An explosion of pit bulls on the streets of Las Vegas is getting downright dangerous according to Animal Control experts. Backyard breeders are raking in hundreds of thousands of dollars by selling ever-bigger and meaner pit bulls.
Local animal shelters are overwhelmed with pit bulls that have been abandoned by their owners. Many of them are deformed because of inbreeding or mauled because of organized fighting.
What will it take to put black market breeders out of business? Add your suggestions to the blog.
When will people take time to learn the other side? The REAL side….that Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Chihuahuas, Dalmations, all have MORE bites recorded per year than a Pit Bull. Pit Bulls rank in the TOP 5% on both temper and intelligence test according to the ADBA.
Comment by Clay Gongora — May 10, 2007 @ 11:39 pm
AS MYSELF I HAVE 2 PITBULLS WHY ARE HUMAN BEING,BEING SO NEGATIVE ABOUT THESE DOGS YES ITS TRUE PEOPLE SELL THEM BUT THEY NEED TO BE HONEST… ONE OF OUR PRIESDENT ROOSEVELT HAD A PITBULL IN THE WHITE HOUSE…AND ITS HOW YOU RAISE YOUR DOG AS TO WHETHER THERE ARE AGGRESSIVE OR NOT!!!USUALLY THERE ARE NOT…AND I LOVE MY DOGS EARLY XMAS BEAGLE,AND BEBEGIRL….
THANK YOU!!!
HEIDI E.
Comment by HEIDI E. — May 10, 2007 @ 11:52 pm
It is so unfortunate the lack of concern these breeders have for their “so precious dogs” They talk so much about their bloodline and so forth, but don’t realize how many of their puppies will end up in the shelter and put down. A perfectly healthly loving dog that dies for the simple fact that his/her owner did not want him. It rips heart that pit bulls get such a bad rap because of ignorant people like this! please spay and neuter!!!
Comment by yvonne a — May 11, 2007 @ 9:05 am
Get your facts straight on dog bloodlines before you tell your lies, just because a name like Gotti or Razors Edge sound mean doesnt mean they actually carry those traits…..Pitbulls are not aggressive towards people by nature…it takes a stupid individual to make him/her that way. Nothing about the boodlines you all reported on was correct and you posted a dog as a “monster maker” without even talking to the owners…..who by the way have a phone number that you can call on the website you put on the news….that dog is one of the nicest pups you will ever meet…..pretty sad when the news has to pick on a dog to get big stories when in a city like Las Vegas more important things happen all the time that we never hear about
Comment by Frank — May 11, 2007 @ 7:39 pm
I currently own a Boxer mix or a “Bully Breed” dog and SHE is a sweetheart. I rescued her from Leid Animal Shelter where I learned that she would have been put down in 72 hours if she was not adopted.
Your viewers are correct, learn about the dog and breed before you pass judgment. As far as the backyard breedres and “whole sellers” enforce the city and county codes on these people, crack down on them! If they don’t have the proper licensure, ticket them or take them to JAIL!!!
Comment by Jeffrey — May 11, 2007 @ 9:09 pm
I know trying to convince people that the American Pit Bull Terrier if a fine dog but to say there Monsters it a bit much, i own three fine pits and there very well behaved
but your report is not only hurts the dogs but it also hurst good owners like me , now I fear poeple will think I’am a ganster or wanta be. I love my pits, always knew i would own one or three, Ever cince Pettie from the ower gang show (lil Rascles)
Comment by Al Miranda — May 11, 2007 @ 9:17 pm
“GOTTILINE FOR LIFE”
Comment by RICHARD — May 11, 2007 @ 9:20 pm
I have two pit bull mixes. They are the best, most obedient dogs I have ever had , unfortunately when they fight, they fight like pit bulls and do serious damage to each other. Yes pit bull have fewer recorded bite incidents, but when a pit bull bites, as all pit bull owners know, it can be very severe. I love my dogs like my children.
Comment by Chris W. — May 12, 2007 @ 8:03 am
See http://www.DogBiteLawsuits.com and you will see why people hate the Pit Bull. Our staff deals with pit attacks every day. 93% of all our cases are because of the pit bull and the firm was established to fight these dog owners!
