RESPONSIBLE OWNERS DO NOT BREED November 9, 2014 by Nature Coast Bullies | Edit
1) Responsible owners understand the breed is in a “fad” population crisis. They understand the shelters are full of purebred pit bulls dying every day.
2) Responsible owners do not breed puppies for resale. They do NOT breed without a full waiting list. They do not advertise in newspapers or the internet to sell their puppies.
3) Responsible owners do not breed animals which have not been health tested and have correct temperament and conformation. No responsible breeder produces more than one litter a year. Period.
4) Responsible owners will faithfully steward the breed, leaving it in the same condition it was handed to them. They do not change the breed to fit fads such as larger size, overdone bodies or to fit show ring criteria. The do not mix American Staffordshire and American pit bull bloodlines. They understand the purpose and physical requirements of their breed’s uses.
5) Responsible owners NEVER let their dog roam. Notice I did not say “allow” – I said “let”. This means they are careful and do not allow “accidents” to happen. They take precautions and spend the time and money to contain their dog appropriately. They are smarter than their dog…
6) They do NOT tolerate unsound behavior in the breed. If their dog is unsound, and shows unwarranted human aggression, they euthanize the dog. They do not make excuses for their dog.
7) They manage their dogs appropriately. They do not keep their dogs in inappropriate situations which do not allow the dogs sufficient exercise, nor do they put their dogs in inappropriate situations, such as taking them to an off-lead dog park. They understand and respect their dog’s heritage. They socialize and train their dogs to be good citizens.
Pit bull overpopulation is REAL.(If you don’t think it is, go checkoutwww.petfinder.com) Only YOU can stop it.
1) Responsible owners understand the breed is in a “fad” population crisis. They understand the shelters are full of purebred pit bulls dying every day.
2) Responsible owners do not breed puppies for resale. They do NOT breed without a full waiting list. They do not advertise in newspapers or the internet to sell their puppies.
3) Responsible owners do not breed animals which have not been health tested and have correct temperament and conformation. No responsible breeder produces more than one litter a year. Period.
4) Responsible owners will faithfully steward the breed, leaving it in the same condition it was handed to them. They do not change the breed to fit fads such as larger size, overdone bodies or to fit show ring criteria. The do not mix American Staffordshire and American pit bull bloodlines. They understand the purpose and physical requirements of their breed’s uses.
5) Responsible owners NEVER let their dog roam. Notice I did not say “allow” – I said “let”. This means they are careful and do not allow “accidents” to happen. They take precautions and spend the time and money to contain their dog appropriately. They are smarter than their dog…
6) They do NOT tolerate unsound behavior in the breed. If their dog is unsound, and shows unwarranted human aggression, they euthanize the dog. They do not make excuses for their dog.
7) They manage their dogs appropriately. They do not keep their dogs in inappropriate situations which do not allow the dogs sufficient exercise, nor do they put their dogs in inappropriate situations, such as taking them to an off-lead dog park. They understand and respect their dog’s heritage. They socialize and train their dogs to be good citizens.
Pit bull overpopulation is REAL.(If you don’t think it is, go checkoutwww.petfinder.com) Only YOU can stop it.
Ten facts about Pit Bulls everyone should know
1. Pit Bulls are commonly used as therapy dogs. Whether they are visiting a senior care facility or helping someone recover from an emotional accident, Pit Bulls are making a mark as outstanding therapy dogs.
2. Pit Bulls are used in Search and Rescue work. One example of well known SAR Pit Bulls is Kris Crawford and her dogs. Kris and her dogs have helped save the lives of many people during their efforts. http://www.ForPitsSake.org
3. Pit Bulls serve as narcotic and bomb sniffing dogs. One Pit Bull, Popsicle (named that because he was found in an old freezer) has the largest recorded single drug find in Texas history. Read more about Popsicle here. Including how he found over 3,000 lbs of cocaine in Hildago, Texas.
