Spokane county shelter adopts out pit bull, kills 4 year old boy

[Bodi]

I had a pit bull, actually two, as next door neighbors. One was very friendly, and became best buddies with my lab-coyote cross. One day, it got into a fight with its pit bull "roomie" and killed it. The most important difference between a pit and most dogs is: With the average dog, if you provoke it sufficiently, it will give you a chomp, and then back off and give you a look like "let that be a warning to you". With a pit, the initial chomp will be followed by chomp-chomp-chomp. This trait has been bred into them by the savages who like to watch dogs fight to the death. The dogs didn't ask for this, and aren't morally responsible for the results. However these results are forseeable, and likely. At the very least, all pits should be spayed or neutered. Animal shelters should euthanize those turned in, as they have no way to determine background, breeding, and past behavior; and the risks to the public are too great.

One of the best, and reasoned, posts about pits...

 

[Superfly]

I would trust the biggest, meanest looking dog WELL before I’d trust people that hate on dogs based solely on their breed

I generally trust dogs before people anyway.

 

[Bodi]

I never can understand why people choose to keep dangerous breeds unless they are in real need of a serious 'guard dog'. Keeping a dangerous breed when you have very young children is a silly choice. Even then you can get effective guard dogs that are not a threat to your family. Our current dog is a large animal with a very intimidating "I'm gunna rip your throat out" bark when strangers turn up. He is a very effective guard dog, which is part of the reason we have him. In reality the most harm he would cause a visiting child might be from licking them to death in excitement. He is a bit rough and tumble due to not knowing his own strength sometimes, but just loves people. The moment I introduce you to him he is your new best friend. Pretty much as you would predict from his mix of breeds. Basically, I think you can fill any dog related need without having to home a dangerous breed. I think some people take on particular dog breeds as a sort of 'fashion statement' rather than a proper choice based on suitability.

It is generally the people that should not have pit bulls that have them. Low income, gang or crime as a job, less education...

You go to Newport Beach and look at all the older rich people.. . not a pit in sight.

 

[BirdinHand]

I generally trust dogs before people anyway.

Same.

And I would prefer the company of my dogs (including the pittie mix) over most humans

 

[ALiberalModerate]

The fact is pit bulls are simply too big and strong to be good pets. Yes if you raise and train them right there are few issues just like if you raise and train a tiger right there are few issues. But people know darn well that a tiger isn’t a good pet, pit bulls aren’t good pets either.

I don't understand why English Staffordshire Terriers are not more popular in the United States. If you want a bulldog type dog, they fit the bill, but they average around 35 pounds, and they have a better temperament. They are popular in Europe, but not here in the states.

 

[Bodi]

I don't understand why English Staffordshire Terriers are not more popular in the United States. If you want a bulldog type dog, they fit the bill, but they average around 35 pounds, and they have a better temperament. They are popular in Europe, but not here in the states.

Pits should be breed out...

 

[JasperL]

This is a topic that doesn’t get enough attention, how animal “rights” extremists have taken over local animal shelters which are taxpayer funded and used them as platforms to advance agendas like “no kill” policies which directly lead to often fatal harm to the public. This isn’t the first time this has happened, but it’s a pretty interesting case.

From the excellent website dogsbite.org we get the story

2023 Dog Bite Fatality: Pit Bull-Mix that Killed Child on Halloween in Northeast Spokane, Washington was Recently Adopted

Dog Adopted Out by County Shelter (SCRAPS) 8-Weeks Earlier Colton Kline, 4, was killed by a family dog in northeast Spokane, Washington. Dog Adopted from County UPDATE 12/06/23: The dog that killed Colton Kline was adopted from Spokane Regional Animal

blog.dogsbite.org

Basically this 2 year old male pitbull was taken into Spokane county animal rescue, no information about why the animal ended up in the shelter has been provided to journalists or seemingly to the family who adopted the dog, and within 3 months, December of 2023, the pit bull fatally attacks the family’s 4 year old boy.

This is of course no surprise because these types of attacks against children and the elderly/infirm by pit bulls adopted as “pets” occur multiple times every year. Resulting in deaths or disfigurement. Less then four months before Colton Kline was killed by the pitbull Spokane adopted an ordinance banning the animal rescue from euthanizing dangerous animals

Unfortunately no one was at the council to advocate for children like Colton Kline, only his killer is worthy of representation in the city of Spokane

It’s way past time responsible legislators start cracking down on animal shelters. No kill policies should be illegal and pit bulls should be presumed dangerous and euthanized when admitted to shelters. At the very least anyone thinking of adopting a pit bull should be entitled to written warnings from the shelters explaining these dogs are dangerous, kill more people then all other breeds combined, and have such a strong jaw lock that you can’t get them off their victims. One report of the attack shows the child’s grandmother actually repeatedly sliced this dog with a knife including in the throat and it still came back to continue the attack. People don’t know what they’re getting into with these animals and shelters need to start being held accountable

In some ways I do agree with you about pit bulls and mixes. I'd personally never own one, just because although way over 99% are fine dogs, the bad ones are more likely to kill and maim, dogs and people. I sure wouldn't have one with a small child - 0% chance of that.

