The nine -month -old girl snorted in Acerra while sleeping in Latvian is only the last of the dramatic cases of attack on people recorded in recent times by American Pitbull Terrier, the dogs commonly called Pitbull. Episodes that affect the gravity of the consequences but also for the lack of prevention measures: Just think that in Italy today the obligation of the license, a useful tool for the acquisition of awareness and competence by the owners, is not foreseen for any breed. A regulatory void that in the cases mentioned risks sending animals to the defendants, moreover selected by man himself precisely to achieve potentially dangerous characteristics. “The pitbulls are muscular and agile, aggressive and tenacious because they were used first as work animals then combat“, explains Raimondo Colangelibehavioral veterinarian of the National Association of Italian Veterinary Doctors (Anmvi). It is no coincidence that pit in English means “arena” and the inclination, handed down by genetics, still materializes today in a strong bite power and in a strong predatory instinct.
However, the physical and ethological characteristics of the specimens are not enough to explain the episodes against humans. «Dogs do not go crazy suddenly: the cases of idiopathic aggression are very rare, and brain tumors are equally frequent. The question must be addressed starting from the correct management of the animal: before taking a specimen with it, it is necessary to inquire about his needs, checking compatibility with his own personal situation», He observes Daniela Borghipresident of the National Professional Association of Cinofili Educators (Apnec), who together with the International Organization of Animal Protection OIPA promotes free interviews of conscious choice. “The pitbulls, for example, need regular exits and, binding very much to the owners, should not be left alone». Colangeli agrees: «With them, a robust education has been essential since birthaiming at the self -control of the bite and a large socialization with other dogs and humans ».
For children, yes, the benefits of growing up with a pet are many. But this does not mean that the little ones are often victims of aggressions. “Fast movements or other unaware gestures such as pulling the tail can trigger defensive aggression in animals: for this reason, in the presence of dogs, children must always be supervised”. And if the dog in question do not know history and education, prudence must be maximum: be it a pitbull or an specimen of other races attentive such as Amstaff, American Bully or Rottweiler, as well as a mestizo. Today in several European states such as France, Switzerland, Croatia, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Pitbull race is banned or subject to restrictions. Also in Italy it was, from 2006 to 2009, when the Ministry of Health had provided a list of 17 canine races considered dangerous for man, then abolished. To complicate the situation in our country there is then the non -recognition of the breedwhich means the absence of checks on the crossings and impossibility of focusing on the most balanced subjects. Meanwhile, some rules are already worth for everyone and it is good to remember them: the owners must bring dogs to the leash and always have the muzzle with them, to be worn on the means of transport or where they are requested in public places.