4. Pit Bulls are great with kids. They weren’t referred to as the “nanny’s dog” for nothing that’s for sure.
5. Pit Bulls are not human aggressive. The American Pit Bull Terrier as a breed is not human aggressive. In fact, quite the opposite is true of the breed. They are gentle and loving dogs. Like any dog individuals can be unsound and have behavior problems.
6. The Pit Bull was so popular in the early 1900′s they were our mascot not only in World War One, but World War Two as well. They were featured on recruiting and propoganda posters during this time period.
7. Sgt. Stubby. A Pit Bull war hero. Stubby was wounded in action twice, he saved his entire platoon by warning them of a poison gas attack and he single handedly captured a German spy.
8. Pete the Pup on the orginal Little Rascals was a Pit Bull.
9. Pit Bulls score an 83.4% passing rate with the American Temperament Test Society. That’s better than the popular Border Collie (a breed who scores 79.6%). View the ATTS stats here.
10. They are dogs not killing machines.
www.pitbullovers.com/pit-bulls-ten-things-you-should-know.html
Pit Bull Prejudice Part One: The Problem
By: Scotlund Haisley, Animal Rescue Corps.
A healthy relationship with animals demands that we are informed with reliable information so we can make valid decisions that are beneficial to both humans and other animals. Highly charged, hot-button topics abound, especially those that affect animal governing laws. Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is one such issue.
BSL seeks to ban specific dog breeds that are assumed to be dangerous to society. Currently, the dog most often subject to bans is known as the pit bull. Technically, “pit bull” is not a breed but rather a generic term categorizing a strong and athletic class of terriers that most popularly includes the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier.
These breeds are subjected to bans because there is widespread prejudice based on the common misunderstanding of the temperament of these dogs. Pit bulls are used for fighting and other nefarious activity because of their determined and courageous nature; yet, the very same tenacity can make pit bulls outstanding members of family, community, police and military groups. The typically resourceful pit bull cheerfully assumes the duties that life requires of him. Human guardians are responsible for positively directing the focus of the dog’s spirit and not taking advantage of it for unethical purposes. It is the negative manipulation of the pit bull nature that has given birth to the unfair reputation of the breeds.
Several years ago in Washington D.C., I participated in a heart-wrenching episode that highlights pit bull prejudice and eventually revealed the purity of a child’s wisdom. The saga began at dusk when a man in his house heard a noise behind his car parked in the street. He glimpsed movement and demanded that the person come forward, threatening to send his pit bull to attack if they failed to surrender. The hidden figure stayed frozen to the spot, so the man incited his dog to leave his property to attack. The man heard the screams of a child and followed his dog only to discover him mauling a 10-year-old girl. He called off the dog, but the little girl was bleeding profusely and critically injured.
I was called to the scene to take control of the dog while the girl was being rushed away in an ambulance and the man was being arrested. The dog, who was impounded and restricted from human contact for more than a year, was named Face. As his caregiver, I came to know him well prior to the hearing that would decide his fate. Face was the coolest and sweetest dog you’d ever hope to meet but his eagerness to please was manipulated and taken advantage of. He had been obeying his guardian’s urgent command to protect him by attacking the perceived danger. I was so saddened for the little girl who had been injured and for the dog who would be killed for doing what the person he trusted most asked of him; both victims of a human who had abused his power.
A healthy relationship with animals demands that we are informed with reliable information so we can make valid decisions that are beneficial to both humans and other animals. Highly charged, hot-button topics abound, especially those that affect animal governing laws. Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is one such issue.
BSL seeks to ban specific dog breeds that are assumed to be dangerous to society. Currently, the dog most often subject to bans is known as the pit bull. Technically, “pit bull” is not a breed but rather a generic term categorizing a strong and athletic class of terriers that most popularly includes the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier.
