Edwin Rolfe and Lester Fuller wrote, “You can never tell a book by its cover.” Pit Bulls are a widely challenged and bullied breed across the world because they are often judged by their physical appearance, their past, and the acts of a few being pushed onto the many. “The dogs that fall under this label are as well loved as they are maligned in this society, with a history that's as blended as their genetics” ("Breed History."). Among many breeds in the world, most Pit Bulls show characteristics of loyalty, kindness, love, and the ability to be a part of a family even after under going the worst of circumstances.
A Pit Bull has been bred for multiple jobs in their existence. When people from England migrated to America, the dogs came with them and were a staple to the nation. “These dogs have long been popular family pets, noted for their gentleness, affection and loyalty” ("Position Statement on Pit Bulls."). They came to serve as protectors, helpers, hunters, and “were constant companions to the young children who were entrusted in their care” ("Breed History."). President Theodore Roosevelt owned a Pit Bull, RCA Records, Target, and the American Government all showcased bull breed’s on their logos, and movies such as Spankie and the Gang had a Pit Bull. They are still valued companions to many families and war veterans. Pit Bulls have been an important part of our history and are dogs capable of being a part of any community and home in the 21st century.
It is important to realize that much like humans, an animal is a collection of it’s experiences, environment, and personality. Their “behavior develops through a complex interaction between environment and genetics” ("Position Statement on Pit Bulls."). This process starts in the womb and ends the day they die. If an animal is exposed to a loving and caring atmosphere where they are infused with the community and other animals, the dog, no matter the breed, is most likely to show no signs of aggression. Pit Bulls show characteristics such as: strength, confidence, humor, energy and enthusiasm, sensitivity, intelligence, loyalty, and the ability to show affection. They are great therapy dogs, military canines, rescue workers, agility course runners, and family animals. Through the centuries they have proved worthy of being our companions.
While the media has had moments of poor judgment, there are times such as the Michael Vick’s case where they tried to help save and promote the rescue of these dogs that were being abused and mistreated. Most of the dogs had been put in vile circumstances, yet, they were still loving, sweet, and often scared of everything around them. 48 of these 52 dogs rescued from Vick went on to be rehabilitated and given forever homes with the help of Pit Bull supporters, the National Guard, and dedicated government agents.
Unfortunately, even with the Michael Vick case, there were moments when the media’s tendency to cause alarm impeded the case and almost lead the dogs to their deaths. At times the media exposed information about the case, published it, and people were prompted to take action of their own such as: digging up dogs at the Vick house, robbing the house, and tampering with evidence. In another event, one of the dogs bit a rescue worker, the media jumped in, causing all of the dogs safety to be compromised and the National Guard had to rescue them from the public who wanted them put down. Even PETA was quoted saying, “These dogs are a ticking bomb,” … “Rehabilitating fighting dogs is not in the cards. It’s widely accepted that euthanasia is the most humane thing for them” (Gorant). Without first giving these dogs a chance to be tested, many decided they were better off being put down, and while this would have gotten rid of the problem, it would not have been humane. 48 of those dogs now lead happy lives with their families.
The other side to media is that of the people, as now there are many groups who support, save, and educate about Pit Bulls. On all media fronts there are both the good and bad. As the public, it is our job to decipher, which is which, and take everything with a grain of salt.
The choice to become educated about a subject as controversial as Pit Bulls is crucial. Whether one dislikes them because of personal experience, exposure to the media’s accounts of Pit Bulls’ actions, or merely following blindly in the crowd, people should have an understanding of the creature as a race. In many countries and communities the ban on the Pit Bull is growing. While it may be in place to protect the community, taking the lives of an entire breed due to the actions of a few is unjust. Taking away these animals chance to prove they are worthy, more than they already have, or their right to be a part of this world, because of fear is no excuse.
