There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding about pit bulls as a breed of dog (ok, they may not be United Kennel Club certified as a distinct breed, grouped instead with Staffordshire Terriers, but I think most people know a pit when they see it), and bad press like the news that Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick faces federal charges of fighting them doesn't help. While it's true that they can be aggressive, that's true of any dog when it's mistreated, and the well-cared-for pits I've known have been nothing but sweet, loving, obedient, beautiful animals. Do you own pit bulls? Does the stigma affect you? And if you're scared of pits, why?
Blog Of The Nation
The stigma associated with select canine breeds is upsetting. When it comes to pit bulls, chows and other very loyal and affectionate breeds, you will find that many local shelters will euthanize these creatures - regardless of their temperment or age - which I find both ignorant and inexcuseable. Dogfighters and dogfighting are the primary reason for this, and are directly responsible for the unnecessary euthanasia of thousands of animals that have a tremendous potential for happiness and companship in their lives.
Neal, please ask your guests what non-officials can or should do to help prevent this kind of thing in the future, or what kinds of things to look for in the neighborhood to keep local officials up to date on.
I cannot say enough how much I hate all aspects of dog-fighting. I do not feel very compassionate about people who participate in it. They mistreat animals (the dogs they "fight," the "bait" dogs, cats &c.) and they mistreat their kids if they bring them to witness this horrible kind of event. I am so glad it's a felony now, and I hate to say it, but I kind of hope the animal abusers get a real good taste of how it feels to be abused and made to fight when they don't want to.
Years ago my husband worked with a person who fought pit bulls. We began adopting them when we found he was going to shoot them when they were no longer of service to him. Over the years, we took in 3 pit bulls. They were all severely abused when we got them. Once they realized they would have food and care, they each ended up being gentle and sweet pets that were as loyal as could be to us for rescuing them from the tragic lives they were living. They all ended up dying within a year or two from the malnutrition and abuse they received early in their lives. Dog fighting is torture and a terrible statement about what is considered "sport". It is abuse, just like any other and should not be tolerated.
If the charges are true, do laws exist that would allow Vick to be sued on behalf of the dogs he brutalized? The beneficiary of such a suit should be the humane organizations that care for abused dogs and attempt to educate the public about humane behaviors.
My husband and I are firends with a woman who's neighbor seems to be running a dog fighting operation from his home. There is a constant (though changing number) of pit bulls chined in his back yard, at distances too far to reach one another. He breeds in his garage; there are usually two litters going. We have tried contacting authorities, but tips about our suspicions are passed on to animal control who stops by to say there were complaints about "barking". This makes us concerned that local police are not willing to participate in an investigation. What are our options?
No offense to anyone, but I really don't see dog fighting as a problem deserving our attention when people are dying all over the world because a lack of food, war, etc. Why are dogs recieving this attention when there are HUMANS in much more danger?
There is something seriously wrong with the soul of human who gets enjoyment out seeing things that cause pain to animals or humans. I would be very wary of this type of person, they are a danger to civilization.
I am skeptical about people's insistence that pit bulls can make "wonderful dogs" and pets. About three years ago I was attacked by an off-leash pit bull mix on a suburban walking path and spent over a year in physical therapy with an injured knee joint. My sister-in-law, who adopted a pit bull puppy two years ago, and who had never seen it act aggressively toward her other dogs, came home a month ago to find that the now-2 yr. old pit bull had killed her blue heeler/cattle dog. As a result, she had the pit bull put to sleep since she no longer trusted it in her household and no rescue group would take it.
People who defend pit bulls by saying that all dog breeds can learn to fight and kill, or can be aggressive, are partially correct, but I would counter that very few other breeds have the strength of bite that pit bulls have; animals designed to fight and kill are just not the same as animals bred with "soft mouths" or mouths so tiny that the damage they might do is limited. And, regarding shelter space and rescue groups for pit bulls, there are just too many other, less dangerous or mentally damaged dogs in shelters that need love and attention for most communities to put too much money or energy into trying to "rescue" dogs rejected from fighting rings. In this respect, and due to my own skepticism about the breed as long as bad people keep breeding pit bulls, I can sympathize with shelters who routinely euthanize these animals.
In the end, I feel terribly sorry for these animals because they've been bred so badly by such inhumane people (dog fighting to me is as bad as beating one's children, and should have equally harsh criminal punishments), but I still will never trust a pit bull and will always fear them around people and other pet dogs.
I agree with all the comments against dog-fighting, but unfortunately, the most egregious aspect of the indictment against Vick and his co-conspirators is the spector of extreme, monstrous torture that the animals were subjected to outside the fighting arena. I have a copy of the indictment in front of me and the extent of torture visited on the animals considered "poor performers" is unspeakable in its cruelty. I sincerely hope that this case garners the attention it deserves by virtue of having a well-known defendant, so that harsh penalties, i.e., prison terms, are meted out to the perpetrators.
