Should Pit Bulls Be Banned in Seattle?

The Seattle Post Intelligencer reported today on the issue of banning pit bull dogs in the City of Seattle.  Apparently, the topic has been at least presented to the Seattle City Council, but nothing has been done because council members are divided on the issue.

 "We look at the deed, not the breed," Don Jordan of the Seattle Animal Shelter said. "We get in some very massive, muscular dogs that have evidence of fighting. At the same time, we get some very sweet-hearted dogs,” says Jordan.

The ban of certain breeds is fairly controversial.  There are many pro-dog groups that are vehemently against banning a particular breed.  They argue that the dog’s owner is mostly to blame for any violent or aggressive attacks against humans.  On the other side are groups who defend the ban of certain breeds that are alleged to be responsible for a very high proportion of dog bite incidents.  The pit bull is one such breed.

In the state of Ohio for instance, pit bull dogs are presumed to be vicious.  These breeds are governed by specific laws or ordinances.  Ohio attorney Chuck Boyk has written on the subject.  Mr. Boyk is a personal injury attorney in Toledo, Ohio.  He has authored the Ohio Dog Bite Book which explains why pit bull breeds have been banned in many cities in Ohio.

I have actually represented a woman who was employed by the Seattle Animal Shelter and a very strong opponent against any type of breed-ban law.  This woman was actually attacked and injured by a breed known to be aggressive.  But she still opposes any ban because she believes the aggressive dogs are created by their owners, not by any characteristic of the particular breed. But other people still feel strongly that certain breeds, like pit bulls, should be banned or at least governed by separate rules.

West Seattle resident Colleen Lynne previously supported a ban on pit bulls.  Ms. Lynne said she doesn't accept the claim that pit bulls are simply misunderstood.  She spent two days at Harborview Medical Center after being attacked by a leashed pit bull on June 17, 2007.  "I didn't know it was an attack until I was on the ground," Lynne said. "He got my arm, and he broke it, and he dragged me across the concrete. ... My whole life changed afterwards."

Seattle attorney Chris Davis has handled dozens of dog bite cases over the last 15 years.  He has been interviewed by local television stations concerning dog bite laws.