Please don't ban Staffordshire bull terriers

Staffordshire bull terriers are an English breed of dog that has recently gained a really bad reputation. They are popular with irresponsible people who get them just to look tough and are thus used as a status symbol. Thanks to partly to people who get them and don't train and/or socialise them properly, they have gained a reputation for being vicious and aggressive dogs who attack and sometimes kill children.

However, if raised properly, Staffordshire bull terriers (or staffies, as they are often referred to as) can become very loyal and loving dogs. In fact, there has even been at least one report of them saving a child's life. I have also heard about one staffie who helped find a missing dog, and I am a firm believer that, when put into the right hands, even non-hero staffies can become very affectionate, loyal and obedient dogs.

The fact is that ANY breed of dog can be aggressive if not trained or socialised properly, or if tormented. I feel that a law requiring dog keepers to train and socialise their animals properly, as well as a law requiring that children be taught how to behave around dogs, would be much more effective than breed-specific legislation.