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Pit bull ban debate heats up in Detroit

DETROIT – As a result of the tragedy last week, the debate over pit bulls has gained new momentum.

Detroit Police Chief James Craig called a ban on any particular dog breed illogical.

"What's more logical is that we are holding owners accountable, that dogs are trained properly," Craig said.

A 41-year-old Detroit man faces several charges including second-degree murder and manslaughter in connection to the death of a 4-year-old boy who was attacked by pit bulls spurring some people in the city to argue for a full ban on ownership of pit bulls.

Many, like Chief Craig, believe that humans remain the larger problem with regard to pit bulls.

Bill Bellottie, president of the Detroit Bully Corps., rescued a pit bull two years ago that had been abused, beaten and trained as a fighter.

"She has seen the absolute worst in humans and canines and this is the dog we have today through proper socialization, proper training and responsible ownership," said Bellottie.

Bellottie says violence is not in her nature.

"The travesty that happened the other day, the owner was 100 percent negligent and that's the core of the issue," said Bellottie. "There are owners that are taking it upon themselves to own animals and not being responsible for them."


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