From the staff
Comment by William Morrison — May 12, 2007 @ 10:31 am
Heidi said “The REAL side….that Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Chihuahuas, Dalmations, all have MORE bites recorded per year than a Pit Bull.”
Making up statistics do not make them real! Who are you trying to fool!
The staff at http://www.DogBiteLawsuits.com
Comment by William Morrison — May 12, 2007 @ 10:35 am
That’s really too bad that you got to try and bring the breed down. You really need to get your facts strait first before you go throwin everyone in a general category. First of all “gottiline” didn’t start here by some Vegas people. THe line has been around for over 12 years and it was named after one of his dogs called Juan gotti. Second “Razor edge” isn’t named that because they got razor sharp teeth. You just pumped more fear into people that doesn’t need to be there in the first place. I have pitbulls and NONE of them have EVER shown any aggresion towards humans or other dogs. I won’t lie there still are backyard breeders that train there dogs to fight, but go after those people instead of giving the breed an even worse wrap then it already has. And as for sellin my dogs to get rich, forget about it. I know where all of my puppies go, I know how there doing still to this day. After caring for them, food, shots, de-worming, and getting them papered I barely come out even. And for the record, the majority of people who own pitbulls aren’t Thugs and Gang members.
Comment by Quincy — May 12, 2007 @ 11:12 am
It sounds as though Las Vegas animal control needs an injection of funding to deal with these irresponsible, unethical backyard breeders. I have only the lowest opinion of people who breed animals for money, rather than breeding responsibly for conformation and temperament.
These lowlifes are too lazy or stupid to get a job and earn a living. They expect their dog’s uterus to provide for them.
“Pit bulls” are not a breed, they’re a mongrel, a mutt, with possibly six or more breeds in the genetic stew. “Gotti” and “razor’s edge” just make me laugh out loud; who are the dopes who think these are actual bloodlines? Ask for the acknowledged dog breed registry papers (AKC, CKC, ADBA) to prove it; there won’t be any.
These backyard breeders are producing genetic mutants, with no care for long term health or temperament, and the dogs are purchased by tiny-minded individuals or criminals.
These scofflaws are the problem with dog ownership and relevant law. They cast a pall that falls onto responsible dog owners, who wind up bearing the brunt of the problem while these backyard breeders go on to ruin another breed. This almost happened to Dobermans back in the 60s or 70s, until the ethical breeders took the breed back.
Unfortunately, there’s no one to help these poor mutts.
Comment by Sara — May 12, 2007 @ 11:17 am
I just want to say that it is so sad that people judge by what they hear i have a pitbull he is 9 yrs old and he is the best dog i have ever had and loyal and saved my life from a ex boyfriend that tired to kill me when he broke into my home and was stragling me on the couch and he use to abuse in and was scared of him but grabbed him and got him off of me! I owe my life to buster! He is also so good around my Niece’s even tough they jump on him! These people that use these dogs and give them a bad name need to be thrown into the pit with the ones that do fight and let them be attack so they know how it fills!!
Comment by Jennifer Lopez — May 12, 2007 @ 11:25 am
Hello Las Vegas,
My name is Cindy and even though I do not own a pit, I have a rottweiler which are always second on the list of banned breeds. Vegas is starting to talk about what to do about our dogs and trust me on this that is step one. BSL or other words Breed banning is happening everywhere now and WE HAVE TO BECOME A TEAM AND STOP THIS. Its not just the dogs you would assume are on the hit list, Italy is banning collies for goodness sake…talks of labs or any dog over 15 pounds. PLEASE HELP ME GET IDEAS AND LET’S BECOME A TEAM AND TOGETHR WE CAN DO ANYTHING! PLEASE GET YOUR DOGS CANINE GOOD CITZENSHIP AND MAKE THEM MODEL CITIZENS. I have a page on myspace so PLEASE add me and email me with ideas. http://www.myspace.com/cindylovesrottweilers
Comment by cindy — May 12, 2007 @ 12:03 pm
Notice the fighting dog breeders even HERE like Frank that offer the usual cover-ups and lies about the fact that they are breeding fighting dogs.
