Pit bulls are not the only breed genetically âÂÂhardwiredâ for mayhem Ãi¿½” or purchased by people who secretly relish their pet possessing a terrifying violence potential. Would expanding this ban to include all attack breeds be justified? A statewide statistical study of dog attacks might establish reasonable grounds.

However this issue resolves, I wanted to offer my experience owning a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, a versatile hunting breed with no history of violence.

âÂÂMikeâ was a loving house pet and terrific bird dog. From puppyhood, he was socialized with strangers and other dogs. Despite this, at age 2 he suddenly became a hair-trigger protector who, over the next eight years, bit six people. I was never sued, probably because after each incident even the victims saw that Mike wasnâÂÂt vicious; he just thought he was protecting his family.

His last âÂÂhome defenseâ was mauling a neighbor boy who simply walked into my open front yard. Hearing the screams as Mike ripped his legs, that did it for me. An hour later, I had a vet euthanize Mike and send his brain to K-State, the fastest and surest rabies test available.

When I recounted MikeâÂÂs history, the vet told me, âÂÂIf heâÂÂd been my dog, IâÂÂd have put him down after the first bite. You just canâÂÂt afford to own a pet that bites people.âÂÂ

Hard advice, but advice everyone should consider no matter what breed they own.

Joe Hyde,

Lawrence