In Light Of The Zahle Incident, We Ask, Do Pit Bulls Pose A Threat To Human Lives

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Pit bull is the common name for a type of dog that includes the following breeds: American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American bulldog and any other pure bred or mixed breed dog that is a combination of these dogs.

Pit bulls have built up, through selective breeding and dogfights, enormous jaw strength, in addition to a ruinous "hold and shake" bite style, designed to inflict the maximum damage possible on their victims.

When a pit bull attacks, the injury inflicted may be catastrophic, and this problem- which is now almost 30 years old – continues to make headlines as horrific maulings are constantly reported.

Just yesterday, a pit bull mauled a seven-year-old boy who was playing at his father's farm in the Lebanese eastern city of Zahle. The boy was killed instantly.

Though this type of dog is feared for its robust jaw strength and deadly bite style, animal advocates say it’s bad ownership—not bad dogs—that causes pit bulls to be aggressive.

They added that pit bulls can make very sweet and loyal family dogs and offered tips for adopting one that should be preferably an adult, saying “an adult dog’s personality is already developed, and you'll be able to spot the characteristics you're looking for much more easily than with a puppy”.

Nonetheless, the danger of pit bulls cannot be overlooked. They make up only 6% of the dog population, yet they’re responsible for 68% of dog attacks and 52% of dog-related deaths since 1982, according to research compiled by Merritt Clifton, editor of Animals 24-7.

So the best thing we can do for communities and pit bulls alike is to regulate pit bull ownership and breeding in order to reduce the number of serious maulings, as well as the euthanasia of pit bulls.

And don’t forget to look after your children and keep them away from this type of canines should you lack the experience required for raising such a breed.

For a list of the top ten dogs best suited for children click here

In Light Of The Zahle Incident, We Ask, Do Pit Bulls Pose A Threat To Human Lives?