Many people have this preconceived notion that Pit bulls are an aggressive dangerous breed of dog that is always ready to turn on anyone at any time even for any reasons. This idea is so ingrained into people's minds that some cities, counties, and home complexes have “Breed Specific Laws” (Also known as BSL) which can prohibit people of owning certain dog breeds in that area. BSL is really a form of discrimination against dogs. Without any knowledge of the dog or how well it has been trained, they are just banned based entirely on the breed of dog.
Why are pitbulls banned? Well it might help to first know what a Pit bull is. First of all a pit bull is not exactly a breed itself but a general term used to refer to a few different types of
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dog all sharing a similar look and ancestry. These can include the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and American Pit Bull Terrier. The American Bulldog, Bull Terrier (Miniature) and Bull Terrier. One of the reasons they are banned is because many people believe that pit bulls have “locking jaws” that latch shut when biting. It is true that they have strong jaws and will hold on after biting but most dogs will do that as well, making the “locking jaws” statement nothing more than a myth (Rock, Robin “Petfinder.com”). Also because they have been used for fighting for as long as they have been around, many people believe that it is “in their blood” to fight, which is not true because aggression and fighting are learned behaviors. Around 53% of all pit bull attacks involve an owner or family member, I think that this can easily be explained by the fact that according to the Humane Society pit bulls are also the most common victim of animal cruelty (humanesociety.org). Based on that information the main people abusing these dogs would be their owner which would make sense that they would be attacking out of self-defense for the abuse they have suffered through (humanesociety.org). Not only are they the most abused animal but they are also not properly trained by their owners in many instances. This is probably due to people often owning them in high crime areas. These people want a tough, strong, guard dog that will protect their house and themselves without going through the proper training required to make the distinction between you and a random home invader (Pisani). Since pit bulls were originally bred for fighting people still unfortunately use them for that leaving many injured and mentally scarred dogs in its wake.
What exactly is dogfighting? Well to quote Humane Society is a “Dogfighting is a sadistic "contest" in which two dogs—specifically bred, conditioned, and trained to fight—are placed in a pit (generally a small arena enclosed by plywood walls) to fight each other for the spectators' entertainment and gambling (humanesociety.org). Fights average one to two hours, ending when one of the dogs will not or cannot continue. In addition to these organized dogfights, street dogfights are a problem in many urban areas.” Aside from the legal problems, the mental and physical effects that dogfighting can have on these animals are severe and often fatal (humanesociety.org). they normally die of blood loss, exhaustion, shock, dehydration or any of the possible injuries it is inflicted with during the fight (humanesociety.org). Those that are rescued usually suffer a lot of mental scarring and develop aggressive behavior, that is if they aren't put down. Once they are rescued there is a lot of work that goes into deprogramming the aggressive behavior that they were taught from their old owners
(humanesociety.org). In the end pit bulls aren’t really more aggressive than other breeds, it’s really a self fulfilling prophecy. Because people believe the stereotypes that they are more aggressive, people treat them as such, which of course leads to aggressive behavior. I think that as a solution people should spread the truth, crack down on dogfighting, and stress the importance of proper dog training.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), there is a “great deal of confusion associated with the label ‘Pit Bull,’” as it does not refer to a single breed of dog, but rather to a group of breeds with similar characteristics1. These characteristics include short hair, a wide skull and shoulders, muscle definition, stocky build and a deep jawline, the combination of which create a dog that manages to strike fear into a perfect stranger. The term ‘Pit Bull’ is derived from the bulldog, which was originally bred as a hunting dog for large game, but has since developed into a “loyal companion rather than a working dog.”1 Their history as “gripping dogs” for hunters follows them into modern society, as many of these dogs have been inhumanely pitted against one another as well as other animals for sport and for human entertainment1. It is because of these illegal fighting rings that ‘Pit Bull’ type breeds have become the subje...
