Dear Editor,
I have been the proud owner of a pit bull for almost 9 years, and I have friends that have been breeding these dogs for many years. I happened to be in Guyana in April when those dogs killed the security guard. And so far I have not heard any of the authorities come out with any statement about the ownership of these dogs.
Like I said, I have been a owner of a pit bull since January 2000, but before I got that dog I did research on the breed.
The dog was bred to guard grain pits against rats (pit bull) but they are trained for fighting because of their agility, strength and ability to withstand pain.
In Guyana for too long dogs have been allowed to roam the streets, but as a kid I remember my parents having to renew the dog licence. Now with the state of security in Guyana a good dog might be the only deterrent a person could legally have.
In New York, I need to have my dog examined and given its shots once a year, and registered with the city yearly.
When off my property it must be on a leash, which I learned the hard way in 2002 to the tune of $130.00. When on my property it must be in a gated area or on a chain no more than 20 feet long. And if the dog is ill-treated or underfed it will be removed, and at a maximum I could be sentenced to prison.
Pit bulls are naturally territorial, (guarding the grain pits) so in a gated area they only need to learn basic commands. But a certain amount of training is needed for control, and it must be properly fed because it has the ability to kill.
Yours faithfully,
Randy Meredith
