Love the picture, and interesting angle on the story. I think we will learn a lot about Palin in the coming months. I am curious to see how her debate with Biden goes. I have a feeling he will leave the stage with some wounds and his tail between his legs.

http://www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/dogbites1.asp

[quote]The CDC no longer keeps track of dog bite fatalities by breed and has posted the following statement on their website:

"A CDC study on fatal dog bites lists the breeds involved in fatal attacks over 20 years (Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998).

*** It does not identify specific breeds that are most likely to bite or kill, and thus is not appropriate for policy-making decisions related to the topic.***

Each year, 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs. These bites result in approximately 16 fatalities; about 0.0002 percent of the total number of people bitten. These relatively few fatalities offer the only available information about breeds involved in dog bites.

*** There is currently no accurate way to identify the number of dogs of a particular breed, and consequently no measure to determine which breeds are more likely to bite or kill."***

http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/biteprevention.htm

** The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) released statement on the erroneous use and conclusions of the CDC study:[/quote]

To learn about Pit Bulls visit
http://www.animalfarmfoundation.org/section.php?id=5

Read Pit Bull Placebo
http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0972191410/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link

South Dakota
http://www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/SouthDakotaStats.asp

[quote] A National Canine Research Council Perspective Report

Over the past 43 years (1965 - present) there have been five (5) fatal dog attacks in the South Dakota, or approximately one (1) fatality every eight (8) years.

In each of the five (5) fatalities a different breed/type of dog was responsible.

The victims were: 1 adult and 4 children.

Two of the children were killed when they attempted to interact with unfamiliar, chained dogs.

The last fatal attack in South Dakota was in 1997, when a 5-year-old girl was attacked after trying to hug a chained dog.

All the dogs involved in fatal attacks in South Dakota were intact (not spayed or neutered).

In spite of the negligent ownership practices of some dog owners, dogs still pose an incredibly low risk for causing a fatality:

Fatal Dog Attacks in South Dakota as Compared to Other Selected Risks:

Snapshot of South Dakota: Year 2005

Persons killed by dogs: 0
Child hyperthermia death (left in hot car): 1
Bicycle-related fatalities: 1
Persons drowned in tub or swimming pool: 1
ATV-related fatalities: 6
Alcohol-related traffic fatalities: 81
Total traffic fatalities (alcohol & non): 186
Tobacco-related deaths: 1,100

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

In 2005, four (4) South Dakota children died from maltreatment (abuse or neglect).

***In a SINGLE YEAR, 2005, the same amount of children died from maltreatment as the TOTAL of ALL children killed by dogs in South Dakota over the past 43 years. [/quote]***

Pit Bulls do not cause injuries unlike other dogs
http://www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/canineaggression.asp

[quote]What About Breed & Breed Statistics?

The fundamental flaw found when using breed and/or statistics to define canine behavior is that it gives no recognition to natural canine behaviors and ignores dangerous ownership practices. Or, in other words, the behaviors which directly played a role in an individual case of fatal canine aggression are ignored, while breed history, image and statistics are discussed.

This approach at addressing canine aggression can be dangerous, because it either ignores or refuses to acknowledge the very real canine and human behaviors that have played a direct role in cases of canine aggression and teaches us nothing about the prevention of dog attacks.

Recently, some organizations, groups and individuals are keeping "track" of Pit bull and dog-related fatalities as found reported in the media. Inevitably, using media sources to track fatal dog attacks will yield inaccurate numbers and seriously flawed conclusions on the types of dogs involved in these attacks and the circumstances surrounding them. The media has repeatedly proven not to be a reliable source of information on dog attacks.

Do Pit Bulls Inflict Injuries Unlike Other Breeds of Dogs?

Descriptions of the type of fatal injuries dogs have inflicted on their few unfortunate victims is a graphic topic that NCRC has been hesitant to address. Fatal dog attacks are exceedingly rare occurrences; and in light of the fact that many people already harbor a highly disproportionate fear of being killed by a dog, there seemed no useful purpose in addressing the nature and type of injuries a victim sustained during such an attack, nor do we wish to compromise the privacy of victims or sensationalize their tragedies.

Unfortunately, selected groups and individuals are making claims about the severity and nature of Pit bull attacks versus the severity and nature of other (non-bully) breed attacks and exposing victims' identities and descriptions of victims' injuries to forward their personal theories and agenda.

Virtually all of the claims about the "unique damage that Pit bulls inflict" are made by individuals or special interest groups with no knowledge or experience in analyzing fatal dog bite injuries. For this reason, the NCRC feels compelled to address these tactics and claims.