What words come to mind when one hears the words “pit bull?” How about aggressive, violent, or dangerous? In many cases, this isn’t actually true. Because of the negative media attention for attacks on humans and other dogs that pit bull breeds receive, many Americans place a stigma on pit bulls, tagging them as dangerous and vicious. This stigma typically applies to all pit bulls, not just the ones that are actually dangerous. To remedy the issue of dangerous dogs attacking other beings, the legislative act known as breed-specific legislation is being debated throughout the United States. Gary J. Patronek, a veterinary doctor, defines breed-specific legislation as a law than “bans, restricts, or imposes conditions on ownership of specific breeds or dogs presumed to pose greater risk of biting people” (788). Breed-specific legislation is commonly debated in communities that have recently experienced a dog-bite related injury or fatality (Patronek, Slater, and Marder 788). However, this law would ban all dogs of the pit bull breed or any related dog based solely on their breed, rather than disposition. Therefore, breed-specific legislation should not be enacted throughout the United States because is biased against pit bulls and is ineffective in reducing dog-bite attacks by ignoring other aggressive dog breeds.
One of the biggest issues with BSL is breed identification. A law that bans a “vicious” being is too broad and can encompass many individuals as it is a personality trait rather than a breed. These laws would then be dependent on what the legislators would define “vicious” to mean. Likewise, there is confusion on what breeds are dangerous. Dogsbite.org claims that breeds such as wolf-dog hybrids, dogo argentinos, presa breeds, cane corsos, and especially pit bulls are indeed dangerous animals and should be banned. However, there are discrepancies involved in even that statement. Of the listed breeds perhaps the most commonly targeted is the pit bull. But what exactly does anyone mean by pit bull? Merriam Webster defines “pit bull” as follows, “a dog (as an American Staffordshire Terrier) of any of several breeds or a real or apparent hybrid with one or more of these breeds that was developed for and is now often trained for fighting and is noted for strength and stamina”. On the contrary, the United Kennel Club has recognized the American Pit Bull Terrier, also called APBT, as a standalone breed since 1898 when UKC founder C.Z. Bennett registered her APBT Bennet’s Ring (Uk...
One reason Pit Bulls should not be banned is because they can be very helpful to humans. For example, pit bulls were once kept as hunters and guardians. Today, they are even being used as service dogs for people in need. There was also a pit bull named, Stubby, who saved his entire platoon from a poisonous gas attack. (“Pit Bulls Haven’t Always Had a Bad Rep”). Pit bulls are also great dogs for companionship and to improve your quality of life. As you can see, pit bulls can be useful in many ways.
A menace to society, lurking in the streets, just waiting for its next victim? This couldn’t be further from the truth for most pit bulls. These fantasised versions plague the breed, outlawing them in many cities, states, and even some countries entirely. These bans are called Breed Specific Legislation (BSL), and in over 700 American cities these laws are in effect. They are in place to decrease the number of attacks by dogs.
There are plenty controversial issues about bully breeds and whether they are acceptable or safe dogs to own. In July a woman was mauled in her yard and killed by a dog in Montreal. Due to this unfortunate incident the mayor Denis Coderre created a bill called BSL (Breed-Specific Legislation) which was approved by the legislation. This bill states that determined by their breed or pitbull features “American Pitbull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Bulldogs or any dog with strains of these breeds” will be unadoptable; they must wear a muzzle in public as well as a leash that’s 4 feet long and in most cases they will be euthanized due to their breed. BSL should be reversed because the real problem is irresponsible dog owners, the irresponsible owners will just switch breeds and any dog has the potential to hurt someone.
Introduction and Background As more people bring dogs into their homes, the rate of dog attacks continue to increase. In an attempt to reduce violent dog attacks on citizens, many U.S. States are turning to a tactic known as Breed Specific Legislation. Breed-specific legislation (also known as BSL), also referred to as breed-discriminatory legislation (also known as BDL), is a law or ordinance that prohibits or restricts the ownership of specific breeds of dogs, and/or dogs presumed to be mixes of one or more of those breeds (Breed-specific legislation (BSL) FAQ, n.d.). The harshest of the BSL laws is a complete ban, which prohibits breeds of dogs from being kept within state borders. Breed specific legislation also includes less absurd limits that include mandatory spay and neutering, muzzling, property posting requirements, special insurance requirements, breed-specific limitations, and various other rules.
One reason people are so frightened of pitbulls is for their roles in street gangs. They are often used as what law enforcement has begun to deem, Are all pit bulls subjected to the life of gangs or forced into a fighting ring? No, but it is the dogs that are and have become violent because of their mistreatment that get in the media which leads to the public fearing all pit bulls.