"Discuss the Deed, not the breed"
Once again the media is grasping at the "Dangerous Dog" moniker and contributing to the smearing of the American Pit Bull Terrier. There is no better account of the misunderstood "Dangerous Dog" than Vicki Hearn's "Bandit, Dossier of a Dangerous Dog". I have adopted to Pit Bulls from rescue associations, and I am happy to report they have both been remarkably sweet, loving and loyal dogs. It is endlessly frustrating to see the media grab hold of the unfortunate use of these dogs by individuls with ill intentions. Can we please focus on the humans responsible for the conditions and actions of the dogs in their care. One needs only to look at what Kristine Crawford has done with her Pit's in search and rescue. "We prefer the American Pit Bull Terrier for Search and Rescue (SAR) work because the American Pit Bull Terrier, when properly bred and raised, possesses heart, drive and a work ethic unlike other breed. The American Pit Bull Terrier's friendly demeanor with people, athletic build and legendary determination to get the job done makes her a perfect candidate for search and rescue work. Nothing deters her - not heat or cold, not fatigue, not the things that make lesser dogs quit. We've worked with many different pure and mixed breed dogs and, in our experience, have found no other breed that matches the American Pit Bull Terrier for stability, human friendliness and work drive. But most importantly, when you are out in the middle of a cold and rainy night looking for a missing Alzheimer's patient or a missing child, you want a dog that will go anywhere, do anything, and won't quit! http://www.forpitssake.org/
Compassion is not an either/or thing, Amanda. Cruelty and deprivation are wrong in all circumstances. I work in a social services agency, and I don't think it's fluke that many of us in the agency have adopted shelter dogs. You will also find in the literature of abusers that abuse usually begins with an animal victim. A society that tolerates the cruelty of blood sport is a society in decline.
Sara, I would strongly encourage your neighbor to contact the same Animal Control that is erroneously coming by and talk with them directly about her concerns. If that goes nowhere, she can do some research on the internet to see if there are rescue organizations in your state - regardless of what city - and call them to ask who she should be talking to at a state level to get this looked into. Good for you and your friend for trying to help already, and good luck in getting this addressed!
[quote] This makes us concerned that local police are not willing to participate in an investigation. What are our options?[/quote]
Try to contact a dog rescue organization in your area and ask them to give you contact information for any animal cruelty investigators that they know of. Many people who are in rescue know someone who does this, or has contacts within animal control itself that might be more willing to help if it comes from someone they know. Also, don't count out the fact that the operation may be under surveillance already. It takes time to make these cases and the officer might have used the barking as an excuse to observe what is going on there. If there is an active investigation they may not be able to say so.
I want to also mention that "Free to Good Home" ads are an invitation to dogfighters to come and get animals to use for bait. Please, NEVER place or respond to an ad like this.
I was searching for a new pet at my hometown animal shelter just a few days after a local organized dog fight had been raided at the home of a former professional athlete. Half of the shelter was occupied by the seized pit bulls, there were so many of them! Fnding a dog for myself during this time was a nightmare, and emotionally draining. But I kept going back several times a week, and finally found a wonderful but spastic little terrier mix. But I'll never forget all those pit bulls. Really sad.
Regarding the bad rep of ordinary, I'll never forget an encounter with two stray pits while walking my dachsund. They immediately saw my dachsund and ran for him, and I thought this was the end for my dog. But my dachsund growled and barked at them, and made these two pitbulls heal right in front of him! The pit bulls then just layed there obediently in front of my dachsund in hopes that he would play with them. I was both relieved and amused to say the least.
"Free to Good Home" ads are not only an (unintentional, I hope) "invitation" to dog-fighters, but also to "bunchers," who often "adopt" friendly, home-bred pets, and immediately turn them over to laboratories that do animal experimentation.
To prevent cruelty to YOUR animals, always keep them on a leash attached to YOU when you are outdoors, or behind a big, safe fence they cannot "jump" or dig out from under, and never, ever let your cats wander.
And be sure to spay and neuter, as this reduces the impulse to wander, to fight, and so on.
The Pit Bulls I have met in my life have been very sweet dogs. I, too, feel great pity for the pit bull victims of the dog-fighting fashion. The kids who say it's "cool" have been programmed by insidious mass-market ads disguised as rebellious thug culture (rap, etc.).
I regret my temperamental outburst in my previous entry about dog-fighters in prison. Really, I am a peacenik, but when people prey on the innocent, be they children or animals, I get so very angry it's difficult to be rational in my responses.
