John Curley on why pit bulls can be compared to guns

The Enumclaw City Council has voted unanimously to uphold a 25-year ban on pit bulls, but promised to consider allowing the breed in the future.

Both Tom and John, of the Tom & Curley Show on KIRO Radio, believe it’s bad owners who’re responsible for the breed’s reputation, much like gun ownership.

“Some of these people like pit bulls because they like the fact that they walk down the street and scare the hell out of other people,” John said.

While there are differing opinions on the dangers of the breed, KIRO TV reports pit bulls bite in King County more than any other breed.

According to dogsbite.org, there are 12 cities in Washington state that have banned pit bulls, including Auburn and Buckley. Several more have deemed them “potentially dangerous.”

“The dog was bred to fight…that’s what it was built for,” John said. “But they say it’s not bad dogs, it’s bad owners. I understand, but it’s the same way as a handgun, right? A handgun is designed to shoot. A bad owner is going to go around and shoot people with it. A bad owner of a dog will teach that dog to just throw that genetic switch and have that dog go after people.”

“From that philosophy, you should agree to ban guns because so many people could be bad gun owners,” Tom argued.

“My dog, Luke, actually was cornered by two pit bulls at a dog park and has always been sort of jumpy every since,” Tom said. “These things happen. I don’t blame the dog. I blame the owners, but there are so many bad owners. It’s not worth it for me.”

After an hour of passionate testimony, the city council agreed to look at special rules for pit bulls in the future, like muzzles and harsher punishments following attacks, according to KIRO TV.

“Go get yourself a poodle,” John suggested.