Are pit bulls dangerous?

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.