[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by Velvet

But when they get aggressive we put them in jail, and depending on how aggressive.... we do not let them hurt others.

Your argument is invalid. You're saying that it's okay for people to live here because you can put them in jail if they hurt other people.

But you can do the exact same thing with a pit bull if a pit bull becomes aggressive. And in fact, typically if a pit bull becomes aggressive and bites someone, that dog is euthanized. We don't typically put people to death when they attack other people.

People hurt and kill other people. We have laws to punish offenders, and we do NOT tell people they're not allowed to live in a particular neighborhood just in case they happen to end up becoming offenders.

If a pit bull has no "record" of attacking anyone, it is no more guilty than any PERSON who has no "record" of attacking anyone.

And to whoever said it was the pit bull and not the owner - no. Pit bulls are not naturally aggressive. They are TRAINED to be aggressive. They are naturally strong. What happens with that strength is up to whoever is training it.

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by Joe V.

How many cases makes just one "ton?"

Just watch Judge Judy or Peoples Court. Many on there! At least 1249 pounds. If dog is not leashed and causes harm the dogs owner is solely responsible every time. Interesting ASPCA articles on Pit Bulls. They are sweet until they rip off a child's face or kill another dog.

Position Statement on Pit Bulls | ASPCA

Today’s pit bull is a descendant of the original English bull-baiting dog—a dog that was bred to bite and hold bulls, bears and other large animals around the face and head.

It is likely that that the vast majority of pit bull type dogs in our communities today are the result of random breeding—two dogs being mated without regard to the behavioral traits being passed on to their offspring. The result of random breeding is a population of dogs with a wide range of behavioral predispositions.

[Velvet]

As much as I like dogs, I feel uncomfortable mixing frail retired people with large animals the owners may not be able to control. You should have seen me when I was a teacher of very young children!

[camaguey48]

Originally Posted by Gpsma

CCW carrier would deal with that dog...if not..baseball bat

Also add wasp spray. Very effective.

[JimJohnson]

Originally Posted by Buzzerbaby

I have a pit bull, she’s a fantastic dog. Personally, I would not let her off leash in an uncontrolled environment. Btw, I’ve been bitten more often from little dogs like chihuahuas then larger breeds. In fact I’d venture to say that little dogs do bite more then larger dogs, you just don’t hear about it as often because they don’t do the damage that larger breeds can. To ban a certain breed is ludicrous, kind of like banning someone of a different color or ethnicity beacause they supposedly are more (insert whatever reason you want here) then others. Just like people, dogs are products of their environment and owners/parents. Flame away ������

I don’t understand why someone living in a retirement community would even consider owning a dog that is capable of killing a human. You own one of these killer breeds like pit bulls it is only a matter of time before they attack. Allowing one off leash should be a Felony.

[kellbell]

First it has NOTHING to do with whether it is a pit bull or a yorkie! And whoever said hit is with a baseball bat....I hope you meant for the owner you xxx! This can happen no matter how well the dog is or is not trained BUT it should ALWAYS fall back to the owner if the dog is aggressive. Most likely the owner beats the dog already otherwise he/she wouldn't be aggressive.

[kellbell]

psycho

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by Piedmonter

A small (10 lb.) dog was attacked in our neighborhood the other night by an a large pit bull off leash. The small dog was very badly injured and only saved by his owner being willing to wrestle with the pit bull. The covenant restrictions of the Villages clearly do not allow dogs over 40 lbs. I am not necessarily in favor of that since there are many very nice, friendly labs, goldens etc. However, I do think that action should be taken when a larger dog shows itself to be dangerously aggressive. The Villages says that they cannot enforce the covenant. All they can do is send the owner of the pit bull a letter that when the dog passes away not to get another one like it. I am now very nervous when I walk my small dog at night. Perhaps the developer should consider amending the covenants to prohibit specific breeds known to be aggressive. For example, many campgrounds prohibit pit bulls and rotweillers.

