Proposed ban of killer dog breed raises contention

The call to ban pit bulls in Botswana has elicited mixed reactions, with dog breeders and lovers arguing that pit bulls are 'not as dangerous' as they have been made out to be, and others saying that the dogs are a ‘killer breed,' considering the number of incidents where these dogs have mauled and killed humans.

A few weeks ago, a 25-year-old man in Gaborone was mauled to death by a pit bull. The unfortunate incident was reported to Mogoditshane’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the dog was killed. Following the incident, Mogoditshane CID assistant superintendent Tumisang Mogorosi encouraged responsible ownership of dogs as pets.

This incident followed another where a girl in Gaborone was attacked by a pit bull. Last year alone, there were more than 10 separate incidents involving pit bull attacks. In light of these incidents, police have on several occasions advised the Ministry of Agriculture to ban the importation, possession, and breeding of the American pit bull terrier breeds.

It is commonly perceived that the pit bull is also dangerous, and is reportedly responsible for more than 80 percent of deaths from dog attacks. Countries that have banned the pit bull include Brazil, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, and New Zealand among others.

A professional dog breeder and director of MK Dogs in Broadhurst, Gaborone, Muhammad Kagimu, said a few unfortunate incidents are not a justifiable reason to punish other dog breeders and owners by banning pit bulls. He argued that the aggression that is often displayed by pit bulls is their way of “asserting confidence.” In some instances it becomes aggressive when it feels attacked. He said the way that pit bulls behave is a result of the way that their owners treat them. “A dog behaves in a way that it is socialised.

If it is kept away from people, chances are high that it would be aggressive in the event that it comes into contact with other people. Personally, I own eight pit bulls that live on my residential property. “I share my home with three other people and there has never been any incident. I even get visitors to my house and my dogs never attack them. I am the person designated to feed the dogs, and do so during the same period daily,' he said. Kagimu disputed as false the notion that not feeding a pit bull at the same time daily causes them to attack its owner.

“It doesn’t necessarily mean that if you feed it at 5pm one day then it should always be that time. “Obviously there are feeding times that should fall into the same period, but not necessarily the exact same time all the time. I must emphasise that pit bulls are very loyal, particularly to the person who feeds them. If they are not familiar with you that’s when they will be hostile.” Most people are scared of these dogs and don’t see them as friendly but Kagimu insisted that pit bulls are friendly dogs. The dog breeder explained that the common reason that pit bulls attack people is when they firstly, feel threatened. “For example, if you sneak up on it or they are unfamiliar with you and you make noise, say, for example, you arrive home with a group; making noise, their first instinct is to attack,” he said.

Kagimu said that sometimes pit bulls have an aggressive approach but it is best to remain calm in the event that you come face-to-face with them. “For example, if you come across it in the street, if you run away or make noise shouting, it is likely to charge at you. If it is just looking at you, it is best to ignore it. If it approaches you, just remain calm and don’t react because it wants attention. If it’s not provocative then there is no need to cause a racket – just remain calm.” Kagiumu said that one thing that also makes pit bulls aggressive and wild, is feeding them raw meat.

“Feeding pit bulls raw meat encourages biting behaviour. For example, pit bulls like chicken but if you feed them raw chicken, they are likely to attack a live chicken the next time they see it,” he said. The dog breeder encouraged people who own pit bulls to socialise them as often as possible so that they get used to interacting with people. He noted that in the event that a pit bull bites or kills a human being, it should be killed because it is likely to attack another human being. Some Batswana have already spearheaded campaigns aimed at pressurising Government to ban pit bulls and one of them is spearheaded by University of Botswana third-year Political Science student Maduo Salani, who argued that many people are deeply terrified and lives are jeopardised by 'these beasts that we call dogs.'

She said pit bulls are one of the world’s most dangerous dogs; they are naturally aggressive hence why they are often used in search and rescue work. 'Their aggression is displayed in their violent attacks, and their loyalty to their owners only. Their loyalty to their owners means that they can’t know a scent from strangers, and can easily attack even harmless individuals. “How “sweet” is a dog that kills man? How “sweet” is a dog that can leave an individual crippled? How many times should we hear about horrific scenes of pit bulls to humans; I mean, even their owners are not safe with them!' Salani suggested that there could be regulations implemented for dog keepers to know exactly what they are getting themselves into, and what dog experts and training centres in Botswana have to say on the so-called domestication of such dangerous dogs. She urged dog owners who breed these dogs and the relevant authorities to come up with strict fines and charges.