These fighter/breeders always lie and claim they aren’t breeding for the fighting trade. Some of them even claim to breed “show dogs.” It’s a lie, and it’s a front to keep law enforcement off their backs.
They are criminals, and they need to be busted.
They also ARE NOT PAYING TAXES on this income, and they are stealing from and cheating us all!
The AKC complies with all of this. Since they get most of their income from registering puppy mill puppies, they support unlicensed breeders, dog fighters, puppy mills- the AKC only cares about the MONEY! That’s why they always oppose licensing and spay/neuter laws, etc
Time to pass mandatory spay/ neuter ordinances and stricter licensing requirements and stop this dangerous criminal activity that also percecutes these dogs.
Pit bulls now are NUMBER ONE on the list for killing people, and these breeders are to blame.
Comment by ted — May 12, 2007 @ 1:20 pm
And the ones doing the “temperament testing” that claim that pit bulls are OK are the pit bull breeders! It’s a con.
Comment by ted — May 12, 2007 @ 1:22 pm
Back yard breeders are as bad a dope dealers. They don’t care if the product or dog will be good or bad. They only care about the money. The buyer has no way of knowing the history of the dog. The dog can come from unstable parents and the new owner will never know until it is to late.
Domestic dogs aren’t born to be biters. It comes form the bad breeding of the breed.
Tyra
Comment by Tyra Christian — May 12, 2007 @ 3:45 pm
I certainly hope the news fairly reported the facts. That clearly this is a Person problem and not a Pitbull problem. The saddest thing that happens to these dogs are backyard breeders who have no real idea what they are doing. It is all about the money.
I would hope that the fact that the news papers underminds the law was and is addressed. Next thing you know some politician will want to ban them because they clearly cannot figure out how to enforce a law that the people approved of.
Pitbulls are the most over bred dog around. I as a Pitbull lover wish that the thugs and criminals would find a different hobby, like going out in the desert and dissapearing so the rest of the world can enjoy freedom from BSL’s due to ignorant individuals who fule them. Education and Responsibility need to be the key points here, above all else. When society choses to kill and criminalize the innocent then we are no better then the criminals who created the problem.
Sincerely
Melissa Swank
Comment by Melissa Swank — May 12, 2007 @ 9:46 pm
I have one of those breeders in my back yard, it’s a damn puppy mill in a very small yard they have cages all around their back yard wall and I mean all the way around . The dogs whine all day all night, all we can smell is dog feces. These people are renters and don’t care about US homeowners, when you have visitors come over and they won’t go in the back yard cause it’ stinks too much it becomes a problem, as far as the dog are concern I have friends who have pits and they seem to be good dogs, I know they are no all good dogs it’s just like people you have good ones then you have bad ones. Maybe I can call Goerge Knapp and supply him with an address, I bet my back yard neibor would like a camera in his face.
Comment by BD — May 13, 2007 @ 11:51 am
I have a pit bull-lab mix. My dog was the product of back yard breeders. My son bought the puppy for 85$. When he showed little inclination to care for the animal or to socialize her properly I took her. With a lot of time, patience and love, she has been transformed into an animal I can live with. Neither my son nor I knew anything about pit bulls when we got the dog. What we had was a totally nuerotic animal. She chewed the furniture, chased the cats, attacked the other dog, and was afraid to go outside on a leash. I got professional help from a trainer. It made all the differance. I wanted to abandon her also, but I knew that it was the wrong thing to do. A pet is for life. I suggest to everyone thinking about getting any kind of pet, to do your homework. A pit bull is not for everybody. This is a lot of dog. As for the backyard breeders, these people need to be put out of business. The shelters are crammed with unwanted dogs, esp pits. Please spay and nueter your animals.
Debra
Comment by debra welsh — May 14, 2007 @ 5:08 am
Pits are like a prism, magnifying peoples true feelings towards dogs and the media’s slogan of “if it bleeds it leads”. Self-promotion and income generated from attacking Pits and their owners is the vilest aspect of this whole debate.
