Over the course of the years, many topics arise affecting
animals and people. At times, discussion may center around
the treatment of pets by people, the capture of wild animals,
hunting, or the mistreatment of cattle, horses, or others with
primarily economic value. Then, more discussion and
indignation arises when people debate the various diseases and
dangers all types of animals, wild and domesticated, can either
give to or inflict on humans.
None has been greater than the debate over the breed people
believe epitomizes the attack or killer dog, the Pit Bull
Terrier. In this discussion, the point I would like to make
is the fact that I have treated hundreds of Pit Bulls in
my practice life, if not thousands, and never have I been bitten,
attacked or even threatened. In my practice, the dogs I
carefully watch are Chihuahuas first, Spitz second, Cocker Spaniels
third, Rottweilers fourth, and then, any dog whose eyes have "that
special look", something that is difficult to quantify, but
veterinarians recognize.
Legislation as is now being supported by many is very difficult
to develop and administer simply because many pets and working dogs
fall into the categories that look much like the Pit Bull
Terrier. The test below demostrates how difficult
categorization is. Take it, and see how you do. I have
forty years of practice and I failed!
