Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Should pit bulls be banned? It's a question that has people, especially pit bull owners, talking.
Two days ago, a pit bull attacked a man who was walking to work and the man that tried to help him. The attack is prompting Orem to think about banning the dogs. But today we talked with a pit bull owner who is sticking up for her dogs.
Dogs, as we know, can easily become part of the family. That's probably why Eyewitness News got so many e-mails from pit bull owners who say banning them isn't the answer.
Heather Beck has two pit bulls, Sampson and Sammy. The dogs help her train other dogs. "They're amazing dogs. I wouldn't, couldn't not have them. They are beautiful," she said.
Not at all vicious, she says as the breed is sometimes made out to be. "Things are very skewed as far as pit bulls go. If it would have been an attack by three labs or three golden retrievers, this story wouldn't have even made the news," Beck said.
People who've been attacked disagree.
"The pit bull, who seemed to be the ring leader, he snapped a couple of times at my left pant leg," said Anthony Denovellis, who was one of those attacked in Orem. "If the dogs are going to be a menace to society, something needs to be done about it."
But what? Orem is considering a breed-specific ban; so is Sandy.
"Breed-specific, in particular, has been proven time and time again to not work," Beck said.
South Jordan and North Salt Lake already have breed restrictions in place. In South Jordan, it's illegal to own a pit bull or a pit-bull mix. In North Salt Lake, owners are required to have insurance on the dogs and a 6-foot fence.
But Beck says it's more of an owner problem. "Really, really punish the people who are irresponsible dog owners. Hit them in the pocketbook. Make it hurt when their dog acts out," she said.
Jim McFarland, who was also attacked by a pit bull, agrees. "I don't really see this so much as a dog problem. I see it more as a dog owner problem. That's where the blame lays," he said.
Beck admits pit bulls can be hard to deal with but says if an owner treats the dog right, they can be very nice dogs. She holds a free training for owners and their dogs every Saturday. To sign up for Beck's free training, click the related link to the right of the story or give her a call at (801) 272-1159.
Meanwhile, because our coverage on the Orem dog attack generated a huge response from viewers on our KSL.com comment boards, we're exploring the issue tonight in Talking Point. A professional dog trainer will offer his perspective during Eyewitness News at 6:30.
E-mail: corton@ksl.com