These breeds are subjected to bans because there is widespread prejudice based on the common misunderstanding of the temperament of these dogs. Pit bulls are used for fighting and other nefarious activity because of their determined and courageous nature; yet, the very same tenacity can make pit bulls outstanding members of family, community, police and military groups. The typically resourceful pit bull cheerfully assumes the duties that life requires of him. Human guardians are responsible for positively directing the focus of the dog’s spirit and not taking advantage of it for unethical purposes. It is the negative manipulation of the pit bull nature that has given birth to the unfair reputation of the breeds.
Several years ago in Washington D.C., I participated in a heart-wrenching episode that highlights pit bull prejudice and eventually revealed the purity of a child’s wisdom. The saga began at dusk when a man in his house heard a noise behind his car parked in the street. He glimpsed movement and demanded that the person come forward, threatening to send his pit bull to attack if they failed to surrender. The hidden figure stayed frozen to the spot, so the man incited his dog to leave his property to attack. The man heard the screams of a child and followed his dog only to discover him mauling a 10-year-old girl. He called off the dog, but the little girl was bleeding profusely and critically injured.
I was called to the scene to take control of the dog while the girl was being rushed away in an ambulance and the man was being arrested. The dog, who was impounded and restricted from human contact for more than a year, was named Face. As his caregiver, I came to know him well prior to the hearing that would decide his fate. Face was the coolest and sweetest dog you’d ever hope to meet but his eagerness to please was manipulated and taken advantage of. He had been obeying his guardian’s urgent command to protect him by attacking the perceived danger. I was so saddened for the little girl who had been injured and for the dog who would be killed for doing what the person he trusted most asked of him; both victims of a human who had abused his power.
I visited the child in the hospital, trying to ease her emotional upheaval. I told her honestly that the courts were going to make a decision about whether Face would be deemed a “dangerous dog” and lose his life. This insightful child, who required plastic surgery because of her injuries, told me to ask the court not to punish Face and said, “It isn’t the dog’s fault. It’s the man’s fault for teaching his dog bad things and using him that way.”
She got it exactly right. It is the nature of the pit bull to persevere and endure. This drive is not related to innate aggression but rather related to learned behaviors born of their loyalty and the drive to successfully complete assigned tasks despite adversity. Conversely, single-minded aggression is a sign of incomplete development in a dog who lacks confidence.
Historically pit bull breeds enjoyed a positive public image. They were trusted as beloved family companions – nursemaids to children and friends to adults. They worked beside farmers at home and soldiers abroad. Their sentimental place in society inspired the character Petey in The Little Rascals, Tige in the Buster Brown comic strip and more. Helen Keller and Theodore Roosevelt enjoyed the company of a pit bull companion and a pit bull named Sergeant Stubby still bears the honor as the most decorated service dog in U.S. military history.
Unfortunately, pit bulls have also historically been abused. The term “pit bull” comes from their ancestral use in pits for bull-baiting or fights with other dogs in “pits”. Despite the long history of mistreatment, the good-natured dog managed to retain the image of a loyal and amiable companion. The media began to propel pit bull negative perceptions to the forefront with articles like the extensive July 1987 Sports Illustrated story entitled “The Pit Bull Friend And Killer”, complete with a sensationalist cover photo depicting a snarling pit bull captioned “BEWARE OF THIS DOG”.
She got it exactly right. It is the nature of the pit bull to persevere and endure. This drive is not related to innate aggression but rather related to learned behaviors born of their loyalty and the drive to successfully complete assigned tasks despite adversity. Conversely, single-minded aggression is a sign of incomplete development in a dog who lacks confidence.
Historically pit bull breeds enjoyed a positive public image. They were trusted as beloved family companions – nursemaids to children and friends to adults. They worked beside farmers at home and soldiers abroad. Their sentimental place in society inspired the character Petey in The Little Rascals, Tige in the Buster Brown comic strip and more. Helen Keller and Theodore Roosevelt enjoyed the company of a pit bull companion and a pit bull named Sergeant Stubby still bears the honor as the most decorated service dog in U.S. military history.
