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Pit bull terriers may be one of the most controversial breeds around, but they are also one of the most misunderstood by the public, dog experts said Friday in the wake of the fatal mauling of a 12-year-old boy in San Francisco. If bred and trained properly, pit bulls can be wonderful pets, experts said. If there is a lack of stability, though, they have the proclivity and ability to inflict serious damage.

<p>ANDERSON CREEK, N.C. — A 3-year-old boy reported missing from his home was later found dead next to a pit bull (search) chained in a neighbor's back yard.</p> <p>Authorities would not confirm how the child died or that a dog attacked him, but Sheriff Larry Rollins said Wednesday that he had "trauma to the body."</p>

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Will Stewart says he didn't have a choice in strangling a 6-month-old pit bull-mix puppy. The puppy that wasn't known to be aggressive suddenly turned violent last week. The dog bit or scratched four adults and two children in an Indian Trail neighborhood and was later found to be rabid. Stewart says the dog, Jake, went crazy. He says after the dog bit the children and his wife, he had to act. He called the dog, which he thinks weighed between 50 and 60 pounds, and pinned him to the ground. Stewart says he couldn't wait for...

Boys save buddy attacked by dog outside home in the Point If you think a pit bull is tough, try three little boys playing in the Point. On Friday night, 9-year-old Natna Nega was attacked by a neighbour's pit bull in a courtyard in Point St. Charles. With sprinter-like speed, Natna's best buddies, Bobby Hosie, 9, and Anthony Gervais, 8, pounced on the dog, screaming, kicking and pulling at the animal's chain. Finally, they pried it away and an adult came to help them. "My mom said I was brave but stupid," said Bobby yesterday, a sheepish grin on his...

Girl Mauled By Dog Released From Hospital 11-Year-Old Won't Lose Arm From Pit Bull Attack Updated: 6:48 p.m. EDT May 18, 2003 DETROIT-- An 11-year-old girl who underwent surgery to save her arm after being mauled by a pit bull Friday has been released from the hospital. Officials at Detroit Children's Hospital say the surgery was successful, and Diamond Moley's arm won't be amputated. At the time of the attack, neighbors weren't so sure it could be saved. They told Local 4 that they had to use pliers to pry the black pit bull's jaws from Moley's arm. The bite...

ROOSEVELT, N.Y. -- Dangerous dogs are on the loose in Long Island Monday. A 3-year-old girl is in intensive care after two pit bulls wandered into her grandmother's yard, and attacked her. The girl is currently at Nassau University Medical Center, where she remains in intensive care after undergoing hours plastic surgery. She reportedly has stitches all over her body, and staples in her head. Mother of the 3-year-old victim said it could've been worse if it wasn't for a heroic neighbor who rescued the little girls out of the jaws of one of the dogs. Emanuel McAllister said he...