Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Sep 16/05) - A Yellowknife woman whose daughter was almost killed in a vicious dog attack 13 years ago believes it's nurture, not nature that causes dogs to attack humans.

"If a dog has been brought up in a nurturing, caring environment and well looked after, then I think that speaks a lot to what their nature is," said Louise Debogorski.

Jan Fullerton describes her dog Jasmine as one of the most wonderful dogs she's ever known, yet when people learn she may be a pit bull breed, their friendliness turns to fear.

Debogorski's daughter Amelia was two when she was attacked by two Canadian husky-type dogs. She believes that certain breeds may be predisposed to aggression, but questions the effectiveness of bans of the sort the province of Ontario has imposed on pit-bulls.

Pit bulls were banned in Ontario at the end of August over concerns for public safety after a series of dog attacks.

Ontario residents are now prohibited from acquiring pit bulls. Current owners must keep their dogs restrained and muzzled and they are banned from public parks.

In a recent monthly newsletter, the Northwest Territories SPCA encouraged pet owners to sign an online petition that opposes a ban on pit bulls.

Janet Pacey, SPCA president, said problems occur when irresponsible owners adopt pit bulls.

"Punish the deed and not the breed," she said.

"There is no point in punishing an entire breed for one problem when more dog bites per year are done by Cocker Spaniels than any other breed," Pacey argued.

"Breed banning does not work and it will just lead to more breeds being added to a list. Pet owners and animals that haven't done anything wrong are being punished," Pacey said.

As an owner of a pit bull, properly known as an American Staffordshire Terrier, Pacey said the dog listens well, has a very mellow, happy demeanour and is great with children.

"Most people will meet her and say, 'what a great dog' and then ask what breed it is.

"About 80 per cent of the people who meet Winnie are genuinely surprised that she is a pit bull," Pacey said.

"But then they will become all upset and back away scared, when they just met the dog and were impressed by her demeanour. It's not the dog, it's how pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds have been portrayed in the media - as being evil when they genuinely are not.

"I believe dogs have to be taught to be mean," Pacey said.

Jan Fullerton and her dog Jasmine often get the same negative reaction from people.

"I've dealt with that a lot," Fullerton said. "When people recognize she may be a pit bull, it completely changes their mannerisms," she said.

"That in itself is an issue because dogs respond to people's body language. If I did have a dog with aggressive tendencies, then they would probably come out in response to that type of behaviour by people."

Pit bulls are not for everyone, she said, adding that those who choose controversial breeds should be prepared to put more time into training, socializing and learning about the breed. Debogorski said more important than banning entire breeds is having good bylaws to deal with dogs.

"Then if there is an incident, there will be follow through. But I don't think a fine is going to do it. They should be checked to make sure they are on leashes."