If you believe pit bulls are family pets, you’re placing a life-and-death bet.
Pit bulls kill someone about every two weeks. It’s not how you raise them. Half the people they kill are part of the family. Half of those are children. You’re betting they’re not next. Is the pit a good bet?
Pit bulls killed or injured almost 13,000 dogs and cats in 2022. You’re betting your pet isn’t next. Is the pit a good bet?
Death by Pitbull exposes the dangers, documents them, and explains how to protect yourself, your children, and your pets.
Richard W. Morris is an octogenarian observer and enjoyer of life, a retired lawyer and educator. Licensed in Arizona, California, the Supreme Court of the United States, various lower federal courts, and the United Kingdom of England and Wales. He joined Mensa in 1971, has also served as a teacher and adjunct professor. His academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Economics, a Juris Doctor, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration.
Morris’s passion for aviation spans over half a century, starting with his student pilot license in high school. Holding airline transport pilot credentials as well as flight and ground instructor licenses, he has flown as pilot-in-command (captain) in approximately 40 countries across four continents.
In the legal field, Morris began as a prosecutor before transitioning to criminal defense and eventually focusing on civil law. Beyond his legal work, he has contributed to writing and publishing. His articles have appeared in a wide range of publications, including San Diego Realtor Magazine, San Diego Mensan, American Atheist, Playboy, Truth Seeker, Art World News, The Arizona Republic, Secular World, Arizona Journal, American Ostrich, Sun Life Magazine, International Liberty, the Los Angeles Daily Journal, Scragged, and the Free the People website. He was also a columnist for the now-defunct Page USA newspaper in Page, Arizona.
Morris’s literary works span diverse genres. He coauthored The Art Fraud Virus with Richard W. Stevens and authored Fragments of Life, a small collection of his poems, as well as If Abe Had Been Honest, a short historical novel. Switching to a philosophical novel, he wrote God on Trial, a book about critical thinking, and challenges readers to ask themselves: What do I know and how do I know it? Shifting to nonfiction, he penned Death by Pit Bull — Bred to Kill, an exploration of the dangers associated with pit bull dogs.
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.
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.”
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.”
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?
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, 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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Title: Finally, a book that tells the truth without apology.
I picked up Death by Pitbull expecting sensationalism. What I got was cold, hard data, and a wake-up call I didn’t know I needed.
The author doesn’t hate dogs. That’s the first thing you should know. But they refuse to play the “it’s all how you raise them” game. And thank God for that. Because after reading this book, I realized that game gets people killed.
The statistic that stopped me cold? Pit bulls kill someone about every two weeks. Not “aggressive breeds in general.” Pit bulls specifically. And half of those victims are the dog’s own family members. Half of those are children. You can’t unread that.
I’ve been that person saying, “But my friend’s pit is a sweetheart.” And maybe that’s true, until it isn’t. The book walks through case after case: beloved family pits, raised gently, no abuse history, who one day turned. Not because they were “evil.” Because they were bred for gameness, the willingness to fight to the death without giving warning signs.
The chapter on pet attacks made me sick. Nearly 13,000 cats and dogs killed or injured by pits in a single year. Not in fighting rings. In backyards and living rooms. You think your little terrier is safe because you socialized your pit? The book shows you why that’s wishful thinking.
What I love most? This isn’t a rant. It’s a survival guide. It tells you exactly how to protect yourself, your kids, and your other pets, whether you own a pit or live next to one. No vague “be careful.” Real tactics. Real legal advice. Real warning signs most trainers won’t admit exist.
If you’re tired of being gaslit by “nanny dog” myths, read this book. If you’ve ever held your breath while your toddler patted a neighbor’s pit, read this book. If you love dogs, all dogs, read this book. Because love doesn’t mean lying about risk. And after reading Death by Pitbull, I’ll never gamble my family’s safety on a bet I now know the pit bull was never designed to win.
Death by Pitbull is not just a book it’s a public service. Richard Morris has crafted an incredibly well-researched and powerfully argued case that challenges the narratives we’ve been fed about pit bulls for decades. This isn’t emotional fearmongering. It’s rational, evidence-based, and necessary.
