Group calls for pit bull ban in Seattle, Washington

Group calls for pit bull ban after West Seattle attack
05:39 PM PST on Thursday, February 21, 2008
By LINDA BRILL / KING 5 News


SEATTLE - A pit bull attack in Seattle has left a girl with serious facial wounds, and rekindled the debate over dangerous dogs in the city.

The pit bull, now locked up at the Seattle Animal Shelter, attacked 9-year-old Maysia Smith-Moore, ripping off part of her lip. It happened Monday in a West Seattle backyard.

The dog's owner left Cain with relatives. When Maysia - who is also part of the family - walked next door, Cain got loose and attacked.

"When she ran to me she was holding her mouth and blood was everywhere," said Cheryl Moore, Maysia's aunt.

In Seattle, it's a misdemeanor to own a dangerous dog. Families against Fighting Breeds wants more bite in the law. They're calling for a ban on pit bulls, with mandatory sterilization and restrictions on new pit bull licenses.

"The real concept behind a fighting breed ban it to stop an attack before it happens," said Colleen Lynn, of Families Against Fighting Breeds.

But, many believe banning specific breeds is not the solution.

"All it does is cause impounding of innocent dogs," said Glen Bui, of the American Canine Foundation. "It's doing nothing to target the owners."

Because it was within the family, it's unlikely the prosecutor will press charges.

The dog's fate is in the hands of Animal Control, and they are seriously considering putting him down.

The overwhelming majority of dog bites in Seattle are from pit bull or pit bull mixes. Second to pit bulls are Labrador retrievers, according to Seattle Animal Control office statistics.

http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_022108WAB_pit_bull_ban_KS.165ad452.html