The dog should not have been off leash. That is definitely an infraction right there.

[kellbell]

Completely agree with you!!!!!!!

[Beasley]

If you ever witness a mauling resulting in death by a Pitbull, you may think differently!

[Catalina36]

All Dogs within TV should be on a leash when you are out in your yard or walking your dog in the street. I really don't care what breed the dog is. I don't really care how much your dog weighs, I really don't care if you think your dog is friendly. You can only control your dog when it is on a leash. The safety of your neighbors or fellow Villagers should be more important then the rights you think your dog may have too roam free and not be on a leash. If you don't like my opinion, go purchase a house somewhere else with a fenced in yard if you want your dog to roam free. If you don't understand anything I just stated then you are the problem not your dog.

[xcaligirl]

Before we moved here, I asked about the dog restrictions and was told 50-lb maximum however they were grandfathered in however we could not get another dog over 50-lb's in the future and only 2 dogs allowed. I see where people have 3 dogs and "it's okay by them because they're small" (no it's not okay!). The Villages have "rules" however they don't enforce them (dogs, easements, improvements not being approved, etc) which makes me think, why have any CC&R's!! I always also say there are no bad dogs, only bad owners. If one knows their dog is aggressive, it needs to NEVER be off leash and they must comply with the Florida law! I know a lot of pitbulls who are very sweet however not sure how any dog would react to another dog or person so they must be leashed at all times. I was bitten by a small dog in CA walking past a house. He got a nice dose of pepper spray and the owner threaten to sue me, I took my phone out, took a picture of the dog bite and the dog, his address on his house and told him HE was wrong, not me, and if he wanted to get ugly, I would just contact an attorney since HIS dog bit me.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Originally Posted by Gpsma

CCW carrier would deal with that dog...if not..baseball bat

That’s why I carry my Bodyguard .380 and my expandable baton when I walk my pups. I love animals but won’t hesitate one moment to permanently stop an attack.

[Bruce03]

. "... However, I do think that action should be taken when a larger dog shows itself to be dangerously aggressive. The Villages says that they cannot enforce the covenant. All they can do is send the owner of the pit bull a letter..."

Something's missing here. Your dog was injured, perhaps he would have been killed if your husband didn't fight the pit bull. Your husband may have been injured. You don't know if the dog has rabies, which is a whole new issue. And all you do is look to The Villages and the HOA rules? You need to call the police. They will attempt to find the dog and/or the owner. Laws are being broken here and you have suffered injuries. You should have called 911 immediately, but now it's not an emergency so pick up the phone and call (352) 343-2101 (Lake County Sheriff), (352) 728-6909 (Sumter County). Marion County didn't give any number to call, so call 911 and they will direct you
.

Your actions may still help you, but they may also save the next dog, someone's baby, or someone's husband.

[scottiesrgreat@gmail.com]

Seriously - the discussion has gone to “small dogs bite more than big dogs” - or ‘pit bulls’ are more dangerous than any other breed of dog. Folks - breed or size does not matter to a dog or person that has been bitten. Silly people....
(If you get hit and killed by a ‘Smart Car’ vs a ‘Semi’ - does size matter???)

The issue is - IF - a dog bit another dog and/or human - the real problem is - the owner or care-taker of the dog is at fault.

No dog should ever be off a leash - ever- in an open, public place. That is not the fault of the dog (big or small).

I wouldn’t be surprised if the neighbors have been dealing with this situation for some time. - there is probably a lot more to the story.

Moral of the story - you don’t have to be buddies - but be civil with neighbors; always - always keep your dog under full control when out in an open area (if you are unable to handle any situation that comes up - get help to walk/exercise your dog); if another dog injures your dog &/or you - take your dog to the vet &/or yourself to the dr.- right away; get witnesses; and report to the proper authorities.

Also - remember - it is irrelevant if the dog is big, small, a pit bull, a tea-cup poodle...... it is the owner/care-takers fault.