THE EDITOR, Sir:

I WRITE to express concern about a relatively new threat to public safety in Jamaica: the illegal importation or breeding of pit bull terriers. As you may be aware, so-called 'pit bulls' are a breed of dogs that was genetically engineered (bred) for the purpose of fighting and killing other dogs. Characteristics of the breed include massive heads, unnaturally powerful jaws, innate aggressiveness, and a high threshold for pain. These characteristics have made pit bulls the premier fighting dog, as well as a conspicuous threat to human life, the latter of which has resulted in a plethora of restrictive laws or outright prohibitions regarding the ownership of these animals in various cities, counties, municipalities and even entire countries.

The statistics on pit bull attacks on people are incontrovertible. For example, in a 20-year study in the United States conducted by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pit bulls accounted for nearly a third of the 238 fatal dog attacks recorded. And it is our children who are most at risk: one study reported that in a sample of 27 people who died from dog attacks, 19 (over 70 per cent) of the victims were children under the age of 15.

The legal status of pit bull dogs in Jamaica seems unequivocal, but could benefit from clarification by the relevant government agency (presumably the Veterinary Services Division (VSD) of the Ministry of Agriculture). On the other hand, the laws governing the importation of dogs are not equivocal: the only dogs that may be legally imported into Jamaica are those that (1) were bred in the United Kingdom or Ireland, (2) have been properly certified by the exporting country, (3) have a valid importation permit issued by the VSD, and (4) are properly quarantined upon arrival.

Because it is illegal to breed pit bulls in the United Kingdom, the source of breeding stock in Jamaica (and current imports) cannot be legal. And while the source of these illegal importations is uncertain, the most likely origin of past and ongoing pit bull imports is the United States and South America similarly uncertain, the avenues of importation are reported to be airline personnel and the owners of luxury yachts. The extent of local breeding efforts and the magnitude of illegal imports are not known, but as a national security issue, the VSD should certainly be interested in a thorough investigation. The Jamaica Veterinary Medical Association (JVMA) could aid in this effort, and citizens should be encouraged to report the presence of pit bulls and pit bull incidents to the appropriate authorities.

Make no mistake about it: pit bulls are now in Jamaica, and according to the JVMA, their numbers are on the rise presumably due to illegal importation. That pit bulls have a deserved reputation for unprovoked attacks on other animals and on humans (especially children) has been well substantiated, which is precisely why continuing legislative efforts are seeking to ban pit bulls throughout the world. The authorities in Jamaica should take note of this international movement. Posited simply: should Jamaica await the tragic deaths of innocent children before the issue is addressed? I urge the relevant authorities to address the matter with utmost urgency.

I am, etc.,

B.S. WILSON

St. Andrew

Via Go-Jamaica