"Pit Bulls and Stupid Fools"

[kaaryn]

Written by Doug Giles (http://www.clashradio.com/)
Saturday, July 21, 2007

It’s sad that one of the greatest dog breeds ever to grace the planet, the American Pit Bull Terrier, has fallen into the hands of animal abusing idiots. Guys like Michael Vick, our nation’s scurrilous hip hop hoodlums and other waste-of-sperm-and-eggs are not even worthy to carry this canine’s excrement much less superintend their subsistence. The Pit Bulls should be walking these boys on the leash, teaching them to fetch, heel and sit and not the other way around.

I think I speak for all Pit Bull lovers by saying, “thanks morons for sullying a substantial animal’s rep via dog fighting.” Why don’t you Darwinian holdovers get another hobby, huh ladies? I’ve got something you could do. Since you like doing radical stuff … how about bungee jumping without the bungee? Or base jumping without a ‘chute? Or trying to catch bullets with your teeth? Yeah … that’s it.

Of the many things that suck about Vick’s and his vapid gang’s Pit Bull fighting, one particular thing (aside from the obvious abuse) that ticks me off is this noble breed gets officially branded, once again, as Satan’s Cerberus.

The truth of the matter is that the Pit Bull is one of the sweetest dogs that has ever schlepped this pebble and anyone who’s spent any time around a well bred bully knows that I speak the truth. Can I get a witness my brethren?

When I lived in Texas, I was privileged to have owned several of these fine animals. My children were raised with them from the day they came home from the hospital ‘til the time we moved to Dade County, Florida which unfortunately disallows these dogs.

My Pit Bulls guarded my girls with their life. They were my daughter’s favorite playmates. Our dogs would pull their little wagons, let my girls ride them like a pony, let them dress them up in goofy outfits, all the while my dogs sat there patiently taking it with a big Pit Bull grin on their faces.

At night my bullies would lay at my little ladies’ feet, protecting them as they simultaneously rested and recharged their batteries so they could wake up the next day and conquer the earth all over again.

Pit Bulls vicious? I don’t think so. Not mine. Not unless you really pushed them or threatened our family. If you were dumb enough to do that, then you got the message real quick from our pups that you were about to meet Jesus if you did not cease and desist.

Our dogs were more like comedians than commandos. They showed zero unwarranted aggression towards people and pooches. They had amazing discernment, insane athletic ability and undaunted courage. This breed impacted me so much I wrote a book about their magnificent spirit (go to amazon.com The Bulldog Attitude).

As far as I’m concerned, the Pit Bull is one of the most awesome animals on the planet. And before hype hit the fan, and the local news needed fresh chum for the gullible ones and the pimps and thugs became the owners of this noble animal, The United States of America thought so as well.

Yes, the U.S. believed that the Pit Bull was great enough to be our mascot in World War One. During WWI, Life magazine frequently had Pit Bulls on their covers and in their cartoons, using them as a symbol of America’s stalwart spirit.

In Jacqueline O’Neil’s book, the American Pit Bull Terrier, Jackie brings out the fact that a Pit Bull named Stubby was the war’s outstanding canine soldier. He earned the rank of Sergeant, was mentioned in official dispatches and earned two medals – one for warning of a gas attack and the other for holding a German spy at bay at Chemin des Dames until the American troops arrived.

In addition, the Pit Bull was also one of our nation’s beloved canine movie stars. Remember, the Our Gang and Little Rascals comedy series with Spanky, Alfalfa, Darla and Buck Wheat? Do you remember their dog, Pete? He was a Pit Bull (actually, they used ten different Pit Bulls for the show). Did Pete eat any of the cast of the show? No. Was he cool, tolerant, funny and well behaved as the Little Rascals used him to pull their wagons, do their tricks and run their errands? Yes.

Historically speaking, it was not the pimps and thugs or the foolishly over paid depraved athletes and empty entertainers that owned these dogs. Matters of fact, some of our most famous folks were fanciers of the Pit Bull, namely; Thomas Edison, Helen Keller, President Theodore Roosevelt, Jack Dempsey and Fred Astaire.

As you can tell my affection and esteem for this animal is sky high. My dogs were amazing. It sickens me to think that because of some goof’s desire to make some cash off a dog fight, or his desire to posture himself as some tough guy, or his wet dream of being just like the guy he saw on MTV that this brilliant breed walks away with a black eye. I say lets give the black eye to the bad guy who abuses a bulldog and leave the dog alone.

