And your source for this is...Oh, wait! The MEDIA!! Of course - and we ALL know how trustworthy THEIR information is!!! How about a little scientific evidence to go with that?? No?? Hmm...why am I NOT surprised!!?? OK - I’ll help you out with a few FACTS: HISTORICALLY, pits were the “nanny dogs” - staying with children. Has their nature changed so much since then?? No evidence of it.
And here’s another FYI - rotties, chows, and dobes have ALL been subject to the same “RUN FOR YOUR LIVES. IT’S A VICIOUS ____________ (fill in the blank with the latest whipping post breed of dog.)” As for Labs, you are comparing apples with oranges since a Lab also isn’t a “guarding” type of dog... However, if we must go down this path: Have you ever seen a poodle or chow or any other breed of dog bite someone? Of course!! Which re-emphasizes my point: RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP is KEY — not killing off a politically-incorrect type of dog because the owners/parents/breeders can’t seem to handle some of them. ANY DOG needs responsible ownership. This is EVEN MORE SO when dealing with a powerful guard-type dog. It’s really not that complicated an issue.
Pits historically were bred to fight in the Pit, they were not bred to be “nanny dogs”, or even “guard dogs” (although they make good ones), they were bred to be fighting killing dogs.
All dogs can bite. Not all dogs can kill people with their bite like a Pitt Bull can.
Like comparing a paring knife with a samurai sword. One was designed to be a weapon and can kill, the other can cause superficial wounds.
Responsible dog ownership is key. That is why the sister and owner should be charged with assault with a deadly weapon and any and all other charges that a prosecutor can make stick; they were grossly irresponsible in having animals ready to kill at a moments notice within city limits, and for allowing them to get loose.
http://www.breederretriever.com/dog-breed-history/93/american-staffordshire-terrier-(pit-bull).php
Born in the 19th century, The American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are the result of crosses between Bulldogs and terriers, though there is some debate as to exactly which terrier that was. Some believe that the White English Terrier or Black and Tan Terrier was used, but most experts say it was the English Smooth Terrier. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was developed in England for the purpose of dog fighting, and was introduced to America during the late 19th century to compete in the same sport. The Americans bred a larger Pit Bull than the English, and the American Staffordshire Terrier quickly took shape as a distinct breed. Though the breed was often employed as an all purpose farm dog during the early 20th century, its legacy has always been that of a gladiator.