The two dogs which attacked and killed great grandmother Lucile Downer this month were revealed to be American Bulldogs and the owner of them has recently been arrested but who is at fault for the behaviour of these dogs?
A 43-year-old man has also been arrested in connection with the attack and was held on suspicion of being the person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.
He has since been released on bail.
According to the Dangerous Dog Act, which was founded in 1991, the American Bulldog is not one of the four breeds which are banned in the UK. The breeds which are banned are as follows:
Pit bull terrier
Japanese Tosa
Fila Brasilerio
Dogo Argentino
Although the American Bulldog can be freely owned here, it has been banned in some states of America, such as Texas and Arkansas. This is due to them being deemed as aggressive dogs.
However, The American Bulldog Association (ABA) which is based in Arizona perceive these dogs in a different light. ABA member Jane Mead believes the breed is not aggressive towards people but there are exceptions to this rule as she said:
“All dogs are capable of attack, no matter the breed. Proper breeding programs, training, and socialization is important for all dogs to produce healthy animals with stable temperaments.”
Miss Mead continued by saying that many dogs were bred with a purpose by not giving these breeds such as a Beagle or a Border Collie the sufficient work and exercise for both their mind and body then this will have negative effects.
She is included that proper breeding of these dogs are another crucial element when considering the natural temperament of the species. Animals which have been bred with other animals that have poor temperament issues are more likely to pass these genetics on, Jane believe these dogs should not be added into the gene pool.
“Make no excuses, no matter how attractive the animal is, or how much you love it. That is responsibility and good breeders’ practice that by only breeding specimens that have been tested both physically and mentally for stability.”
Other owners of breeds which have also been deemed as aggressive such as the English Bulldog had a similar reaction of responsibility.
Ashley Rudd from Ellesmere Port owns two English Bulldogs which she says are very friendly and gentle dogs. It seems that they live quite a peaceful life according to Ashley who said that all they seem to do is sleep.
She also believes that it is an owners, responsibility to take the necessary precautions and training to make sure their dog isn’t aggressive towards others.
West Midlands Police have said that ownership of the dogs had been voluntarily given to them and that the dogs were humanely destroyed following the attack.