Amazed, I mean self-supporting given the natural inputs. Since most mammals (and other animals) have a suckling period one cannot expect them to survive without feeding. However there is a point in gestation that, past that point, the fetus can generally be determined to be independently viable and before that point the fetus is not independently viable. It is at that point in gestation that I determine human life to begin.
I distinguish between the beginnings of human life over other life because humans are sentient. I place us above other animals because we have greater control and choice over our actions and the consequences of those actions. We are no longer slaves to our biology. Heck, if we wanted to break out a dictionary we would be correct in classifying a fetus as a parasite. It’s much easier to make the call when you’re wondering whether to get rid of a parasite than getting rid of a baby. Semantics are important in this argument. My take is that since we have overcome our biology in so many ways, we need to take that responsibility into our own hands and determine our own reproductive destinies – independant of our sexual activities.
And I agree with Dustin – abuse is a power issue and in so much that it gives us a window into the future proclivities of a person animal cruelty should be treated as harshly as cruelty toward children.
I do feel that certain dogs have a propensity to violence. I also feel that dogs can be trained and changed. Are all pitbulls inherently vicious dogs, looking to attack a human? I think not. Would I purchase a pitbull if I had a child? Probably not, because there is a risk. No matter the training a dog is still an animal; however, I do think that training can be effective. My neighbors have a Westie who was abused. He was bred continuously, kept caged, and generally abused. A year ago, the dog was very apprehensive and sometimes agressive if cornered. Now, after they have worked with him for a year he is a different dog. I don’t think we can say either nature, or nurture as it is a combination of the 2. To blame all pitbulls for the actions of some bad ones would be like saying everyone of a certain race is a criminal because we have several in prison. I am not trying to equate humans and animals, simply trying to make an analogy the best I can.
Dustin: research the stats on which breed is responsible for the majority of dog “attacks, maulings, and human fatalities” and Pit Bulls are #1. by a very wide margin over every other dog in the world. With all the breeds to choose from, there is no intelligent or legitimate reason to have one in an urban area. People who own them probably thing it’s OK to own an assault rifle too. Nobody needs one nor should they be allowed to have one. Personal safety arguments don’t support an automatic assault weapon that will deliver 20-40 rounds in under 30 seconds.
I’ve handled and seen too many cases involving this breed. They have an inherent, genetic, propensity not just to bite…..they attack, maul, and kill. No human should be subjected to that risk. Human life trumps the right to own a dog everytime. Unfortunately, we have idiots in this country who like “rights” but won’t accept the “responsibility” that goes with them”. If there was a database of Pit Bull owners I think we’d see some very revealing trends. Many people who own them don’t have liability insurance. That’s not the point either. If everyone had the opportunity to see the horrific injuries these animals can cause there would be no argument. The last attack I handled involved a 12 year old girl. It took over 400 stitches to close her upper body wounds. Even with the best plastic surgery she’ll be scarred for life, physically and emotionally. Anyone who attempts to put animal rights ahead of humans doesn’t belong on the planet.
I think another common element to these attacks is the fact that these people have no business owning a dog, much less one that requires attention and training. Do you find most of these people whose dogs attack have them chained in the back yard? Of course, at the time of the attack they probably aren’t, but keeping any animal chained like that can turn it pretty vicious. The thing with pits is the fact that they have such a strong bite and can latch. I don’t disagree there. I just feel if someone must own a pitbull they need to be responsible.
Dogs and Cats are disposable. There are far to many of them on the Earth to put thousands of dollars into. I love both, but if my pets suffer to the extent where they start to put a crunch on my wallet, I put them out of their misery and get another from the pound. I can’t say that it isn’t sad or that I don’t shed a few tears over them, but I can think of a lot better ways to spend my money than to try to prolong the life of an animal with a 15 yr max life expectancy anyway.
We’re on same page with this. Most of the situations I’ve encountered involved dogs being walked on leash and breaking free, or simply roaming free in the neighborhood. “Responsibility” is not a word in the vocabulary of a lot of people. They know there’s no consequence to their negligence so they simply don’t care. Until we wake up and realize that the root cause needs to be addressed, we’ll continue to hear about the maulings. People used to think that German Shepards and Dobermans were nasty. They pale in comparison to the Pit. There’s a huge difference between a “dog bite” and an “attack, mauling, and fatality”. The Pit has the corner on that market.
I do take a lot of things into consideration. We just put a 19 year old cat to sleep – NOT due to money. She was old, had a urinary tract infection, and treatment would have been more torture then we were willing to put her through.
IF my cat with cancer had shown any signs she was suffering, I would have put her to sleep. We did the feline diabetes with insulin shots for 3 years before that. A lot of time and love.
The rest? Just money. I put off some things I really wanted. Paid a bit in interest. (okay, more then a bit) And the new cats that were sick when I got them? 15lbs and 25lbs of fur and purrs. Worth every penny.
After reading comments from others, I am saddened. Some of you people are just plain mean! I have a dog and a cat and I would do whatever necessary to keep them well…to make sure they have healthy, happy lives! They have both given me more pleasure and companionship than most husbands do and they are a lot nicer to be around!!! This article is about PETS, not kids!
We have updated our privacy policy to be more clear and meet the new requirements of the GDPR. By continuing to use our site, you accept our revised Privacy Policy.
