It might seem appealing at first. There have been repeated media reports of pit bull attacks on other dogs and, more alarmingly, human beings as well. In fact, just last Monday police in Vancouver, British Columbia arrested a homeless man who, as an owner of pitbulls, may be tied to random pitbull attacks that took place over 11 months in the region.

Whether the man is actually found responsible for all these attacks or not is not really the point. Rather, it is that he was arrested by police, not just his dogs. Responsibility for properly training a pet, any pet, falls on the shoulders of its owner(s). That pit bulls are somewhat more powerful dogs than other breeds does not change a thing. It simply means the owner who takes charge of owning such an animal has to accept they have more to do to take care of the animal.

Furthermore, the term pit bull is rather generic, standing in for a number of different sub-breeds that have not nearly all proven to be as violent as others. A study of dog attacks in the U.S.A. and Canada that examined attacks from 1982 to 2006 found that pit bull terrier attacks were extremely high, numbering well over 1,000. However, all other pit bull breeds combined did not even reach 72 attacks, a lower number than that of Rottweilers (409), and just barely above German shepherd attacks (63). How does one justify banning the over 10 different pit bull breeds based on a single breed's tendencies?

Of course, another problem with banning pitbulls from a dog run, or anywhere in general, is that it starts a slippery slope. Other breeds occasionally associated with violence include rottweilers, German shepherds, and huskies, to name but a few. Perhaps then, any ban on specific breeds should be enforced upon them as well. Where does it end?

Comparisons have been made between bans on pit bulls and gun-control legislation, but that is simply not apt. Whereas guns are inanimate objects that can be fired off accidentally in the heat of a moment of passion, pitbulls are genuine living beings that can grow to be as loving, caring and loyal as any of their canine friends, if they are properly taken care of.

Pitbull attacks are symptomatic of a much larger problem in our society: human carelessness. If you are contemplating purchasing one of these dogs, be very aware that you will have to put in some extra work to train it properly.

In the meantime, let's not punish those who are already doing it.