>This is crazy. And I think our judiciary is a little nuts sometimes.
>
>http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/fury-as-judges-rule-lennox-the-dog-must-die-16172205.html
>
>Has he attacked anyone? No. Has he bitten anyone? No. He has been deemed potentially dangerous. Talk about an activist court.
>
>Ridiculous. I have absolutely nothing against Ireland but this is not good publicity.

According to some of the commenters here, I'm one of those whackos. Angela volunteers with our local shelter. Six years ago she started talking about a pit bull that had been picked up as a stray. Everyone at the sheltr loved it. It seemed well-behaved.

My first thought was the typical "Are you out of your mind?" One, we already have 2 dogs, and 2 it is a PIT BULL. I didn't hear any more for a year. Then it started again. "The shelter still has the pit bull." "There are alot of people who want to adopt him, but the shelter does not think they are suitable as potential owners." "Can't you just go meet him?" Finally, I agreed. And, we ended up adopting him. And, he ended up adopting me. We've had him 5 years now, and Argus is one of the best dogs we've ever had.

First and foremost, he is NEVER off leash. That is a big deal here in Montana. We didn't even have an enforced leash law until a couple of years ago. Helena has an awesome trail system where dogs can roam, and our other dogs do, but Argus is always on a leash. Pit bulls never get a second chance.

Comments by family and friends have been all over. My vet says every pit bull he has ever seen has been a great dog. OK, some selection bias there because only responsible pit bull owners take their dogs to the Vet. He also commented the only serious bite he has ever received was by a golden retreiver. OTOH, there are a couple of pit bulls in the neighborhood that are clearly agressive. But, the most agressive dog in the neighborhood is a standard poodle. Dogs are individuals. Like people, their behavior is part breed specific, part environment.

So, you can guess my position, I think breed specific laws are not appropriate. And I certainly don't think a dog should be put down if they haven't done anything. If pit bulls are outlawed, the tough guys will just find another breed.