Mary, I don't think that sueing on the dog's behalf would be possible as dogs are considered property. I would think that if a situation existed where a person could prove their pet was stolen and made to fight, that person could sue, but probably only for monetary damage according to how much the dog was considered worth as property. I'm not a lawyer, so others may be able to address this much better than I can. It's unfortunate that sentient beings are considered this way under existing law.
I think anyone who abuses animals or children are a disgrace to the human race and should be punished to the fullest extent. Unfortunately, the people who commit these crimes are not always are caught and/or punished. I hope this will make people more aware of what is happening and that something positive can come from this tragedy, ev en if it is just making people more aware and willing to get involved. I have had a pit bull for twelve years, and she has brought joy to everyone who meets her and does not have a mean bone in her body. I wish everyone could experience the love that I have received from this wonderful animal.
Thanks for your comment, Debbie.
I'm wondering about all the expenses that local humane societies and animal control departments incur as a result of dealing with the tragic results of dog fighting. Surely anyone who promotes dog fighting is responsible for these costs.
Civil lawsuits have been used sucessfully to bankrupt hate groups. I'd like to see the same legal tactic used to rid our society of dog fighting, one depraved organization at a time.
Neil. It is preposterous to imply all Latin America natives grow up watching dog fighting as part of the regular experiences during upbringing. Your implication is narrow and your comment is offensive. For your information many Latin American countries shun dog fighting and have Laws regulating such illicit behavior. Why do you continue spreading the idea that Latin American countries remain underdeveloped worlds? There are indeed many areas needing help in Latin America; however, not all Latin American countries lack the institutional elements to keep thier societies organized... Shame on you for not thinking before you speak!
Amanda, it is good that you bring up the point of people dying all over the world from war, hunger, etc because it should be talked about and people should do something about it. However, it does not lessen the fact that this felony crime and completely despicable practice has happened. The best thing about this is that it has now exposed millions to what is going on. The people that partake in this think it is ok. I think that most people believe it is not ok. Here is a guy that many kids idolize and will grow up thinking dog fighting is cool. The Redskin player Clinton Portis defended Vick and said that what he does is his own business and lots of NFL and NBA players partake in this practice. It used to be a rural problem now dog fighting has spread into urban settings. You have some major rap stars that endorse this and think it makes them cool to have a big mean looking pit bull. This has got to stop and the only way it will is if people talk about it and then do something. If you didn't like the war I am sure you didn't vote for Bush. If you don't like the fact that Vick is going to camp next week then you should email the NFL commissioner. If you don't like the fact that Nike is still endorsing him then write them and boycott their products. I have told everyone in my little world and asked them to do this.
I was fortunate enough to walk by a pit bull that was left in some bushes with broken legs and dying. This dog has more soul than most of the people I meet in life. He is a happy part of our family with 2 other dogs and a cat. I believe he knows that and is grateful. If you look at the facts of attacks on people Pit Bulls are not on the top of the list. People really NEED to educate themselves about not only pit bulls but dogs in general and dog fighting. A person that has a bad encounter with a pit bull can not just generalize the breed as bad. That would be like saying all teenagers are bad because you got mugged by one.
I am an avid listener of National Public Radio. When I went to lunch today I flipped on my car radio and tuned into the program "Talk of the Nation" They were doing a segment in relation to the very recent dog fighting bust Michael Vick.
They were also soliciting calls from "Those who have used their dogs in a dog fight or have witnessed a dog fight". "If this is you, please give us a call" or something to this effect.
By now my blood was boiling with "guest" after "guest" giving extremely negative and prejudicial information about the pit bull.
By this time I am seeing red, my errands are forgotten, I pull under a shade tree and get out my cell phone. After 40 minutes of repeatedly calling (and getting a busy signal) I actually get through to a screener. She asks what my topic is. I start by saying "I have had these dogs for 30 years. . ." she interrupts me, tells me that they have already "had a positive call on this topic" (a 30 second call out of 40 minutes of pit bull bashing). I then say "I would really like to speak. . ." at what point SHE HANGS UP ON ME.
I had not been confrontive or discourteous in any way whatsoever.
It was obvious that "Talk of the Nation" had an agenda, and positive calls were not it.
Amanda, it is indeed the responsibility of us all to confront and abate the tragedy of human suffering. (Much of it visited BY humans ON humans). However, it's also true that you can go as far back as you wish without finding a time in history when this wasn't so. Given that the signs appear to point to a continuation of this sorry condition, your (implicit) suggestion becomes that we ignore the well-being of all other animals (excepting ourselves, of course) for the foreseeable future. I strongly disagree and believe that the moral responsibility of people to do what we can to alleviate suffering where we find it extends to non-human animals as well. Moreover, the fact that much of THEIR suffering is (again) visted on them BY (guess who) humans only underscores our responibility. As Mary noted above, this is not an either/or issue. The ability to remain unmoved by witnessing - or worse, perpetrating - violence towards animals is a first step in developing the capacity to do the same in the face of human suffering.
