May 30, 2012Dear Sir,I have never felt more compelled in my life to write a letter to the Editor than now. I have to speak up for those that do not have a voice — the pit bull. I feel that somebody should be defending the breed because they are not all killers or a threat to society. A blanket labelling should not be placed on the entire breed. This is another case of the innocent suffering for the guilty. Hold the law breakers accountable and then, I believe, we will find that the issues attributed to the pits will all but disappear.I commend and support Minister Marc Bean for his stance. Despite the controversy I’m sure he knew it would cause, he is prepared to relax the ban and give the freedom and responsibility to the owners. And he is absolutely correct. The timing of the attack on Mr Keane’s dog, Meg is unfortunate.I do not have any children but I do two lovable pits bulls. One is 12 years old and the other is two. I have had both since they were puppies. I love the breed and would like to be able to get another one should anything happen to either of them. It should be my choice. On Monday, my eldest dog had to undergo surgery and I was fearful that I might lose her. It hurts me to think that I would never be able to obtain another pit bull because of other people’s fears.I am a responsible dog owner. Both my dogs are licensed, go for regular check-ups, are walked daily, love to be around children and are not used for fighting purposes. They are enclosed in a six-foot fenced-in area, are loved and well cared for.I have owned other breeds that I’ve loved as well but I have come to love the pit bulls for their temperament and loyalty. Hopefully, other responsible pit bull owners will speak up and give their dogs a voice.I invite Minister Bean or any member of his committee, as well as Mr Keane, to come and meet me and my dogs.PATTY-ANN TROTTPembroke