[VRWC]

'nuf said.

[Kitka]

Pit Bulls are deadly and should not be legal to own IMO.

[Kitka]

The truth of the matter is that the Pit Bull is one of the sweetest dogs that has ever schlepped this pebble and anyone who’s spent any time around a well bred bully knows that I speak the truth. Can I get a witness my brethren?

My mailman at my old home who has chased onto my car and then attacked by one of them would disagree. My chlidren, who were playing in my back yard whlie another one busted through our fence and tried to attack them would disagree. People need to wake up and realize that animals are just that - animals - and some animals can't be trusted. Sure, they're loving - to you - and for now. This breed and some others have a high frequency of attacking humans and the 'sweetness' can't undo that.

[VRWC]

Pit Bulls are deadly and should not be legal to own IMO.

Only those that are bred and trained that way. They are extremely affectionate and loving. It is all in the way they are raised.

[Wabash]

Written by Doug Giles (http://www.clashradio.com/)
Saturday, July 21, 2007

It’s sad that one of the greatest dog breeds ever to grace the planet, the American Pit Bull Terrier, has fallen into the hands of animal abusing idiots. Guys like Michael Vick, our nation’s scurrilous hip hop hoodlums and other waste-of-sperm-and-eggs are not even worthy to carry this canine’s excrement much less superintend their subsistence. The Pit Bulls should be walking these boys on the leash, teaching them to fetch, heel and sit and not the other way around.

I think I speak for all Pit Bull lovers by saying, “thanks morons for sullying a substantial animal’s rep via dog fighting.” Why don’t you Darwinian holdovers get another hobby, huh ladies? I’ve got something you could do. Since you like doing radical stuff … how about bungee jumping without the bungee? Or base jumping without a ‘chute? Or trying to catch bullets with your teeth? Yeah … that’s it.

Of the many things that suck about Vick’s and his vapid gang’s Pit Bull fighting, one particular thing (aside from the obvious abuse) that ticks me off is this noble breed gets officially branded, once again, as Satan’s Cerberus.

The truth of the matter is that the Pit Bull is one of the sweetest dogs that has ever schlepped this pebble and anyone who’s spent any time around a well bred bully knows that I speak the truth. Can I get a witness my brethren?

When I lived in Texas, I was privileged to have owned several of these fine animals. My children were raised with them from the day they came home from the hospital ‘til the time we moved to Dade County, Florida which unfortunately disallows these dogs.

My Pit Bulls guarded my girls with their life. They were my daughter’s favorite playmates. Our dogs would pull their little wagons, let my girls ride them like a pony, let them dress them up in goofy outfits, all the while my dogs sat there patiently taking it with a big Pit Bull grin on their faces.

At night my bullies would lay at my little ladies’ feet, protecting them as they simultaneously rested and recharged their batteries so they could wake up the next day and conquer the earth all over again.

Pit Bulls vicious? I don’t think so. Not mine. Not unless you really pushed them or threatened our family. If you were dumb enough to do that, then you got the message real quick from our pups that you were about to meet Jesus if you did not cease and desist.

Our dogs were more like comedians than commandos. They showed zero unwarranted aggression towards people and pooches. They had amazing discernment, insane athletic ability and undaunted courage. This breed impacted me so much I wrote a book about their magnificent spirit (go to amazon.com The Bulldog Attitude).

As far as I’m concerned, the Pit Bull is one of the most awesome animals on the planet. And before hype hit the fan, and the local news needed fresh chum for the gullible ones and the pimps and thugs became the owners of this noble animal, The United States of America thought so as well.

Yes, the U.S. believed that the Pit Bull was great enough to be our mascot in World War One. During WWI, Life magazine frequently had Pit Bulls on their covers and in their cartoons, using them as a symbol of America’s stalwart spirit.

In Jacqueline O’Neil’s book, the American Pit Bull Terrier, Jackie brings out the fact that a Pit Bull named Stubby was the war’s outstanding canine soldier. He earned the rank of Sergeant, was mentioned in official dispatches and earned two medals – one for warning of a gas attack and the other for holding a German spy at bay at Chemin des Dames until the American troops arrived.

In addition, the Pit Bull was also one of our nation’s beloved canine movie stars. Remember, the Our Gang and Little Rascals comedy series with Spanky, Alfalfa, Darla and Buck Wheat? Do you remember their dog, Pete? He was a Pit Bull (actually, they used ten different Pit Bulls for the show). Did Pete eat any of the cast of the show? No. Was he cool, tolerant, funny and well behaved as the Little Rascals used him to pull their wagons, do their tricks and run their errands? Yes.