Unfortunately, pit bulls have also historically been abused. The term “pit bull” comes from their ancestral use in pits for bull-baiting or fights with other dogs in “pits”. Despite the long history of mistreatment, the good-natured dog managed to retain the image of a loyal and amiable companion. The media began to propel pit bull negative perceptions to the forefront with articles like the extensive July 1987 Sports Illustrated story entitled “The Pit Bull Friend And Killer”, complete with a sensationalist cover photo depicting a snarling pit bull captioned “BEWARE OF THIS DOG”.
Recently, a Labrador mix dog attacked an elderly gentleman, requiring him to seek emergency treatment. The incident was reported in one article in the local paper. Soon thereafter, a mixed-breed dog bit a child, sending him to the hospital. Again, one article was printed in the local newspaper. A few days later, two pit bulls attacked a woman and her dog. The dog was uninjured but the woman was hospitalized. This incident was reported in 230 news articles as well as on multiple cable news networks.
Extensive misrepresentation of the nature of pit bulls is not merely unfair but also has regrettable consequences. This hype has led to their desirability among individuals seeking personal status or financial gain. The criminal use of pit bulls in professional and amateur dogfights and other illegal activity has ensured the proliferation of the negative stereotype against these dogs. The public is now conditioned to judge the breeds once considered quintessential American dogs as dangerous and pit bulls are subjected to bans.
Some municipalities and even entire countries are initiating and imposing dog breed bans while other are repealing them and forbidding future breed bans. Proposed legislation banning pit bulls in the entire state of Texas is being vehemently contested. “Justin’s Law”, written after a 10-year-old boy was tragically killed by two pit bulls, maintains that pit bulls need to be banned in order to protect children. If the legislation is passed, having a pit bull anywhere in Texas would become a third-degree felony. Pit bull protectors have organized their opposition and the bill currently has no sponsors within the Texas legislature.
Keeping people and other animals safe from danger must be addressed based on facts rather than emotion. Dog bites can cause serious injuries and even death and are costly in terms of dollars, community resources and emotional well-being. Yet, safety isn’t achieved by clumsy, blanket restrictions on broad classes of dogs. Reasoning and evidence show that non-specific restrictions affecting enormous numbers of dogs and people are ineffective and inhumane.
A child’s wisdom identified the root of the problem and allow us to ascertain the solution: “It isn’t the dog’s fault. It’s the man’s fault for teaching his dog bad things and using him that way.” The problem is irresponsible guardians. The solution must address this to be effective.
Dogs like Face are subjected to manipulative abuse, resulting in extremely distressing outcomes for dogs and humans, and then are blamed and punished for acting on behalf of their guardian. Entire breeds that need our understanding and protection most are condemned. May we honor the lesson of their suffering by returning their spent devotion with the human loyalty they deserve and taking proactive stances on how to handle the problems that abused dogs present to society and the problems society presents to them.
Breed-specific legislation is reactive and ineffective but there are proactive and effective ways to keep humans and dogs safe.
Extensive misrepresentation of the nature of pit bulls is not merely unfair but also has regrettable consequences. This hype has led to their desirability among individuals seeking personal status or financial gain. The criminal use of pit bulls in professional and amateur dogfights and other illegal activity has ensured the proliferation of the negative stereotype against these dogs. The public is now conditioned to judge the breeds once considered quintessential American dogs as dangerous and pit bulls are subjected to bans.
Some municipalities and even entire countries are initiating and imposing dog breed bans while other are repealing them and forbidding future breed bans. Proposed legislation banning pit bulls in the entire state of Texas is being vehemently contested. “Justin’s Law”, written after a 10-year-old boy was tragically killed by two pit bulls, maintains that pit bulls need to be banned in order to protect children. If the legislation is passed, having a pit bull anywhere in Texas would become a third-degree felony. Pit bull protectors have organized their opposition and the bill currently has no sponsors within the Texas legislature.
Keeping people and other animals safe from danger must be addressed based on facts rather than emotion. Dog bites can cause serious injuries and even death and are costly in terms of dollars, community resources and emotional well-being. Yet, safety isn’t achieved by clumsy, blanket restrictions on broad classes of dogs. Reasoning and evidence show that non-specific restrictions affecting enormous numbers of dogs and people are ineffective and inhumane.
