I have fact checked all of the links corresponding with the presented statistics and percentages regarding pitbul population in the US as well as the number of pitbul-related attacks to date. Very few came up with any published or credible sources. One of the only published studies, “Mortality, Mauling and Maiming by Vicious Dogs,” which was mentioned in this article has since been discredited. I also searched for critical reviews on this article, most of which assert that these claims are not only unsourced, but quite impossible to accurately obtain - This is also the CDCs reasoning for no longer collecting dog breed specific information, as many mixed dog breeds are too ambiguous to determine. Its important to remember that “Pitbull” is not a breed. Its a term for a variety of breeds, including the American pitbull terrier, the American Staffordshire terrier, the Staffordshire bull terrier and mixes of those dogs. “Pitbull-type dog is basically meaningless – theyre dogs with various phenotypical traits that subjectively fit the label. Therefore, enforced breed-specific laws are often unfair and arbitrary... Though I am a huge supporter of sterilization for all rescued dog breeds, as it is the sensible and responsible way to lower shelter populations and avoid mass euthanization. Also, just to throw this out there: The fact that this article cites and quotes Colleen Lynn is pretty unsettling, seeing as how she is publicly anti-pitbul and has posted statuses like this one: AND I QUOTE, I hate these genetic freaks of dogs, it is time they die and die for good. Conflict of interest much? This article is an extremist crock of propaganda smelling shit as far as Im concerned, but thats just my opinion. According to the American Temperment Test Society, Staffordshire terriers actually scored better than 121 other dog breeds in regards to aggression level - at a surprising 90.7% passing rate (though I admit there may be a lack of validity due to how small the sample size was.) Staffordshire terriers were also once regarded as the perfect nanny dog in the UK, due to their loyalty and stable temperament. >>> alternet.org/civil-liberties/pitbulls-used-be-considered-perfect-nanny-dogs-children-until-media-turned-them?page=0%2C0 It was not until the 1980s, when the phenotypical characteristics of various Staff and Bull terriers became preferable for dog-fighting in the US, which subsequently led to over-breeding, abuse, and negligence as well as breed discrimination and fear-mongering perpetuated by the media. In order to be factually accurate and take all variables into account, we must consider the environment in which many of these dogs have been predominantly raised; The genetic predispositions and mental health of effects of a population of dogs who have been severely, POORLY over and inter-bred; And the circumstances and living conditions of the animals during and prior to any attack - which would be relevant and preventative if the media actually cared about public safety. We must also consider that statistics from reported dog bites are often skewed, as bites from larger dog breeds are more likely to cause serious injury, therefore they are more likely to be reported... This does not mean, however, that these particular dog breeds are doing a majority of the biting. Yes, its true. Some Pitbuls are aggressive, but so are some Pomeranians - like the one who killed a 6 month old baby in 2000. Hatred and fear toward a single type of dog, simply because of the way it looks, is ridiculous and naive. All dogs pose a risk!!! The unarguable fact is that a majority of the accountability for these dogs actions comes down to the owner. Pitbuls - like most large breeds - are powerful, high energy animals and not meant for just anyone. Though they are loyal and aim to please their owners, they require serious amounts of consistency and attentiveness in regards to training and care. There is no more inherent danger in owning a pitbul than in owning any other large, powerful dog breed. Again, it all comes down to training and care. I may be biased when I say this, but I have never experienced a love like they way I do with my pitbuls. They are incredibly affectionate and gentle with me and I treat them as if they were my children. I admit one of my girls can be over-protective of me around other dogs. But in the end, I committed to being responsible for her and therefore, I solely am responsible for controlling her actions. I avoid dangerous situations by knowing my dogs personality and knowing how to handle her in the presence of others... As any responsible dog owner should do.
Posted on: Sun, 22 Jun 2014 23:37:50 +0000
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