Three Recent Attempts to Change the Pit Bull"s Image

Pit bulls are, unfortunately, unfairly known for violent behavior and unprovoked attacks. Many laws have been put into action to "protect" people from pits, sometimes outlawing the breed and its various mixes. The PR problem pits face pervades newspapers and media outlets everywhere, to the point where incidents with other breeds are barely reported while pit problems make national news. This poor breed tops the list of most euthanized pet, a sad title.

The media has skewed the public's view of the pit bull so drastically that many languish in shelters. Pit bulls used to be a number one choice for pet, and the myths that have pervaded the U.S. are mostly due to circumstances out of the breeds' control. For example, in a test done by the American Temperament Testing Society, pits had better temperaments at 83.9% than golden retrievers at 83.2% and beagles at 78.2%! The test consisted of stressful and confrontational situations, and pits passed with flying colors.

Another falsehood is the belief that pitties can "snap" at any time and attack a person. These dogs are powerful, and their attacks are more likely to make the news. It should be noted that almost all of the attacks involved unaltered pits, so spaying or neutering them recommended for pit bulls being kept as family pets.

However, there are some who are working to reverse the public image of the pit bull.

In Richland, Washington, a young man has just filed a federal lawsuit challenging a ban on pit bull dogs. In 2006, Richland banned all pit breeds and mixes, and Arthur Young, at only 21 years of age, wants to put a stop to it.

In support of Young, Dr. Joey Burt, director of the Animal Health Center at Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, said, "It seems to me that certain individual dogs are bad, rather than certain breeds. Most breed-specific laws should be looking at responsible pet ownership."

Young's lawsuit argues that the ban violates the 14th Amendment, as an animal control officer can put a dog down at his discretion. Young, who owns a pit bull, had an animal control officer threaten to seize his pit if he didn't get it out of Richland. Hopefully, Young's suit can change the ban and allow pet owners to keep their beloved animals.

Young isn't the only one fighting to overturn unfair rules against pits. In South Bend, Indiana, there have been council meetings to end the immediate euthanisation of pits brought to the South Bend shelter. Proponents of the moratorium argue that the law is outdated and discriminatory, and that animal control officers cannot accurately identify all pit breeds and mixes. It is simply too dangerous to single out a certain breed. Animals should be judged on temperament, not breed.

In yet another effort in support of this beautiful breed, Vermont's Humane Society is actively trying to debunk the myths about pit bulls. They have started putting out ads featuring pit bulls adopted from the Humane Society, and some of the ads picture Miss Vermont USA Sarah Westbrook playing with them. This is putting out the message that pits can socialize with children and other dogs. Again, the Humane Society cites that temperament, not breed, is the proper judge of character.

Adopting or buying a pittie can be an enriching experience, as the dogs are extremely intelligent, loving, and active. American pit bull puppies make wonderful pets, despite their bad reputation. As people work to dispel the myths, we can hopefully see a downtrend in bad press for pit bulls.