Lennox was a medium-size, broad-headed dog that some say resembled a pit bull. In the city of Belfast, officials declared that he was a pit bull.
Pit bulls not allowed in the United Kingdom and consequently, Lennox was euthanized last Wednesday.
The Pit Bull remains a topic for conflict around the world. Breeders of these dogs maintain that they are affectionate and bright and no more prone to aggression than any other breed. Owners cite example after example of this terrier as being wonderful examples of ''man's best friend."
Flip the coin and others tell horror stories about the violent nature of these dogs and their propensity to bite harder and longer. This particular breed may come to mind when the atrocities of "dog fighting' are considered. And, then there is drug trafficking.
Research shows that many veterinarians preferred to not enter the debate over pit bull traits and behavior. Research also shows that the conflict is quite heated ... experts such as canine behaviorists also run the gambit from good to bad.
The American Temperance Test Society has found that the three breeds most likely to bite are the dachshund, chihuahuas and Jack Russell terriers. On the bottom half of that list, one finds the Pit Bull.
In 2008, the Dec. 29th issue of Sports Illustrated ran an extensive profile on pit bull temperament. Dr. Frank McMillan of the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary stated, "Pit Bulls posses the single greatest ability to bond with people."
To some that may seem a broad-based 'opinion' — to others a statement of 'fact.' Will this conflict, this collision over nature ever be resolved? Perhaps, but certainly not to everyone's liking.
