The Issue Of Pit Bulls

Pit Bulls are known worldwide for being inherently dangerous and extremely vicious, but according to the American Temperament Test Society, Inc. 86.8% of American Pit Bull Terriers have passed their temperament tests better than Collies, Golden Retrievers, and Beagles. Many people don’t know that the term “bully breed” refers to more than forty breeds that hail from the same root breed. The history of the Pit Bull goes back to about the nineteenth century, during that time they were used to protect livestock, families, and even children as nannies (the Canine Journal). Today Pit Bulls are used as therapy dogs, police dogs, and of course a simple companion. Many myths about pit bulls circulate, which scares society into believing that they are dangerous to us and our families the question of banning Pit Bulls has been hotly discussed around the world, but banning Pit Bulls will not stop illegal breeding, fighting and distribution of Pit Bulls, other dogs from biting, and the problem will grow. The question of whether or not Pit Bulls should be banned is a hot topic in recent society, but the real question is should Pit Bulls be punished for the actions of their owners, or should laws be enforced at a higher degree.

When you mention the words Pit Bull, many times people immediately begin talking about the statistics of them attacking other people as well as other dogs. A survey was conducted in 2009 of attack percentages of Pit Bulls compared to other breeds such as Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Chows. Among this survey, the Pit Bull breed scored the lowest with a 0.00125 and the highest being the Rottweiler with a score of 0.00433 (https://defendpitbulls.com/pit-bull-attack-statistics/). On the website Dogsbite.org, it states that Pit-Bulls are the leading culprit in dog attacks, this is just a broad statistic which does not adequately explain whether these attacks were of

Although the numerous statements declaring that Pit Bulls kill people is correct, because they do, according to DogsBite.org, Pit Bulls caused 71% of all dog related deaths in the United States in 2016, even though this breed only make up 6% of the dog population (“Dog Bite Fatalities”). Although statistics back up statements by Valich, there are unethical implications  of banning an entire breed of dog that are not covered in the forum. In an article “Breed-Specific Legislation”, there are many factors that come into play when dealing with the cause of dog bites, despite the genes and the breed of the dog being important information: early experiences this dog had, socialization, training, the health of the dog, both mental and physical, as well as how the victim behaved towards the dog are all key factors (“Breed Specific Legislation”). The media scrutinizes how many attacks there are by Pit Bulls. They do not shed light that these dogs are more than just an aggressive danger to society, Pit Bulls can also be docile. As quoted by Joshua Holland, in his 2013 article “Pit Bulls use to be Considered the Perfect Nanny Dogs for Children”, he states that Pit Bulls are, behind only golden retrievers, the second most tolerant breeds of dogs tested by the American Temperance Testing Society. Information such as this was not posted in Valich’s forum. If Valich were to use any

The main reason pit bulls attack is because they are mentally unstable, a mixed breed and show overbearing traits, or because they are mistreated by their owners. The public must understand that the three “pit bull breeds were bred for dog fighting and bear and bull-baiting” (PBRC). On the other hand, they were also kept as “nanny dogs” and used for herding cattle. “Pit bulls are ideal for therapy work because of their pleasant nature” (PBRC). These are three of the most stable breeds known to man. They have a very high temperament test score, 86% as of 2010, a lot higher than most breeds. “The American Pit Bull Terrier is one of the top 5 most stable breeds in the country” (PBRC). Anyone can see that this is an excellent breed of dog. There are a few things that people should know though. “Pit bulls have a lower Tolerance to dogs, but with any breed, a dog’s tolerance changes as they mature” (PBRC). “Maturity can come late with pit bull breeds” (Villalobos Rescue Center). The reason for this low tolerance is because of their history of dog fighting. It has been bred into them to have the will to fight. Pit bulls usually do not start a fight most of the time, but they will not back down or give up. Due to this, owners must be cautious and attentive.

The media portrays Pit Bulls as innately aggressive and dangerous due to their past with dog fights. There are banns all around the world on people owning Pit Bulls, and restricting them on what they can and can’t do with their dog. For example, recently in Montreal Canada, Pit Bulls were banned and ordered to be surrendered, euthanized or have very strict limitations on their freedoms outside their homes (Malboeuf, M 2016). Pit Bulls in the media can go back a long time, but they didn’t become such a target for BSL until football star Michael Vick was convicted and charged with animal abuse, slaughter and illegal dog fighting (Animal Legal Defense Fund 2010). BSL is an acronym for breed specific legislation which is a law that bans or restricts certain types of breeds based on their appearance, usually because they are perceived as dangerous breeds of

MAIN IDEA #2: One of the biggest preconceived notions about the pit bull is that they are the most dangerous dogs in the world that run around wild-eyed and blood thirsty. They have been improperly labeled as vicious creatures that are incapable of love and

Banning a breed, which the technical words are breed specific legislation, is not a good idea. Putting a ban on pit bulls is a less than great idea because people will continue to own pit bulls and hide them or even abandon their dog(s) and leave them to die. The irresponsible owners should deal with heavier fines and possibly jail time and this might scare these owners into training their pit bull properly. There is no proven fact that banning pit

