Why Pit-Bulls Should Not Be Banned

Many people when arguing against pit bulls, do not know what breed they are trying to ban in the first place. The term pit bull itself is a generalization of American Pit Bull Terriers, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the musician, and other dogs that are similar in image. You cannot even say “pit bull” without immediately ensuing debates on whether the infamous canines should be allowed in your community. Pit bulls should not be banned for numerous reasons: they are a loyal and beautiful breed, most of the rumors and allegations toward them are false, and that human influence is the only reason a domestic pit-bull would be violent. News coverage on pit bulls attacking people only adds to the already skewed reputation being held by the breed. When was the last time you read or listened to a positive news article about pit bulls?

A study by the American Temperament Test Society gave evidence toward pit bulls being one of the most tolerant dog breeds, conveying low aggression, panic, and avoidance. That’s why the story of Lilly, a pit bull that saved her owner’s life, came as no surprise to many pit bull lovers and should have gotten more attention from the media. Christine Spain had passed out on a set of train tracks on her way home from a friend’s house. Luckily, the freight engineer of the train heading in their direction noticed Lilly attempting to pull her off the tracks and managed to stop, but not before hitting Lilly. He exited his cab to see Lilly’s head laying on an uninjured Christine’s chest. There were fundraisers available for helping to pay for her damage, including an amputated leg. Lilly was in critical care for internal injuries, but is now fully recovered and living with Christine’s son, David. She is a beautiful caramel American Pit Bull Terrier, and she didn’t receive the attention she deserved because of an uncalled-for disdain on the breed.

There’s a difference between fact and fiction. An example of a fact: many people believe they are aggressive because of the high numbers of attacks by pit bulls, but that is simply because of population. Pit bull population versus number of attacks is low compared to many other breeds. Reports are often wrong, because it is written down that the dog is a pit bull, but it is rather another similarly designed canine. An example of fiction: pit bulls have locking jaws. They do not. Nor do they have the strongest jaw of all dog breeds. The reason that pit bulls even started being considered a dangerous dog was, because of their muscled physique and strong jaws, they were popular for dog fighting. This has always been a human issue, never a dog issue.

Were you aware that fifty-five percent of America’s animal shelters receive a pit bull per day? Many shelters, because of this population issue and preconceived notions, will put pit bulls down immediately without giving them the chance to be adopted. Pit bulls and pit bull mixes