To the editor:

Joe Hyde’s thoughtful letter about his hunting dog that bit several people underscores the point that responsible dog owners always stress: Any dog can be vicious depending on its heritage, training, and the particular situation it is in. Joe wonders if it would be justified to expand a pit bull ban to include all “attack breeds.” Joe, what exactly is an attack breed? And who is qualified to decide this?

Statistical studies tend to be muddy. Often the “breed” of the offending dog is unclear. German shepherds are frequently used in police work, yet they are also famous for guiding the blind, finding lost children, and rescuing victims buried in rubble. Are they to be labeled an attack breed?

Joe’s advice is good ” one bite is too many. However, we need to apply this rule fairly to all dogs, regardless of their parentage.

Bitsey Patton,

Lawrence