Mama, I agree with everything you said, except I see no need to qualify that as posing a "lethal threat". Any threat of harm is enough for me to put it down. There is no requirement for me to "take a bite" before defending myself. I do not need to waste time trying to evaluate whether the threat is deadly, serious, or merely minor. The OODA loop is quick with dogs and hesitating can get you bitten.mamabearCali wrote:You know these are dogs, not people, and I will state that if a dog poses a lethal threat to me or my family I will stop the threat by whatever means I have. That is not premeditation, it is a promise. I love dogs I really really do and it would break my heart to have to kill one because the owners did not keep it put away or train it well, but I would not have my children put in mortal peril. American Staffordshire Terriers (the proper name for pit bulls I think) have incredible bite strength and can be exceedingly territorial. When not trained properly they can be very dangerous dogs.
I also love dogs and am a long time dog owner. I used to show dogs in obedience trials many years ago. But I never confuse a dog with a human being when it comes to the value of a life.