The severe mauling of 61-year-old Bavette Watson-Balfour by pit bulls has again raised the question of whether the breed should be banned in Jamaica and that owners should be compelled to take greater control over their dogs.

Jamaica’s Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck has seen to it that The Dogs (Liability for Attacks) Act 2020 was passed in Parliament, which now sees criminal liability placed on owners with stiff monetary fines.

Chuck is calling for the owners of the dogs that attacked Watson- Balfour as she made her way to work at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Eltham Training Centre in Ocho Rios to be prosecuted.

The viciousness of this attack in conjunction with other recent dog maulings has drawn the ire of many Jamaicans.

In this particular instance, it was the pit bull who was the menace. A cross-bred terrier, this dog is known for its tenaciousness in attack and has a fearsome reputation.

There are those calling for pit bulls, in particular, to be banned, and hold the view that if such prohibition was imposed there would be far fewer attacks.

The pit bull is an athletic strong dog that needs to be socialised and trained. To keep it locked up, chained, chastised and abused is inviting trouble.

The attack on Watson-Balfour was due to the dogs escaping from the premises of their owner. Owners have to be vigilant and know where their dogs are at all times – more so pit bulls. This dog causes fear.

As the famous dog trainer Cesar Millan says dogs, do not think, they react.

It cannot be determined that the pit bull is more aggressive than all other breeds but its capabilities are undeniable.

Owning these animals places a high duty of care on owners. They must be trained properly, exercised regularly, socialized, adequately contained and should be well fed.

It is wrong to own a pit bull simply because of its reputation while being derelict in your duty of care. The pit bull can be very affectionate, loyal and protective but can be deadly if neglected and abused.

Chuck has consistently called for dog owners to be more vigilant and failure to do so should exact a heavy price both from the state and by civil litigation he has repeatedly declared.

The pit bull has a reputation and that reputation should not be allowed to manifest itself on citizens. People should not be mauled, attacked and have to sustain serious injuries simply because owners cannot or care not to control these dogs.