Historically speaking, it was not the pimps and thugs or the foolishly over paid depraved athletes and empty entertainers that owned these dogs. Matters of fact, some of our most famous folks were fanciers of the Pit Bull, namely; Thomas Edison, Helen Keller, President Theodore Roosevelt, Jack Dempsey and Fred Astaire.

As you can tell my affection and esteem for this animal is sky high. My dogs were amazing. It sickens me to think that because of some goof’s desire to make some cash off a dog fight, or his desire to posture himself as some tough guy, or his wet dream of being just like the guy he saw on MTV that this brilliant breed walks away with a black eye. I say lets give the black eye to the bad guy who abuses a bulldog and leave the dog alone.

Great post!:paclap

Pit Bulls are deadly and should not be legal to own IMO.

Murderers, rapist and drug dealers should not be allowed to live once convicted. Viva the Death Penalty!

Only those that are bred and trained that way. They are extremely affectionate and loving. It is all in the way they are raised.

Exactly!

[MW]

Pit Bulls are deadly and should not be legal to own IMO.

Yep, guess you vote for taking away my "deadly" gun, since it runs around killing people all by itself. I guess matches should be banned because they start forest fires.

It is SO HARD to blame the @ssholes who TAUGHT the dog to attack . . . no, let's kill the dog for doing what some jerk taught it to do.

Here's a thought . . . let's take the pitt bulls gone bad and let them take care of the rapists and murderers.

[kaaryn]

Personally I'd never own one. But - I'd never own any purebred dog because in general they tend to be more prone to nasty and unpredictable behavior than mutts. (Plus, they cost too darn much!)

I know pit bulls, mastiffs, etc that I wouldn't go within a hundred yards of, and (this is why that essay caught my eye) most of them are owned by people who aren't exactly trying to raise a polite dog, if you know what I mean. Of course you can't always blame it all on the owner, because I'm sure there have been dogs that turned bad in good families, too.

Myself, I've been wary of Dobermans for as long as I remember. But DH had a friend in school whose Doberman was like a kitten and would purr in your lap. So I don't like to draw a sweeping conclusion about an entire breed.

[Indigo]

Hmmm... so if it is ok to kill the dog for what some jerk taught it to do (by abusing it), then I guess it's ok to kill criminals whose excuse for their actions is that they were abused as a child.

As Wabash stated... Viva the Death Penalty!

[Trueblue]

Breeds have different personalities, and some breeds are easier to train to attack. Nobody takes a Standard Poodle or a Retriever and makes them a guard dog.

It's more than just training. I wouldn't have a pit bull. My BIL has one, she was friendly yesterday, but nearly attacked someone on another day.

[MW]

Personally I'd never own one. But - I'd never own any purebred dog because in general they tend to be more prone to nasty and unpredictable behavior than mutts. (Plus, they cost too darn much!)

I

:agree

Purebreeds get overbred and the genetic traits go haywire. That's why German Shepherds and other large breeds have hip problems, Collies tend to be blind or diabetic, Lymphomas are reported in pointers; heart disease is seen in boxers; Dobermans can experience bleeding disorders; Labradors can have skeletal malformation in the hips; eyesight problems can afflict Irish setters.

[MW]

Watch this for info (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwI_qlq5vHs)

Stop Breed Specific Killing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBus4GGsyb4&mode=related&search=)

There are some graphic pics in the first video. I can't get through it without bawling.

[MW]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pit_Bull#Dog_fights

Dog fights

Pit bulls are sometimes used for dog fights, due to their strength, courage, dog-aggressive tendencies (common to all terriers) and widespread availability. Although dog fighting is illegal in the United States, it is still practiced, and is sometimes accompanied by gambling. In the United States Commonwealth of Virginia, for example, it is a felony to organize, promote, be employed by, or wager on a dogfight, whether one is physically present at the fight or not. Laws vary in other states, but most states have some laws to address dogfighting.

Most people who own these breeds direct their dogs' plentiful energy toward nonviolent athletic tasks. Some people train their pit bulls for dog agility. Others involve their pit bulls in weight pulling competitions, obedience competitions or schutzhund. The pit bull often excels at these sports. Out of the 25 dogs who have earned UKC "superdog" status (by gaining championship titles in conformation, obedience, agility, and weightpull), fourteen have been pit bulls.

