Death by Pitbull:

Bred to Kill

By Richard Morris

Genre: Non-fiction/Animals

Independently Published

Pages: 235

Note: We received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Little Background

Back in February 2022 we received a review request for a “dog book.” It sang the praises of a pit bull, Stella. Here’s how we wrapped up that review:

So there’s no doubt Stella is a wonderful dog. (Not as wonderful as a certain Border Collie mix. But nobody’s perfect.) After awhile, however, I just wanted this book to end. Additionally, Kimber has a story of her own on the subject. Sort of.

Kimber: When I was about a year old, Mom and I were out for a walk. On a public street. Chugging along. Minding our own business. All of a sudden two dogs tore out of a house, racing straight toward us. They had us surrounded faster than you can say “Rin Tin Tin.”

One dog grabbed my shoulder. Mom pushed him off. He came back again. Mom jumped between us. She morphed into Mama Grizzly Mode, yelling and screaming at those dogs to Go away! Go home! Leave us alone! Get. Your. Dogs! (Note: You so don’t want to mess with Mama Grizzly Mom the Raving Lunatic. Ever.)

The owner finally came out of the house. The dogs didn’t pay any attention to her. Another human finally came out and got ahold of those two dogs. It took some doing.

We got away. I wasn’t hurt. But I was scared! Those were the most aggressive dogs I’ve ever seen.

Both were pit bulls.

You can read our review in full here. 

So Richard Morris’s book struck a chord. Here’s our review:

Are They?

Are pit bulls aggressive, unpredictable dogs with the potential to kill anything that moves? Or are they loyal and lovable family pets who are too often misunderstood, the victims of bad press and unfounded fear?

Attorney Richard Morris takes an in-depth look at the pit bull controversy in his new and highly readable book, Death by Pitbull: Bred to Kill.

Strong Emotions

To many dog owners and dog lovers, the words “pit bull” elicit strong emotions. Perhaps no other dog breed ignites an argument like “pit bull” does. Richard Morris’s ground-breaking book takes a closer look at pit bulls. Based on hard data, statistics, extensive research and other evidence regarding pit bulls, Death by Pitbull catalogs “the danger to humans and others presented by these high-risk dogs.”

The Dedication

In the beginning the author explains that his book is dedicated to “the thousands of victims, and their families, of pit bull attacks. Hopefully exposing the dangers of pit bulls and pit bull myths will reduce the number of senseless deaths and life-long suffering resulting from those attacks.” The book also counters “generally held misconceptions” about pit bulls. Its contents “hopefully will save human lives and catastrophic injuries from the unpredictable attack by pit bulls.”

Real Stories, Real People, Real Tragedies

Using real stories from real people to illustrate the dangers of high risk dogs in general and pit bulls in particular, the author notes that there are “some good pit bull dogs.” But that is not the point, he argues, writing that, “The point is they are not predictable.” Thus, he says it’s impossible to identify which pit bulls are the good ones and which will attack and kill or cause catastrophic injuries. Another subject of hot debate addressed in this book is: What is a reasonable way to control these animals and protect the public and allow people to own them?

Three Sections

Death by Pitbull examines same in three essential sections: Part One is Popular Myths. Part Two is True Stories. Part Three is Other Stuff. Also included are three Appendices: Private Prosecution, an After Dog Attack Checklist, and Model Laws. Extensive End Notes are included.

Part One

Part One, Popular Myths, includes nine oft-heard and repeated assertions related to pit bulls. These include It’s the Owner, Not the Breed; Impossible to Identify a Pit Bull; Human-Aggressive Pits ‘Culled’; and Statistics About Pit Bulls Are False. Also The Media is Against Pit Bulls; Pit Bulls are Not Unpredictable; Pit Bull’s Locking Jaw; Pits Were the Most Popular Dog; and Punish the Deed Not the Breed. Meticulously researched, each myth is addressed and ably refuted in lawyerly fashion. (The author is a retired lawyer.)

These are followed by Why These Myths Persist. In this section, Morris points out the fallacies and failings of pit bull advocacy arguments.

Part Two

Part Two, True Stories, is perhaps the most difficult portion of this book. It’s a collection of stories told by those who suffered “the terrors and tears of deaths, and permanent lifetime injuries from pit bull dogs.” Many involve young children. It’s intense. Deeply disturbing. And chilling.

Part Three

Other Stuff includes Mental State of Pit Bull Owners, How to Talk to a Pit Bull Devotee, Do Dog Shelters Lie?, Get the Law Changed, Pit Bull Lobby Funding Exposed, Tactics of Pit Bull Lobby, Self Defense Against Pit Bulls, Service Fogs: Real and Fake, and Legal Recourse. Also A Few Words to Pit Bullers. And what to do if you’re a victim of an attack.

Lobbying & Propaganda?

The section on pit bull lobbying is an eye-opener. Here the author takes a look at “the pit bull advocacy and propaganda machine.” Also examined are talking points and tactics from pit bull advocates and the “lobby money trail.” Service Dogs, Real and Fake looks at signs and tip-offs of fake service dogs and how to file a fake service dog report with the ADA.

This is followed by a list of organizations related to education and information about pit bulls and “pit bull propaganda in America.” It includes pit bull awareness advocacy groups and statistical information about fatal pit bull attacks. Also a Disclaimer and a lengthy list of Suggested Reading and Videos. Model Laws includes a model pit bull ban law.

Worth The Risk?

Few nonfiction writers have tackled this topic with as much professionalism and diligence as has author Richard Morris. Death by Pitbull is thorough and thought-provoking. Powerful, articulate, and persuasive, it uses real data, hard facts and first person testimony and the like to pose pointed questions for pit bull owners and those who visit places with pit bulls. Chief among them: Is it worth the risk?

Opinions on pit bulls run the gamut. But this is a powerful read, strongly supported by solid writing, expert analytical skills, and careful attention to facts, reason, statistics, data, and detail. The writing style is dynamic, engaging, and nimble. The pacing is brisk and moves from one section to the next with ease and fluidity. It is thoroughly engrossing and absorbing.

Not Easy

Please note that Death by Pitbull isn’t an “easy” read. In fact, it’s quite sobering. The author marshals vast quantities of data, experience, and information with great skill to present his case. Well-sourced, meticulously researched, and timely, it’s impressive. And thoroughly compelling. I read it cover to cover in one sitting.

Death by Pitbull is definitely a worthwhile read. The title may give some readers cause for pause. Read for yourself and draw your own conclusions. It will certainly make you think, offering much food for thought on the subject of pit bulls and pit bull ownership.

Imperative

Finally, Death by Pitbull is a serious book about a serious subject. It merits a wide audience. It is imperative reading for any dog lover, dog owner, potential dog owner, elected officials, anyone who has or may get a pit bull, and other humans. 

Our Rating: 5.0

Kimber: Jumpin’ in here to add my two kibbles.

This was one of the most difficult and challenging reviews Her Momness has ever tackled. The book kept her up all night. And in Mom’s millions of years of dog ownership (more like dogs owned her, but whatever), she’s only had issues with one breed. Guess which one?

Yeah.

Humans are all over the map on the topic of pit bulls. But our experience echoes those described in this book. It’s a must read.