To say “pit bull,” however, is a vague reference to several pit bull types, which are considered separate breeds by registries like the American Kennel Club (AKC). Each type has a slightly different breeding history; many began with the breeding of bulldogs with terriers to produce a loyal, compact and tenacious breed (“American Pit Bull Terrier”). The standard three pit bull types most often mentioned by name in breed-specific legislation include the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. That is not the extent of the legislation, however, which also includes dogs that “substantially conform to the breed standards established by the American Ken...
...ports Illustrated cover photo of a pit bull (Pit Bull Rescue Central, "Breed Information”). Dog fighting made a comeback during the 1980s and the pit bull became the favorite macho dog for dog fighters. The dogs were trained to kill or be killed. Pit bulls were also the preferred guard dog for gangs, thugs and criminals. Since the supporters and detractors of pit bulls hold such disparate opinions regarding the ferocity of the breeds, it is only hoped that further discussion and education will help resolve the sad fate that awaits these unfortunate animals. Simply placing all the blame on the breeds will not solve the problems of dog fighting, overbreeding, aggressive training, and excessive euthanizations. Lastly, the biased, sensationalistic publicity of horrific dog attacks which has destroyed the reputation of the once beloved All American Dog must cease.
What do you think of when I say the word pitbull? Do you picture a cute happy dog, wagging its tail happy to see you? Or do you see a mad dog, foaming mouth lunging at small child? If you are a owner of a pitbull then you probably see the happy cute dog. But if you don't own one then chances are you see pitbulls as mean dogs who are a threat to society. The media has painted a picture in our heads that it's in a pitbulls blood to be aggressive. Due to this false accusation, certain cities have banned breeds labeled as “aggressive”. If someone is caught owning a banned breed, the dog is usually euthanized. This is known as Breed Specific Laws or otherwise known as BSL.
Dogfighting is a “sport” that pits two well trained dogs against each other in a fights until one dog cannot fight anymore. Dogs are often killed at these events, because some dogs are ruthless because their owners have trained them to kill. The fights last, on average, one to two hours, and can leave marks forever. Spectators are able to bet on which dog will win. Currently, dogfighting is a felony offense in all 50 states, and is a federal offense as well. Not only can the instigators of the fights be charged, but all spectators can be charged as well. Dogfighting was brought to the sports world in 2007, when star quarterback Michael Vick was found guilty of having a dogfighting organization and hanging 3 dogs for “not performing well in ‘testing’ sessions”. In 2001, Vick and 3 friends, Purnell Peace, Quanis Phillips, and Tony Taylor started an organization which they called, “Bad Newz Kennel”. Vick also started his NFL career that year, and played for the Atlanta Falcons. When he got convicted in 2007, Vick was sentenced to 21 months in prison and 2 months in home confinement. Dog fighting may injure the dogs forever. For example, Georgia, a pitbull involved in “Bad Newz Kennels”, had her jaw broken at one time during a fight and her tongue is still messed up. Her tail also zigzags, and she has no teeth, they were all pried out of her mouth. Animal Rights would help Georgia and dogs involved in fights all around the country, so they know that they are safe [ALDF]. There are approximately more than 100,00 people in the U.S. involved in dogfighting. That number needs to cut down if the world is going to be a better place for people and animals to grow up in. That is why Animal Rights should occur more heavily in the
Roughly about 30% of all dogs are pit bulls that are taken to shelters which depending on the area that figure can raise up to 60%. Not every pit bull rescued were a part of dog fighting but John Goodwin, of the Humane Society, says most of the dogs have scars and marks to show for their fights. The fate of these dogs remain to a judge that determines whether the fight dogs need to be euthanized. Since these dogs were trained to be aggressive and attacks other animals 9 times out of 10 they are to be put down. The dogs that haven’t been a part of dog fighting fit into a family and shows no sign of
recently reviewed the effectiveness of their breed bans and made the decision to repeal their bans in 2010 (BSL).... ... middle of paper ... ... Read "Breed Specific Legislation and the Pit Bull Terrier: Are the Laws Justified?"
Since then, there has been a constant argument about whether or not this breed should be allowed to be kept as a pet. No one looks at pit bulls as normal dogs anymore. They are viewed as monsters. They have a crazy amount of strength, speed, and stamina. This can be used against them or for them depending on who is debating the issue of their legality.