The problem with viewing Pits (or any other dog breed in question) as a threat or as especially vicious is that it is an obtuse, myopic and frankly stereotypical view to take, especially one borne of emotion and/or opinion. As Evelyn Waugh once observed, "generalisations are generally wrong".

I've worked at a kennels, as an animal handler/exerciser, for close to two years. In that time, I've handled hundreds (if not thousands) of dogs. I've been snapped and snarled at by only a handful of individuals, but bit only once (by a particularly cantankerous Chinese Bulldog). Dogs, generally, are sweet-natured beasts. Yes, there are a few foul-tempered or otherwise individuals who can be problematic (either to anyone or only to anyone who isn't their owner). However, they don't bite out of the blue, without fair warning to back off.

If Pit Bulls and other so-called "power breeds" are categorically vicious, then so is every Dachshund, Jack Russel Terrier, Pekinese and Yorkie. Having worked with everything from Chihuahuas and Toy Poms to Great Danes, I'd far rather spend time with an unhappy Pit or Rottweiler than with a Jack Russel, the reason being that a big dog makes it very clear it's unhappy and to leave it alone from the get go. A small dog, meanwhile, is all cool with things until it suddenly decides to bite.

So-called "problem" dogs are usually the result of problem owners and/or home environments (nurture or lack thereof, not nature). The solution is ensuring that (potential) owners are more responsible in how they care for, handle and train their dogs, not banning owning them or pushing the consequences onto the dogs because people are ill-equipped/prepared to do what is right or think past their emotional reactions. If you've got a problem child or pet, that's likely a "you" problem. What's next, banning people from having children, simply because some of them get attacked and mauled to death by their irresponsible parents' dogs? Now that I think of it, that's definitely an idea for which I'd happily petition (but it would be equally pointless and time-wasting) ... Hold the phone; I feel a satire coming on ...

A petition to ban wanton child-bearing, in a bid to prevent further attacks on children by the dogs of their irresponsible parents, has been endorsed by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

Dubbed "extreme" in some circles, the NSPCC explained that the petition, created in a moment of pique by the Patriarchy-Smashing People's Foundation (PSPF), sought to protect human and animal lives by promoting responsible animal ownership and parenting.

The petition is also calling for stronger regulations around conceiving and raising a child, by asking that prospective parents be subjected to a suitability test before they are given permits. Children are known to require attentive, careful and specific handling; not just anyone should raise a child.

Despite this, they are often raised by people who abuse them or otherwise neglect them, and are trained to be aggressive and combatant.

"This is an issue where both human and animal lives have been placed in danger by irresponsible people who lack the skills and knowledge required to handle and raise children and animals", the NSPCC spokesperson said.

The PSPF said in its petition that a number of countries have already either banned or restricted raising children in the same environment as Pit Bulls and other so-called "power breeds" (or are considering doing so).

The petition was spurred on by negative opinions and emotional over-reactions to recent tragedies, one of which was the unfortunate and untimely demise of a young boy left unsupervised with the family dogs. Last month, Sizwe Nkutu was mauled to death by two Pit bulls at his home in Gwala-Gwala, Gqwebera.

His parents (also the animals' owners) were shot to death by police, but Sizwe succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The understandably traumatised Pits have been taken into protective custody by the NSPCC, but are unlikely to be successfully rehomed and will have to be put down if someone willing to take them does not come forward soon.

"We cannot continue losing young people like Sizwe Nkutu to the pets of these vicious and irresponsible people that have shown time and again that they are not fit to be parents and owners. May young Sizwe rest in perfect peace", said PSPF founder Sophiso Jabulani.

"The defense by parents that 'it is how you raise the child' does not hold water! So many people, including joggers, have been attacked and killed by children and their dogs."

Such are the views of some members of the PSPF.

The number of attacks perpetuated by savage children, especially on the vulnerable, could result in many people no longer wanting children or their dogs, the NSPCC warned. This is grossly unfair on the animals, since it is most likely not their fault (nurture or lack thereof, rather than nature).

They have advised any parents who no longer want their children or animals, of any breed, to take them to their local NSPCC, the staff and volunteers of which will look for loving foster homes and welfare shelters where the poor creatures will receive the love and care they deserve.

NSPCC branches, which are not funded by government, are already spread too thin financially. The situation has been significantly exacerbated by unwanted children and animals surrendered to them. The NSPCR was dealt another blow earlier this month, when the National Lotteries Commission made the decision to exclude child welfare as a funding priority for 2022/23.

"It is of utmost importance that this petition should not result in the demonising of children, but in finding a humane and cohesive way forward for fostering and protecting the human and animal victims in this issue", proclaimed Jabulani.

"It is time that the South African Government takes decisive steps and impose a complete ban on raising children in the same environment as large and powerful pets. Such a move would prevent further attacks and unnecessary deaths. We cannot continue sending out condolences for something that can easily be prevented."

According to the NSPCC, the government has the relevant legislature and authority to enact Jabulani's proposal.

Remember, folks, birth control is an option. If you're not going to be a loving and responsible pet owner, you shouldn't be allowed to raise children either.

Is that a little bit too aggressive and vicious for you? Well, I get that way when people get nasty about/to dogs.

Somewhat peeved,
The Snark

Thumbnail image: Photo by Steve DiMatteo on Pexels