To the editor:

The pit bull controversy once again came to light last week when a pit bull was shot and died. This dog was known to be very aggressive and to run loose often enough that I was very cautious when walking near his house. Pit bulls, when loved and not trained to fight, tend to be gentle, loving companions. However, if they are abused and/or trained to fight, they can become quite dangerous.

The animal control people who were attempting to capture the pit bull were using all means available to them to humanely capture the dog and confine him so that he would not hurt anyone or be hurt himself. Unfortunately, he lunged to attack one of the individuals, and he was shot. This was devastating for the people involved who love animals and were doing their best to help.

I would like to suggest three things: First, please take a moment to bless this poor dog who, through no fault of his own, was only doing what he was trained to do and lost his life which was precious to him. Second, please watch people with pit bulls. If you see any indications that they are training them to fight or abusing them, report it immediately to animal control or the Lawrence Humane Society.

Third, I would like to suggest that our city initiate a plan to develop nonlethal means of handling highly aggressive dogs. In such a situation as this, catch poles were ineffective, and tranquilizers would not have worked quickly enough. One veterinarian with whom I spoke suggested a large net. Let’s work together to make Lawrence safe for animals and people.

Judy Carman,

Lawrence