Dogs breads don't kill, the people training them do. Just like guns don't kill people, the person pulling the trigger does. Cars don't kill people, the person driving the car does. People need to start taking more responsibility for their own actions, regardless of what count you live in.

No breed of domesticated dog is "inherently dangerous," and this ruling is highly prejudicial. In the interest of education, here are a few websites to help research "facts" about pitbulls:

What is canine temperment? http://atts.org/about-temperament/

How do American Pit Bull Terriers' temperments compare to other breeds? Of the 15 most-registered dogs in the US, per the AKC, here's the percentage that passed the ATTS temperment test as of 19 February 2012, along with the number of each breed tested:

Labrador Retriever: 92.3% (783)
Dachsund/Miniature Longhair: 88.9% (27)
Poodle: 86.6% (253)
Golden Retriever: 85.2% (776)
German Shepherd Dog: 84.6% (3,133)
Rottweiler: 83.9% (5,545)
Boxer: 83.4% (441)
Yorkshire Terrier: 82.5% (40)
Beagle: 80.0% (75)
Miniature Schnauzer: 78.9% (114)
Doberman: 78.2% (1,629)
Shih Tzu: 76.2% (42)
Bulldog: 70.4% (135)
Dachsund/Standard Smooth: 68.8% (48)
Chihuahua: 68.3% (41)

How did the American Pit Bull Terrier perform? Of 839 dogs tested, 86.8% passed. That makes pit bulls more predictable than Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Beagles, Shih Tzus and Chihuahuas—although, in the tiny dogs’ defense, far fewer were tested and some statistical error may be a factor. You can see the full chart of all breeds starting here: http://atts.org/breed-statistics/statistics-page1/

Some research on dogs’ bite pressure: http://nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/resources/no-fact-checking

What Maryland really needs is a balanced, sensible law that holds all dog owners to the same standard: You're responsible for what your dog does (absent teasing, taunting, provoking by the victim). Period.

This court ruling is based on misinformation provided to the court by someone in search of deep pockets, who didn't care who he hurt in the process. There are no winners with this ruling. There is a better way to protect people injured by dogs without harming the rest of us who have done no harm. The Maryland Dog Federation is working with thousands of dog owners and affected landlords, HOAs, businesses and others across the state to mitigate the effect. In the words of the dissenting judge, "succumbing to the allure of bad facts lead inevitably to the development of bad law." The Maryland Dog Federation is at marylanddogfederation.com, @MDDogFed on Twitter, and you can join the e-lert list at http://bit.ly/IiFyyU.

There are reports of other breeds killing. Google "Golden Retriever kills"... there are many news stories. You only hear about pit-bulls because that is what you expect to hear. It's a shame that so many people jump on the wagon when something 'seems' to be 'socially acceptable.'

I have had two adult rescue pit-bulls in my lifetime and would not let my kids out in the yard alone with out them. I have had other breeds too. The pure bread Dalmatian had the worst temperament and the Lab had food aggression. Just like people, some are good and some are just going to be bad. Regardless of the breed, color, age, location and up bringing.

@ Jane Clarke: I believe your misunderstanding of what the ATTS Temperament Test implies that you are making things up. You're implying that the ATTS Temperament Test is used as adoption criteria. It is not. The ATTS Temperament Test is used to gauge the a dog's reliability under often adverse conditions. Unsuitable dogs don't pass. I too am waiting for the links to the articles or citations to which you refer. I hope you'll provide them shortly

To Sandra Hamorsky: Google "rescue pit bull attack" and the name of the state where the attack occurred -- WHICH I PROVIDED! If you weren't the typical ignorant, uneducated pit nutter, you could have figured this out for yourself!

To Maryland Dog Federation: In some of the articles concerning these attacks, it was noted by the agencies that rescued and pronounced these monsters adoptable that they passed the ATTS Temperament Test, so if anyone is "making things up," it is those agencies, not me! And when it comes to "making things up," there has NEVER been a sillier, more asinine excuse for an "organization" than the Maryland Dog Federation, the purpose of which is to “promote, protect and defend the canine-human bond”! Get a freaking life!

