sentencing, and re-opened the Index of Exempted Dogs for those prohibited dogs which the courts consider would not pose a risk to the public. Only courts can direct that a dog can be placed on the list of exempted dogs.

Section 3 of the 1991 Act created a new offence of being an owner of a dog of any type or breed which is dangerously out of control in a public place or a non-public place in which it is not permitted to be.

[caz21]

Thi is a better link http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/domest ic/ddogsleaflet.pdf

Not sure if American Pit Bull is different to English Pit Bull though?

[SaxyJag]

I didn't think there was any such thing as an 'English' Pit Bull. I had always thought the term just meant and English-bred APB.

What is interesting is the omission from DEFRA's list of the Wolf Hybrid - cross between wolf and something like a Siberian Husky. They were very fashionable a while ago. Can you imagine - the instinct of the wolf with the natural fear of man bred out of it?

[Snappy]

American pit bull owners have to have a license for their dog and have them neutered. Not all pit bulls are bad but need careful handling, especially around other creatures. Unless you know every bit of history for the dog, eg temperament and breeding background, you wouldn't want to take any chances, especially if it's already an adult dog when you aquire it. Im thinking it probably isn't an pit bull anyway and just someone trying to make a bit of extra money by bigging it up! Like i said, she cant take the chance, it should be muzzled in public and never left alone with children or other animals

[annavc]

Thanks so much for the info everyone. I have spoken with her again and I think (fingers crossed) that she has listened to me about keeping the dog muzzled whenever they are out anywhere and she also seemed to be coming round to the idea of neutering as well. The dog is 8 months old so I would imagine its about the right time to do it. I explained that these dogs are on the DDA for a reason and that surely its better to be safe than sorry. I think the knowledge that if the dog did attack another animal or god forbid a child they would be prosecuted has made them slightly more likely to keep it muzzled. Here's hoping anyway. Thanks again.

[kramer81]

I would suggest that she gets neutered at the same time.

I find the indifference to other people safety shown by these people sickening. I was 10 seconds away from being confronted by a Rottweiler yesterday who was allowed to roam the streets by its owner.