BRATTLEBORO — RE: “A people problem, not a dog problem” [Letters, June 20]:
Just because a breed of dog known to be violent can be a “wonderful family pet” doesn't mean it won't ever be violent.
It seems to me that if people want to own a member of a breed that can unpredictably attack, they should take every precaution (leash, fencing, training) to keep the animal isolated.
If the dog winds up mauling them or their children, so be it - their choice.
But if the owners don't control the animal (because it's “so sweet and gentle”), and it attacks other living things, they should be harshly punished (do a little time and lots of community service, and be severely fined, for example).
If the courts would support this, and it's made known that's what's happening throughout the community, people will hesitate before owning such a dog.
Hold the owners responsible and accountable - they're the problem.