Media should report on how to handle dog aggression | READER COMMENTARY

Fatal attack by dogs ought to clarify the circumstances and not heap blame on 'pit bull' breed.

It is absolutely horrible that someone has died due to a dog attack (“54-year-old woman killed by stray pit bulls in West Baltimore identified,” June 17). My heart goes out to her family and friends. However, when the media lumps a dangerous dog into a single breed category, it does a horrible disservice to the hundreds of loving, playful and loyal dogs waiting to be adopted in the shelter.

Pit bulls already have an undeserved bad reputation. There are at least 12 different breeds that can be mistaken for a pit bull — bulldogs, terriers, boxers and mastiffs among them. Pit bull isn’t even a recognized breed. Recent articles note some of the dogs had collars, leading authorities to believe that they aren’t strays. Any dog is capable of this sort of behavior, especially if the owner has encouraged the behavior or hasn’t trained their dog.

When I was growing up, Rottweilers and Dobermans were all considered “dangerous” dogs. Somehow, they’ve dropped off the dangerous dog radar and pit bull has replaced them. The only time I’ve ever been attacked by a dog, it was a registered Weimaraner.

In future reporting, please don’t label the breed of the dog until they’ve been accurately identified. Include information in your article about what causes dog aggression and how to handle it. None of the recent articles I read included information about what to do if a pack of dogs is seen roaming the neighborhood including whom to call.

— K.A. Long, Baltimore

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