A child’s wisdom identified the root of the problem and allow us to ascertain the solution: “It isn’t the dog’s fault. It’s the man’s fault for teaching his dog bad things and using him that way.” The problem is irresponsible guardians. The solution must address this to be effective.
Dogs like Face are subjected to manipulative abuse, resulting in extremely distressing outcomes for dogs and humans, and then are blamed and punished for acting on behalf of their guardian. Entire breeds that need our understanding and protection most are condemned. May we honor the lesson of their suffering by returning their spent devotion with the human loyalty they deserve and taking proactive stances on how to handle the problems that abused dogs present to society and the problems society presents to them.
Breed-specific legislation is reactive and ineffective but there are proactive and effective ways to keep humans and dogs safe.
Pit bull Prejudice Part Two: The Solution
By: Scotlund Haisley, Animal Rescue Corps.
As discussed in my last blog, breed-specific legislation (BSL) seeks to ban specific dog breeds that are assumed to be dangerous to society. Some municipalities and even entire countries are initiating and imposing dog breed bans while others are repealing them and forbidding future breed bans.
Currently, the dogs most often subject to bans are those breeds labeled “pit bulls”. These breeds are subjected to bans because there is widespread prejudice based on assumptions and misunderstanding of their temperament.
All of the discourse and conflict distorts a basic truth: Dogs are born with the instinct to be worthy of their family pack – to bond with their leader. Determined dogs will serve their guardian’s bidding with all of their being. Treated and socialized well, they can become loving family members and even Canine Good Citizens. But if the dogs are neglected or manipulated and encouraged to perform negative behaviors, the consequences for the dogs and humans can be tragic. It is this abuse that is at the root of the dog-human problems that BSL attempts, but fails, to address.
I personally oppose breed-specific legislation for these reasons:
As discussed in my last blog, breed-specific legislation (BSL) seeks to ban specific dog breeds that are assumed to be dangerous to society. Some municipalities and even entire countries are initiating and imposing dog breed bans while others are repealing them and forbidding future breed bans.
Currently, the dogs most often subject to bans are those breeds labeled “pit bulls”. These breeds are subjected to bans because there is widespread prejudice based on assumptions and misunderstanding of their temperament.
All of the discourse and conflict distorts a basic truth: Dogs are born with the instinct to be worthy of their family pack – to bond with their leader. Determined dogs will serve their guardian’s bidding with all of their being. Treated and socialized well, they can become loving family members and even Canine Good Citizens. But if the dogs are neglected or manipulated and encouraged to perform negative behaviors, the consequences for the dogs and humans can be tragic. It is this abuse that is at the root of the dog-human problems that BSL attempts, but fails, to address.
I personally oppose breed-specific legislation for these reasons:
- BSL is not proven to achieve its purported main function – to keep people safe from dog bites. For example, a study found that the number of dog bites in Great Britain remained the same despite a ban on three breeds the government classifies as pit bulls. In 1993, the Netherlands enacted a ban on pit bulls after three children were killed. The country repealed the law in 2008 saying that it had not solved the dangerous dog problem.
- BSL misplaces blame and punishes the innocent. BSL calls for the round up of all individuals of a certain breed, regardless of whether they have ever bitten anyone. BSL victimizes responsible dog guardians and their companions and imposes societal prejudice against both. Innocent life is lost and public wellbeing is hurt by any legislation that wrongly incriminates a majority due to problems with a handful of deviants. BSL doesn’t seek to make irresponsible dog guardians liable for their deeds and its purpose isn’t to impose penalties on those who commit crimes to animals. Dog bites are caused by humans who don’t socialize or who abuse their pets. More than 70% of dog bites come from unneutered male dogs and most fatal dog attacks involve dogs who aren’t spayed or neutered. More than 80% of dog bites come from dogs who are abused or otherwise recklessly maintained.
