Many people are questioning the safety of pit bulls after one killed a Louisa County Sheriff's K-9 over the weekend. We talked with an animal expert to determine if pit bulls really live up to their reputation as a vicious breed.
A pit bull named Coco is behind bars at the Louisa County Animal Shelter after killing sheriff's office K-9 Maggie early Saturday morning. If the Louisa County Sheriff's Office has its way, the pit bull that killed K-9 Maggie will be declared a vicious animal but some experts say this incident is in no way a reflection on the breed itself.
Shanna Zeigler is a veterinary technician at Charlottesville Veterinary Hospital and owns a pit bull herself. She says the dogs typically have a good temperament and have a long history as family watchdogs and pets. But as with every dog she says responsibility falls on the owner.
Zeigler said, "They're usually really good dogs. It just happens to be that if somebody doesn't treat them right or doesn't raise them right. It's all in how you train them, just like any dog. It could have been any dog."
Even Major Don Lowe with the Louisa County Sheriff's Department acknowledges that it could have been any type of dog that attacked Maggie.
Lowe said, "Regardless of whether or not it's a pit bull or a Chihuahua or a lab, it doesn't really matter. That's irrelevant. It's the fact that the dog was roaming freely and was capable of doing this, and did it."
Zeigler says those considering a pit bull should take some things into consideration before adopting one.
Zeigler said, "Make sure you have the kind of personality they need. They need to be trained; you need to be able to put time and energy into doing it. You need to be able to control them."
The Louisa County Sheriff's Office is putting the blame on the dog's owner, calling the case one of "irresponsible pet ownership". If the dog is declared vicious by the court, it could be put down.
