Nothing to fear from so-called pit bulls

The dreaded "pit bull" is not a breed of dog, it is slang to incorrectly describe all forms of bull terriers under one name (Pit Bull Possession Is Illegal In Malta, Simon Ellul Sullivan, September 24).

Unfortunately, possibly due to lack of knowledge, all dogs that have a "squarish" head, and possibly cropped ears, get labelled under the generic term of pit bull. Sadly, lack of education and irresponsible owners are the reason that the bull terrier breed is misunderstood and therefore "feared".

Does Mr Ellul Sullivan know that the top three breeds of dogs that bite humans are (in order): cross breeds, poodles, dachshunds? Does that mean that we should make poodles and dachshunds illegal? I am a proud owner of one of these "dangerous" dogs, a four-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who according to Mr Ellul Sullivan, is paraded illegally and irresponsibly along the Sliema front. My dog lives with two cats and has never caused them any harm. At family events my four-year-old cousin plays with the dog, and has never been at risk.

I know at least another four to five owners of bull terriers, and none of them have ever exhibited any form of aggression towards anyone. It all has to do with upbringing. Should we make people illegal because there have been cases of shootings, murders and attacks? Why punish a breed, instead of the deed - the deed of dog fighting and irresponsible owners?

Why create more of a stigma, rather than educating people? Has Mr Ellul Sullivan ever experienced the "wrath" of these dogs, or is he speaking out of pure ignorance?

I invite him to contact me, so that he can meet a group of responsible owners, and to interact with our dogs to see how there is nothing to fear and how these dogs love human interaction and companionship, and are not the "bloodthirsty killers" that the media incorrectly portrays them to be.

I'll repeat - punish the deed...not the breed.