Courtesy:TNN 18th Feb 2010: Killer pit bull terrier is the new pet now

Courtesy: Times of India (TNN) 18th Feb '10

Worrying news...

Killer pit bull terrier is the new pet now

"BANGALORE: There are breeds and breeds of the woofy variety, but for those who love life on the wild side, it's the pit bull terrier. There is a growing fancy for this ferocious dog among Bangalore's dog lovers, though it is known to attack and kill both children and adults. 

So much so, that the pit bull terrier is banned in England and some states of the US. Pit bull breeds cannot be reared as pets because of their temperament. The ban came into place after an increase in attacks every year, with a few pets turning on their owners too.

Risks apart, the city's kennels are getting inquiries for the breed. Mohammed Ezra from Ezra Kennels told TOI that buyers of this breed keep them on their farms, and in big bungalows on the outskirts of the city. "Pit bulls are popular as they provide security against dacoits and thieves. Some others like big dogs, and show off this breed."

Ezra points out a pedigreed pit bull terrier which comes at a price tag of Rs 25,000-30,000, and said there are more than 600 pit bulls in the city. In all likelihood, the number should double in less than a year.

SENSITIVE BUT AGGRESSIVE

Parveez Khan, owner of a pit bull in the city, says: "The dog is not as dangerous as it is made out to be. A pit bull terrier thinks just the way a human does, is very sensitive and has to be loved if you want him as a pet. If the dog is kept chained all the time and beaten for no reason, it tends to lose its temperament and turns aggressive."

But what if a pit bull attacks when out on a walk in a crowded public area? "All dogs, dangerous or not, can be taken for walks in crowded public areas if they on a leash,'' says joint director, animal health, BBMP, Parvaiz Ahmed Piren. "If the owner does not bring the pet out on a leash, and there are cases of dog bites or fatalities, the owner will be held responsible."

As these dogs are generally aggressive in nature, they can get angry even at little things, like children trying to irritate them, or not getting enough attention from the owners. The usual victims are children and the aged, as they cannot get away fast enough.

According to Ezra, Labradors are the highest in demand in Bangalore, but pit bulls are also moving fast." 
— Ameen Khan