Amazed, I mean self-supporting given the natural inputs. Since most mammals (and other animals) have a suckling period one cannot expect them to survive without feeding. However there is a point in gestation that, past that point, the fetus can generally be determined to be independently viable and before that point the fetus is not independently viable. It is at that point in gestation that I determine human life to begin.
I distinguish between the beginnings of human life over other life because humans are sentient. I place us above other animals because we have greater control and choice over our actions and the consequences of those actions. We are no longer slaves to our biology. Heck, if we wanted to break out a dictionary we would be correct in classifying a fetus as a parasite. It’s much easier to make the call when you’re wondering whether to get rid of a parasite than getting rid of a baby. Semantics are important in this argument. My take is that since we have overcome our biology in so many ways, we need to take that responsibility into our own hands and determine our own reproductive destinies – independant of our sexual activities.
And I agree with Dustin – abuse is a power issue and in so much that it gives us a window into the future proclivities of a person animal cruelty should be treated as harshly as cruelty toward children.
I do feel that certain dogs have a propensity to violence. I also feel that dogs can be trained and changed. Are all pitbulls inherently vicious dogs, looking to attack a human? I think not. Would I purchase a pitbull if I had a child? Probably not, because there is a risk. No matter the training a dog is still an animal; however, I do think that training can be effective. My neighbors have a Westie who was abused. He was bred continuously, kept caged, and generally abused. A year ago, the dog was very apprehensive and sometimes agressive if cornered. Now, after they have worked with him for a year he is a different dog. I don’t think we can say either nature, or nurture as it is a combination of the 2. To blame all pitbulls for the actions of some bad ones would be like saying everyone of a certain race is a criminal because we have several in prison. I am not trying to equate humans and animals, simply trying to make an analogy the best I can.
To invoke such a vicious response, I must have touched a nerve.
Did you start with beating your dog and move up to your wife and child?
Dustin: research the stats on which breed is responsible for the majority of dog “attacks, maulings, and human fatalities” and Pit Bulls are #1. by a very wide margin over every other dog in the world. With all the breeds to choose from, there is no intelligent or legitimate reason to have one in an urban area. People who own them probably thing it’s OK to own an assault rifle too. Nobody needs one nor should they be allowed to have one. Personal safety arguments don’t support an automatic assault weapon that will deliver 20-40 rounds in under 30 seconds.
I’ve handled and seen too many cases involving this breed. They have an inherent, genetic, propensity not just to bite…..they attack, maul, and kill. No human should be subjected to that risk. Human life trumps the right to own a dog everytime. Unfortunately, we have idiots in this country who like “rights” but won’t accept the “responsibility” that goes with them”. If there was a database of Pit Bull owners I think we’d see some very revealing trends. Many people who own them don’t have liability insurance. That’s not the point either. If everyone had the opportunity to see the horrific injuries these animals can cause there would be no argument. The last attack I handled involved a 12 year old girl. It took over 400 stitches to close her upper body wounds. Even with the best plastic surgery she’ll be scarred for life, physically and emotionally. Anyone who attempts to put animal rights ahead of humans doesn’t belong on the planet.
I think another common element to these attacks is the fact that these people have no business owning a dog, much less one that requires attention and training. Do you find most of these people whose dogs attack have them chained in the back yard? Of course, at the time of the attack they probably aren’t, but keeping any animal chained like that can turn it pretty vicious. The thing with pits is the fact that they have such a strong bite and can latch. I don’t disagree there. I just feel if someone must own a pitbull they need to be responsible.
Um, Dawn,
Dogs and Cats are disposable. There are far to many of them on the Earth to put thousands of dollars into. I love both, but if my pets suffer to the extent where they start to put a crunch on my wallet, I put them out of their misery and get another from the pound. I can’t say that it isn’t sad or that I don’t shed a few tears over them, but I can think of a lot better ways to spend my money than to try to prolong the life of an animal with a 15 yr max life expectancy anyway.
We’re on same page with this. Most of the situations I’ve encountered involved dogs being walked on leash and breaking free, or simply roaming free in the neighborhood. “Responsibility” is not a word in the vocabulary of a lot of people. They know there’s no consequence to their negligence so they simply don’t care. Until we wake up and realize that the root cause needs to be addressed, we’ll continue to hear about the maulings. People used to think that German Shepards and Dobermans were nasty. They pale in comparison to the Pit. There’s a huge difference between a “dog bite” and an “attack, mauling, and fatality”. The Pit has the corner on that market.
I do take a lot of things into consideration. We just put a 19 year old cat to sleep – NOT due to money. She was old, had a urinary tract infection, and treatment would have been more torture then we were willing to put her through.
IF my cat with cancer had shown any signs she was suffering, I would have put her to sleep. We did the feline diabetes with insulin shots for 3 years before that. A lot of time and love.
The rest? Just money. I put off some things I really wanted. Paid a bit in interest. (okay, more then a bit) And the new cats that were sick when I got them? 15lbs and 25lbs of fur and purrs. Worth every penny.
After reading comments from others, I am saddened. Some of you people are just plain mean! I have a dog and a cat and I would do whatever necessary to keep them well…to make sure they have healthy, happy lives! They have both given me more pleasure and companionship than most husbands do and they are a lot nicer to be around!!! This article is about PETS, not kids!
No need to be angry just because you find it easier to have relationships with animals over humans.