Comment by alex can — May 15, 2007 @ 7:29 pm
This is to clear up some mis-conceptions posted by those who apparently didn’t read the story before posting their blogs or calling the station.
We don’t specifically accuse anyone of breeding dogs to fight, though we’re not saying they’re not either. Animal control, local rescues, Metro and many callers, as well as common sense, all tell us this is a problem.
We are not “attacking the breed”, and specifically state that several times. We agree that the pitbull problem is a people problem, in that backyard breeders are breeding these dogs for size and money, and are not paying attention to the temperament of the animal, in many instances intentionally training them to be mean and fighters. The simple fact is, as long as these so called “breeders” crank out pit bulls, the animals wind up on the street, in the shelters and eventually euthanized. We are not calling the breed as a whole monsters, but that’s what these so called “tough guys” are breeding the dogs to be. It is the breed of pitbulls, and those attacked by these mis-bred, mis-treated animals who are the victims. And frankly, a mis-trained pitbull can be more dangerous than other types of dogs.
The ads specifically tout the large heads, large jaws, size, “temperament”, and “gameness” of the pitbull. They also state that the dogs are specifically bred this way. Names such as Gottiline, (The GottiLine dogs are said to be excellent, but if you are saying the name of the dogs and the tempermment of their original namesake is not a factor in marketing the breed, you are not being entirely honest.) Razor’s Edge may or may not have something to do with a dog’s teeth. However, as you saw in our reports, that is exactly how that bloodline was used in marketing puppies. (Calvin, the backyard breeder who sold pups out of his car, specifically touted the dog’s sharp, straight teeth. We do not believe he was emphasizing this because he wanted his smiling pup to pose for photos.) People like Calvin market to a particular group of customers. Those dogs far too often end up in fighting rings, or on the streets, or in the animal shelter. There are numerous examples of this type of marketing, and they aren’t very hard to find. These opinions are not our. They are from the animal experts who works the streets of Las Vegas EVERY SINGLE DAY.
The fact that we do not specifically praise those breeders who do not engage in such reprehensible behavior is consistent with what a news program does. Our stories focused on backyard breeders. We stated that from the very beginning, and more than once.We should not be expected to spell out, over and over, that not every breeder does this sort of thing. When an airplane crashes, we report the crash. We should not be expected to report that the vast majority of planes did not crash. This is a given. The fact that so many allegedly responsible breeders feel this was an attack on them speaks volumes.
If responsible breeders truly care about pit bulls as much as they have said, they are the ones who should be most outraged by the backyard breeders who are certainly not responsible. The responsible breeders should be in the forefront of calling for better enforcement, and tougher spay and neuter laws. As ost of you know, that is not the case. Far from it.
Ian
I-Team Producer
Comment by Ian - I-Team Producer; George Knapp - Chief Investigative Reporter — May 17, 2007 @ 1:51 pm
I think that we should focus on the solution and not the problem. Pit Bulls are like guns its usually not the product but a product of its own environment. Most of you are saying the same things but they need to be focused towards a solution. I say Ban convicted felons from owning particular breeds and create a breeders registration governed by local government. You breed than you must pay taxes and follow strict confinement and litter laws
Comment by Bryan — May 18, 2007 @ 11:31 am
I am the proud parent of a pit bull mix, she’s 9 years old and has never shown aggression to humans. The discrimination against pit bulls (and rotties) is so sad as its impossible to find a place to live, I get dirty looks from people who think I have a “child-eating” ferocious beast on a leash, some towns we can’t ever even move to because she would be confiscated and euthanized on sight (ie. Denver, CO). I think its atrocious that the backyard breeders are getting a slap on the hand–god forbid we upset THEIR civil liberties; in the meantime, I have LOST mine for rescuing a dog that THEY (backyard breeders) created. I resent that because of THEIR irresponsibility and their greed, that I and other responsible animal-lovers have to pay the price. It is because of THEM that I can’t get homeowner’s insurance. It is because of THEM that I can’t find an apt. It is because of THEM that toddlers’ parents look at me like I’m a drug dealing thug, despite the fact that I’m anything BUT. The problem is NOT just a las vegas problem, it is a NATIONAL problem. Every municipality cries and whines that their pitbull “problem” is out of control and thus that’s why it results in BSL–it municipal governments STARTED enforcing their laws at the base level, it wouldn’t become as big as a problem. There is no enforcement for people breeding without a license and selling out of their car in the swap meets parking lot? You bet your ass there’d be enforcement for selling wi/o a license if it was infringing on casino business (ie fake trademark tshirts near the strip). Either the people here can start clamoring for more Animal Control to be hired or someone needs to hand off enforcement capability of animal-related crime to the cops.