What struck me most was how fair the author is. He openly acknowledges that there are “good” pit bulls. He doesn’t demonize every individual dog, but he focuses on the breed risk and unpredictability factor. That distinction is important, because too often these conversations devolve into personal anecdotes “I knew a pit bull once and it was great” rather than looking at population-level patterns.
The “Popular Myths” section was a revelation. I had heard many of them before (“it’s the owner, not the breed” and “pit bulls used to be America’s favorite dog”), but Morris goes deep into why these statements persist, how they are perpetuated by lobby groups, and where the flaws in reasoning lie. His methodical, lawyerly dismantling of these claims is both fascinating and unsettling.
Then come the true stories, and here the book transforms from an intellectual exercise into something far more urgent and visceral. The sheer volume of incidents many involving children is hard to ignore. These aren’t isolated freak accidents; they’re part of a larger, troubling pattern.
Morris also provides practical resources, including a checklist for after a dog attack and model laws that could help prevent future tragedies. This isn’t just a book to inform it’s a call to action.
I walked away from Death by Pitbull with my mind changed and my perspective forever altered. Whether you love pit bulls, hate them, or have never thought much about them, this book is essential reading.
As someone who works in local government, I found Death by Pitbull to be one of the most valuable resources I’ve encountered on the topic of dangerous dogs. Richard Morris approaches this issue with the precision of a lawyer, the diligence of a researcher, and the clarity of a skilled communicator.
The book is perfectly structured for both casual readers and those looking for actionable policy guidance. The “Popular Myths” section is not only informative but also incredibly useful for countering misinformation in public forums and legislative discussions. Each myth is backed by citations, real-world examples, and logical analysis.
The “True Stories” section is gut-wrenching. I’ve seen a few local cases of severe dog attacks, but reading about so many in one place drove home just how widespread this problem is. These are not rare, freak incidents they’re part of an ongoing public safety crisis.
The appendices are worth highlighting. Morris includes a model pit bull ban law, a private prosecution guide, and a checklist for what to do after a dog attack. These are practical tools that could save lives and help communities implement effective measures.
Perhaps most importantly, the book isn’t anti-dog it’s pro-safety. Morris repeatedly acknowledges that there are individual pit bulls that are well-behaved and loving. But he never loses sight of the broader reality: as a breed, pit bulls pose a level of risk that no amount of good intentions can eliminate.
This book should be required reading for policymakers, animal control officers, and anyone considering bringing a pit bull into their home. It’s thorough, well-written, and potentially life-saving.
Richard Morris’s Death by Pitbull is not just a book it’s a public service. As someone who grew up with dogs and loves animals deeply, I approached this book cautiously. I’ve always believed that “it’s the owner, not the breed.” But this book challenged me to look deeper beyond emotion, beyond anecdote, into facts.
Morris presents an incredible array of research, statistics, and real-life cases that are deeply unsettling yet absolutely necessary. The section debunking the most popular myths was eye-opening. He doesn't write with hysteria or hate he writes with the clarity of a seasoned attorney and the urgency of someone who wants to save lives.
The stories in Part Two were especially hard-hitting. It’s one thing to hear numbers in passing, but quite another to read about the toddlers, grandparents, and innocent bystanders whose lives were lost or permanently changed. The emotional weight of these stories was immense.
Whether you agree or disagree with breed-specific legislation, this book demands to be read. It is fearless, rational, and ultimately protective of human life. A must-read for parents, dog owners, policymakers, and anyone who wants to make informed decisions.
Richard Morris’s Death by Pitbull stands out as one of the most comprehensive and well-argued books I’ve ever read on a controversial subject. The author’s intention is not to create fear it’s to save lives by confronting dangerous misconceptions with truth and evidence.
The book is laid out clearly in three parts: myths, stories, and policy suggestions. Each section builds upon the last, creating a powerful cumulative case. I was particularly impressed by how the book balances statistical data with personal accounts. This isn’t just about numbers it’s about people. Families torn apart. Victims left with lifelong trauma. These are the kinds of stories that demand to be heard.
