Thank you for clarifying and educating.

Thank you Brad for clarifying the points that seemed to be misunderstood.

Issues like this often generate heated discussions as so many people hate to see animals abused like this. Many do not understand that the way these dogs were raised, and neglected concerning healthcare and socialization was what ultimately resulted in their sad fate. They were trained to fight to the death, disregarding the submission signals that normally end canine fights. They were forced to swim until exhausted in water tanks and run on treadmills to bulk up. They had poor accomodations that were litter filled and unsanitary. The welfare of the dogs was not a concern of the owner, only the ability to win fights and bring in a high sale price for offspring. Had the puppies not been so ill, they probably had a chance to find good homes. (information gathered from the Casa Del Toro Bully Breed Education and Rescue website)

Hopefully the national attention this case received will help to encourage the passing of stricter laws that punish the people who are in the fighting rings to a harsher extent and help to bring more awareness to how serious of a problem this truly is.

No one likes euthanasia to be the answer and it would be wonderful if it was no longer needed. Sadly ever year an estimated 6 to 8 million dogs and cats that are 'unwanted' enter U.S. shelters. 3 to 4 million never leave as there simply aren't enough homes. (statistics provided by the Humane Society of the United States website)

Hopefully forums like this one will bring more awareness to people to spay/neuter their pets and to help petition their state and local representatives for stricter laws.

I have to admit I have been so mad since August, I have been so upset with any kill shelter in Houston. I thought I was right about everyone. I thought that every kill shelter in Houston kills every pit or pit mix that comes to them as soon as possible. This morning I get pictures of the poor dogs being saved from a friend in New York, she's in New York and she sent me pictures of dogs in my State about to die that the BARC has had for a long period of time trying to home. I was in shock that many of them have the Pity heads, many of these beautiful dogs have the chest and heads of Pit's and I would like to apologize to anyone who saves animals and works to help them. I have had so much hostility towards you, many of you, because I thought you were saving the cute little doggies and kittens and throwing everything else away.
I would like to tell anyone from the BARC that after seeing the pictures of all of the dogs you saved today I know that I was wrong about you and I apologize.

I would like to say to the woman that has Bad Neighbors with the poor Pit Bull dogs, don't you realize that it is the humans fault that these dogs go to the fence and snarl and growl at you? Don't you realize that they should not have a Pit Bull in such a small place and they are bad Neighbors who are treating their animals the wrong way if these animals are acting like this than they have taught them to, by not training them the right way? I realize completely that if they have been trained to snarl and growl at you than you should protect your property and your family, because the dogs are not trained and could harm you or your family, but it is the people who are your neighbors that are at fault, they are bad care givers to their animals.
People make them mean, I swear this to be true, I know this for sure.....They can be wonderful pets and I would like to apologize again for anyone that tries to save an animal of any breed in Houston.
I do know that a puppy can be rehabilitated no matter what, a baby puppy can be rehabilitated and I know this, but that being said I have been mad at many people since the dogs were all killed at one time in Houston in August and I would like to apologize to many kill shelters for the hostility I have felt for so long about the animals being killed and nobody trying to save them.
Many of the emails and phone calls all said they should all be killed, most seemed so heartless and mean and I was so angry and hard headed that I believed what I wanted to believe and I have been so mad for so long. I apologize to all of you, though I still feel that some of those puppies could have been saved from death and that's just me, that is how I will always feel, many of the animals I have here or have had in the past all were terrible looking and not socialized when they came to me and I know with love and care they can be rehabilitated. I would like to apologize and especially to the people of BARC if I have offended you in any way, because I was wrong. I know now I was wrong when I seen the animals you are saving and the pictures of them.
I would like to tell the woman who called me Donald Trump that I look and act nothing like him.:O) I wouldn't have minded if you would have called me Rosie. Tonya Alexander