When I say I have a pit bull does that frighten you? For most people, it does, even though it shouldn’t. I feel the dog restrictions in Shullsburg are limiting the lifestyles for both specific dog breeds as well as their owners. Did you know that in a way pit bulls are not even a breed? There are seven different dog breeds that are classified as pits. My puppy, a terrier, lab, retriever, and pit bull mix, is both loving and affectionate, but because she is part pit bull many already have a bad image plastered in their heads without even meeting her. When uneducated people say bad things about pit bulls, it devastates me. My personal opinion to this topic may be different than yours; however, I’m just asking you to have an open-mind and take into consideration what I am saying. Maybe at the end, you will start to feel why I am so heartbroken by what people have said about this specific breed. When people stereotype a pit bull as “vicious” they are limiting the capabilities as well as opportunities for this breed. My dog has to be muzzled, on a four-foot leash and walked by someone 16 years of age or older. At the

Pit Bulls are wrongly accused and killed for false actions due to countless, untrue stereotypes created by the actions of humans. Pits have been treated as the outcast of dogs for years now and it has to stop. A numerous amount of innocent dogs are being killed for these false statements. Many states have already issued BSLs or Breed-Specific Laws against Pit Bulls, these laws often have no specification of the dog itself just if it resembles any of the physical characteristics of a Pit Bull.

Every day in the United States, there are pit bulls be banned, and euthanized. Dog Shelters are overfilled with pit bulls. There are approximately 937 cities in the united states that has some sort of a Breed Restriction legislation. To me this is absurd! People are getting these dogs and are training them to fight. It 's so wrong. Pit bulls are so discriminated against now because how people are training these dogs to fight. Every time I hear about a dog fight or seeing a pit bull chained up makes me really upset. I 'm tired of it. How would those people feel if they were treated like that? I personally love Pit bulls, but some people don 't. I personally own a brindle pit bull named Boosie. I always say how a dog turns out depends on their owner. I had my dog ever since he was a puppy, and I raised him very well. He 's so sweet and loving. I don 't see how people would want to ban pit bulls?

Today, the United States of America is hardly “United”. Divisions between race, religion and breed has left the country scrambling for answers. The answers themselves, are not always the right ones. Breed Specific Legislation are laws enacted in states and countries across the world that place bans and restrictions on certain breeds including Rottweilers, Boxers, and Pit Bulls. Several of these dogs are euthanized and ripped out of their homes if their owners do not fill out the right paperwork, with no reason other than their the dog's’ bloodline.These laws, are not only discriminatory against the breed, but built in fear of the unknown mind of the dogs themselves. Breed Specific Legislation should not be enacted because

Pitbulls in past years have been getting a lot of attention in national media, for being an aggressive and dangerous type of dog. In cities nationwide governments have been putting bans on the breeding and keeping of pit bulls in homes. However, before the era of dogfighting, pit bulls were nicknamed “America’s Dog” (Pisani), and the reason for this is because they were popular in pop culture up until they were bred and trained for dogfights. Since the 1980’s pit bulls have gotten a bad rap, but they really should not have, because it is they way they are trained and cared for by their owners and not in their genes to act aggressively.

Owning a pit bull in today’s day and age has one of two reactions: Either the person loves them or is terrified of them. There are so many myths about Pit Bulls and they are just that. Myths. Some of the myths that surround pit bulls are that they have “lock jaw” and they have a killer instinct that does not stop at just killing other animals. Pit bull advocates, such as myself, know that Pit Bulls have always been known as the “nanny dog” throughout history because of how much they love children and their loyalty to their families. Mean or vicious dogs come from ignorant, irresponsible owners. The bottom line is that not all pit bulls are bad.

These changes in legislation are growing due to increased amounts of incidents; however, the author does not state if he is appeased by these laws being put into place, or that he is just stating the facts that such legislation does exist due to known problems caused by this breed. One piece of evidence that the author brings up the fact that some cities are attempting to ban these dogs only because they cause a decrease in tourists due to their “vicious appearance” (Valish). People tend to get nervous around scary looking dogs, but a city so reliant on tourist money should not stoop so low as to banning them so families can enjoy the town. There are already so many different laws put into place when it comes to dealing with Pit Bulls. Both Breed-Specific Legislation and Holland's articles discussed how ineffective this is is, it is more costly than it is effective. “Breed on its own is not an effective indicator or predictor of aggression in dogs” (Australian Sheep

“One night,me and one of my 4 pit bulls were laying down in the living room watching tv.Suddenly a car pulled into our driveway and all 4,including the one laying with me were barking at the intruder.The commotion all ended when they realized the intruder was,my uncle.Shortly after the civil war fighting dogs were imported to the U.S and were crossbred in hopes of creating the most vicious dog ever,the American Pit Bull Terrier.Since then dogfighting had expanded across the world and died down when it was banned in most parts of the world.30% of dogs rescued from dog fighting pens were pit bulls.Pits are being used to fight and kill other dogs.People should be able to keep pit bulls because,theyre good family dogs,loyal to their ownerss,protective