Dogs and Babies - Is it worth the risk?
I was shocked to see a lad, no older than eleven, walking a Pit Bull Terrier down my street today.
Why is it, that when we need proper training, a licence and insurance to drive a car, we've got 4 stone of meat eater, hauling kids around on the end of little more than a piece of string?
Carrying a gun carries a minimum sentence because they have the potential to cause severe injury and death, yet a firearm is unlikely to become unstable at the sight of a passing cat, small child or anything else it deems offensive.
I'm constantly told by my Staff owning friends about their dog's 'loving nature'. Apparently they are really affectionate dogs and are fiercely defensive of young children in the household.
I've heard many owners say they can judge their pet's intentions just by "looking at its eyes".
This is all very well, but if this is really the case, why are there so many people injured by these animals every year?
And I'm not convinced by the argument that one of these dogs is likely to protect a brood of young children rather than eat them.
Even if you really believe you are capable of responsibly owning one of these animals - is the risk really worth it?
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Emma Deadman - is a first-time mum-to-be. She gives her take on life... from bump to beyond.
Hello,
Any dog is capable of mauling a baby.
If people had to take an exam. before they owned a dog, many of these attacks would be prevented. People need to know that dogs need exercise, and plenty of it - the dogs are frustrated, often that is why they attack in the first place.
Dogs also need to know their place in the pack, that they are not higher than any human, be it baby or child or adult.
The tragedies that involve children and dogs are usually preventable.
It's not fair to just blame Staffs though, I read of a baby dying in Canada - killed by a pug.
Best wishes,
Sarah
I completely agree - I think any dog, or animal that has the capacity to do harm requires careful handling. I also think that if people did have to pass some kind of a test to prove they are in some way competent before they were allowed pets would save a lot of suffering, both from victims of dog bites and the animals themselves.
However, I do think that dogs specially bred for fighting do pose more of a risk. I think a Staff is more likely to turn on a person than say, a labrador. The thing is, people have these dogs for the image they bring, when they just can't handle them.
Cheers for the comment Sarah!