January 29, 2014

Dear Sir,

The vicious killing of a small dog by an escaped pit bull on Sunday afternoon ends the canard that “bad publicity about pit bulls should really be directed at irresponsible owners rather than the dogs themselves,” in the words of the supposedly responsible owner of the late pit bull.

Pit bull type dogs were bred as a cross between bull dogs and terriers to display both strength, speed, and biting ability. Fighting dogs were popular entertainment in Britain, and by selectively breeding only the most vicious, aggressive, and powerful dogs, the British created an exceptionally dangerous animal.

The British long ago outlawed the pit bull’s main purposes of fighting and bull-baiting. So why is the pit bull one of the most popular dog types on our island today? Most dogs were bred to be docile and non-aggressive — they have the pit bull’s supposed positive traits but not the negative traits. Bermudians like pit bulls for the same reason the British created it: viciousness, aggression, and power.

These traits make pit bull type dogs excellent for guarding drug stashes, intimidating others, displaying manliness (or so their owners may think), and partaking in old forms of British entertainment like dogfighting. A person who doesn’t value these traits, knowing the dangers of pit bull type dogs, gets some other breed. Plenty of dog breeds are excellent for self-defence without having the offensive aggression of pit bull types.

Understanding why the pit bull was created, it’s obvious why a pit bull with a “responsible” owner would kill another dog — it’s instinctual. And the statistics here and overseas show they are a remarkably effective killer. A man may not be able to fire a gun straight or wield a machete, but it’s hard to go wrong with a dog made for killing.

Bermuda bans guns, spears, explosives, and “bladed articles” carried without reason. Lest there be any doubt, Sunday’s attack clearly shows the need to eradicate Bermuda of pit bulls before another such dog with a “responsible owner” acts on its instincts and kills your dog, my dog, or a child.

Sincerely,

BEAGLE OWNER