For nearly two decades the NCRC has investigated and analyzed fatal dog attack injuries. The NCRC has previously stated that it is impossible to determine the breed of dog by reviewing an autopsy report or photo, as no breed of dog has a particular method of attack or inflicts an exclusive type of injury.

Below is a list of 15 different victims of a dog attack along with the description of the fatal wounds as listed on the autopsy report. Each victim was attacked and killed by a single dog. Each victim was killed by a different breed of dog (for a total of 15 different breeds*). Only one victim was killed by a Pit bull (or any type of bully breed).

*
Victim 1: Multiple penetrating wounds to the abdomen
*
Victim 2: Collapsed lungs, multiple wounds to the chest, partial devourment
*
Victim 3: Massive head and neck injuries
*
Victim 4: Multiple bite wounds, dismemberment
*
Victim 5: Extensive scalp and neck injuries
*
Victim 6: Multiple lacerations of scalp and neck, depressed skull fracture
*
Victim 7: Exsanguination from multiple bite wounds
*
Victim 8: Skull fracture and severe bites to upper back and face
*
Victim 9: Multiple penetrating wounds to back and chest
*
Victim 10: Severe bite wounds to the head
*
Victim 11: Severe bites, massive bleeding, broken facial & neck bones
*
Victim 12: Massive head injuries
*
Victim 13: Severe, multiple penetrating injuries to head and neck
*
Victim 14: Massive bite injuries to lower extremities, dismemberment
*
Victim 15: Severe scalp, facial wounds, laceration of jugular

Fifteen different breeds inflicted the fatal wounds listed above. The breeds were:

*
Siberian husky
*
Coonhound
*
Dachshund
*
Chow chow
*
Pit bull
*
Sheepdog-type dog
*
Malamute
*
Labrador Retriever
*
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
*
St. Bernard
*
German Shepherd dog
*
Wolfdog
*
Golden Retriever
*
Mixed breed (no discernable breed visible)
*
Rottweiler

It is virtually impossible for anyone to match the breed of dog with the fatal injuries listed above - as such - claims that one breed of dog inflicts injuries unlike other breeds have no merit.

(Fatal wounds / breed matches can be obtained upon request).

* Breeds were chosen for this sample only if the breed has been involved in more than one human fatality (i.e., Airedale Terrier, Pomeranian, Jack Russell Terrier, et.al, were not used as only one human fatality has been attributed to each of these breeds in the United States).
* In the decade between 1966-1975, less than 2% of all dogs involved in fatal attacks in the United States were of the breeds which today are targeted so frequently as the solution to canine aggression, (Pit Bull or Rottweiler). [/quote]

http://www.animalfarmfoundation.org/topic.php?id=2&topic=103

[quote]2007 American Temperament Test Results
Outscoring the Golden Retriever and the Collie...
Pit Bulls are often victims of prejudice and discrimination. Responsible Pit Bull owners and their dogs will help restore the image of the breed.

In 2007 at the American Temperament Test, "pit bull" dogs achieved a combined passing score of 85.5%.

American Pit Bull Terrier: 586 tested 84.3% passed

American Staffordshire Terrier:548 tested 83.4% passed

Staffordshire Bull Terrier: 80 tested 88.8% passed

Total 1214 tested 85.5% passed

To put this in perspective, consider:

All Breeds: 28,010 tested 81.6% passed

Collie: 824 tested 79.4% passed

Golden Retriever: 703 tested 84.2% passed [/quote]

The True Pit Bull

Narcotics and Detection Dogs
http://www.lawdogsusa.org/lawdogs.html

SAR Dogs
http://www.forpitssake.org/sar.html

Therapy Dogs
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=TSgEcIOmojo
http://www.ourpack.org/leo.html

Athletes
National Champion
http://wallacethepitbull.com/
http://ca.youtube.com/user/wallacethepitbull

Titled Dogs
ATTS,CGC,TDI
http://www.badrap.org/rescue/hall_of_fame.cfm

Family Pets
http://server.inalbum.com/show/jodipreis/Message_to_the_Media2.html?296033009

The Dogs abused by Michael Vick
The Timeline
http://www.badrap.org/rescue/vick/

Identify the Pit Bull
http://www.understand-a-bull.com/Findthebull/findpitbull_v4.swf

http://www.animalfarmfoundation.org/item.php?id=5&topic=1&item=371

[quote]What is a Real Pit Bull?

***Looks can be deceiving, character is not.***

Real Pit Bulls are outgoing and people loving. They are extremely friendly, even with strangers, and therefore do not make good guard dogs. Human aggression, severe shyness, and fearfulness are not characteristic of this breed, and are undesirable in any dog. Human friendliness is a hallmark of the breed.

