Breeding pit bulls near a preschool
The death of sixty-five year old Edmund Spain a few weeks ago, after being badly bitten by two pit bulls in the Tropical Park of Hattieville, has raised concerns from the public about the raring of these vicious dogs. While that incident flew under the radar because of a slipup within the police department, residents in Burrell Boom Village are deeply worried about the same breed of dogs that are being bred for sale across the street from a pre-school. News Five’s Isani Cayetano visited Burrell Boom today and has the story.
Isani Cayetano, reporting
A little over a week ago an adult pit bull broke its chain and escaped from the yard and entered the school compound. There it got into a bloody encounter with another dog belonging to the school’s janitor. Today, Principal Judith Reyes recounted that frightening experience.
Judith Reyes, Principal, Eternal Light Pre-School
“The dog got into my schoolyard and when he got in you know they started fighting and the fight actually began right here by the door so what I did I locked my door because, you know, I was just scared and then [uhm] it continued for a while and then they started running around the yard. By this time a whole lot of people were coming because there were people over the park playing ball and I really got concerned and I called the owner because I asked a guy for the number and then he responded and he was telling me something to do but I was just frightened and then [uhm] the dog it happened that the dogs they started fighting and then blood was coming and I got really scared and that pit bull would not let go the other dog. He just held him in his mouth, I mean he break some of his teeth out and all.”
The owner of that dog is Gordon Richards, an avid dog lover and commercial breeder of pit bull terriers.
Isani Cayetano
“From looking around, your residence is directly across from a pre-school and you are raising three pit bull dogs. Are there any concerns from parents and teachers and students who attend the pre-school about the type of dogs you are raising?”
Gordon Richards, Dog Owner
Gordon Richards
“Yes that’s why I think it’s mandatory that you properly secure your animal them and thing that you noh have dehn incidents and the training too because like I said if you train them to do that they will do that but if you train them to be friendly they will be friendly to people when they do get away right. So it is important that you should properly secure your animal them you know. Everybody should be responsible for their animal.”
Isani Cayetano
“Now a lot of times people say well my dog doesn’t bite. He’s trained not to attack but there’s only so much one can say about his or her animal. What do you do in a situation where the dog thinks on his or her own and decides to attack?”
Gordon Richards
“Well if the dog attacks anybody I think that the owner should be fully responsible and render all assistance you know so that and put in measures that ih noh happen again you know, secure ah properly. But all owners should be responsible for their dogs.”
Fortunately, classes had already been dismissed for the day and children were not around at the time of the incident. Gordon insists that his dogs are not trained to attack people. Reporting for News Five, I am Isani Cayetano.
Anyone saying that pitbulls are vicious dogs is equivalent to them saying that hispanics or blacks are vicious humans…
You cannot brand an animal or human being just cause of their breed or race…It all has to do with their upbringing, the conditions in which they are brought up etc etc
Islander, there have been many reports internationally where pitbulls, dovermans and some other types of dogs have attacked human beings for no apparent reason despite their upbringing. It’s in their genes and these dogs are more aggressive than other dogs. Bitbull has a deadly bite that is almost impossible to release. How can you compare the action of a human with a dog? This is the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard.
Islander, show me a Pit bull in Belize that was not trained by their owners to protect their homes or yards.
In Belize people tend to treat pets differently than we do here in Europe, dogs are treated like animals in Belize, while my dog goes on vacation and to resturants with us.
Look like this dog is just tied by a single chain out in the garden, imagine kids trying to pet in his present state.
I do believe with Islander. I have a Pit Bull, who is the most gentle and obedient dog; and is an indoor pet. From a puppy, he was potty trained and chose his own “punish corner” where he goes when scolded. However, he was trained to recognize and respect; who is in the “alpha role” or leader.
He sleeps in the Master Bedroom, and we have never feared him. Dogs are in no way “exactly like kids”, however with good training; they can be trusted companions n guard dogs.
It is not the “breed of the dog” it is actually the “BREED OF THE OWNER”. I grew up with German Sheppards , and though they are gentle; can also be vicious if not trained well.
Maddyvandijk….. We know how much they love dogs in Europe…. I’ve seen the videos. Do you sleep with your dog too????????????? Dogs are animals that need to be controlled by humans. PitBulls are NATURALLY unstable and the only breed that would attack its owner.
As someone who was minding mine own business when a pitbull attacked me. Thank God the owner was near, but did not pay for my ripped pants. PITBULLS SHOULD BE ILLEGAL!!!!!!!
Why are some of us trying to justify this dog’s action.The question here is not if Pitbulls are good or not.Most of these dog owner’s in Belize do not have the proper logistics to take care of these type of dogs.
EarlGray, I will make no assumptions on the videos you entertain yourselves with, but i would like to add that
here pets are treated with love, communication, and respect just like we deal with our kids.
thank goodness, pit bulls are forbidden from my neighbourhood, and i would have it no other way.