A friendly Pit Bull Terrier chews on his toy at the Central New York SPCA on Malloy Road.Syracuse, NY --Pit Bull attacks in the city are at an all-time high. Within the past six months, 19 bites have been reported to the city's dog control department. Police say that's double the number of attacks from all of last year.
"They are there for a specific purpose, said Lt. Joe Cecile of the Syracuse Police, "to attack anyone who comes to the house, including police."
N-C-C News Reporter Brittni Smallwood rode along with CNY SPCA investigator Officer Ross Areina on two reported Pit Bull cases.
Complaint One
At the first house on the West Side, anonymous callers complained of negligent owners allowing their Pit Bulls to run loose in an abandoned yard. Yet, officers were unable to find evidence of the animals posing any dangerous threats or running wild.
Complaint Two
At the second house, officers investigated owners who were allegedly using their Pit Bulls for dog fighting. However, after a thorough investigation the dogs were found to be in good health with no signs of animal cruelty.
The Strength of Pit Bulls
The American Pit Bull Terrier breed is known for its strength, protective nature and predatory instincts. An average adult male Pit Bull can weigh between 50 and 80 pounds. However, because of its powerful jaw structure, it is capable of pulling up to 2,000 pounds.
SPCA Director, Paul Morgan agreed that Pit Bulls are powerful animals. "I mean if you look at them, they're all muscle."
Dangerous Attack Dogs or Devoted Family Pets?
While many Pit Bull are raised to fight and attack, animal experts say they can make great family pets-- it all depends on how the dog is raised.
"I don't care what the animal is, if you're not training the animal or if you are training it to fight or to be an aggressive animal you're gonna have problems," said Morgan.
SPCA Officer Ross Areina agreed, "If you're a good owner and you do the right things and train them properly and get the right training for them, you can have a good dog."
Dangerous Attack Dogs or Devoted Family Pets?
While many Pit Bull are raised to fight and attack, animal experts say they can make great family pets-- it all depends on how the dog is raised.
"I don't care what the animal is, if you're not training the animal or if you are training it to fight or to be an aggressive animal you're gonna have problems," said Morgan.
SPCA Officer Ross Areina agreed, "If you're a good owner and you do the right things and train them properly and get the right training for them, you can have a good dog."
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