Pit bulls are very sweet dogs when raised and cared for properly - as like with any other breed.
The reason why attention is being given to these animals is because humans have an awareness of their situatios as well as a way to communicate with others. Animals are not able to do this but suffer at the injustice and violence that cruel people do to them. PEOPLE do this to them, they don't do it to each other.
Owners should hold more responsibility for their animals, they should be subject to strict laws. All pit bulls and their owners should not be punished for something that a select kind of people has trained a select population of pit bulls to do.
I recently adopted a pit, rescued from one of those dog fighting groups. The sweetest, gentlest dog I ever met. I was surprised at the number of (presumably intelligent) people who advised that I have her "put down" because she MIGHT bite someone. Pshht! My Chihuahua is the aggressive one!
When I was 4, I was mauled by a cocker spaniel. Neither my parents or I have ever suggested that cocker spaniels should be banned because of the behavior of one individual. Of course, pit bulls are high in the bite statistics--beause there are more of them. If you count all the dogs lumped as 'pit bulls', they are probably the most numerous 'breed' in this country. Slime like Vick take advantage of the pit bull's bravery, strength, and determination and the poor abused dogs get the blame. This is crazy!
Dear Heather and Mary,
I certaintly wasn't implying that i am for dog fights. I don't think it's a humane practice at all.It's quite repulsive actually. I was just highlighting how the focus of media, people, etc. seems at points to examine topics that are mildly less life threatening to human life. Im not sure how to state that. I guess my priorites should be more sensative to these issues.
:)
I don't own any of the breeds officially defined as pit bulls (Staffords, etc.), but I own Boxers and am affected by the stigma. I would definitely disagree with the notion that people know a Pit Bull when they see one. People commonly come up to me and think that my Boxer is a Pit Bull. A friend of mine owns a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (similar to a St. Bernard) and people have confused him with a Pit Bull. When I worked with rescue groups, I would frequently see Great Dane, Boxer, Mastiff, and puppies of other large breeds labelled as Pit Bulls by shelter workers who knew so little about dogs that it was painful. The ironic thing is that another friend of mine owns American Staffford Terriers and people have asked her what breed that is because they don't recognize it as a "Pit Bull".
I think that the whole breed-specific legislation is silly in general. Beyond that even the "professionals" can't ID breeds correctly sometimes, it doesn't get at the source of the issue. People are upset about dogs roaming off-leash, dog fighting rings, and potential dog bites. We already have laws in place to address those things directly, but animal control and police officers rarely enforce those laws to their full extent. Getting AC to come out after a roaming dog in a playground on a Sunday takes forever, if it happens at all. Dog fighting and the crimes linked to it (drugs, gang activity, etc.) are illegal, but the police aren't always given the resources to deal with those crimes. Animal abuse (which usually leads to agression in dogs and potential bites) is illegal, but most of the time AC spends more time harassing responsible owners about doing obedience training in a park or having one extra pampered pet--rather than spend the time and effort needed to prevent animal abuse. So, what is the point of outlawing the ownership of several breeds lumped under the name "Pit Bull" when the things people are worried about are already illegal, just unenforced?
Those deeds are also not exclusive to Pit Bulls. When I worked as a vet tech, I never worried about the big dogs. It was the Cocker Spaniels with ear infections and small, yappy dogs with single female owners that got a watchful eye from me. I was never bit by a large dog, but got a few small dog bites and many more bites from cute kittens who disagreed with getting vaccines.
The way pet legislation is going just doesn't sit well with me--it'd be like denying citizenship for all African Americans just because they appear to have a higher percentage of the prison populations. It's obvious to people that not all African Americans commit crimes and that people of other races also commit crimes. To think otherwise, just appears too much like stereotyping and discrimination.
Amanda writes:
No offense to anyone, but I really don't see dog fighting as a problem deserving our attention when people are dying all over the world because a lack of food, war, etc. Why are dogs recieving this attention when there are HUMANS in much more danger?
No offense taken, Amanda. But let me ask this - is there not room for the public to have multiple conversations about multiple topics? There's certainly no shortage of discussion about Iraq and other world problems, and discussing them is clearly of national importance. But does that mean we have to suspend all other topics worthy of discussion, even when segments of the population are interested in discussing them? I don't see it as either/or. I think there's room for dialog about both, and other topics as well. Expanding public dialog is always preferable to restricting it, in my mind at least.
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