- BSL is reactive and expensive, blindly applying resources into sticking a Band-Aid on a problem, rather than preventing it. Solutions must be proactive and strike at the root of the problem, preventing the potential for dangerous situations to occur, to achieve lasting change. BSL costs taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars to round up and kill all banned dogs, regardless of their innocence. Prince George’s County, MD, spends more $250,000 a year to enforce its pit bull ban, though a 2003 study found that the ban had not improved public safety and that all animal problems were covered by other laws. This money could be spent much more profitably elsewhere. The dogs whose lives are taken and the devastated families who loved them pay a much higher price.
- BSL relies on arbitrary breed labels. Most of our nation’s 78 million dogs are mixed breeds thereby defying lineage classification. Also, the term “pit bull” is a generalized description and many dogs who are not pit bulls but share some physical characteristics are unfairly placed in this category. A report on dog bites from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which does not support BSL, maintains that, “Because of difficulties inherent in determining a dog’s breed with certainty, enforcement of breed-specific ordinances raises constitutional and practical issues.” Visit this website to try to “find the pit bull”.
- BSL puts dogs in danger. BSL makes banned dogs more desirable to criminals and other irresponsible individuals. Since these individuals can’t be seen with the dogs, they keep them in hiding, typically in extreme confinement, and sometimes leave them to starve to death in basements or abandoned buildings. Loving guardians may also hide their banned dogs and forsake daily walks and even veterinary care.
The intriguing, lovable pit bull is truly an innocent casualty of discriminatory generalizations that result in illegitimate breed-specific conclusions. The American Temperament Testing Society, an independent research group that has been publishing results since 1977, reports that only 1 in 1,000 pit bulls are “disqualified” due to aggressive tendencies. American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers pass temperament tests at a rate of 86% and 83.9%, respectively. These rates are similar or superior to those of Beagles (80.3%), Golden Retrievers (84.2%), Jack Russell Terriers (84.1%), Border Collies (81.1%) and Standard Poodles (85.3%).
Yet dog breeds with good reputations find loving homes more easily than dogs labeled as pit bulls. Millions of pit bulls end up in shelters and rescue groups every year. Half or more of the dogs in large city shelters are pit bull types. Small town shelters are also overwhelmed by a national average of 33% pit bull population. The results are tragic; the national average death rate of sheltered pit bulls is 93%. So, for every 100 pit bulls who end up in a shelter, only seven survive. Pit bull breeding is a major contributing factor to this problem and regulations on it must be explored.
BSL cannot address the problems “dangerous dogs” present to society or the problems society presents to dogs. The solutions that will work are not easy and require progressive systems. Regardless, the focus of any action must be on promoting responsible dog guardianship and holding the irresponsible accountable. While my idea is admittedly ambitious, I offer one possible solution – pet guardianship regulations should be enacted.
Dogs are classified as property and we pay an annual licensing fee for our dogs, as part of our property tax. However, there is no process to license animal guardians. Driving a car or selling liquor requires people to go through a verification process in order to be approved by the government. Citizens need to earn credentials that are government validated because fellow citizens are impacted by the conduct of each individual. When adopting from an animal shelter, certain criteria must be met because, likewise, having an animal affects the guardian, the animal and those around them. If animal guardianship required licensing, it would demonstrate that it is a significant responsibility and elevate it to earned privilege. People would have to provide evidence that they are prepared for the responsibility and would take the decision to get a companion more seriously because they will be held accountable for that choice.
I believe that guardian licensure will find an open legislative door. The Animal and Plant Health Inspective Service, a department of the USDA, states that:
“Breed or type specific bans are difficult and costly to enforce, provide a false sense of security to the community and, where enacted, no data currently supports them as effective in reducing incidence of dog bites; therefore, they are not recommended… The most effective means of reducing prevalence of dog bites are education and placing responsibility on the owner, not the animal. Legal mechanisms that enable the competent authorities to impose penalties or otherwise deal with irresponsible owners are necessary. Mandatory registration and identification schemes will facilitate the effective application of such mechanisms.”
