Dogs, Breeds and Fatal Attacks

[PDF] 

CAROLYN CHAN - American Canine Foundation

www.americancaninefoundation.com/.../ACF_LETTER_K_KKK_NE...

File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - Quick View
Aug 22, 2006 – CAROLYN CHAN. ATTORNEY AT LAW

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you think almost no attorney in animal law has ever stood up for the most maligned

dog breed type in the United States, see this post above.  When Kory Nelson was

going full speed, prior to the time "dog bite" Washington blogger, Colleen Lynn

appeared, Nelson was working  behind the scenes via his  "Yahoo Group" which

was set up for government people, so they could learn how to make regulations

and use Home Rule, to establish what is essentially BSL (breed specific legislation.)

On that Yahoo Group, Nelson, who was the owner of the online group, posted that

the ACF was acting as a "strawman for dogfighters."  This is outright defamation, and

Nelson also attempted to ridicule the Aurora, CO case by sending emails from his

government based computer, directly to counsel. Kory Nelson and the blogger of

the bite site (Colleen Lynn) focus on NEWS REPORTS or what is commonly

known as STORIES.

While we all realize that each individual canine has its own genetic and behavioral

makeup, the most outspoken CRITICS of any dog breeds (especially pitbull types)

are those that know little and nothing of breeds of dogs, canine genetics, and 

otherwise.  Merritt Clifton of Animal People, Lynn of dog bite blog, and the attorney

who holds himself out as the dogbite attorney are ALL NOT EXPERTS ON CANINES,

PERIOD. They can talk about canines all they want, BUT they are not experts on 

canines, they do not work with canines, they usually have never owned a medium or

large dog, and they likely won't. 

IF there actually was some scientific EVIDENCE as to the allegations that it was the

genetics of every dog in the group they propose to malign that in fact, CAUSES the

harm they claim, that would be one fact.  However, not only can these proponents

not prove that fact, they take stories in the news and USE the STORY as the fact

which does not exist.

As for FATAL dog attacks, that subject has been rehashed for so long, it should be

obvious by now---- it is rare.   However, when such "attacks" purportedly occur, it does 

of  course, make front page news.  Because news "stories" are not necessarily based

on exact facts, the public never really KNOWS what facts caused or contributed to the

demise of the person.  We say this because the victim in some cases, has created or

caused situations that should have been or could avoided, although the story tellers

like to say otherwise. When people create situations that may cause them harm, and

they do not know canines, canine behavior, or dangerous dog propensities, they can

get hurt. When dangerous dogs (not by breed, but by behavior) do not display such

behavior openly, or when the behavior is not recognized, people can get hurt from any

number of behaviors, by increasing the risk.

There is ALWAYS a risk when dealing with canines, especially for novice owners, those

who ignore common sense, and those who are out to cause mischief by purposely

engaging in actions that increase risk. Leaving ANY child with a dog of any size is a risk.

Leaving any adult who knows nothing about canines, and just adopted an unknown dog

is a risk.  Adopting ANY dog from ANY source is a risk. NOT KNOWING the physical

demeanor of the dog or the dogs' parents is a risk. Adopting a large breed dog you 

know nothing about is a risk. 

Unprovoked attacks upon people by dogs running at large [creating fatalities] is uncommon, unless one lives in an area where this is happening all the time. IF this is happening all the time

then animal control is not doing their job. 

Dogs involved in fatal attacks usually involve

dogs NEW TO THE HOME (as in recently adopted, recently rehomed dog, recent

acquisition from Craigslist or rescue) and this is shown by more than 52% or more--of 

such attacks, involving dogs that are acquired from rescue, rehoming and shelter.

Only possibly 2-3 (if that) of all fatal attacks tracked involve a dog that was raised from

a puppy in the home. Thus raising a puppy from birth with no rehomings involved is the

safest method of knowing a dog, and the least risk.  IF one is actually afraid of dogs, but

wants one anyway, it would be best to get a dog less than 10lb. The dog can take out a

child's eye, but it won't likely kill a 10yr old or adult. Avoid leaving any dog with any baby

or children where the kids are not supervised, because children can provoke dogs.  

NOTE:  The ABA (American Bar Assn) through their House of Delegates, announced in 2012

that they would encourage ALL jurisdictions to NOT use breed specific legislation, but to

craft non discriminatory legislation/ordinances based upon behavior of canines, NOT by

breed.