Comment by Rhonda P — May 25, 2007 @ 3:03 am
REALITY CHECK!!!
Here is the reality…..I have been reading and working with different dogs since childhood. I personally have owned American Pitbull Terriers (APBT’s). These dogs were originally created to combat with other animals (including dogs of all types)for cruel entertainment, status, and money (presently, also for illegal drugs). APBT’s genetically have the drive to fight just like a pointer will hunt for birds or a hound will search for a fox. Unfortunately, to this day, there are people who keep and breed these dogs for those same reasons (as combat and attack dogs). These people have no love for these beautiful dogs, therefore, they do not care if the dogs receive a bad reputation and are outlawed. If anything, it probably thrills them to know that their dogs are listed on the laws “most wanted” list. It makes them feel their dog is a true “mean and bad boy.” A title like that, only gives these people the status they seek. Owners with good APBT’s (or any other bully breed) should form groups to represent, protect and stop the cruelty of dogfights and bring forth a new image of this breed.
Yes, for anyone considering owning an APBT, first should educate themselves and understand that these dogs are walking army tanks and not everyone is suited for one of these breeds. APBT’s demand plenty of attention and a person with good leadership. APBT’s are awesome people dogs and have been know to sacrifice their lives for humans. They have a charismatic personality, loyalty and endless energy. They love the young and old and they love the limelight. However, please do not forget the genetics of these dogs. APBT’s do not like to be challenged by other dogs and they should NEVER be allowed to challenge another dog. If allowed, the APBT, can and will, accept the challenge. With this said, it is not right to outlaw the dog, but use that time and energy to report all potential illegal activities and stop “cruel breeders”. Remember, most of these people who breed, have neighbors, therefore, if everyone works together, finding these ” cruel breeders” is possible. It is also important to write to our lawmakers and demand higher penalties and punishment for “cruel breeders”. Too many times, these cruel people get away with small penalties or no penalties. It is our duty to work together (with the law) and save this breed from becoming extinct as a family companion. Together we can stop the unfortunate image of a wonderful American breed—The American Pit Bull Terrier.
Comment by Manny — May 27, 2007 @ 2:43 pm
If you are interested in recessive genes, inbreeding, and degenerate animals read on!
Chapter
1
A male lion breed with a female tiger, makes a liger od great size!
Chapter
2
a male leopard breed with a female lion brings forth a leopon. Which not only has the size and strength of the lion but also has the climbing abilities of the leopard.
Chapter
3
All that has so far been said, is recognized by science.
Chapter
4
Now into the realm of what haas not yet been ‘validated’ (by science).
Chapter
5
All the other cats are said to interbreed
from time to time.
Chapter
6
I have to much time on my hands don’t I.!?
The division of Species is based on the idea that, only members of the same ‘Species’ can indeed breed.
But if all cats ( including the Egyptian house cat) can breed, they are not different Species but only subspecies of the original cat.
Now, if the liger is bigger and the leopon is of the same size and better. Then it comes to reason that the original cat from off the Ark was a super cat.
Does this make scents?????????????
Scientists say that the “extra” abilities that come out of these ‘hybrids’ are caused by “recessive genes”
Recessive Genes are created by inbreeding.
