Jeff Wagner, host of a daily radio show on Milwaukee's 620 WTMJ is no friend of pit bull terriers or their owners. He frequently addresses the topic of "pit bulls" on his call in show and admits that when he does he receives a great deal of feedback (one has to wonder about the motive behind his choice of topic). Below is a letter written by a listener in response to his latest segment on pit bulls. Thank you Brian Christ, for allowing us to publish your letter.
Jeff Wagner, radio host on MIlwaukee's 620 WTMJ
Mr. Wagner:
I’ve noticed you take great pride in telling your listeners about the dangers of pit bulls. So much so that you highlight stories around the country, it would seem. According to the state Health Department, about 32 people each year are hospitalized in Milwaukee county due to dog bite. About 65 are in Southeastern Wisconsin. Did you have to look to find a story involving a pit bull outside of our state?
About a year ago, I had the shocking experience of listening to you, a lawyer, state how you think an owner of a “dangerous breed” should face different consequences than the owner of, say, a lab. I just want to ask, again, why is the one’s suffering worth more to your view of society than the other?
I realize this letter is accusatory, and believe me, it’s meant to be. I can only assume that fear is driving your viewpoint. I would love the opportunity to help you conquer that fear. Should you ever find yourself interested, in a public or private setting and at a pace of your choosing, I would be honored to introduce you to a few of the 99.995% of the dogs you label “dangerous” that are great members of canine society, just like the 99.995% of every other breed. It is my fervent hope you would take me up on this offer. If you do not, then at least do your listeners the service of treating victims equally. The parents of the child killed or mauled by a lab, collie, retriever, et al suffer no less than that of whatever breeds are thrown into the label of “pit bull.”
In closing, here are a few facts to consider. These were collected by state health departments, not media reports.
1) In Denver, where pit bull type dogs are banned, a citizen is 50% more likely to be hospitalized due to dog bite than the state average.
2) In Omaha, after the passage of breed specific legislation, level 4 and 5 (the most serious) bites have increased. Labs are the number one offenders.
3) In Prince George County, MD, a report was commissioned on the effectiveness of their pit bull type dog ban. The conclusion: Public safety has not increased.
4) Dog bite fatalities, while still thankfully rare have increased within 2% of the increase in total canine population over the last 30 years.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards:
Brian Christ
I’ve noticed you take great pride in telling your listeners about the dangers of pit bulls. So much so that you highlight stories around the country, it would seem. According to the state Health Department, about 32 people each year are hospitalized in Milwaukee county due to dog bite. About 65 are in Southeastern Wisconsin. Did you have to look to find a story involving a pit bull outside of our state?
About a year ago, I had the shocking experience of listening to you, a lawyer, state how you think an owner of a “dangerous breed” should face different consequences than the owner of, say, a lab. I just want to ask, again, why is the one’s suffering worth more to your view of society than the other?
I realize this letter is accusatory, and believe me, it’s meant to be. I can only assume that fear is driving your viewpoint. I would love the opportunity to help you conquer that fear. Should you ever find yourself interested, in a public or private setting and at a pace of your choosing, I would be honored to introduce you to a few of the 99.995% of the dogs you label “dangerous” that are great members of canine society, just like the 99.995% of every other breed. It is my fervent hope you would take me up on this offer. If you do not, then at least do your listeners the service of treating victims equally. The parents of the child killed or mauled by a lab, collie, retriever, et al suffer no less than that of whatever breeds are thrown into the label of “pit bull.”
In closing, here are a few facts to consider. These were collected by state health departments, not media reports.
1) In Denver, where pit bull type dogs are banned, a citizen is 50% more likely to be hospitalized due to dog bite than the state average.
2) In Omaha, after the passage of breed specific legislation, level 4 and 5 (the most serious) bites have increased. Labs are the number one offenders.
3) In Prince George County, MD, a report was commissioned on the effectiveness of their pit bull type dog ban. The conclusion: Public safety has not increased.
4) Dog bite fatalities, while still thankfully rare have increased within 2% of the increase in total canine population over the last 30 years.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards:
Brian Christ
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