Guilt lies with the owners, not the pet

Dear editor,

I've been a pit bull and mastiff owner and breeder for over 17 years. They've been some of the greatest friends and providers of safety for my family. I had my kids around not only the adults, but also the puppies, when adults were present.

If I were a judge or Animal Control, I would find the guilt with the owners, and not the animals. So few of these dog owners are responsible to the point of assuming accountability. When a dog's imprisonment or life equals a human's, then society is in the advanced stages of failure. Take for example the coach in San Francisco who died with killers living next door, sharing a hallway. Regarding babies who have had a neighbor's, or worse, their own dog killing them, the dog owner's claims of the animal being a "good dog" make me sick.

People can own tigers or like animals also but they have to show some responsibility. They can't have them in an apartment complex. If they maul someone, they're put down. Dogs are no different. Owners should show they are buying from good breeding lines and that the pups are trained in obedience and socialized while young. If the owners want a bad dog, something worthy of fear and capable of killing, the owners should have a bond present so when their pet harms or kills, it's a start. Not just some jackass that says, "Your hand got bitten. Get over it." Show real ownership, real responsibility, and be a real part of society.

This is why I, as a homeowner and responsible part of society, cannot see how I could own another pit. It's all the fools that ruin it for the good owners of good dogs. Yes, there are pits that on command will come back before hurting or killing, but those are overshadowed by the many (too many) that won't. As long as good pit bull owners back the bad dogs of bad owners, killing will prevail. Mark my words.

Dave Charon

Rohnert Park