The Tyler Morning Telegraph in Tyler, Texas published an editorial recently claiming that it is, “time for Texas to take the first steps toward a statewide pit bull ban.” This staunch statement was made in response to a recent report of a litter of pit bull puppies mauling a 3-year-old in nearby Longview, Texas. The fact is, it is sadly all too frequent that we hear of people being attacked and harmed by this particular breed of dog. Many people would agree with the Tyler Morning Telegraph's assertion that pit bulls are, “bred specifically to maim and kill.” I also know even more people who are of precisely the opposite mind, who believe that pit bulls are wonderful animals who have been saddled with a bad rap by the media and irresponsible owners. Emotions run hot on the subject, as thoughts of harm coming to innocent children from vicious beasts are as stirring and objectionable to some as thoughts of helpless animals being euthanized simply for being born the wrong breed.

Perhaps a more balanced approach is in order. Yes, it is unacceptable to allow human beings to be maimed, hospitalized, even killed before any actions are taken to prevent it. Yet it also feels inappropriate to discriminate against and euthanize helpless animals who have done nothing wrong.

Animal welfare is a subject very close to my heart. I seem to have been born with an affinity for all things furry and four-legged and that fact is evident in my current way of life as a vegetarian and volunteer at various animal shelters for almost four years. The current establishment I volunteer with is a selective-intake facility that continually houses a preponderance of pit bulls and pit mixes, which seem to maintain steady popularity in central Texas.

I have been dragged across lawns, jumped on, and nearly knocked over by over-eager pit bulls, but never bitten by one. The only dog I have ever been aggressively bitten by was my family cocker spaniel (who, granted, gave fair warning of his intent to bite). I agree that pit bulls can be very intimidating dogs, and that they can be loveable clowns, capable of wide infectious grins. All of this does not discount the fact that pit bulls (a term which actually can refer to several different breeds) can be dangerous. In some cases even more dangerous than other breeds of dog.

Perhaps what makes pit bulls dangerous is not their predisposed propensity to attack and bite, but their ability to cause great harm when they do. Pit bull breeds are stocky, muscular and strong. They certainly have the ability to do more damage than an equally or even more aggressive small dog like a dachshund. Even more notable, however, is that pit bulls have often been prized and bred for a not-inherently aggressive trait called “gameness,” which is the ability to perform a task despite pain or discomfort. This may mean that a pit bull in the midst of a bite will hold on when being discouraged where other breeds of dog, in the interest of self-preservation, will be more likely to let go.

The other possible danger in pit bulls comes from human influence. DogsBite.org claims that people who choose to own pit bull dogs, as opposed to other breeds, are more likely to have criminal histories. It doesn't take much connecting of the dots to gather that some are attracted to the pit bulls' aggressive image, and will choose a pit bull for the express purpose of having a “dangerous” dog. From there it is a short order to create the aggressive animal that is desired. Dogs who may start as relatively docile puppies can easily be made aggressive or dangerous by irresponsible owners, and dogs who are born unstable are often bred selectively to pass on their unseemly traits. While there are scores of responsible breeders who select to breed for only the most agreeable temperaments in pit bulls, their efforts are undermined by rampant breeding of unstable, potentially dangerous animals.

With all of that in mind, take a step back to my second paragraph. Does the potential danger of an ill-bred and untrained pit bull now qualify it for mass discrimination based on its breed? No. But the potential danger of a pit bull in the wrong hands, like that of a car, a gun, or any other weapon, does seem to beg for some form of regulation. The same way some only want to own a gun to shoot inanimate targets, others only want a pit bull as a companion to play frisbee with.

Maybe it is not preposterous to propose some kind of regulation or licensing, if not the sweeping breed-specific legislation some put forth, on the ownership and breeding of not just pit bulls, but all other dogs as well. Any other potentially dangerous implement, like a car, requires a license and even training to own and use, why not dogs?

Humanity has shown how it values the pet canine through its actions. I don't need to tell you that daily, untold numbers of animals endure suffering, neglect, and death at the hands of humankind. It is a drain on government resources and on the animals themselves. It is also the kind of actions that perpetuate and enforce stereotypes of the oft maligned pit bull family of dogs whose potential as loving family pets may never be realized.

I encourage you to review, if you have not already read, the Sorbate's Stereotypes topic from last week, and comment if you have an opinion about how stereotypes come into play in relation to dog breeds. I also want to iterate that if you are interested in owning a pit bull, or any other dog breed, please do your research. The pit bull's history is rocky, and their breed-specific needs are not suited to every owner. And as Bob Barker would say, please spay and neuter your pets!

-Julie is a blogger for The New View. Check out her bio to see where her view comes from.

Read More

The Sorbate: Stereotypes, TheOnlineGrapevine.com

Pit Bull Owners Are More Likely to be Criminals Study Shows, DogsBite.org

Dog Bites Fact Sheet, AmericanHumane.org

Time For Public To Take Action Against Pit Bulls, TylerPaper.com

Toddler attacked by Pit Bulls, KLTV.com

Pit Bull Saves Holland Woman From Abductor, WZZM13.com

Hero Pooch Saves 7-year-old Queens Girl, NYDailyNews.com