Ohio lawmakers did the right thing when they removed dogs known as pit bulls from the wording of a law that defines vicious dogs. If they are serious about protecting humans and dogs, they will follow that move with a little more common sense.
According to statistics from State Farm Insurance, Ohio ranked fourth in the nation for dog bite claims filed with the insurance company in 2011. For 215 claims, an estimated $5.4 million was paid in Ohio.
It seems as though Ohio needs to put a little more emphasis on educating humans, when it comes to dog safety. A 20-year Centers for Disease Control study on dog bite statistics, by breed, showed the top 10 breeds for fatal human attacks included, yes, dogs known as pit bulls, but also great Danes, St. Bernards, huskies, even the beloved Labrador retriever.
In nearly all cases, a dog's behavior is the result of training and treatment it has received from humans, combined with the behavior of the human with whom it is interacting.
Any dog can bite. They are animals, and behave as such. That means it is up to humans to learn how to safely make them a part of our world.