Pit bulls are increasingly being prevented from participating in these events, due to the introduction of local legislation requiring the breed to be muzzled and on leash at all times when in public — with no exceptions for dog sports or obedience competitions.


Although negative information about pit bulls is widespread and, when a negative news story occurs, highly publicized, there are also many positive stories. Some work in hospitals and care facilities as certified therapy dogs, many are well-loved family pets, and some have even saved people's lives. There are many incidences of pit bulls being productively employed by U.S. Customs, as police K9s.

Often pit bulls have been reported to "adopt" other species of animals (such as kittens or squirrels), and are often very motherly towards small children, earning the breed the nickname "nanny dog".

A rescued pit bull called Popsicle is a United States Customs dog, and is famous for sniffing out one of the biggest cocaine busts in history.

In February, 2006, New Yorker magazine writer Malcolm Gladwell published an article surveying the research on pit bulls which concluded that legal attempts to ban the breed were both crude and unnecessary.

In February 2007 a pit bull named "Chief" rescued his family of humans from a spitting cobra by dashing in front of the attacking snake and taking the deadly bite himself. Chief subdued the snake but died of the venom 30 minutes later.

In April 2007, columnist John Canzano of The Oregonian newspaper wrote a favorable piece on Hollywood, the pit bull that formerly belonged to NBA player Qyntel Woods. Hollywood, renamed Stella, was adopted by a loving owner and reformed from a fighting dog to a lap dog.

News reports of injuries and fatal attacks

News media stories of "pit bull attacks" abound. A simple Google search for PITBULL ATTACK will give at least 10 recent attacks in any given month.

Other Facts

* The US Military chose an image of a pit bull to represent America on WWI war posters
* The pit bull is the only dog to have ever appeared on the cover of Life Magazine three times

[Indigo]

Here are the percentages of dogs that passed from the American Temperament Test for some popular breeds... compare them.

AFGHAN HOUND 72.0%
AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER 84.1%
AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER 83.9%
AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD 80.7%
BASSET HOUND 84.8%
BEAGLE 79.7%
BORDER COLLIE 80.0%
BULL TERRIER 91.5%
CHIHUAHUA 71.4%
COCKER SPANIEL 81.7%
COLLIE 79.2%
DACHSHUND (STANDARD SMOOTH) 66.7%
MINIATURE POODLE 76.6%
MINIATURE SCHNAUZER 78.6%
OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG 77.8%
POMERANIAN 75.0%
SCOTTISH TERRIER 63.6%
STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER 85.2%
STANDARD POODLE 85.7%
TOY POODLE 81.6%
YORKSHIRE TERRIER 81.1%


As you can see... pit bulls' temperament scores are either equal to or above many of the popular small breeds.

http://www.atts.org/statistics.html

[MW]

You know what I find interesting . . . if I say every day, a black person was arrested, therefore all blacks are criminals and should be killed . . . there would be an outcry and calling me a racist . . .

YET

It's perfectly acceptable for people to label pittbulls as killers and DEMAND that all of them be destroyed because some jerk has trained their dog to fight and attack . . .

[VRWC]

You know what I find interesting . . . if I say every day, a black person was arrested, therefore all blacks are criminals and should be killed . . . there would be an outcry and calling me a racist . . .

YET

It's perfectly acceptable for people to label pittbulls as killers and DEMAND that all of them be destroyed because some jerk has trained their dog to fight and attack . . .

:paclap:paclap:paclap

[Trueblue]

You know what I find interesting . . . if I say every day, a black person was arrested, therefore all blacks are criminals and should be killed . . . there would be an outcry and calling me a racist . . .

YET

It's perfectly acceptable for people to label pittbulls as killers and DEMAND that all of them be destroyed because some jerk has trained their dog to fight and attack . . .

First of all, that's not a great analogy. :twitch

Who said that they should all be destroyed?

[Trueblue]

Here are the percentages of dogs that passed from the American Temperament Test for some popular breeds... compare them.