The section on the lobbying machine behind pit bull advocacy shocked me. I had no idea how well-funded and strategic these efforts were and how they often drown out the voices of victims. It gave me a new understanding of how public opinion is shaped, and why change is so hard to achieve.
This book doesn’t flinch. It’s not politically correct. It’s brave, necessary, and deeply compassionate. I finished it with a heavy heart and a sharper mind. Highly recommended.
I didn't want to believe it. The data wouldn't let me look away." I'll be honest, I picked this up ready to disagree with it. I've always thought pit bulls were misunderstood and that it all came down to how you raise them. That belief didn't survive the first few chapters. Morris doesn't rant. He doesn't sensationalize. He's a retired lawyer and it shows, he builds his case methodically, fact by fact, incident by incident. By the time I finished, I realized I'd been confusing compassion for dogs with denial about real danger. The statistic that stopped me cold, half the people pit bulls kill are their own family members. Half of those are children. That's not a stranger danger story. That's a wake-up call for every household that has one of these dogs around kids. The lesson I took away wasn't hatred toward any animal. It was this, love without information is just a feeling. Protecting the people and pets in your life requires facing uncomfortable truths, not just comfortable ones. Morris does that without flinching. And after reading this, neither can you. Not an easy read. An important one.
Death by Pitbull: Bred to Kill is a deeply unsettling but important book that left a strong impression on me. Richard W. Morris approaches the subject with research, legal insight, and real-world examples that force readers to confront difficult questions about public safety, responsibility, and dangerous dog ownership.
What I appreciated most was that this book is not written to create fear for the sake of fear, but to encourage awareness and prevention. As someone connected to the legal field, I found the arguments about accountability, family safety, and protecting children and pets especially powerful. It reminded me that laws and education often exist because tragedies could have been prevented.
This book taught me the importance of responsible ownership, understanding animal behavior realistically, and putting community safety first. Whether people agree with every argument or not, it opens an important conversation that many households and communities need to have. A thought-provoking and impactful read that stays with you long after the final page.
I came across *Death by Pitbull: Bred to Kill* while browsing one of my favorite nonfiction genres on Amazon, and I honestly didn’t expect it to stay with me the way it did. Whether people agree with every argument or not, Richard W. Morris presents his case in a direct, research-driven way that forces you to think seriously about responsibility, risk, and public safety.
What I appreciated most was that the book doesn’t rely purely on emotion, it pushes readers to look at patterns, statistics, and real-life consequences instead of assumptions. One lesson I took from it is that loving animals should also include being honest about potential dangers and making informed decisions that protect children, families, and other pets.
It’s one of those books that sparks difficult conversations, but sometimes those are the conversations worth having. Thought-provoking, unsettling, and impossible to ignore once you start reading.
Found *Death by Pitbull: Bred to Kill* while browsing one of my favorite nonfiction categories on Amazon and ended up finishing it faster than expected. What surprised me most was how direct and evidence-driven the book is. It doesn’t rely on emotional panic or sensationalism. The statistics, case examples, and legal perspective made me rethink a lot of assumptions I’d accepted for years without questioning.
One thing that stayed with me is the idea that loving animals and being honest about risk are not opposites. That distinction is handled better here than in most discussions around this subject. You can tell the author approached this from decades of observation rather than internet outrage.
Even if someone disagrees with parts of the argument, it’s still the kind of book that forces people to examine what they believe and why they believe it.
Death by Pitbull: Bred to Kill is a direct and uncompromising examination of a highly debated and emotionally charged subject. Richard W. Morris approaches the topic with conviction, presenting his perspective through research, case references, and structured argumentation. The book maintains a focused tone, aiming to inform readers about the risks and controversies surrounding the breed.
What stands out most is the author’s assertive and data-driven approach. Richard W. Morris presents his claims with clarity and urgency, encouraging readers to engage critically with the evidence and arguments laid out. The book contributes to an ongoing public safety discussion and invites readers to consider policy, responsibility, and risk awareness within their communities.
