Dear Editor,

Pit Bulls were dogs originally bred to fight in pits. Research on Wikipedia has cited a history of Pit Bull attacks involving the mauling and killing of umpteen people as well as animals like horses and sheep. Their ferocity is second to none, with more than 80% of reported dog attacks being by Pit Bulls followed by Rottweilers.

This brings me to the just concluded court case presided over by Magistrate Oneidge Walrond-Allicock where she ordered a Pit Bull destroyed. I agree with Oliver Insanally (Sunday Stabroek, June 22, 2008, page 9) that the decision was handed down based on the law, adding that when he first read of the case in the Stabroek News he was not at all surprised as he suspected that some day this would have been the way such cases before the court would go. However, I am at variance with him on the point that before a Pit Bull is considered dangerous and uncontrollable it should be evaluated by a veterinarian. I would posit that judgment was made based on the evidence produced in court and there was no need for a veterinarian to give an evaluation. The photos of the wounds were too graphic for publication by any of the news media.

I am further at variance with the GSPCA statement, “While we all justifiably feel outraged at these recent dog attacks…[the] measures taken to address this problem should not be based purely on this emotion but should come from a more holistic approach.” After the dogs launched their vicious attack causing me to be hospitalized, the police at the East La Penitence police station requested assistance from the GSPCA to take custody of the dogs, but they refused stating that there was no court order to that effect; as a result the dogs were never taken into custody. Now they speak; this is double standards.

The magistrate’s ruling was reasonable and equitable given the objective reality before her. There was testimony from several witnesses, the medical report and the virtual destruction of my right hand. I have had to undergo four surgeries and still suffer from numbness and pain due to severe nerve injuries to both hands, the dislocation of the right wrist and shoulder, unnecessary scars and keloid tissues that can often become cancerous. I am left with permanent injuries and disabilities, but if by some miracle Pit Bull owners could be successful in getting a review of the court’s decision, this would compromise our laws to appease a few proponents.

A final warning, please do not play Russian roulette with our little children; Pit Bulls are at large!

Yours faithfully,
Lennox Wade (Papa B)