Re: Another pit-bull tragedy!
The Un-Warranted Negative Stigma<br /><br />Unfortunately in today's society many people are ignorant about the American Pit Bull Terrier ( APBT ). Because of this ignorance, proliferation by the media of false data, and the false reports of individuals, this dog has went from a highly respected and desired pet to one that is unfairly judged, and in many cases around the country and even the world, are seized due to prohibition of ownership laws known as Breed Specific Legislation ( BSL ).<br /><br />Additionally laws have been developed and rules established by "so called" humane organizations which seek to practice euthanasia on these animals without even the opportunity of adoption or being sent to rescue associations.<br /><br />This stigma has hurt the Pit Bull dog more than any other breed of dog and caused unrealistic fear within much of the general community. <br /><br />It is of the utmost importance for us as lovers of these beautiful and majestic animals to not promote this unfair negative stigma and counteract such negativisms with truth both by example and word.<br /><br />To help promote the truth it is important for us to recognize the studies that have taken place which prove the true nature of the Pit Bull.<br /><br />Farmers Branch, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, has kept accurate records since 1980. During a 7 year period from 1980 through 1987, this is what was recorded. Total bites: 1,593. Pit bulls, 30 bites, or 1.89% of the total. Other studies tend to show the same results and because of so many mongrels that have similar features and the unfair lumping in with the American Pit Bull Terrier ( APBT ), it seems reasonable to assume that the figures are actually much lower. <br /><br />The American Temperament Test Society continually ranks Pits better in temperamnet than many other breeds such as the Airedale Terrier, Basenji, Beagle, Bichon Frise, Border Collie, Chihuahua, Collie, Dachshund(4 of 6 varieties), English Setter, Lhasa Opso, Pomeranian, Shar-Pei, Shiba Inu, Shih Tzu, Schnauzer, and Toy Poodle all score below average and many more far below than that of the Pit Bull. Even though their temperament score is less than average many would not even think twice in their ownership as a family pet. <br /><br />In a report from Dekalb County Georgia, the conclusion was reached that statistics could no be used to document the dangerousness of any one breed, or the comparison of one breed to another. The 5-year study of fatal attacks from 1975-1980 lists the German Shepherds first and "mixed breeds" second with the American Pit Bull Terrier ( APBT ) listed 6th. <br /><br />A 6-year study in Palm Beach County of "most severe dog bite by breed" shows the top 10 breeds who have been identified in this comparison.<br /><br /> <br />1988: APBT ranked 9th w/9 per cent of bites <br />1989: APBT ranked 5th w/15 per cent <br />1990: APBT ranked 5th w/16 per cent <br />1991: APBT ranked 9th w/10 per cent <br />1992: APBT ranked 2nd w/20.4 per cent (w/cocker spaniel showing in 1st) <br />1993: APBT ranked 5th w/16 per cent <br /> <br />Some of the breeds which placed above the Pit Bull's were Dalmations, Chows, Labs, Goldens, Rotties, Dobermans, and the Cocker Spaniel. <br /> <br />In a 1993 study, also in Palm Beach County, the bites were ranked by severity from 1 to 4 and the animal that was recorded as having inflicted the greatest number of severe bites was the domestic short-haired cat. A breed labeled as "pit bull" was in 5th place, following cat, German Shepherds, Chow and Lab. <br /> <br />The division of general pediatrics, emergency medicine, at Children's Hospital in Philadelphia conducted a study in 1989 as a result of a ***perceived*** increase in Pit Bull injuries. 12 different breed/crossbreds were identified as perpetrators, the top four of which were German Shepherds, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers and Dobermans. 54 per cent of the animals were contained and 45 per cent were provoked prior to biting (by parental report). <br /> <br />In 1991, in Australia, the Journal of Pediatric Child Health reported that the German Shepherd was implicated in dog bites presented to the ER of a children's hospital and were implicated more frequently than their prevalence in the community. <br /> <br />Finally, in an article in Pediatrics, June 1994, an article entitled "Which Dogs Bite? A case control of risk factors." concluded the following: <br /> <br />Dog bites cause an estimated 585,000 injuries resulting in the need for medical attention yearly and children are the most frequent victims . The study sought to determine dog-specific factors independently associated with a dog biting a non-household member. (88% occur in the dog owner's yard or home or in the **adjoining** yard. 62% members of the victims' families witnessed the bite.) <br /> <br />The identified risk group are children less than 11 years old, the average age is 8, males outnumber females. This is probably out of disrespect typically exemplified by these young children. Only 7% required hospital admission. <br /> <br />The method was to match 178 pairs of dogs selected from dogs reported to an urban animal control for a first-bite episode on a non-household member in which the victim received medical treatment. Controls were neighborhood-matched dogs with no history of biting a non-household member, selected by modified random-digit dialing. <br /> <br />The results were risk factors expressed as adjusted odds ratio, when the dog is.... <br />A German Shepherd 16.4 <br />A Male 6.2 <br />A Chow-Chow 4.0 <br />Living in a house with 1 or more children 3.5 <br />Chained in the yard 2.8 <br />Not neutered 2.6 <br /><br />The odds of being struck by lightning are 1 in 600,000 in the USA. Comparatively speaking you are 6 times more likely to be struck by lightning than you are to be killed by a dog of any breed. When you further break down the odds of being attacked and killed by a Pit Bull the odds are in your favor -approximately 1 in 145,000,000. Thats million folks. In contrast, you are 4 times more likely to be killed by a cow in the USA than any breed of dog, much less a Pit Bull. <br /><br />So why do some dogs attack? <br /><br />The answer is quite simple really.<br /><br />Irresponsible pet owners. <br />Irresponsible parents. <br />Instigation by the "so called" victims themselves. <br />Although there are some bad dogs out there these are in the minority and the tendency is to blame the dogs and / or their owners without just cause. <br /><br />In todays society we have unfortunately moved away from personal accountability and responsibility. Many are looking for others to take care of them in every aspect of their lives including the proper raising of their children. When something negative happens then it is no longer their fault because they have been dependant on the care of others. Todays society is eager to slap the victim label on anyone who becomes hurt even if this is due to their own negligence and in many cases is the choice of the individual and was their intent to behave stupidly. <br /><br />If you are an owner of a dog it is your responsibility to make sure it is properly confined. For the good of society you should additionally make sure it is well socialized. <br /><br />If you are the parent of a child it is your responsibility to raise your children with respect for you, themselves and others. In the category of others this includes both property and animals. If an animal mauls your child due to your lack of responsible parenting, this is your fault, and you must live with the moral consequences. Regardless of what a court may say you will always be the bearer of your morality and by not teaching your children respect and the proper ways to act then you bear this moral burden.<br /><br />So why am I preaching? The majority of people who are killed by dogs are children. These children often instigate the attack by trespassing, throwing objects at dogs, harassing, torturing, and otherwise acting in a threatening manner toward the attacking dog. When this is the case there is typically a strong tie to irresponsible parenting and improper education of morality and respect. From the dogs' perspective they are merely acting in self-defense, which is natural for any animal, including humans.<br />_________________________________________________<br />And that my friends are facts, not some media whoop la.