Look at the number of court cases involving pit bulls. This breed is inherently viscous with no provocation, when will people ever learn. I'm a fan of Peoples Court and Pit bulls and Pit mix breeds are always causing damage to people. That recent case of the baby killed by a stray Pit mix, come on people, wake up, they are killers.You never know what will set them off, they are like ticking time bombs. I'm glad there is a ban on them, I don't want them around me. I'm a dog lover but pit bulls can't be trusted, they are too unpredictable.

@ Jane Clarke I think your posts speak for themselves

To all who are on this "I hate pitbull" band wagon, consider this: The number of pitbull/pitbull mixes across america is far greater than any other breed. No shit there will be more cases on them. The media has taken the high number of cases and blown it up as them being terrors to society, and then you guys, who can't think for yourselves, or have your own opinion, believe everything you see on TV or Yahoo news. It's like saying Honda Civics are dangerous cars because they are involved in the most accidents. Obviously they aren't, but since they are the most popular car on the road, there are more chances for them to be in an accident. Believing everything you see on mainstream media is like going to a sewing circle and believing everything that every lady says. Do your research, and not just yahoo and google searches of "pitbull attacks", and make your own opinion. If it doesn't change, then you are either ignorant or an idiot.

If you haven't heard of another breed ever killing someone, then it's obvious you haven't done any research. Do some research instead of just blabbering about something you don't know about.

@ Bowie Mom of 4 "When was the last time you saw or heard of another breed of dog killing a person", you ask? Well, about a week ago: http://nydn.us/JpQHxj Actually, there were at least two in the last two weeks, but here's one to get you started.

Has anyone noticed that dog haters really hate that people treat their dogs like family? But they also hate that people treat their dogs badly. I'm actually thinking that what I'm mistaking for dog haters are really people haters. @ Casey, your Honda analogy is spot on and it's so easy to understand.

@ Jane Clarke: Googled like you asked. Found no references to ATTS Temperament Test, and vague references to "rescue" "pit bulls", which frankly could mean anything and may not even be accurate based on the scant media information provided. Links would be helpful.

I'm siding with the Maryland Court of Appeals ruling. Based on cases brought before them, read the above cases, Casey, they are inherently dangerous. If you are pro pitbull or a owner keep loving on those little darlings, but don't let them around other innocent people without a mozzle and a thick leash.

Haha @ Bowie Mom of 4

@@ Jane Clark. Have you listened to yourself lately, you sound like a kook. Putting people down, and saying an organization is stupid. MDF . Atleast there doing something. What do you do? Let me guess, hmm. Retired and bored. Your no better than any of the so called bad pitbulls.. I been bit in the face by a German sheprd. And bit in the leg by a poodle that wouldn't let go till I kicked it. I've been to 3 tours in Iraq. USMC. You want to see real life? Go over there and then come back worrying about pits. How about people that make bombs and kill each other? BTW I researched your stories, you made up half of those stories. A lot of dogs attack. It's the media. Your brainwashed. I don't have to support either side here to see your a kook.

And also to add, just because a G shepard bit me, is still go up to anouther one and pet it. Everyone can already see Janes one of those that talk real tough behind a computer. Let's see your tough reply. Give us all a good laugh... Hahahaha

More people attack people everyday than dogs attack people. If you got rid of all the pitbulls, you still have people attacking people. Then what ? @MDF , keep doing what you folks do. You see, Jane has a lot of time on her hands. Stand up for what you believe in. You too Jane, but don't put others down while you do it. Doesn't make you any better.

31 U.S. fatal dog attacks occurred in 2011. Despite being regulated in Military Housing areas and over 650 U.S. cities, pit bulls led these attacks accounting for 71% (22). Pit bulls make up less than 5% of the total U.S. dog population.

