An item I requested, a review of how we are dealing with the increase in vicious dog attacks, will be on the next Council work session agenda, Aug 6.

Garland had requested that some relief be given by the Legislature to deal with the dog attack problems that are rising, particularly from the pit bull-type breeds, but none was given. Years ago, most dog bites were by German Shepherds, Labs, Dobermans, Chows, or Mixed Breeds. The number of those bites has been buried by the number of dog attacks by the pit bull-types.

I would assume two things: the number is higher today than previously because more people own these dogs, and that some owners are intentionally using practices that make the dogs more vicious.

I don't blame the dogs and don't want to see the dogs suffer for the cruelties and negligences of their owners.

Years ago, I read Jelly Bean versus Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, by C. W. Meisterfeld. Jelly Bean was progressively becoming a vicious dog. Meisterfeld, really a dog psychoanalyst, recognized the canine behaviours that Jelly Bean had adapted to survive. Meisterfeld slowly worked with Jelly Bean to help the dog regain his confidence and natural personality. Meisterfeld discusses the basic dog personalities and relays a great deal of understanding of dogs besides his experience with Jelly Bean. (If memory of the details continues to serve after 15-plus years, the dog's name came from his like for the candy.) Meisterfeld also goes to some lengths to discuss fighting dogs and how they can be saved.

I make distinction between a dog bite, which many of us have received, and a dog attack. Most dogs are capable under the right circumstances of snipping or more aggressively biting. An attack is much more: bites over and over, or bites meant to bring great harm by biting and holding, while trying to tear the victim's skin and muscles.

In one study, the highest number of deaths nationwide, from 1979 to 1998, came from pit bull-type dogs. If that national number has risen in proportion to the rise we've seen since in Garland, the current situation is very alarming.

I'm not trying to single out any particular breed. However, the statistics in this study and from Garland's Health Dept all show that pit bull-type dogs are most often identified as the source of the greatest number of problems.

State law was changed this session to increase penalties for owners of dogs that are identified as the problem dogs.

I made the request that the Council review state law and our current ordinances to ensure that we are using all the powers granted to the city to protect citizens and to hold irresponsible owners accountable. I will also ask what greater lengths are available to us. If we can go further, I will ask that the issue be forwarded to a Council committee for additional study and a recommendation to the Council.

Source: Garland Health Department