AFGHAN HOUND 72.0%
AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER 84.1%
AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER 83.9%
AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD 80.7%
BASSET HOUND 84.8%
BEAGLE 79.7%
BORDER COLLIE 80.0%
BULL TERRIER 91.5%
CHIHUAHUA 71.4%
COCKER SPANIEL 81.7%
COLLIE 79.2%
DACHSHUND (STANDARD SMOOTH) 66.7%
MINIATURE POODLE 76.6%
MINIATURE SCHNAUZER 78.6%
OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG 77.8%
POMERANIAN 75.0%
SCOTTISH TERRIER 63.6%
STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER 85.2%
STANDARD POODLE 85.7%
TOY POODLE 81.6%
YORKSHIRE TERRIER 81.1%


As you can see... pit bulls' temperament scores are either equal to or above many of the popular small breeds.

http://www.atts.org/statistics.html

I need to know more about how these dogs were selected and what the criteria were for passing.

[Indigo]

Description of the Temperament Test

The ATTS Temperament Test focuses on and measures different aspects of temperament such as stability, shyness, aggressiveness, and friendliness as well as the dog's instinct for protectiveness towards its handler and/or self-preservation in the face of a threat.

The test simulates a casual walk through a park or neighborhood where everyday life situations are encountered. During this walk, the dog experiences visual, auditory and tactile stimuli. Neutral, friendly and threatening situations are encountered, calling into play the dog's ability to distinguish between non-threatening situations and those calling for watchful and protective reactions.

Dogs must be at least 18 months old to enter this test. The test takes about eight to 12 minutes to complete. The dog is on a loose six-foot (6') lead. The handler is not allowed to talk to the dog, give commands, or give corrections.

Failure on any part of the test is recognized when a dog shows:

* Unprovoked aggression
* Panic without recovery
* Strong avoidance

The ATTS Temperament Test consists of ten subtests divided into five subcategories:
Behavior Toward Strangers
Objective: To measure the dog's reaction to strangers in a non-threatening situation.

Subtest 1: Neutral stranger
A stranger to the dog approaches the handler, shakes hands with the handler and engages the handler in a brief conversation, ignoring the dog.
The purpose of this subtest is to evaluate the dog's reaction to passive socialization and the dog's protective instinct.

Subtest 2: Friendly stranger
A stranger to the dog approaches happily and briskly, is very friendly to the dog and pets the dog.
The purpose of this subtest is to evaluate the dog's active social skills.
Reaction to Auditory Stimuli
Objective: To measure the dog's reaction to auditory stimuli and the dog's investigative behavior.

Subtest 3: Hidden Noise
The handler/dog team approaches a hidden assistant who rattles a metal bucket filled with rocks and sets this bucket in the path of the team. The handler may encourage the dog to investigate the bucket only when asked to do so. The handler's focus must be on the bucket, not on the dog.
The purpose of this subtest is to test alertness and curiosity.

Subtest 4: Gunshots
The handler stops at a designated marker with his/her back towards a well hidden assistant. The assistant fires three shots using a .22 caliber starter pistol (SHOT-PAUSE-SHOT-SHOT).
The purpose of this subtest is to measure the dog's recovery response to a sudden noise.
Reaction to Visual Stimulus
Objective: To measure the dog's reaction to a sudden visual stimulus.

Subtest 5: Umbrella
The handler/dog team approaches an assistant sitting in a chair holding a closed umbrella parallel to the ground at a 90 degree angle to the approaching team. When the dog is five feet from the assistant, the umbrella is opened. The handler may encourage the dog to investigate the umbrella only when asked to do so. The handler's focus must be on the umbrella, not on the dog.
Tactile Stimuli
Objective: To measure the dog's reaction to unusual footing.

Subtest 6: Plastic Footing
Both the handler and the dog walk the entire length of a 15-foot by 6-foot clear plastic strip.

Subtest 7: Wire Footing
Only the dog will walk the entire length of a 12-foot by 3-foot unfolded exercise pen.

The purpose of these subtests is to measure the dog's sensitivity to unusual footing, its ability to recover from the fear of unusual footing and to measure its investigative behavior to the unusual footing.
Self Protective/Aggressive Behavior
Objective: These tests collectively evaluate the dog's capacity to recognize an unusual situation, its threshold to provocation, its protective instincts, and its propensity to realize when the situation becomes a threat.

Subtest 8: Non-Threatening
The handler/dog team stops at the designated marker. A weirdly-dressed stranger crosses the path 38 feet in front of the team.
The purpose of this subtest is to test the dog's alertness to an unusual situation.

Subtest 9: Threatening
The weird stranger advances 10 feet towards the stationary handler in a threatening manner.
The purpose of this subtest is to evaluate the dog's ability to recognize when an unusual situation turns into a provocation.

