Originally Posted by
757690
My ex-girlfriend worked for the city in animal control. Let me dispel a few myths and mis-conceptions that have been stated on this post.
1) A pitt bull which is properly raised will be as gentle, loving and loyal as a lab, poodle, cocker spaniel, or any other dog. The problem with pitt bulls is that if they do attack, they have a lock jaw, which is capable of killing a person. This is why dog fighters use, and train them. Just a few decades ago, Pitt bulls were actually considered the safest dogs to be with children, and nicknamed the "Nanny" dog. It was only when they started being used and bred for dog fighting did they get the reputation they have now.
2) There is a huge difference between a pitt bull and a pitt bull mix. There are almost no pitt bull mixes that are dangerous. Nearly all pitt bull mixes would not have the lock jaw, so they would not be capable of killing a human. Also, mixes are almost by definition better tempered than pure breds of any kind. (Being inbred would make anyone meaner, and less stable) Of course it all depends on what it is mixed with. Still, virtually no one would train the pitt bull mix to be aggressive, since it would not make a good fighter. The weakest pure bred pitt bull will destroy nearly any pitt bull mix.
3) Nearly any dog, away from its home, will be aggressive towards strangers. In her job, my ex girlfriend has been cornered by golden retrievers, labs, and even small "Paris Hilton" dogs. Dogs away from home are very scared, and their instinct is to defend themselves so they get very defensive. So, Rocko, the behavior you see in your neighbor's dog is very common and does not mean that it will attack humans. The fact that it has cornered humans and not attacked them suggests that he will not attack unless he is attacked.
Still, because anything can happen, stay away from any stray dogs, and make sure to keep all children away from all stray dogs. You are very justified in being worried, and your neighbor must be taught to keep his dog secure at all times. Simply report him to the police. The city will have no problem taking away a dog from a owner who can't keep it secure. That is the first rule of owning a dog. You must keep it secure and safe. If you can back up that this has happened more than once, there is a good chance the city will take the dog away, at least until it can be sure that the owner has taken proper measures to keep the dog secure. The city has zero tolerance for owners like your neighbor.
That is a very scary situation, good luck.