A pit bull attempted to kill my neighbor's mare in her pasture. The attack was completely unprovoked and likely would have resulted in the horse's death if the horse's owner and dog's owner had not intervened. The pit chased the horse until it could run no more, then it began leaping and biting the horse's flanks, inflicting serious wounds each time it bit. In a panic, the mare began circling and kicking. Although one kick connected, the dog was undeterred in its attack. At one point the pit locked its powerful jaws onto the front shoulder of the mare and hung suspended from her side. The mare began to buck and spin tightly in a futile attempt to dislodge the dog. Finally, completely exhausted and near collapse, the horse stopped struggling and stood motionless. The dog dropped from the horse's shoulder, went under the mare's neck and attempted several times to latch onto her throat.

The commotion attracted the entire neighborhood to the pasture, including both animal owners. The horse owner had a rifle and was looking to get a clear shot at the dog. While stating emphatically she would cover all damages, the pit owner was frantically trying to get control of her animal. She managed to distract the pit from its attack, got a leash on it and led it out of the pasture. Extensive emergency veterinary treatment saved the horse. Within 48 hours, the pit bull was gone from our neighborhood. It was not put down.

All breeds can have "bad dogs" and "biters". Not many have the deadly potential of the pit bull.