Pitbull’s should not be banned in the United States and kept away from other animals and society because of breed specific legislation, to do so would be cruel and unnecessary. Many people, when they think of Pitbull’s, automatically associate them with poverty, crimes, and gangs. however, the truth though, is that many Pitbull’s are either owned by people you know; or, sadly, in shelters, who, because of breed specific legislation, give them only a few short days to live before that are euthanized. Breed specific legislation is a term for laws that ban certain dog breeds in an effort to decrease dog attacks on humans and other animals, typically comprised the pit bull class of dogs. I do not believe that Pitbull’s should be banned from the United States because of breed specific legislation and that breed specific legislation should be legal in the United states. Because of breed …show more content…
When you hear, people saying the word “Pitbull” they are using the name in negative context, usually blaming the dog for something they had no part of. Many people think that the red nose of a Pitbull gives the dog more aggression, that Pitbull’s cannot be around other animals because they have locking jaws. False, False, False. Do redheads have a quicker temper than most people? Are all blondes dumb? The red nose of a Pitbull is just the color of their nose, the same thing as the hair on a person. They act no differently than black, white or brindle Pitbull’s, with proper training and handling, just like any other dog, a Pitbull can be around other animals and peacefully live amongst them. Pitbull’s jaws are constructed like any other dogs. According to Dr. Brisbin of the American Pitbull
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.
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 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.
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...
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
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)
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.
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.
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.
Pit bulls have been known as “the pet” for drug dealers, and other bad people. They have been known to be “the pet” for those people because of the fact that they attack people and other animals. Bruce Goodwin once said,” You can say all you want about these other breeds, but ‘pit bulls’ are the choice for drug dealers and other bad folks for a reason.” If you want to keep people safe, a ban on pit bulls is the best idea.
Some may disagree and remain to believe that pit bulls are naturally dangerous. They may bring up the statement that they have locking jaws. “No breed of dog has a locking jaw, this myth again refers to the tenaciousness of these breeds of dog” (WhataPittie.org, 1). Others could argue that pit bulls are still aggressive, even though dog fighting is coming to an end. The reputable website shows statistics saying that:
Pitbulls should be allowed as pets. They are a symbol of pride. According to the text it states in paragraph three “Pit bulls became a symbol of American pride, and their image was used on posters to recruit soldiers during World War One.” This practically means that the pit bulls are someone that was in the armed forces which is a dog serving for us and helping the soldiers.
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.
In conclusion, not all pit bulls are vicious. I mean they have their faults, but don’t all dogs? Pit bulls used to be well respected dogs some even heroes. If pit bulls are around a loving environment, trained correctly, and if the media would stop, pit bulls would make amazing pets. People don’t ever give them a chance to show how loving they actually are. So, next time you see a Pitbull, don’t jump to conclusions and think the worst because now we know you have nothing to