Subtest 10: Aggression
The weird stranger advances to within 18 feet of the stationary handler in an aggressive manner.
The purpose of this subtest is to evaluate the dog's protective instincts.

The stranger is never closer than 10 feet from the dog. The handler's 2 foot arm and the 6' lead is added in for a total of 18 feet. Aggression here is checked against the breed standard and the dog's training. A Schutzhund trained dog lunging at the stranger is allowed, but if an untrained Siberian husky does the same, it may fail.

At the conclusion of the test, the handler will receive a critique about the dog's performance. Certificate will be mailed within 90 days of the test.

This copyrighted test may not be used in whole or part without the express written consent of the American Temperament Test Society.


The dogs' owners (breeders and average pet owners) can chose for their dogs to take the test.

[Trueblue]

So beagles are more likely to have bad temperaments than Pitbulls? :lmao

[MW]

Who said that they should all be destroyed?

Pit Bulls are deadly and should not be legal to own IMO.


Who says that they all should be destroyed . . How about Breed Specific Legislation? How about your own town's laws? How about Kitka - after all, if it's illegal to own one, what should we do with all the ones that are currently around . . . let them run the streets wild? Nope, they should be euthanized? Gee, isn't that a $20 word for KILL THEM ALL?


http://www.pitbullregistry.com/breed%20specific%20legislation%20main.htm
Breed Specific Legislation ( BSL ) is often a knee-jerk reaction by legislatures to an incident that has happened where someone has been hurt by an animal. The media is often times irresponsible in reporting such cases and politicians are quick to jump on the band wagon in order to gain the support of a political constituency.

The fact of the matter is that Breed Specific Legislation ( BSL ) does nothing to remedy the problem nor address the issue of animal attacks at its root cause - which is in most cases irresponsible parenting and pet ownership. Laws are already on the books to address these issues, but in most cases will go un-enforced thus allowing injurious incidences to happen. We must hold our municipalities responsible for their lack of enforcement of such laws, which already exist. There is no need to develop Breed Specific Legislation ( BSL ) when responsible parenting and humane care laws are already on the books going unenforced.
<snip>

The American Pit Bull Terrier ( APBT ) is the most discriminated against breed of dog and is often used as the foot in the doorway to enact or extend legislation to cover other breeds. Breed Specific Legislation ( BSL ) does not take into account factors of responsible ownership and punishes all responsible owners of a listed dog or other animal breed.

Breed Specific Legislation ( BSL ) has been proven unconstitutional in many courts and has even been addressed by the US Federal Department of Justice as unallowable as it robs people with disabilities their right to choosing a pet that meets their specific service and therapy needs.

Breed Specific Laws (banning ownership and/or ordering "certain dog breeds" to be destroyed (http://www.rott-n-chatter.com/rottweilers/laws/breedspecific.html) Scroll down to see if YOUR county has banned certain breeds.

Breed Specific Legislation (http://www.pitbulllovers.com/breed-specific-legislation.html) - How it effects American Pit Bull Terrier owners

Breed specific legislation or BSL for short, is on the rise around the world. BSL targets specific breeds of canine and either (A) restricts them severely or (B) completely bans them from areas.

Countries like Germany, Australia, England, and France have bans on the American Pit Bull Terrier and the ones that were already living in the country are restricted.

Usually the law states the dogs must be muzzled and on a very short 12 inch leash when out in public.

BSL is very much alive in the United States and the APBT is the number one target for such laws.

Expensive insurance is also required in many of the cities were BSL as been accepted. Sometimes it can be as high as $200,000 per dog. Hundreds of cities, towns, and states are implementing BSL.

As time goes by supporter's for this ridiculous band-aid approach are getting the laws passed with ease.

The number one restricted breed in the world is the American Pit Bull Terrier or any cross thereof. Meaning, even if your dog is suspected of having APBT in it's blood it can fall under the power of these laws.

BSL is nothing more than breed profiling and as of yet it has not worked to curb the amount of serious dog attacks it was put in place to stop.

Matter of fact, the only thing it has done is make life hell for ordinary law abiding dog lover's.
Why breed specific legislation will never work

BSL is a flawed concept from the moment it is conceived. In most cases the dogs are targeted leaving the owner, which is the responsible, rational thinking party, out of it.

Some impose fines along with their laws but are often not enforced to the maximum so the owner gets away with a slap on the wrist.

Dogs are not the problem and BSL does not recognize this. People are the problem and until we find a way to punish people for their neglectful actions which allow dogs to bite and terrorize the public we will never stop the problem.

