After a pit bull bit two children in Prince George County, officials are talking about the County’s ban on the breed.
The dog sparking the debate chased two children, 6 and 13-years-old, on Monday. The children sustained face and arm injuries and were treated at a local hospital.
Chief Rodney Taylor believes the attacks are a cultural issue. “I can only believe certain cultures, certain generations came through and started using these dogs to fight,” Taylor says.
Others have a similar outlook. “I think a lot of people started using them for the wrong reasons. They took a wonderful family pet and emphasized the dog fighting and the images that pop culture started putting in front of us,” says Vice President of External Affairs for the Washington Humane Society Scott Giacoppo.
The district and its outlying counties do not have bans on the pit bull breed, but officials are suggesting tough adoption restrictions.
“You need to be 25 years of age, you have to own a home, you have to undergo a background check and you have to agree to take the dog to obedience training,” Kristen Auerbach, Fairfax County Animal Shelter manager, says.
In the Prince George County attack, the dog owner was arrested for not complying with the ban. He could be fined up to $1,000 and do six months of jail time.
