The Drumheller Mail/inSide Drumheller received great response to last week’s poll question addressing dog breeds. By and large it shows people are passionate about their pets.
The Mail reported in its January 27 edition of Moe Zaleschuk, the Standard Man who was attacked by two pit bulls on December 31. As part of the story, to elicit reader feedback, The Mail’s weekly poll asked whether certain breeds of dogs should be banned.
The question gained quite a response online, with many lining up on both sides of the issue, and feedback coming from Canada and the United States. Some commenters expressed displeasure with even broaching the question.
Locally, many expressed their love and support for their pets with many personal experiences with their dog.
MyRanda Mahon is one such dog owner.
“I have a 6-year-old pit bull. She is a big baby! My kids love her! She wouldn’t hurt a fly! They play with her every single day! Rough and gentle! It’s all on how they are raised! I have a baby learning to stand on his own. He holds on to her when he stands - she loves it and stands there! My 3 1/2- year-old loves her and she loves him! They spend every summer out in my backyard playing,” she tells inSide Drumheller.
Initially the poll saw support for banning certain breeds of dogs, the tables quickly turned with most responses countering that view.
As of press time, more than 70 per cent of responders expressed that educating owners is key, or that any breed can attack.
Mahon also believes that any dog can be troublesome.
“For any dog, it’s how they are trained! Small dogs are more vicious than big dogs. I have had nothing but big dogs my entire life; German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Dogo Argentino and Staffordshire Terrier pit bulls. They are all lap dogs, I have been bit by small dogs and know more people bit by them than large breeds. It is all on how they are trained,” she said.