Guardian licensing legislation wording and implementation of the law would be tailored for each community, just as there are differences in animal control and sheltering systems across the country. The entities that would be charged with overseeing this law must be behind it, have an implementation plan in place and be prepared for its outcomes if it is to be successful. If communities are not supportive or prepared, it should not be enacted. If applied responsibly, guardian licensing would not only keep communities safe but also offer a community more than just an alternative to BSL. It provides a way to directly and proactively address irresponsible guardianship, which animal shelters are already doing with adoption requirements. It is time to expand these ideas to society as a whole.
It is time to dismiss discussion of breed-specific legislation. BSL is an abusive idea that doesn’t work but rather offends common decency and wastes resources and innocent lives. We need to employ preventative measures, such as guardian licensure, to make real and lasting change in keeping people and animals safe. Please join me in defense of those who are persecuted by noble intention but ignorant implementation. Together we can create a humane civilization for every member of the animal kingdom.
Yet dog breeds with good reputations find loving homes more easily than dogs labeled as pit bulls. Millions of pit bulls end up in shelters and rescue groups every year. Half or more of the dogs in large city shelters are pit bull types. Small town shelters are also overwhelmed by a national average of 33% pit bull population. The results are tragic; the national average death rate of sheltered pit bulls is 93%. So, for every 100 pit bulls who end up in a shelter, only seven survive. Pit bull breeding is a major contributing factor to this problem and regulations on it must be explored.
BSL cannot address the problems “dangerous dogs” present to society or the problems society presents to dogs. The solutions that will work are not easy and require progressive systems. Regardless, the focus of any action must be on promoting responsible dog guardianship and holding the irresponsible accountable. While my idea is admittedly ambitious, I offer one possible solution – pet guardianship regulations should be enacted.
Dogs are classified as property and we pay an annual licensing fee for our dogs, as part of our property tax. However, there is no process to license animal guardians. Driving a car or selling liquor requires people to go through a verification process in order to be approved by the government. Citizens need to earn credentials that are government validated because fellow citizens are impacted by the conduct of each individual. When adopting from an animal shelter, certain criteria must be met because, likewise, having an animal affects the guardian, the animal and those around them. If animal guardianship required licensing, it would demonstrate that it is a significant responsibility and elevate it to earned privilege. People would have to provide evidence that they are prepared for the responsibility and would take the decision to get a companion more seriously because they will be held accountable for that choice.
I believe that guardian licensure will find an open legislative door. The Animal and Plant Health Inspective Service, a department of the USDA, states that:
“Breed or type specific bans are difficult and costly to enforce, provide a false sense of security to the community and, where enacted, no data currently supports them as effective in reducing incidence of dog bites; therefore, they are not recommended… The most effective means of reducing prevalence of dog bites are education and placing responsibility on the owner, not the animal. Legal mechanisms that enable the competent authorities to impose penalties or otherwise deal with irresponsible owners are necessary. Mandatory registration and identification schemes will facilitate the effective application of such mechanisms.”
Guardian licensing legislation wording and implementation of the law would be tailored for each community, just as there are differences in animal control and sheltering systems across the country. The entities that would be charged with overseeing this law must be behind it, have an implementation plan in place and be prepared for its outcomes if it is to be successful. If communities are not supportive or prepared, it should not be enacted. If applied responsibly, guardian licensing would not only keep communities safe but also offer a community more than just an alternative to BSL. It provides a way to directly and proactively address irresponsible guardianship, which animal shelters are already doing with adoption requirements. It is time to expand these ideas to society as a whole.
It is time to dismiss discussion of breed-specific legislation. BSL is an abusive idea that doesn’t work but rather offends common decency and wastes resources and innocent lives. We need to employ preventative measures, such as guardian licensure, to make real and lasting change in keeping people and animals safe. Please join me in defense of those who are persecuted by noble intention but ignorant implementation. Together we can create a humane civilization for every member of the animal kingdom.
