An Oregon Humane Association Weighs Pitbulls vs. Children and Chooses . . . Pitbulls
The Eastern Oregon Blue Mountain Humane Association had been providing dog-bite safety classes in the La Grande school district; classes which have already saved one student who,
remembering what he was taught, he pretended he was rock, curling up with his head down. He received a certificate Monday from his school commending him for bravery and following the safety lessons.
But no more. Members of the organization are offended that the school superintendent would prevent them from using a pitbull in these classes, out of concern for the children’s safety. According to the Association’s president,
we feel that we need to take a stand. We should not be condemning a dog just because of its breed.
This is misguided in more ways I can count. Putting aside the fact that this particular dog isn’t “condemned”, I say, of course we should make smart decisions about animals we expose other peoples’ children to. The superintendent is thinking about the children’s safety first and foremost. And so should the Humane Association.
