I would NEVER EVER own a pit bull and I wonder why someone would purchase a pit pull puppy as a pet. There is too much liability and risk involved and it is not worth it.
Pit bulls can make wonderful pets and I do not fear them. I have been around many pit bulls in the last 20 years and have never been attacked again.
The problem is the type of people these dogs (generally speaking) attract. People who have no business owning any dog much less a pit bull.
Gang members, low income families who can't even take care of their own kids tend to think it is cool to have a pit bull for the status.
Any dog can bite and dogs bite for different reasons.
Pit bulls do not have lock jaw but just as a lab as bred to retrieve, a pit bull’s instincts are to go for the head/neck and hold on. They can be very friendly, outgoing and non aggressive. The only problem is it only takes one bite to cause severe damage or death.
They, like any dog, become much more dangerous when left alone with other dogs in a back yard or to run loose in packs.
You can outlaw them in cities and put as many restrictions on owners as you want. You can raise the license fee as high as you want but it will not keep certain people from owning a pit bull. It has been my experience that most law abiding people who are willing to abide by the city regulations for owning a pit bull are not the problem.
It is the people who's motives are to fight the dog or to own a tough looking for symbolism that have damaged this breed and made it popular. Unfortunately, it is the innocent victims that pay the price for their ignorance and irresponsible behavior.
I have been training guide dog puppies for the blind for ten years and I have a lab and a German Sheppard.
My Sheppard and lab are both therapy dogs and very gentle but I would never leave them alone unattended with children. They have never shown aggression but I would never tell someone they would never bite.
I love my babies but they are dogs and will always be a chance that they could bite for any number of reasons.
There, I have said my peace based on my knowledge and experiences.