Dog fights are a illegal events that happen under the table and for some people viewed as entertainment and a way to gamble. Many people see Pit bulls as dangerous and it is a result of the dog fights that humans provoke. Pit bulls are the face of the dog fights and it is because they are believed to have a “locking jaw” which is a myth, they do not. In almost every dog fight uncovered by the police, it is reported that a pit bull was used. For example in NC two teens were charged with a felony of dogfighting and first degree trespassing when they forced two pit bulls to attack each other in the backyard of a neighbor (.This resulted in the homeowner to call the police and it was made public that the two teens were charged and were using pit …show more content…
bulls for this crime. The community now fear these animals.This is sadly true because the public always views the pit bull breed as a vicious kind as a result of always being found in the dog fights. Pit bulls are commonly used because the people that plan these dog fights have the idea that the dog has “locking jaws.” According to Petfinder an agency that specializes in animal adoptions, the idea of pit bulls having locking jaws is a total myth. People believe that because some of the many reported dog bites are from pit bulls it implies that they have a tendency to bite first. Pit bulls are also the first to be judged because they have more muscle than other dogs. The structure of the face of a pit bull is the exact same as the one of any other dog breed. If this myth of jaw locking were true it should be applied to all dogs because they tend to not let go of something once bitten onto it and this includes chew toys, shoes and clothings. Some people believe that all the whole pit bull breed is vicious and dangerous because of all the stories that they hear about dog bites. In the city of Edmonton, in Canada, an owner decided to call upon his city to have pit bulls banned. The city complied and it’s mission is to have less attacks. The breeds are to pay higher licenses fees, be chained down and carry a $1 million insurance (Gillis). This method does not work because the dogs are not the problem, they react “viciously” because the owner have breed them to act that way. This man from Edmonton thinks that banning and punishing the breed itself will decrease the chances of getting attacked by that breed but it is not proven since any dog can bite a human and cause the same damage. In some states of the U.S.
owning a pit bull is illegal and they ban them from being in the state. Other housing areas also ban their tenants from owning on but they allow other pets.In Gallipolis, Ohio a law abiding citizen named Randy Burgett became aware of the pit bull banning in his city and as a pit bull owner he wanted to act upon it. He took to the council meetings to have the city code that stated “It is unlawful to own, possess, keep, exercise control over, maintain, harbor, transport, or sell any pit bull dog within the City." Burgett took this to heart because one morning he had an officer knocking on his door about someone who has reported a pit bull dog living in his home. If this were to continue the pitbull breed would remain looking like a “dangerous” kind. which it is not.“Breed bans don’t work...The dogs are rarely the problem. The owner are.” Areas where the landowners don’t let the tenants have pit bulls specifically are useless because it is all about the owner and who they are.The landowners should see if their tenants with pit bulls have a history with dog fights because studies have showed that 25% of dog bites that resulted as fatal, owners had a history with illegal dog fights.This is true because it is never the dog's fault and they should not be denied a home because of their breed and more judged by how the owner raises it. Then it proves it is the owner's
fault. Just like any other canine companion they pit bulls are as loyal as they come. They obey their owners in all things and that way they make great service helper as well. According to a study made by the American Temperament Test Society the pit bull breed passed with an 84.1%. A golden retriever scored a 83.8%, a cocker spaniel scored 81.7% and miniature schnauzer (Skoot) This method tests out the characteristic of the dog and determines that friendliness and compatibility with interactions other humans and dogs. By scoring above other dogs that are more commonly known as more companionable the pit bull proves itself that it is not a harmful animal. This test proves that all the insults about pit bulls and how they aren known as vicious and threatening are incorrect. Here is a studied test with numbers to show people that pit bulls can defy the stereotypes. In a mall in Mission Viejo there was a young girl with autism that had a 5 year old pit bull as her service dog (Respers). One day she went with her family to visit Santa at the mall, and Santa ran away and refused to see her. After telling Santa that the dog would be removed he still refused. The use of a service dog for people with disabilities is to always be there for their owner in any case of an emergency and protect them. In the case of this little girl, her dog named Pupcake is trained to intervene whenever she is overwhelmed with sensory interactions that include lights, sounds and people as a result of her autism.This incident shows how this “Santa” guy was so afraid of the pit bull that he didn't care that the owner was a young girl who needed the service of this dog he just saw that it was a pit bull and automatically was afraid and punished the little girl by refusing to meet her. It should have shown him that pit bulls are not dangerous because the it was a service dog that is trained to protect the owner from any harm. By being a service dog, people are also not allowed to pet him and he is trained to not react to little kids and people like other puppies and dogs are usually do.
