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Proposed Pit Bull Ban Raises Questions about Risk of Pit Bull Attacks

A proposed ban on pit bull breeds in another state has California dog bite attorneys wondering about the effectiveness and practicality of a ban like this, and whether it would help reduce pit bull attacks at all.  The state of Texas is mulling a ban on pit bull breeds, and as predicted, this has triggered an enormous debate in that state with pit bull owners on one side, and victims of dog bites on the other. The proposal stems from a fatal dog bite involving 10-year-old Justin Clinton in Texas. In 2009, the boy was attacked by two pit bulls. He sustained serious injuries, and died.

His parents filed a civil lawsuit against the owners of the dog. They won about $7 million in damages. Not satisfied with that verdict, the Clintons are now proposing a ban on pit bull breeds in the state of Texas. The proposed legislation is called Justin’s Law, and it would make it a third-degree felony in the state of Texas to own a pit bull.

It’s a little far-fetched to say that the proposal is on its way to becoming legislation. So far, it has found no sponsor in the Texas legislature. Besides, legal experts in Texas believe that it would have a slim chance of passing the legislature, even if it were to be introduced. However, the proposal has ignited strong debate between pit bull trainers and owners, and the community at large.

Speaking on behalf of pit bull owners and lovers is the Dallas Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. According to the Society, dogs should not be lumped into a specific breed category, but treated as individual animals. The American Temperament Test Society tests dog instincts, and reports that pit bull breeds actually rate much better than most of their more popular counterparts, like Golden Retrievers. For instance, a recent test had an American Bull Terrier scoring 85.3%, much more than a Golden Receiver. Dog trainers have also voiced their opposition to a proposed ban on pit bulls.  Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention opposes breed specific legislation because of the inadequate data on specific breeds.

However, advocates of the ban on pit bulls cite that statistics of pit bull attacks speak louder than any dog tests. Studies conducted by the magazine Animal People, have found that pit bulls are involved in more numbers of dog bites annually than any other breed of dog. Those statistics have been confirmed by California dog bite lawyers too.

However, that might not necessarily have much to do with the temperament of the dog itself. Instead, advocates for a ban on pit bulls should be looking at the kind of persons that gravitate towards these breeds. Without generalization, pit bulls tend to attract a certain kind of owner who treats the dog as a macho/ status symbol, withholding from it the kind of attention and training that these breeds require.

The Reeves Law Group is a law firm with offices throughout California dedicated exclusively to the representation of personal injury victims, including victims of dog bites. Please visit our website at trlglaw.com. If you desire a free consultation on a personal injury matter, please call us at (800) 644-8000 or email us.

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The Reeves Law Group is not representing any party in the matters discussed in this posting.

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