Common Pit Bull Myths -- Uncovering the Real Pit Bull
When you hear 'pit bull' what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Many people are fearful of pit bulls. I believe that people fear what they do not understand, and my goal in writing this is to uncover a few myths concerning the misunderstood pit bull.
Myth #1: Pit Bulls are aggressive to humans.This myth strikes up fear in many people. They think that because pit bulls were bred to fight other dogs that they must be aggressive towards people also. This is false. In fact, pit bull breeders and dog fighters selected against human aggression; it was bred out of the breed. Dog fighters were often in the ring with the dogs, and they needed to be able to pull two fighting dogs apart without getting injured.
Pit bulls are common in American history. Petey from 'Our Gang' was a pit bull. They are considered 'nanny dogs' because they do so well with children. Many pit bulls were decorated war dogs, such as Sergeant Stubby who was the most decorated war dog in World War I.
Today, pit bulls serve as therapy dogs and service dogs. They are trained for search and rescue and bomb sniffing; some are trained to be police dogs. Their loyalty and eagerness to please has attracted many to this breed.
Myth #2: Pit Bulls can lock their jaw. Simply stated, the jaws of the pit bull have the same functionally of any other dog breed. There is no locking mechanism.
Myth #3: Banning Pit Bulls will decrease the incidents of dog bites. Banning one breed or a group of breeds considered dangerous is not the answer. Many places that have enforced breed bans have not had a decrease in dog bites. Breed bans do not work for many reasons, but the main reason they do not work is because breed bans DO NOT punish dog fighters and irresponsible dog owners. Dog fighters will continue to do what they do illegally. Irresponsible dog owners will continue to be irresponsible, despite what dog breed they own.
I believe there are better alternatives to breed bans. Firstly, stricter punishments and higher fines for dog fighting and animal abuse should be enforced. At the moment, dog fighters and animal abusers get off fairly easy. They serve a little jail time and/or pay a small fine, depending on which state they are in.
Secondly, irresponsible dog ownership needs to be punished. Owners need to follow leash laws and be in control of their dog(s) at all times. Any dog can be aggressive.
Myth #1: Pit Bulls are aggressive to humans.This myth strikes up fear in many people. They think that because pit bulls were bred to fight other dogs that they must be aggressive towards people also. This is false. In fact, pit bull breeders and dog fighters selected against human aggression; it was bred out of the breed. Dog fighters were often in the ring with the dogs, and they needed to be able to pull two fighting dogs apart without getting injured.
Pit bulls are common in American history. Petey from 'Our Gang' was a pit bull. They are considered 'nanny dogs' because they do so well with children. Many pit bulls were decorated war dogs, such as Sergeant Stubby who was the most decorated war dog in World War I.
Today, pit bulls serve as therapy dogs and service dogs. They are trained for search and rescue and bomb sniffing; some are trained to be police dogs. Their loyalty and eagerness to please has attracted many to this breed.
Myth #2: Pit Bulls can lock their jaw. Simply stated, the jaws of the pit bull have the same functionally of any other dog breed. There is no locking mechanism.
Myth #3: Banning Pit Bulls will decrease the incidents of dog bites. Banning one breed or a group of breeds considered dangerous is not the answer. Many places that have enforced breed bans have not had a decrease in dog bites. Breed bans do not work for many reasons, but the main reason they do not work is because breed bans DO NOT punish dog fighters and irresponsible dog owners. Dog fighters will continue to do what they do illegally. Irresponsible dog owners will continue to be irresponsible, despite what dog breed they own.
I believe there are better alternatives to breed bans. Firstly, stricter punishments and higher fines for dog fighting and animal abuse should be enforced. At the moment, dog fighters and animal abusers get off fairly easy. They serve a little jail time and/or pay a small fine, depending on which state they are in.
Secondly, irresponsible dog ownership needs to be punished. Owners need to follow leash laws and be in control of their dog(s) at all times. Any dog can be aggressive.