In 2005, the Ontario Liberal government passed The Dog Owner’s Liability Act: a ban against pit bull terriers in the province. After the bill passed, Attorney General Michael Bryant said, “Mark my words, Ontario will be safer” (Ontario passes ban on pit bulls, 2005). The legislation prevented people from acquiring a number of breeds of dogs that would be classified as pit bulls. In addition, Ontario residents who already owned a pit bull terrier prior to the ban were required to neuter and muzzle their animals. Such policies against this breed of animal are not unprecedented. In fact, similar laws are already in place in Britain, France and Germany. In Canada, Winnipeg has had a ban against pit bull terriers in place for 20 years (Ontario passes ban on pit bulls, 2005). Ontario and other regions have imposed these sanctions because the evidence clearly indicates that pit bull terriers pose a much higher than average risk to people.
They have twisted the dogs mind into thinking that they have to fight to protect something all the time. Pit bulls are classified as vicious and harmful animals. This is discrimination and is because of media skewing stories, ignorant people that refuse to listen to hard facts, and public attitudes and opinions. These laws against breeds are unconstitutional; there is no legislative basis for these laws. Pit bulls, like any other dog, grow in their temperament.
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.
Pit bulls are targeted in this ineffective solution to dog attacks. Perhaps the reason why pit bulls are feared by society because we are afraid of what they are associated with. Pit bulls are often thought of as a gangster’s pet; a role in violent and illegal activities. People stereotype this breed because of the unfortunate acts of few. In contrast, society needs to understand that they are being racist towards a breed of dog. Denver’s systematic killing of pit bulls could be compared to the actions of the Nazis during the holocaust. Although BLS is not even close to being on the same scale as the Holocaust, it is targeting and killing a specific group of living beings. Breed Specific Legislation is genocide of this breed. Denver alone has killed at least 3,500 pit bulls. It’s heart wrenching to think about how many families lost their steadfast companions because of the ignorance of others. A common phrase among pit bull supporters is, “Judge the deed: not the breed”. This rings true; if we are to bring justice to the breed, then we need to abolish BSL. True pit bulls are a far from the monsters they are made to
Most of the dogs on this list are common household pets, like the Labrador retriever, and are normally non-aggressive and very friendly. Many times these dogs show no sign of aggression and pose no threat to society. Perspective One Breed-specific laws were put in place with the expectation to help prevent dog bites and attacks. The State and Federal government both came to the conclusion that this is a positive way to promote safety from dog attacks. “Both state and federal courts consistently uphold the constitutionality of breed-specific pit bull laws.... ...