Now here is the part that Make interest you
Gen 7:2
Of every4480, 3605 clean2889 beast 929 thou shalt take3947 to thee by sevens,7651, 7651 the male 376 and his female:802 and of4480 beasts 929 that834 are not3808 clean2889 by two,8147 the male376 and his female. 802
In this I think that the clean animals were allowed to descend without inbreeding and therefore pure. While the others were forced into inbreeding, which caused their abilities to go into ‘Recessive genes’. The ancients had enough trouble with the lions, tigers, etc. So this might have been set to preserve man. Did you know that in India they breed the wild dog with the wolf to get a bigger breed. This alone means nothing, except that there is a story whcih appeared shortly after the flood. No later that 500 years, or 600, or 700, etc, after the flood. The story told of a great king who had wolves so great that his men were able to ride upon them, for they were far greater than any horse.
Maybe I’m going nowhere, but if only two cats, two dogs, two bears, etc, walked off the Ark. Then I say that it would immediately force inbreeding, which in turn would force abilities into recessive genes. And (to the point) would force the super Cat to degenerate into the lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah and house cat that we have today.
I’m sorry I couldn’t help joking and calling the lion and tiger a degenerate.
“In the production of pure breeds of sheep, cattle, hogs, and horses inbreeding has frequently been practiced extensively, and where in such cases selection has been made of the more vigorous offspring as parents, it is doubtful whether any diminution in size, vigor, or fertility has resulted. Nevertheless it very frequently happens that when two pure breeds are crossed, the offspring surpass either pure race in size and vigor.”
Sudden Origins by Jeffrey H. Schwartz
The tiger is either a pure breed are a degenerate species!
Or I say.
They are one and the same..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Else, the reason why the clean were in sevens as opposed to the others.
Comment by Nathan Gaver — June 5, 2007 @ 9:26 am
Before calling for mandatory spay and neuter (MSN) laws I suggest everyone do their research as MSN has yet to be proven effective. In fact, they often make the problem worse as is being seen in Las Vegas. http://network.bestfriends.org/animallawcoalition/news/4108.html
The people causing the problems here are already law breakers - they are not abiding by the current breeder licensing laws. Why would they abide by a MSN law? By charging AC with an addition law, especially one as far reaching as MSN, it will leave even less time for AC to address the real problems of abuse, dog fighting, etc.
I also suggest that everyone, especially Mr. Morrison, read Karen Delise’ books: http://www.fataldogattacks.com/
Las Vegas is facing criminal and social problems. They should not be addressed through dog legislation.
Michelle Davis
www.KCDogAdvocates.org
Comment by Michelle Davis — June 11, 2007 @ 12:12 pm
you could get rid of the NFL morons that thinks Vic’s dog fighting is just a harmless game
Comment by prp — August 23, 2007 @ 12:16 pm
ITS JUST LIKE RAISING CHILDREN! IF YOU HAVE NEVER RAISED A CHILD OF YOUR OWN. YOU DONT KNOW WHAT ITS LIKE.SO YOU SHOULD’NT TELL PEOPLE WHO HAVE KIDS HOW TO RAISE THEM.PITBULLS ARE APART OF SOME PEOPLES FAMILY.AND UNTIL YOU OWN ONE,YOU’LL NEVER KNOW HOW LOVING THESE DOGS CAN BE.AS FOR THE PERSON WHO SAID THAT THE AMERICAN PITBULL IS A MUT CHECK YOUR HISTORY,ALL DOGS WHERE MUTS AT SOME POINT IN TIME.THE APBT HAS BEEN A BREED IN THE UNITED STATES LONGER THAN SOME OTHER SO CALLED PURE BRED DOGS,THANK YOU VERY MUCH!THATS ALSO WHY YOU HAVE PEOPLE WHO CLAIM A BLOODLINE NAME. SUCH AS RAZORSEDGE OR GOTTILINE,THERE ARE MANY OTHERS TO PICK ON ALSO, IF YOU CHOOSE TOO,BUT THESE ARE BLOODLINES MAKING A REPUTATION IN THE PIT WORLD AS BEING GOOD PITBULLS,AS FAR AS,BEING OF GOOD TEMPERMENT,GOOD HEALTH,AND GOOD STRUCTURE.I CAN NOT SAY ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.BUT THEY ARE BRINGING IN A LOT OF MONEY.
Comment by LES V. — October 15, 2007 @ 1:21 pm