I want to commend the editorial board for its recent condemnation of the irresponsible attitude displayed by the owner/keeper of the pit bull that maimed a child in Kennedy Park (Sept. 3).

One would like to believe the owner/keeper’s lack of judgment is an anomaly; sadly, in my opinion, it is not.

In the past several years, I and my neighbors have experienced many dangerous encounters with pit bulls. One neighbor was forced to take cover in her own yard to avoid a snarling pit bull running loose on the street; on multiple occasions, others had to take evasive action to protect small pet dogs from loose pit bulls. Unleashed pit bulls have entered my driveway when I or others were standing with our leashed dogs.

In every instance, the owner/keeper of the pit bull became defensive when challenged to leash and control their pit bull.

We can debate forever the question of nature vs. nurture: Is the pit bull an inherently aggressive breed or does it depend on the manner in which it was raised?

Because this question has no definite answer, we must ask a different question: What steps can we take to protect the public from careless pit bull owners/keepers?

Other municipalities have examined and debated this issue. We should look to them, in particular the Canadian Province of Ontario, to start the discussion in Lewiston-Auburn.

I would encourage our elected officials to take the lead in this area to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods

Patricia Mador, Auburn