I don't agree with holding the animal shelter liable, unless they in fact KNEW the dog was reactive to people, and/or had ANY history of bites or attacks against humans, or resource guarding, or other behavioral issues that might logically lead to an attack on a child, or adult. Typically, the shelters get dogs dumped off, or captured on the streets by the county or turned in when found by other residents who can't or don't want to keep the dog but don't believe it should be left to roam the streets or countryside. So they don't know the history and someone dumping off a dog won't give it, or if they do no one can trust it.

If the county wants to make it ILLEGAL to adopt out pits or mixes, then they can do that. If not, the animal shelter just takes the dogs they get, and their obligation/goal is to get them adopted out to homes, and unless they do have prior knowledge of dangerous behavior, they can't be held liable, or shouldn't be.

Frankly the family ultimately made the choice. It's not one I'd ever make, but one they did make, and they assumed the risk. Again, unless behavioral issues were HIDDEN by the shelter, they can't be liable. No one can KNOW how a dog will behave in a home.

 

[EMNofSeattle]

I would trust the biggest, meanest looking dog WELL before I’d trust people that hate on dogs based solely on their breed

Very foolish. Hopefully you’re more responsible then you pretend to be online

 

[BirdinHand]

Very foolish. Hopefully you’re more responsible then you pretend to be online

What’s foolish is broadbrushing an entire “breed” because you are afraid of dogs

 

[EdwinWillers]

The fact is pit bulls are simply too big and strong to be good pets. Yes if you raise and train them right there are few issues just like if you raise and train a tiger right there are few issues. But people know darn well that a tiger isn’t a good pet, pit bulls aren’t good pets either.

But, that's just not true. It has nothing to do with size or strength; and it's just plain silly comparing them to wild animals.

Heck, there are much bigger dogs than pit bulls, with stronger bites too. The Cane Corso, Mastiffs, and etc. Heck, Rottweilers even.

ANY dog, raised, trained, and properly socialized can be a good pet. That said, not every dog is suitable for every person, or family, or situation. It's critical all that be properly matched. Clearly, this family made a tragic mistake in that regard - but that tragedy has nothing to do with the breed and everything to do with that particular dog, his upbringing, his history, his training - and or lack of all thereof.

 

[NolanVoyd]

This is a topic that doesn’t get enough attention, how animal “rights” extremists have taken over local animal shelters which are taxpayer funded and used them as platforms to advance agendas like “no kill” policies which directly lead to often fatal harm to the public. This isn’t the first time this has happened, but it’s a pretty interesting case.

From the excellent website dogsbite.org we get the story

2023 Dog Bite Fatality: Pit Bull-Mix that Killed Child on Halloween in Northeast Spokane, Washington was Recently Adopted

Dog Adopted Out by County Shelter (SCRAPS) 8-Weeks Earlier Colton Kline, 4, was killed by a family dog in northeast Spokane, Washington. Dog Adopted from County UPDATE 12/06/23: The dog that killed Colton Kline was adopted from Spokane Regional Animal

blog.dogsbite.org

Basically this 2 year old male pitbull was taken into Spokane county animal rescue, no information about why the animal ended up in the shelter has been provided to journalists or seemingly to the family who adopted the dog, and within 3 months, December of 2023, the pit bull fatally attacks the family’s 4 year old boy.

This is of course no surprise because these types of attacks against children and the elderly/infirm by pit bulls adopted as “pets” occur multiple times every year. Resulting in deaths or disfigurement. Less then four months before Colton Kline was killed by the pitbull Spokane adopted an ordinance banning the animal rescue from euthanizing dangerous animals

Unfortunately no one was at the council to advocate for children like Colton Kline, only his killer is worthy of representation in the city of Spokane

It’s way past time responsible legislators start cracking down on animal shelters. No kill policies should be illegal and pit bulls should be presumed dangerous and euthanized when admitted to shelters. At the very least anyone thinking of adopting a pit bull should be entitled to written warnings from the shelters explaining these dogs are dangerous, kill more people then all other breeds combined, and have such a strong jaw lock that you can’t get them off their victims. One report of the attack shows the child’s grandmother actually repeatedly sliced this dog with a knife including in the throat and it still came back to continue the attack. People don’t know what they’re getting into with these animals and shelters need to start being held accountable

You are one of the people that weren't concerned about covid right because the statistical likelihood of dying of covid was so slim right?

But you are exponentially more likely to die of Covid then a dog bite.

In 2022, 267,000 Americans died of Covid and 28 Americans died from a dog bite.

 

[bomberfox]

I would trust the biggest, meanest looking dog WELL before I’d trust people that hate on dogs based solely on their breed

Theres only one breed of dog that i dislike but only because i think humans have mucked up this breed to the point of it actually being harmful to the dogs and thats pugs. Bulldogs and pit bulls i dont hate em just not a big fan of dogs with sagging jowls.