This book was intense, eye-opening, and honestly hard to ignore once I started reading. Richard W. Morris presents the topic in a direct way that pushes readers to think beyond emotions and look at the real risks, statistics, and experiences surrounding pit bulls. Whether someone agrees with every point or not, the book definitely starts an important conversation about safety, responsibility, and awareness.
What stood out to me most was how strongly the author focused on protecting children, families, and other pets. I finished the book feeling more informed and more conscious about the importance of understanding animal behavior instead of blindly assuming every situation is safe. A bold and thought-provoking read.
Death by Pitbull: Bred to Kill is a book that feels deliberately intense and confronting from the very first page. It doesn’t soften its message or leave room for comfort it pushes a strong, fear driven argument about pit bulls and their dangers, repeating statistics and questions in a way that feels urgent and unsettling.
Reading it, I felt less like I was being guided through balanced information and more like I was being pressed into a very specific viewpoint. It’s emotionally charged, repetitive in tone, and clearly written to provoke concern and caution rather than invite open reflection.
Overall, it’s a heavy and controversial read that will likely resonate strongly with those who already agree with its stance, but may feel overwhelming or one sided for others.
Richard Morris doesn’t write from emotion alone, he builds his argument with cases, patterns, and hard questions most people avoid because they don’t want to believe the risk is real. What made the biggest impact on me was how often the victims were people who thought “it would never happen to us.”
I finished the book looking at responsibility in a completely different way. One lesson that stuck with me is that love for animals should never replace honesty about danger. The book isn’t just about dogs, it’s about how easily people ignore warning signs when emotions, trends, or personal attachment get involved.
Whether people agree with every point or not, this is the kind of book that forces a conversation instead of allowing assumptions to go unchallenged.
*Death by Pitbull: Bred to Kill* was a powerful and eye-opening read that completely changed the way I think about safety, responsibility, and awareness around dangerous animals. Richard W. Morris presents his arguments with strong examples and real-life cases that kept me deeply engaged from beginning to end. Whether you agree with every point or not, the book forces you to think critically and pay attention to risks many people choose to ignore.
What I learned most from this book is the importance of being informed instead of emotional when it comes to protecting children, pets, and communities. It reminded me that prevention and awareness can save lives. This book is bold, thought-provoking, and impossible to forget.
Death Pitbull is a gripping and intense read that delivers suspense, emotion, and powerful storytelling from beginning to end. The author creates a dark and compelling atmosphere that keeps readers fully engaged with every chapter. The characters are raw, believable, and layered with depth, making the story feel both thrilling and emotionally charged. The pacing is sharp and consistent, with enough twists to keep the tension alive throughout. Overall, Death Pitbull is a bold and memorable book that leaves a strong impression long after finishing it.
Death Pitbull is the exact kind of book that grabs you by the collar on page one and doesn't let go until the very end! The author strikes a perfect balance between high-octane tension and genuinely cool, unforgettable characters that you can't help but root for. It is packed with sharp storytelling and an atmospheric edge that keeps you turning pages way past your bedtime. If you're looking for a gripping, wildly entertaining read that delivers major energy, do yourself a favor and pick this one up!
This narrative delivers a sharply focused and intense reading experience, showcasing a masterful grasp of lean, atmospheric prose. The relentless pacing and gritty character work are executed with notable professional precision, making it a solid choice for fans of hard-hitting, no-frills storytelling.
Death Pitbull is a gripping and intense read that keeps you hooked from the very first page. The story blends suspense, emotion, and raw energy in a way that makes the characters feel vivid and unforgettable. If you enjoy dark, fast-paced books with heart and tension, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Death Pitbull is a gritty, intense, and adrenaline-filled read that keeps the tension high from beginning to end. The story delivers a raw atmosphere, sharp suspense, and unforgettable moments that will appeal to readers who enjoy dark and hard-hitting fiction. Boldly written and emotionally charged, this book leaves a lasting impression long after the final page.
This book reveals the workings of the pit bull lobby, facts about the breed, and importantly victims stories and experiences. It is truly eyeopening if you'er are even considering to get this breed as a pet. Was thinking of getting another dog, it will never be a pit bull knowing what I know now.