Letter: Rather be safe than sorry

Dear Editor:

In response to Miss Turner's letter ('Clarifying information on pit bulls, owners,' Oct. 17, page 4A), you were right, forgive me. When the mention of Miss Whipple's attack hit the media, the first report said those dogs were pit bulls, then was later changed to mastiffs.

You did not mention that pit bulls, and breeds such as theirs have a locking jaw, and when their jaw is locked, it is virtually impossible to get them to unlock, till the dog is ready. There are too many documented cases for this to be overlooked.

About my friend's dog. The dog was a papered pit bull. And I think the dog should have been taken to the vet to see what the problem was, rather than euthanized.

From reports heard over the scanner, since writing my first letter and this one, there have been a number of attacks on people and animals by pit bulls in Libby and Kalispell. Either all these people are ignorant of the breed of dog, or they are not. The last attack was over the weekend of Oct. 17 ' two pit bulls were killed by the police in Kalispell for attacking a horse.

Also to let you know that most homeowner's insurance will not cover a pit bull because of their aggressive behaviors.

Lastly, Miss Turner, you are entitled to your opinion and I am entitled to mine. You spoke of educating me and the public, but all you have done for me is solidified how I feel about pit bulls. If you are the pit bull owner, really I do hope you the best, but in my way of thinking I would rather be safe than sorry.

Tina Brewer

Libby