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. There are often cases of apartment buildings, rental homes or even whole towns banning the breeds without question. A case that is reaching media today is in Moreauville Louisiana, the town passed a ban that originally stated that everyone who owned a Pitt bull (or Rottweiler) had to get rid of their animals before the first of December or the “vicious” animals will be confiscated for "further disposition” and the owners will be forced to pay a fine. One of the dogs who is in danger from this ban is Zeus, a pitt bull who acts as a therapy dog for his owner O’Hera Owens who has severe neck problems that leave her in a brace and wheel chair. (Greenquist) Zeus is a loving member of his family who is being discriminated against just for his breed. Is it fair for a family to lose someone they love just because of how other dogs have acted? Or how the monster’s at the ends of their leashes forced them to act? Zeus is a prime example of two things, one that bans are doing more harm than good and that with the right upbringing pitt bulls can be sweet and loving animals once given the chance. However not all pitts even get that chance to have a loving home like Zeus – shelters across the country are full of Pit bull terriers who need homes but rarely get them because of their
Currently, pit bulls have been reported by the media with very horrific and disturbing news of having attacked a child or being shot by a police due to aggression while some are reported to have been abused or neglected by its owners (Forderer and Unkelbach 534). And because the reports keep coming with heated discussions, more and more people have forged a frightening image of pit bulls even to the extreme of refusing to take care of such breed. Pit bull advocates claim that the dogs get a bad reputation considering that people should learn the dogs are not inherently aggressive. What the pit bull advocates would like to point is that the owners of the pit bulls should be considered guilty for mishandling of their own dogs. There are owners of pit bulls that even encourage the dog to be aggressive in order to fight and protect them in a wrong manner and wrong degree of training (Forderer and Unkelbach 536). Pit bull advocates claimed that a well socialized and well trained pit bull would be very intelligent and could be one of the gentle dogs imaginable.
Just the sight of a pit bull instills apprehension and even fear in some people, who believe the dog may attack them for no reason and not let go. Many communities have placed this ostracized breed under severe restrictions; some municipalities have implemented bans outlawing ownership of the breed. Today’s society regards the pit bull as the most vicious and unpredictable of all dog breeds, whereas admirers of the pit bull believe this misconception stems from irresponsible owners and the inflammatory and negative publicity concerning this breed.
Pit Bulls are without a doubt my favorite dog, I adore them. Pit Bulls are very well tempered, loyal, and resilient animals. Bred for big game hunting, Pit Bulls are strong, fierce animals and people who have the wrong intentions for ownership should never own them. I am a strong believer that a potential pet owner should do lots of research before getting any type of animal, without exception. Owners should do as much research before getting a dog as they do in planning for a new home or any other new family member. One of the main things to really think about and understand is your intentions for your selection of an animal with the breeding of the Pit Bull. If you choose a dog with the wrong intentions, specifically a Pit Bull, you will get a dog that behaves aggressively and is dangerous. This owner behavior is what has caused the current plight of the Pit Bull today, where laws have been passed in thirteen states and hundreds of municipalities, as well as every U. S. Military base, banning the ownership of the breed and forcing shelters to euphonize Pit Bulls within 24 hours. These laws are unjust and cruel, and victimize the breed based on the owners’ behavior. I also argue that the blame for the epidemic proportions that the laws have reached is 100% the fault of owners who purposely acquired the Pit Bull with the intention to abuse and fight the dogs, and that these owners are the ones who should be punished, not the dogs. (Davis)
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.
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
Pit Bull-Beauty or Beast? Are pit bulls the best breed of dogs to keep around the house? Pit bulls are the majority of dog attacks that have been covered by news stations. The news coverage has made people really nervous about these animals. People are afraid to let these dogs be around their families and friends.
Many people will argue that the pit bull breed should be banned due to their vicious and unpredictable nature. There is a belief that they are inherently evil creatures and that they have a genetic predisposition to be destructive killing machines. In many states and cities this has brought about breed specific legislation. Breed specific legislation bans or regulates the ownership of specific breeds of dogs, which almost always includes pit bulls.
When I got a Pit Bull, I knew the risks I was taking. These types of dogs seem to be violent and aggressive. People see them as trouble, dangerous, and killers. This is because of the reputation of the Pit Bull and how they are forced to fight each other against their will. Pit Bulls are known to be used for dog fights and people see them only as wild animals rather household pets or part of the family. We should find a way to help change this point of view. This can all be changed by the way one purchases a Pit Bull. Most animal rescues will inspect a person’s household to see if the person qualifies to become an owner of a Pit Bull. This might not be as effective as it was before. Maybe we can increase the security measure. We could do a personal background check included with the house check, or check the neighborhood to see if there are reports of thief in the area.