First problem is, take one breed away, these people will find another breed to replace it.

Since the APBT bans, the Rottweiler is now on the rise as the most popular breed.

Now these dogs are taking heat from the general public and the BSL supporters. Again they are restricting the dogs and not the people.

BSL can be compared to gender profiling or racial profiling. Simply because a dog appears to be a dog on the restricted list it is treated as one.

What if you were driving down the road and the police took you to jail, sentenced you, and placed you on death row just for looking like a certain ethnic group? BSL does exactly that to dogs.

So why is it then that more BSL laws are implemented daily? God forbid a person have to take responsibility for their irresponsible actions and BSL supports these people by not placing very harsh punishments on them.

First of all, that's not a great analogy.

I think it's a perfect analogy
What if you were driving down the road and the police took you to jail, sentenced you, and placed you on death row just for looking like a certain ethnic group? BSL does exactly that to dogs.

[MW]

So beagles are more likely to have bad temperaments than Pitbulls? :lmao

:yep

And the smaller the dog, the worst they score in temperament tests . . . they are fearful of people, or just "nervous"

[MW]

one more thought . .
http://dogs.about.com/cs/breedprofiles/a/mean_dogs.htm
Bad dogs are not born, there is no genetic mutation present in certain dog breeds that make them turn against their owner or reach out and bite their latest victim. Bad dogs are created, usually by the people who raise them, less often by unscrupulous breeders who deliberately or unknowingly breed unsound temperaments to another unstable temperament. Every dog is a product of his environment. Every puppy born is born innocent of future charges levied against him by the public.

What will happen when certain parties have their way and the latest "dangerous" breed is eradicated? There will be no more Pit Bulls, what will take their place? When all the Doberman Pinschers are gone, what breed will be next? I'll tell you. America's sweetheart, the Golden Retriever, will be next. As long as the owners are allowed to get a dog and raise it to be a monster, any dog breed can take the next spot on the Banned Breed List. Labrador Retrievers and Standard Poodles have the same amount of teeth as a Chow, and put just as much pressure on as a Poodle. But nobody fears these dogs. Cocker Spaniels and other small breeds have unbelievable bite records, yet people don't panic at the thought of facing one on the street.

[Indigo]

One more thought to ponder. You say that you would rather be bitten by a smaller breed dog as they cannot do as much damage. Well if size is a criteria (i.e. if it is a medium to large dog, then its bites are worse and do more damage), then I guess EVERY dog over 20 lbs should be banned. After all, if a 45 to 50 lb pit bull is a hazard due to its teeth and amount of muscle, then I guess a Golden Retriever is also a hazard because not only does it have the same amount of teeth as a pittie, but it is much larger and has more muscle behind its bite.

[The Q]

I have been attacked and bitten twice in my life: Once by a black lab mix, and once by a Doberman.

I also want to pipe in that I was surprised to find out how many health problems pure breeds have. My mom bought a set of English Springer Spaniel pups years ago when she was living in Belgium. One of them had so many health problems, including epilepsy!

ADQ

[MW]

I blame the AKC and other "purebred registries" and the whole dog show scene for that . . . must have papers . . . not only have they overbred the dogs, but the good traits have been bred out, leaving a dog that looks pretty, but are terrible healthwise.

I know that the "show" german shepherds are now "roachback" and have hip problems (then again, if you see the stance that a "perfect shepherd" should have, you'd understand WHY they have these problems)

I put the whole dog show thing as another animal abuse item.

[Kitka]

Who says that they all should be destroyed . . How about Breed Specific Legislation? How about your own town's laws? How about Kitka - after all, if it's illegal to own one, what should we do with all the ones that are currently around . . . let them run the streets wild? Nope, they should be euthanized? Gee, isn't that a $20 word for KILL THEM ALL?


I'm sorry that you're taking my opinion so personally, I forgot that you were a pit bull owner and feel bad that you take offense to my view. I personally do not feel that pets that are currently owned should be euthanized as I am Buddhist and would not be okay with that.

However, I do feel that future breeding should be outlawed. I've heard all the arguments against it, and I understand them. But I feel the arguments for it outweigh them. They may not be the #1 most biting dog, but they are the most deadly when they do bite. No matter the reason - irresponsible owners, or abuse. It's not to punish the current owners, it's to prevent future deaths and abuse to the animals.