Tonya, while I understand your frustration, as someone who has fostered rescue dogs I have to tell you that there is no solution as simple as just "not killing" them. I wish there were enough family-type foster homes in which to keep all homeless pets, but there aren't. However, keeping animals in cages all their lives is cruel, too. I've handled dogs from no-kill shelters who, when they weren't adopted, ended up spending years in dog runs and were so fearful that they would never have been safe adoption prospects. Perhaps they could have been rehabilitated, but by whom? Most adoptive owners are not prepared to handle such a psychologically damaged animal, and those of us who can cannot afford to take on that many. Animal rescues and shelters, even the ones that euthanize, DO care, but there is simply not enough room, money, or personnel to care for all of them. No-kill shelters do a great service in not euthanizing, but the trade-off is that they cannot take in as many animals. If all shelters did that, there would be even more animals abandoned on the street. Ultimately, the only way to get a handle on this is to spay, neuter, and educate. Please don't be angry with the shelters--they do the best they can with what they get.

Good, they are pit bulls...period. Many big cities around the U.S. have banned this breed, and for good reason. While the killing of an innocent animal may seem cruel, this means that there won't be any more breeding going on with these pits in question. And if that saves one poor childs life from being mauled away then so be it.

Gary, you are Wrong, wrong, wrong! Banning the breed is NOT going to solve the problem. The people handling these dogs are the problem. If the breed is banned the PEOPLE are going to move elsewhere, and the problem will continue. These people need to be put in jail.
You don't blame a gun for killing someone, you blame the handler.
www.realpitbull.com/myths.html
Bet you can't find the real APBT on the first ten tries.
www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html
My dogs have play dates with 'pit bulls' all the time. Several of my friend have child and pit bulls. Please get get your facts straight.

I know it is tempting to buy a dog from a pet store or backyard or hobby breeder. But this is never, ever a good idea. Especially with the pit bull breed, you have a strong dog that has been ruined by irresponsibe breeding practices. That combined with an attraction by certain individuals who like aggression and you have a disaster waiting to happen.

This is not a bad breed. Pair a well bred dog with a responsible owner and the scenario changes dramatically.

The same thing happened Dobermans years ago.

We are sick of pit bulls in our County, and no laws in Waller County to protect us.
My neighbor's pit bulls have killed 2 of our dogs because they just got to close. These dogs are chained and no one is living in the house. The owner comes buy once a week to feed them. We have called Human society and they want do anything.
This is so sad to see these dogs suffer this way.
I have small grand children and we fear for ther lives. They are a loaded weapon. And one day they break loose. Please get the work out that these dogs are so dangerious.

All I ever hear is the hatred towards pitbulls. "A pitbull bit a kid over here", "a pitbull mauled an elderly man next door", and "a pitbull killed my dog". But this makes great headlines and news. "THE TERRIBLE PITBULLS ARE ON THE LOOSE AGAIN" tonight on channel ?..Its not the breed its the owner. I have seen it.When the breeder or owner train their dog to be aggressive that dog will be aggressive. Even a chihuahua can be mean, its just too small to do any real harm and just not a great story. Pitbulls and bully breeds are great pets and companions. If you train a pet right, then you will never have any problems. I have had more problems with other breeds than my pitbulls. I have had 4 pitbulls in my life, since I was 9. I am now 37 years old and currently have a pitbull. So let me tell you about the types I have had problems with: 1. I had a neighbor with a Rott that would get loose and chase the subdivsions kids. 2. I had to have a Blue Heeler euthanized because he tried to bite my little girl. Maybe because it was the breed. (With heavy sarcasm) 3. My friend's daughter is constantly being chased and bit by a neighborhood chihuahua. Maybe its the breed. No its just owner does nothing. 4. I currently have a neighbor who has 2 black german shepherds. Both dangerous. Not trained properly. Escaped from their backyard and bit my other neighbors daughter..That didn't make the news, did it? No. The dogs were not euthanized and we still have problems with them. 5. ETC.... So you see, its not the animal to blame, its man's irresponsibilty. I have well behaved pitbull. I have taken her to my daughters bus stop with no problems or aggression. I will tell you this much, if my dog ever attacked any (for no reason), I will have her euthanized. But I will never blame the breed.

