Again we read about the demise of a small child at the hands of a dog. This time it's not mutilation but death, at the hands of what police are describing as a "pitbull terrier-type" dog. There are always claims that dogs of certain breeds are nothing but lovely, and that it's the owners who create the problems. I am not sure how much I can believe this, as there seems so much variation in the handling of the pets and the consequences, usually for defenceless children. This 11-month-old girl died at the hands of a dog left to move around the house while adults ignored that fact. Yes, some dogs play with kids and are seemingly well behaved, while others suddenly snap and cause harm; I've no idea what triggers this.
Whatever the rights and wrongs of tarnishing all dogs of certain breeds as dangerous, it is simply undeniable that 9/10 attacks seem to be by "pitbull terrir" types, and at some stage there has to be the right message sent to dog owners on owning them, and what they should/shouldn't do, and what they can and cannot do. Apparently neighbours complained to police about the dog that killed 11-month-old Ava-Jayne, as it was frightening local kids and even killed a neighbour's cat. I am sure the police will talk shit, and probably deny they acted with little interest or purpose. A police statement confirmed that the dog was "banned under the dangerous dogs act" and this begs the question "why the fuck was it allowed to be kept, then, considering you were alerted to it being a danger?"
Maybe the arrest of the mother and her boyfriend might mean some attention is drawn to the responsibilities of owners. It won't bring back the little girl, of course. Owners need some serious direction and knowledge of the consequences for them if the dog attacks someone. Police need to get some balls when dealing with complaints about dogs.
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