Pit Bulls

N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2013. . Mitchell, Stephen. "Gilgamesh and Enkidu vs. the Standards of Modern Heroes."

9 Dec. 2013. < Myrhvold, Nathan. Brainyquotes. N.p., n.d. Web.

Breed-specific legislation is stereotypical, and stereotypes are not considered desirable dimensions of our decision-making processes. To discriminate against a dog based on breed is no less ludicrous than discriminating against a person based on race, creed, gender, or sexual orientation. Statistics prove that pit bulls are no more dangerous than any other dog; the media portrays a warped image of this beautiful breed. The sensationalism is not based on the breed’s inherent temperament, but rather the fears associated with the consequences of some abusive owners. Breed-specific legislation should be repealed.

"The Socratic Hero." Nmu.edu. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2013.

Another myth is that pit bulls attack more than other dogs, and that makes them look dangerous. First of all, pit bulls are a very popular breeds, so it makes sense that the frequency of attacks would correlate in such a manner Secondly, pitbulls do not inherently attack more than any other breed. Pit bulls may attack often, but this may just be because they are trained by foolish humans. People buy pit bulls because they want tough dogs that can attack, so the dogs are trained in a manner that promotes this. However, this quality is not inherent.

It is the bad owners that give the pit bull a bad name. Contrary to that popular belief, dangerous animal behavior is the function of inherently dangerous dog owners, not inherently dangerous dogs. One fact that supports this is that pit bulls are the dogs most often shot during drug raids(TELLINGS v. Toledo). Besides the pit bulls that are owned by drug dealers for status symbols and protection, many pit bulls are owned by people that breed them for fighting. These poor dogs have a very slim chance of living a normal and happy life.

Owners tend to treat all dogs alike, yet not all dogs are created equal. All dogs have an intensity of aggression; nevertheless, it is the responsibility of the owner to warrant that they attain solutions to contain that aggression. Trevino and Shuit’s “Mauling Death of Boy by Dog Spurs Warning,” exemplifies the need of owners to inhibit aggression within a dog before it directs to maulings. “Payaso,” a male pit bull conceivably “lulls” owners with affection leading them to believe the animal is normal. Owners show their lack of knowledge by misconceiving the dog’s actions as excitement instead of an indication for aggressive tendencies.

Yet somehow people still discriminate a breed they cannot identify. Luckily, many professional opinions put such discriminations to rest (Madhani, Tullis). Many people doubt that aggressive pit bulls can be rehabilitated, but dog training professionals would argue otherwise. People in opposition to owning pit bulls feel that the dogs put society in danger because of their behavioral traits. Many also believe that

It may seem practical to euthanize these dogs as rehabilitation is not always a practical option when people are hurt and grieving. However, it is not the breed that causes senseless acts of aggression; it is the acts of the dog’s master who is the underlying cause of the aggression. All dogs may bite, but dog bites can largely be prevented by proper training and management. Dogs can become aggressive out of frustration and dominance. “The frustration comes from a lack of exercise, and dominance occurs from the lack of strong, but calm leadership from its owner,” says Cesar Milan, the popular Dog Whisperer.

This genetic variety makes it easier for us to understand ourselves better and at the same time our indifference from others. When humans are conceived , we have no control of the genes that we will inherit. However, in the case of animals such as the pit bull, the ease of manufacturing a dog to our desire is shocking. People breed dogs a certain way to obtain their ideal pet. As a direct result, people fall short to fully take into account for the genetic deviation, in particular the intensity of aggressiveness.