I am not sick of pit bulls in my county. I am sick of people harboring dangerous animals in my county!! As I said, banning the breed will not solve your problems! It is the people who harbor these animals that need to be banned! When ANY animal gets in the wrong hands it can be dangerous. I am tired of the negative 'pit bull' media. www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html

I would trust my child around an American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier over a chihuauah or a pekingese any day!

Forgot to send a link for stats of dog bites from many breeds an their temperment stats:
www.atts.org

One more post:
I found websites that for some reason KHOU keeps making disappear.
Just search: "Pit Bulls in Police Work" or "Working Pit Bulls" and they have pits that search for bombs and drugs, that lead the blind and everything else. Please do your research before making horrible accusations on such wonderful dogs.

I personaly feel that some sort of strict regulations regarding these breeds should be drafted and enforced. My neighbor raises pitbull dogs in his back yard. At last count he had about 12 of them. Because they are so aggressive, I am constantly repairing and replacing my fence. Maybe some of your readers who feel that these dogs have just gotten a bad rap should come over and visit my neighbor for a cup of coffee or tea.

Most of the blogs I have read make valid points on both sides, but I would have to agree that I am tired of the media painting such a negative picture on an entire breed of dogs. It is not called "PC" when this happens to people because it is referred to as stereotyping at best. It is a shame when we start penalizing responsible owners and well behaved loving dogs because of an irrisponsible few. I see it no differently than people who make a choice to own guns. Is the gun dangerous or the person holding the gun dangerous? I suggest a license and registration for owning a pet. A pet is not meant to be put in the hands of just anyone. Maybe stricter laws in the process of owning a pet would help decrease animal attacks in general along with animal abuse and neglect.

I do not think it is fair to say all pit bulls are bad. I think it's the owner's who make them that way. I have a friend who has always owned pit bulls and also has children who play with them. They are as gentle as can be.

There is a HUGE differece between my pitbull and someone who has 12 dogs. Thats someone who tries to be a breeder or uses them to fight. Once again an irresponsible PERSON, not the pitbull. There should be more responsible people in reporting all aggressive dogs. Not just pitbulls. There should be regulations on how many dogs you can keep on your property. Laws requiring permits to breed or sell dogs. Not banning certain type of breeds. Like I said before, I am having a problem with my neighbors dogs. On one side I have Golden retrievers digging to get to my yard. On another I have 2 black German Shepherds trying to attack me, my dog, and anyone who gets close the fence. Any breed could go wrong in the wrong hands. Just like guns, medicine, beer,a car, etc - in the wrong hands. Lets ban Smith & Wesson, Tylenol, Bud, GM, etc.......Riiiiiight thats the answer. But I know many of you will still be closed minded because of a bad experience you or someone else had with a PITBULL.
Want to see a different side to them check out LawDogsUSA.org. They are great dogs and can be trained.

Well said F Deloarosa, well said.
In re: to the people with the 12 pits in their yard. For any good dog, not matter what the breed, they need training and exercise. It sounds as though your neighbors have not properly trained and exercised the dogs. Is this is dog's fault? The dog can't go to its owner and say, "Hey dude, I am so bored I can't take it anymore, give me exercise!" A tired dog is a good dog.
A dog that is not properly trained doesn't know how to act, just as a child would. You must have some sort of regulations so they know what to do. If no one takes the time to teach rules, then how are they supposed to know?
I have a Lab that came from a shelter who was scheduled to be euthanized. The day I got him I know how he ended up there. He didn't know his boundaries and how to act. Well we got him trained and he gets everal walks a day and he no longer destroys stuff in my yard or in my house.
As I said along with everyone else, its not the dog's fault, it is the owner.
It is sad, you have to have a license to drive but just anyone can have pets and children.