Dog ownership information for 2011 shows that family dogs comprised 65% (20) of the attacks that resulted in death; 74% (23) of all incidents occurred on the dog owner's property.

If you really have an opinion about this case with pitbulls or would love to share stories about pets, think about blogging on Patch in our Local Voices section. You can blog at hyattsville.patch.com/blog_posts/new

Hey @ Matthew Odallon Thanks for all you have done for us! The MDF is hard at work, boots on the ground, to not only fix the Solesky ruling, but to repeal the horrible breed ban here in PGCo. Please join us at marylanddogfederation dot com and on FB

Already, in the rest of the state, dogs are being turned away from not only training but VETERINARY CARE! Can you believe it? Vets are saying "we can't treat your dog because our landlord won't let us"???? For the folks advocating and applauding the Solesky ruling, you are clapping your hands for sick dogs being denied treatment. You are denying access to the very training that will make dogs better neighbors. You are advocating for innocent dogs being forced to be killed in shelters because their owners will lose their apartment.

@MDF - the problem is that these people don't care if innocent dogs are being killed in shelters because in their mind they are not innocent dogs regardless of their natures/temprament, and deserve to die.

I remember reading stats that even ACOs in many places can't identify a "pit bull" as opposed to an Am Staffy, Bull Terrier, Boxer, Cane Corso, Presa, or even American Bulldog. No doubt neither can insurers or landlords. You can't tell by how a dog looks. And when is it the next flavor of the month? We've seen prejudice against (in the past) GSDs, dobies, rotties - now it's pitties. What happens when someone decides the next dangerous dog is a lab or newfie because of an incident?

I do not understand why it isn't that everyone is responsible for the conduct of his or her dog. If you have a dangerous dog, or a mean dog, you control that dog and if the dog does anything it's on you. Frankly I have a dog who is prone to canine rage and he's a peke-cocker spaniel mix, and because of that we are very careful with how people handle him, where we take him, and who we allow access to him. Where there are incidents - this is about the owners not handling their dogs properly and often as so often happens with this breed, abusing them, and why are they not the ones fined etc.? Because they vote and the dogs don't?

I'm also concerned that this will also lead to more abuse toward pitties because they will be seen as expendable - like dehumanizing the enemy in war.

All you Pit Bull freaks are f'ing selectively retarded. instead of asking for citations or sources, why don't you try this wonderful new invention called "google"? Here is the CITED, backed up by local news, gory-detailed list of owners, dogs, and situations involved in fatal dog attacks in the year 2011:

http://www.dogsbite.org/dog-bite-statistics-fatalities-2011.php

31 U.S. fatal dog attacks occurred in 2011. Despite being regulated in Military Housing areas and over 650 U.S. cities, pit bulls led these attacks accounting for 71% (22). Pit bulls make up less than 5% of the total U.S. dog population.3
Notably in 2011, adult victims of fatal pit bull attacks more than doubled the number of child victims. Of the 22 total pit bull victims, 68% (15) fell between the ages of 32 to 76, and 32% (7) were ages 5 years and younger.
The year 2011 also marks an increase in pet pit bulls killing their owners. Of the 8 total instances this year in which a family dog inflicted fatal injury to its primary caretaker, the dog's owner, 88% (7) involved pet pit bulls.
Together, pit bulls (22) and rottweilers (4), the number two lethal dog breed, accounted for 84% of all fatal attacks in 2011. In the 7-year period from 2005 to 2011, this same combination accounted for 74% (157) of the total recorded deaths (213).

