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| How can a face like this be banned from many cities across the country? IT'S SO CUTE! |
The owner of
several pit bulls that mauled a woman to death in California was charged with
murder and animal owner negligence earlier this year. This is exactly the way
the authorities should deal with a horrific attack by dogs where there is
evidence, as there was in this case, that the owner may have ignored or
encouraged his dogs’ aggressive behavior or failed to adequately secure them.
When owners of dogs that have attacked people are found to have been negligent,
they should be held strictly accountable.
Pit bulls are
perhaps the most controversial dogs in the country. During the past half
century, the pit bull has gone from America’s dog to America’s most feared dog.
The pit is now regarded as a killing machine, and the breed is even banned in
some cities.
During these
past several months, it seemed like you heard about a pit bull attack on every
news station.
The fear of the
pit bull is understandable. The breed accounts for twice as many reported dog
bites as any other breed, and also accounts for the majority of dogs that
animal control hauls into court lockup. A woman in Waterloo was attacked by
three pit bulls while walking down the street and was almost killed in
September. A teenage boy and a woman were injured in a pit bull attack in
August.
These types of
stories keep appearing in the news and they strike a fear in people. I
obviously feel terrible for anyone injured by a dog. I have never owned a pit
bull, but I have been around dogs most of my life, both big and small. I
believe there is a stigma around pit bulls and it’s simply not fair. Any dog
can be dangerous, and I think it all boils down to the owner.
We know that
animal behavior is a combination of nature (genetics) and nurture (learning).
We know that genetics play a part in what people call “breed specific
behaviors.” Studies have shown that an estimated 20 to 30 percent of a dog’s
behavior is based on genetics, and that leaves a huge area that nurture is
responsible for. If socialization is so important, what can happen when a pit bull
is isolated and neglected, or even abused? What about dogs that are left
outside all day on a chain with no social interaction? How can anyone expect
them not to be aggressive toward any human or animal when they haven’t been
socialized or trained in any sort of way?
The real
problem isn’t the breed, it’s the breed’s reputation. A reputation as a tough
dog attracts owners who train their dogs to be aggressive, which then attracts
media attention when these aggressive dogs attack, creating, literally, a
vicious cycle. Doberman pinschers, German shepards and rottweilers have all
suffered this fate. The American Kennel Club describes each of these breeds as
a protective and loyal family pet that requires lots of exercise. Its
description of pit bulls is no different, but the trend for pit bulls’
dangerous reputation has lasted longer.
In my research
I found that pit bulls were originally bred to fight. They were genetically
selected for their fighting ability. I also found that history doesn’t mean
they can’t be around other dogs or people, that they’re unpredictably
aggressive or will always fight to the death. It means that they may be easily
encouraged to fight.
The best way to
prevent the development of aggressive behavior toward other dogs and people is
to focus on early socialization, learning to interact, play and communicate
with members of their own species and other people.
Despite their
bad rap, a well-bred, well-trained, well-socialized pit bull is one of the most
delightful, intelligent and gentle dogs. They are known for their extreme
loyalty toward their owner. I’ve known some wonderful pit bulls. They’re dogs
that are capable of doing a lot of good and can be wonderful pets. Some pit
bulls are registered therapy dogs and spend time visiting hospitals, some work
in search and rescue. They can be the most loving, loyal and friendly dog when
they are raised and trained correctly.
Due to their
aggressive reputation, pit bulls have been banned in many cities, including
Fredericksburg, which bans “dangerous dogs” from city limits. Their definition
of “dangerous dogs” includes any dog with a propensity, tendency or disposition
to attack, to cause injury to or otherwise endanger the safety of humans or
domestic animals; the bull terrier breed of dog; the Staffordshire bull
terrier; the American pit bull and the American Staffordshire terrier.
I understand
both sides of a pit bull banning ordinance. Taking pit bulls away from these
dangerous, negligent owners will reduce the number of serious maulings. I just
don’t think it’s fair to blame the breed when most of the time, it’s the owners
fault. If you investigated the owners of those dogs involved in attacks these
last few months, I think you’d find negligent, abusive owners, or those that
trained the dog to be aggressive.
The biggest
problem with breed bans is that they distract from the more effective
solutions. I believe there should be more action involving the laws and
penalties imposed on owners of dangerous animals, no matter the breed. The
owners that fail to socialize and train their dogs and contain them don’t pay a
high enough penalty when those dogs get loose and bite.
A ban on pit
bulls would obviously lessen the number of pit attacks, but wouldn’t
necessarily decrease the overall number of dog bites or attacks. Pit bulls
aren’t the only dogs that bite. There are other dogs out there, of all shapes
and sizes, that bite. It’s not fair to single out the pit bull because of their
reputation.
The pit bull is
just like any other breed of dog. Yes, it was originally bred to fight, but
with the right owners who care about the dog and will socialize and train it
properly, pit bulls can thrive and be a great family dog. I don’t find it fair
to single out the pit bull, despite the media attention. They’re not naturally
vicious and dangerous. It’s abusive, negligent owners that create vicious,
dangerous dogs.