 

[Grand Mal]

Yes because pit bulls are the most dangerous dogs for families bar none. The next most dangerous dog, the Rottweiler, is only a third as dangerous despite being bigger and bred as an attack/guard dog

"The Temperament Test observes and measures temperament indicators such as stability, friendliness, protectiveness, shyness, and aggressiveness."

"87.4% of the 931 American Pit Bull Terriers that tested passed the test. Their results are similar to Collies (80.8% of 896 dogs), German Shepherds (85.3% of 3383), and even higher than Golden Retrievers (85.6% of 813). (14)"

25+ Dog Bite Statistics 2024 | Top Dog Bites by Breed | Cities & States Ranked

We've done the research to bring together the most important dog bite statistics for 2024. Use this knowledge for your research on dog bite settlements and legal options.

www.mkplawgroup.com

 

[EMNofSeattle]

"The Temperament Test observes and measures temperament indicators such as stability, friendliness, protectiveness, shyness, and aggressiveness."

"87.4% of the 931 American Pit Bull Terriers that tested passed the test. Their results are similar to Collies (80.8% of 896 dogs), German Shepherds (85.3% of 3383), and even higher than Golden Retrievers (85.6% of 813). (14)"

25+ Dog Bite Statistics 2024 | Top Dog Bites by Breed | Cities & States Ranked

We've done the research to bring together the most important dog bite statistics for 2024. Use this knowledge for your research on dog bite settlements and legal options.

www.mkplawgroup.com

So what? Who cares about this nonsense. They kill more then the next most several dangerous breed combined

 

[Simon W. Moon]

So what? Who cares about this nonsense. They kill more then the next most several dangerous breed combined

according to some lame stream media who are unable to even reliably identify pit bulls

and you

 

[EMNofSeattle]

according to some lame stream media who are unable to even reliably identify pit bulls

and you

Pit bulls can be reliably identified by sight alone. Numerous courts have ruled this

 

[BirdinHand]

Theres only one breed of dog that i dislike but only because i think humans have mucked up this breed to the point of it actually being harmful to the dogs and thats pugs. Bulldogs and pit bulls i dont hate em just not a big fan of dogs with sagging jowls.

I don’t tend to like Yorkies.

Those little ankle biters are often treated more like accessories and not well trained, in my experiences. Again, human problem not the dog.

 

[bomberfox]

I don’t tend to like Yorkies.

Those little ankle biters are often treated more like accessories and not well trained, in my experiences. Again, human problem not the dog.

Yep. Its a human problem. Its also why i get queasy about those designer breeds.

 

[Grand Mal]

So what? Who cares about this nonsense. They kill more then the next most several dangerous breed combined

Who cares what you think about pit bulls? My buddy has a big, athletic pittie who is about the goofiest, friendliest dog you could meet and you think his dog should be put down because you don't like the breed.
Scratch any rightist and the big-government authoritarian just under the surface shows through.

 

[bomberfox]

I don’t tend to like Yorkies.

Those little ankle biters are often treated more like accessories and not well trained, in my experiences. Again, human problem not the dog.

I tend to love yorkies and pomeranians when they arent raised by fashion show freaks.

 

[Simon W. Moon]

Pit bulls can be reliably identified by sight alone. Numerous courts have ruled this

LOL
what a sad ****en argument you're reduced to

legally tomatoes are vegetables​

​

doesn't mean they are though​

especially not in the real-world​

 

[BirdinHand]

I tend to love yorkies and pomeranians when they arent raised by fashion show freaks.

 

[Bodi]

"The Temperament Test observes and measures temperament indicators such as stability, friendliness, protectiveness, shyness, and aggressiveness."

"87.4% of the 931 American Pit Bull Terriers that tested passed the test. Their results are similar to Collies (80.8% of 896 dogs), German Shepherds (85.3% of 3383), and even higher than Golden Retrievers (85.6% of 813). (14)"

25+ Dog Bite Statistics 2024 | Top Dog Bites by Breed | Cities & States Ranked

We've done the research to bring together the most important dog bite statistics for 2024. Use this knowledge for your research on dog bite settlements and legal options.

www.mkplawgroup.com

Yet the Pit Bull kills people and is Top on the List to Bite People whereas the Golden is not even in the Top Five

pit bulls were responsible for at least 346 deaths in the United States in the past 15 years.

The top five dog breeds that bite the most include:​

• Pit bull
• Rottweiler
• German shepherd
• Mixed breed
• Terrier
• https://www.amourgis.com/blog/top-b...tudy after study agrees.,in the past 15 years.

 

[Bodi]

"The Temperament Test observes and measures temperament indicators such as stability, friendliness, protectiveness, shyness, and aggressiveness."

"87.4% of the 931 American Pit Bull Terriers that tested passed the test. Their results are similar to Collies (80.8% of 896 dogs), German Shepherds (85.3% of 3383), and even higher than Golden Retrievers (85.6% of 813). (14)"

25+ Dog Bite Statistics 2024 | Top Dog Bites by Breed | Cities & States Ranked

We've done the research to bring together the most important dog bite statistics for 2024. Use this knowledge for your research on dog bite settlements and legal options.

www.mkplawgroup.com

 

[Bodi]

They should also put this sign up by the gate...