I wanted badly a German Shepherd when I pondered what type of dog our family wanted. My aunt had them for protection in the northwoods of WI and I loved her dogs. But I knew that being in a neighborhood, with children and many around, would be irresponsible dog ownership. Unfortunately, kids die because people rarely consider that when it comes to dangerous breeds, Pit Bulls being the most dangerous of them. And I will put human safety above an animal's right to be bred.

[bbrown]

My mailman at my old home who has chased onto my car and then attacked by one of them would disagree. My chlidren, who were playing in my back yard whlie another one busted through our fence and tried to attack them would disagree. People need to wake up and realize that animals are just that - animals - and some animals can't be trusted. Sure, they're loving - to you - and for now. This breed and some others have a high frequency of attacking humans and the 'sweetness' can't undo that.

Say it with me, "Evidence is not spelled anecdote." You can't just look at a story and assume that all the relevant details are self-evident.

Bill

[Oceanbreeze]

I am not a fan of pit-bulls, but have to agree it has do with the way the dog was raised or abused. We've only owned mutts...for the reasons mentioned throughout this thread. In Oct. '06 we did adopt a lab/golden mix with purebred papers so we'll see how she compares to my 15 1/2 year lab/husky SPCA dog when she's the same age.

[Trueblue]

Who says that they all should be destroyed . . How about Breed Specific Legislation? How about your own town's laws? How about Kitka - after all, if it's illegal to own one, what should we do with all the ones that are currently around . . . let them run the streets wild? Nope, they should be euthanized? Gee, isn't that a $20 word for KILL THEM ALL?



Breed Specific Laws (banning ownership and/or ordering "certain dog breeds" to be destroyed (http://www.rott-n-chatter.com/rottweilers/laws/breedspecific.html) Scroll down to see if YOUR county has banned certain breeds.





I think it's a perfect analogy

MW, no person here said that.

And I just don't like comparing humans to pit bulls. I can go on about the analogy, but that's one problem with it.

:yep

And the smaller the dog, the worst they score in temperament tests . . . they are fearful of people, or just "nervous"

But they don't rip faces off.

One more thought to ponder. You say that you would rather be bitten by a smaller breed dog as they cannot do as much damage. Well if size is a criteria (i.e. if it is a medium to large dog, then its bites are worse and do more damage), then I guess EVERY dog over 20 lbs should be banned. After all, if a 45 to 50 lb pit bull is a hazard due to its teeth and amount of muscle, then I guess a Golden Retriever is also a hazard because not only does it have the same amount of teeth as a pittie, but it is much larger and has more muscle behind its bite.

They don't rip faces off.

I'm sorry that you're taking my opinion so personally, I forgot that you were a pit bull owner and feel bad that you take offense to my view. I personally do not feel that pets that are currently owned should be euthanized as I am Buddhist and would not be okay with that.

However, I do feel that future breeding should be outlawed. I've heard all the arguments against it, and I understand them. But I feel the arguments for it outweigh them. They may not be the #1 most biting dog, but they are the most deadly when they do bite. No matter the reason - irresponsible owners, or abuse. It's not to punish the current owners, it's to prevent future deaths and abuse to the animals.

I wanted badly a German Shepherd when I pondered what type of dog our family wanted. My aunt had them for protection in the northwoods of WI and I loved her dogs. But I knew that being in a neighborhood, with children and many around, would be irresponsible dog ownership. Unfortunately, kids die because people rarely consider that when it comes to dangerous breeds, Pit Bulls being the most dangerous of them. And I will put human safety above an animal's right to be bred.

:boyhowdy

Say it with me, "Evidence is not spelled anecdote." You can't just look at a story and assume that all the relevant details are self-evident.

Bill

Yeah, that's what I think, too. Go figure.

[Pristine]

:sigh

I've been bitten twice - both times by frickin' poodles. :pissed I do not like them, but I surely do not think they should be eliminated, as a breed.

My Mum owns a pit bull and she is the sweetest dog. I will not allow my children to be with her, alone, but I wouldn't with any dog. :shrug

Just my $0.02.

[Trueblue]

My roomie owned a GS. After living with him for months, I walked up to my own house, in the dark, while he was chained on the porch. I barely missed having my legs bitten, and I was saying his name over and over, and backing away as fast as I could. I went to the back door, entered, and he had been let into the house. He came running down the hall to greet me, wagging his tail. :twitch

I've seen some breeds have these changes in demeanor, and others not. Beagles and cairn terriers just don't do that shit, based on my experience and reading.