Earlier this month, a family on the NSW Central Coast was left devastated after their much-loved family pet went into the bedroom of their five week old baby in the middle of the night and mauled him to death.

That attack renewed calls from some that American Staffordshire Terriers should be banned from our communities outright, but is it the breed that is to blame, or might the training and socialisation of individual dogs be the key to reducing aggression?

The Quicky speaks to our very own American Staffy owner, and an expert in dog behaviour to find out what we can do to ensure that our fur babies don't pose a threat to anyone.

If you've suffered the loss, or are grieving for a child, you can reach out to the Sands Australia 24/7 bereavement support line on: 1300 308 307

Subscribe to The Quicky at... https://mamamia.com.au/the-quicky/

CREDITS 

Host/Producer: Claire Murphy

Executive Producer: Siobhán Moran-McFarlane

Audio Producer: Ian Camilleri

Guests:

Holly Wainwright - Head of Content at Mamamia, co-host of Mamamia Out Loud and This Glorious Mess, and the proud mum of an American Staffordshire Terrier

Kristy Blake - RSPCA NSW General Manager of Animal Operations, who has previously adopted American Staffordshire Terriers 

The RSPCA offers information about dangerous dogs and how to prevent dog attacks in the community.

CONTACT US

Got a topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at [email protected]

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.