...in b4 all the mouth-breathing pit bull freaks who exclaim "those weren't really pits" and "that site is biased". NO, they WERE pits according to local law enforcement, vets, and local media, and NO the site isn't biased because ALL THE DETAILS ARE RIGHT THERE, BACKED BY LOCAL NEWS STORIES. I've loved and lived with pit bulls, even after my wife was attacked by one she had known and loved for YEARS. It could have EASILY have been the family's two year old instead. I own and show a 120lb Shiloh (mostly GSD, just BIGGER) Shepherd, with a bite force (scientifically measured as TWICE as strong as an APB or ASST) and I *know* I own a potentially dangerous dog, even if he is a cuddly goof. I treat him with caution when he's around kids or other animals because I KNOW what he could do if he had a bad day and something triggered his ire. These Pit Bull freaks are so ignorant in their denial, but it's always the same story: "I never knew poochie was capable of killing someone! WAH, Why didn't someone tell us?", "it's the breeder's fault". NO, it isn't. Ignorance isn't an excuse. Pit Bulls are the most dangerous breed of dog there is...they are BRED for fighting, being fearless, and NOT STOPPING. It's this thing called "breeding", it means selecting for certain traits and ONLY breeding dogs that display those traits...perhaps you nutters should look into it, as it has shaped the evolution of the canis lupus familiaris (domesticated dog) for, oh, the last 15 THOUSAND YEARS.

@ Kevin Clark: Calling people "freaks" and "retards" seriously undermines your statements. Problems are...one...media accounts often mis-identify dogs. Often. Two...the basis for this "data" you are quoting, the CDC/HSUS/AVMA study from 2000, been recanted...read this directly from the American Veterinary Medical Association..."In contrast to what has been reported in the news rnedia, the data contained in this report CANNOT be used to infer any breed-specific risk for dog
bite fatalities (e.g., neither pit bull-type dogs nor Rottweilers can be said to be
more "dangerous" than any othet breed based on the contents of this report)."

You are peddling hysteria and misinformation and doing nothing productive to improve public safety. The data you are refusing to consider fly in the face of your beliefs. You are entitled to your beliefs, but they are not facts.

I don't care what a veterinary web site says, if you go to the http://www.dogsbite.org site, you get a CASE by CASE with synopsis, with LINKED news stories (sometimes multiple stories), so...at the end, the facts are supported there by HUNDREDS of different media organizations. Ask yourself, is it more likely that AVMA (whose data I am NOT quoting) is full of BS, or is it more likely that hundreds of different media organizations are in cahoots, participating in a secret media-cabal to single out this one breed to make it look bad? Occam would be rolling over in his grave should anyone choose the latter. If you believe that, you are deserving of any mockery you receive. I would take a similar stand if you were to tell me that all those PB attacks are faked by space aliens.

We understand. You don't want facts to get in the way of your opinion. If you are really interested in how it all works, I suggest you read the book Pit Bull Placebo.

The only people I am "mocked by" are name callers and folks who prefer to maintain their opinions, to which they are entitled. The dogsbite website is not based in science, though it does fool a lot of of folks.

To everyone who says that pit bull- type dogs are the only ones that attack, please read the following links:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2073504/Girl-13-savaged-German-shepherd-puppy-tore-chunk-nose-left-needing-50-stitches.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/2846739.stm

http://www.9news.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=65161

http://www.shortnews.com/start.cfm?id=46922

http://www.wboc.com/global/story.asp?S=10769319

http://www.northjersey.com/news/021611_Shar-Pei_implicated_in_fatal_dog_attack_in_Tenafly_is_decalred_potentially_dangerous.html

http://www.minbcnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=655771#.T_oDS3DRdok

Each of these links includes a story about a serious "dog attack", none of them involving pit bull- type dogs. Included are a German Shepard, a Dalmation, two Labrador Retreivers, a poodle, and a shar- pei. All of these stories were reported by credible news agencies, worldwide.

Any type of dog is capable of attacking or biting a person. It is up to us as dog owners to take responsibility of our own dogs. It is irresponsible and negligent to place the blame on ANY one breed of dog, pit bull or not. The state of Maryland needs an all- encompassing, comprehensive law protecting all dog bite victims and holding ALL dog owners responsible for their animals.