Real Pit Bulls put their heart and soul into everything they do: whether it is climbing into your lap to shower you with kisses; or escaping an inadequately fenced yard to explore the neighborhood; or excelling at weight pull, agility, flyball, therapy work, search and rescue, explosives or drug detection. Intelligence, trainability and determination are hallmarks of the breed.

Real Pit Bulls are very adaptable and most will do well in urban settings provided they have enough personal attention, exercise and positive outlets for their mental and physical energy. While some Pit Bulls are easy going couch potatoes, others need a job to channel their energy and drive. Some may have high play and/or prey drive. Strength, confidence and a zest for life are hallmarks of the breed. These fine qualities are a virtue to some and a challenge to others.

Real Pit Bulls are rough and tumble dogs and may remain playful all their lives. One of a kind, Pit Bull dogs really know how to make you laugh. Their sense of humor is a hallmark of the breed. [/quote]

Don`t believe the hype and the myths
Do your own Research

I wish all our polititions had the drive, tenacity, loyalty, and good with people skills that the American Pitbull Terrier possess. Mr Epp, your research was very one sided and not thorough. Every professional dog person knows thay CDC studies are not accurate and that DOGSBITE.COM's agenda is to exterminate pitbulls. They do not talk about any other breed besides pitbulls. They are worse than PETA and the HSUS nazis.You should have done your homework better.

Todd, good points. Pit bulls should be banned as they are in several states.

Sarah Baracuda obviously hasn't consulted a dictionary over the meaning of "barracuda" - "one that uses aggressive, selfish, and sometimes unethical methods to obtain a goal" - according to Merriam-Webster.

That's a perfect definition of Palin. Obama-Biden better go fishing with dynamite, gill nets and rotenone.

Ask any drug dealer what their dog of choice is.

What a complete waste of time. I wouldn't expect anything more from someone who votes democrat! Maybe you should see what the AKC,UKC,ASPCA and many other dog organizations say about the American Pit Bull Terrier and ask yourself why that loser at Dogbite.com does not show any stats on any other breed of dog. Can you say personal agenda?

Once again the ignorance spreads like butter that have been sitting in the sun all day long.If you blog, website, or newspaper neds a boost simply mention the name "Pit Bull" and watch your taffic go through the roof. I wish I could say that I am suprised that out of all the things Sarah Pilan said during her speach, of what many consider the most important election of all time, the number one thing that is being talked about is she made a comment about the likeness of a hockey mom and a Pit bull as a joke, once again lets jump on the Pit Bull name and draw our selves some attention.

The "most trusted" blog has now become the most ignorant. The CDC stopped keeping track of dog breeds associated with reported bites/attacks before 1998 because the information was not accurate and therefore, not useful. How do you prove that a breed of dog attacks children nearly as often as they attack adults, what were the reports based on? Who, what, where and why, Mr. Epp? I can tell you that I've been bit--by a Chihuahua, a Maltese, and a Chow--all when I was just a child. Read up, Mr. Epp--it's the American Kennel Club you are so factually referring to (AKC), not the American Kennel Association and they accepted the Pittbull breed in 1936 which they later renamed the American Staffordshire Terrior. Would you, Mr. Epp, be able to tell the breed apart. The AKC is primarily involved with pure breed registration and dogs that they deem viable for show. I own a Pitt, and my dog is much like the hunting dog friends you mention--loyal, friendly, well-trained and useful--the useful aspect falls under stress relief, exercise and doleing out joy and unconditional love. You may be surprised that I also, in fact, have homeowners insurance and the problem we encountered was (although never experiencing a hurricane in 10 years) that we live 3 miles from retentioned bay water. Our friends and neighbors that own Rotties, Dalmations, Bulldogs are also insured. I realize, Mr. Epp, that this is not a page for a thesis, but simply a blog...but do yourself and your readers a favor--do your research, think and then post, because so far, you're proving that you don't have a clue.

Todd, your joke comes across as pretty sad actually. My "pit bull" is lying at my feet right now. They are naturally such loyal and gentle dogs. Staffordshire Terriors are not "Pit Bulls" until they are trained to fight in a pit by horrendous people. Their crime? Having muscles and a strong jaw and being terrified by idiots who shouldn't own any dog.

Next time try using search words that won't bias your results from the get go.

Oh and watch this video. It'll probably make you cry. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeuy_PBlqz8

Oh and Labradors bite more people than pit bulls --- by a long shot.

Pigs are mean, dangerous and they smell.

All this drivel from a guy whose political party mascot is an ASS........

How do you say that.... oh ya.....

I just saying.....