Unleashed dogs wandering our streets and yards always raise concerns about public safety, as well as the stinky little piles they leave behind, whether they are wandering alone or in packs, not to mention that it’s against the law.
It’s bad enough when it’s just your normal pooches, but it’s even more concerning when it’s wandering pit bulls.
Well, if I am a dog, the party is on, I gotta get my groove, cause my mind’s done gone, and I can’t see color, any color will do, I’ll stick on you, that’s why they call me pit bull, ‘cause I’m the man of the land. When they see me, they say hoooo, who let the dogs out…hooooo. Who let the dogs out… howl, howl, howl, howl! (“Who Let the Dogs Out” – The Baja Men -2001)
OK, I know I’m going to get hateful letters from pit bull admirers, and that’s just fine. Responsible dog owners, whether they own “nice” dogs or pit bulls, always keep theirs contained on their own property, and they are to be commended for doing so. But irresponsible dog owners who let their doggies roam, are just that – irresponsible…shame on you! Lately, I’ve been seeing pit bulls, both alone and in groups, wandering around Crestline, particularly in the Valley of Enchantment area. This is most distressing because this breed, although lovable and protective of their owners, can turn violent at the drop of a hat. I know what some of you are thinking… this guy must hate dogs. Tain’t true, McGee, I have owned numerous dogs and cats all my life. My last dog, Freckles, was a lovable, gentle Springer spaniel. She loved cats and even nursed a litter of kittens, after their mama disappeared, most likely from a coyote (or pit bull) attack.
Getting back to pit bulls, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, they were responsible for 131 attacks on children and 283 attacks on adults in 2023, including 73 fatal attacks. Due to centuries of selective breeding, pit bulls (American Stratford terriers and bull terriers) have developed enormous strength in their jaws that enables them to render a “hold-and-shake” bite that inflicts maximum damage to their victims. This is why they have become a breed of choice to gang members and drug dealers, who use them for protection and as status symbols. On the street, they are referred to as “four-legged guns.”
I wish more folks would have “nice” dogs like cocker spaniels, Irish setters, poodles, Alaskan huskies, Bernese Mountain dogs, collies and beagles.
Me and you and a dog named Boo, travelin’ and livin’ off the land. Me and you and a dog named Boo, how I love bein’ a free man.
Keep it Flyin’,
Uncle Mott
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