I HAVE A 24MTH OLD RED,REDNOSE PITBULL THAT AS OF LAST WEEK AT THE VET WEIGHED IN AT 111 LBS. IVE HAD HIM SINCE HE WAS 3MTH OLD. WE LOVE HIM AND HE LOVES US A GREAT DEAL. HE HAS NEVER BEEN AGGRESIVE TO ANYONE AT ALL. MY TWO YEAR OLD GRAND DAUGHTER RIDES ON HIS BACK ALL OVER THE HOUSE. HE IS THE FIRST PITBULL I HAVE EVER OWNED.HE IS VERY VERY SMART,LOVEING AND OBEDIENT.I NOW ONLY WANT TO OWN PITBULLS FROM NOW ON. I KNOW THE NEXT ONE MAY NOT BE EXACTLY LIKE HIM, BUT WITH THE LOVE AND ATTENTION WE GAVE HIM THERE IS NO WAY OUR NEXT ONE WOULDNT BE ALOT LIKE HIM. OF COURSE IF YOU WANT A MEAN PIT BULLL, CAN HAVE ONE. A PITBULL WILL GIVE OUT WHAT YOU GIVE HIM, HE WILL FOLLOW IN HIS MASTERS FOOTSTEPS. I ONCE OWNED A BLACK LAB THAT STAYED ON A CHAIN. IF SHE DIDNT KNOW YOU , YOU DIDNT COME INTO THE YARD. EVEN A AGGRESIVE PIT CAN BE TAUHGT TO BE CALM AND SUBMISSIVE, IF YOU ARE WILLING TO SPEND 30 MINUTES A DAY WITH HIM.MY WIFE AND I LOVE OUR PIT LIKE HE WAS OUR CHILD AND WE THEAT HIM SO. ILL STOP FOR NOW, ALTHOUGH I COULD GO ON.

The Houston Humane Society has been milking this story too long. It is making me feel like a pawn.

Why can't that organization find a story about other animals to keep themselves on the news? Why must it be these dogs over and over again? Could it be that the pit bulls get the the most attention? Are they using pit bulls to "bait" you?

Feeling like a pawn yet?

Patrick

My wife and I have own three bridle pit bulls over the years. All have been great dogs with anyone that has been around them. Also, two have been used as cow dogs and think they should go everywhere my wife or I go. The grandkids played and climbed on them and the dogs don't even care. If anything they are protective of the kids. So I feel they do get unjust attention in the media at times. Yes, there are persons that use them for what they were not intended for and for those persons prison is not good enough.

I'm glad I google this. Here's the situation. My neighbor's a senior citizen, on a fixed income. She's got 4 pitbulls, in her back yard, that are not hers. The owners refuse to come get them. I informed her that these dogs are diminishing in health, because she isn't feeding them enough, execising them or giving them medical attention. And I understand that she can't afford them. Rather than be fined or calling the SPCA, I've advised her to GIVE them away. Problem is, who can you give them to, that's not going to abuse or fight them? They are all very gentle, co-operative and friendly. I go back and pet them, feed them and talk to them. Occasionally one gets loose. I take them right back, and chain them back, with no resistance whatsoever. They just want to be happy, like any other pet. Again, they are FREE. Just, want them to be in a good environment. In case it didn't show. I can be contacted via email at afo62001@yahoo.com. I will put you in contact with the person who has the dogs.
side note: I had to use my shotgun to get 2 pitbulls off another dog one morning. They were trying to kill that dog, without a doubt. I followed them to the house where they live, and saw the owner let one into the house. Then he flat out lied, saying that he didn't have any dogs of that type. Anyway. My point is: MY neighbor doesn't have a fence. I'm afraid these 2 killers, may go back there and attack these gentle pitbulls. As I'm away a lot. I may not be there to save them. Sad to say, but if that happens, I'll have to do what I should've done that night of the attack.
Someone, please provide a good home for these pets.
Thanks. Max