The media and the closed minds of those who choose limited point of view have made the public prejudice against the bully breeds. To condemn and ban an entire race has no justification. What breed will be next? “Opponents of breed-specific legislation … say that pit bull bans are unreasonable and ineffective. They argue that the circumstances surrounding most dog attacks point to a much deeper problem – one that lies in human irresponsibility and cruelty rather than the specific traits of a breed” (Medlin). This error lies not only on the mass public taking arms against Pit Bulls but also owners of the breed who are unable to care for the animal or abuse and misuse them. Any animal can act aggressively when put in a situation that calls for it. “The ASPCA seeks effective enforcement of breed-neutral laws that hold dog owners accountable for the actions of their animals” ("Breed Specific Legislation."). The owner of any breed should make sure to understand and deliver the needs of their animal, as a pet is not a toy or material object, but rather a being with heart and soul who is part of your pack and the owner’s responsibility.
Becoming educated and choosing to forgo ignorance is the difference between saving a life and condemning one. While no one should ever be forced to like or house a breed they are not comfortable with, they should understand the facts about issues surrounding a breed and the qualities they posses in order to make a justified decision. Through education, preparedness, and familiarity with the breed we can begin to end this discrimination against Pit Bulls.
Pit Bulls are beloved and adored companions whom on many occasions are the reason someone has survived an attack, and this fact is not usually showcased in the media. BSL News has a page dedicated to their Pit Bull Hero’s addressing that “These are the stories of pit bull heroes – the dogs who selflessly defend their families from heinous crimes, save other animals from certain death, and pull their human guardians to safety in times of danger” ("Pit Bull Heroes Hall of Fame."). They go on to say that these stories are enough argument against BSL and most people would agree. A plethora of favorite pit-bull rescues adorn this page and it showcases traits about pit bulls that many people fail to recognize – courage, loyalty, and unconditional love.
Pit Bulls are merely the target of our fear at this moment in time, as have other breeds of animals and the human race throughout history. Merely years ago Pit bulls were pivotal in our society. Yes, some of the animals in this breed have committed terrible acts, but getting rid of the entire breed won’t curb the tragedy that is happening. Next, it will be another breed or type of animal and then another till they are all gone. How can we possibly know why one animal acted the way it did, so what justification is there for killing the mass? While I respect there are some issues, having an open and educated mind about your breed, whatever it may be, and taking necessary precautions, is a safe and appropriate way to handle the situation. Contact animal control or local shelters specific to the breed if you believe any animal is being neglected or abused. If you feel a dog is dangerous, look to its conditions and owner, making no assessment and letting it be handled by appropriate authorities. Genocide will not be acceptable. “All dogs, including pit bulls, are individuals. Treating them as such, providing them with the care, training and supervision they require, and judging them by their actions and not by their DNA or their physical appearance is the best way to ensure that dogs and people can continue to share safe and happy lives together” ("Breed Specific Legislation."). Most of the bully breeds are extremely loyal, oversized, loveable teddy bears “with unfailing optimism, the dogs that fill our shelters and homes seem to want to remind us that they are what we've made them to be, either victims of human cruelty, neglected sentries in lonely yards, or cherished family companions in our homes. Slowly, society is starting to recognize these lessons and accept responsibility for their station in life” ("Breed History."). If ever you encounter a Pit Bull or the topic is brought up, respect and understanding are key to realizing that you can never tell a book by its cover.
Works Cited:
"Breed History." Bad Rap. Web. 18 Nov. 2015.
"Breed Specific Legislation." ASPCA. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Oct. 2015.
Gorant, Jim. The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick's Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption. New York: Gotham, 2010. Print.
Medlin, Jamey. "Pit Bull Bans And The Human Factors Affecting Canine Behavior." The De Paul Law Review 56.4 (2007): 1285-320. Hein Online. Web. 18 Oct. 2015.
"Pit Bull Heroes Hall of Fame." BSL News. Word Press, 22 Jan. 2011. Web. 26 Oct. 2015.
"Position Statement on Pit Bulls." ASPCA. Web. 26 Oct. 2015.
Rolfe, Edwin, and Lester Fuller. The Glass Room. Complete and Unabridged. ed. New York: Bantam, 1948. Print.
