FAQ: Loyalty Exploited: The Truth About Pit Bulls - Best Friends Animal Society.

Are pit bulls mean?

Like all dogs, pit bulls are individuals and can make first-rate family pets. In tests conducted by the American Temperament Test Society, which tests and evaluates the temperaments of several hundred breeds of dogs, the American pit-bull terrier scored 85.3 percent. By comparison, the golden retriever scored 84.6 percent and the average score of all tested breeds was 81.5 percent. The tests focus on and measure different aspects of temperament, such as stability, shyness, aggressiveness and friendliness, as well as the dog's instinct for protectiveness toward his/her handler and/or self-preservation in the face of a threat.

As anyone who loves a pit bull can tell you, these dogs are affectionate, devoted and incredibly smart. They were once America's favorite dog, endearing themselves to the likes of Helen Keller, Thomas Edison, Humphrey Bogart and Theodore Roosevelt. Pit-bull-type dogs have also been employed by U.S. customs and have served as police K-9 dogs.

Are pit bulls aggressive?

There is no scientific evidence that any dog, including pit-bull-type dogs, are inherently aggressive. The biggest risk factors for dog aggression are lack of socialization and training and dogs who are not spayed or neutered. In addition, reckless dog owners, or people who keep guard dogs or dogs as property rather than family members, are very likely to create dangerous dogs, regardless of breed.

Are pit bulls responsible for most fatal dog attacks?

No. Although the media would have you believe that pit bulls are aggressive dogs responsible for the majority of fatal attacks, the facts just don’t support that perception. Pit bulls are no more likely than other breed of dog to bite or kill people. For more details, visit the website of the National Canine Research Council.

Is "pit bull" a breed?

There is no specific breed called "pit bull." In fact, "pit bull" is a type of dog. A number of breeds, such as American pit-bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers and numerous other stocky short-haired dogs, fall into the category of pit-bull-type dogs. Many other breeds - such as purebred Labrador retrievers - have been mistaken for pit bulls on occasion.

What is breed-discriminatory legislation (BDL) or breed-specific legislation?

BDL is a restriction on a certain breed (or breeds) of dogs. This type of legislation can be passed at the local and state levels. BDL can be directed at any breed. Sometimes BDL requires numerous restrictions, but this type of legislation can also completely ban a breed.

What is wrong with breed-discriminatory legislation?

In most places where BDL is proposed, it is done with the hope that this type of legislation will make a community safer. However, BDL doesn't work because it does not address the root of the problem: irresponsible, reckless and/or cruel owners. BDL tends to "punish the breed, not the deed." If BDL bans a breed, responsible members of a community are forced to give up perfectly healthy, well-behaved family members, relocate to a new town, or face harsh penalties.

In the case of pit bulls, breed-discriminatory laws are overly broad because it is very difficult to clearly identify dogs as pit bulls or pit-bull mixes. Dogs have been misidentified as pit bulls in many instances, resulting in numerous lawsuits. More than 20 different breeds have been labeled as pit bulls.

Furthermore, BDL is expensive. Animal control departments are generally underfunded, and when breed bans are enacted, that funding must be increased to enforce ordinances that criminalize responsible pet owners and result in more dogs dying in our shelters.

What are the alternatives to breed discrimination?

Everyone wants safe, humane communities. Best Friends opposes breed-discriminatory laws because studies have shown that they don't help reduce bites. To reduce the incidence of dog bites, Best Friends recommends that communities adopt progressive policies and pass generic dangerous-dog laws that target reckless owners. Communities should encourage spay/neuter, pass anti-tethering laws, enact stronger anti-cruelty laws, prevent reckless owners from owning dogs, and create off-leash dog parks. Best Friends endorses ordinances that identify and restrict dogs who are considered dangerous or potentially dangerous because of their behavior (not because of their looks) and that hold their owners responsible.

What is Best Friends doing to prevent breed-discriminatory laws?

Best Friends has been successful in preventing BDL in many communities through our Best Friends Network alerts and by lobbying city and state officials providing examples and suggestions to help build safe, humane communities protecting people and dogs.

In cooperation with the National Canine Research council and John Dunham & Associates we have created an economic impact tool that city officials can use to estimate the fiscal impact to taxpayers of enforcing a breed ban. This tool will work for every city and county in the country. You can try it here.

What is dogfighting?

Dogfighting is an illegal "sport" in which two dogs are forced to fight for the entertainment of spectators. Dogfighting around the world involves a variety of breeds. Illegal gambling, drugs and weapons are often involved. For more information, visit the dogfighting section of BestFriends.org.

What is Best Friends doing to combat dogfighting?

Best Friends has successfully worked to create anti-dogfighting legislation in Georgia. The legislation criminalizes not only those directly involved with dogfighting, but also allows for prosecution of spectators, advertisers and hosts of dogfights. Best Friends is currently spearheading a bill in Illinois that would prevent people who are convicted of fighting dogs from owning unsterilized dogs.

Dogfighting is a cultural problem of epidemic proportions. Estimated to be a billion-dollar industry, it's firmly rooted in at-risk communities in every major city in the U.S. More than legislation is needed to effect real change. Best Friends is a national partner of Safe Humane Chicago, a community-wide alliance to combat violence by promoting compassion and caring for people and animals. The goals of this alliance are to educate the public about responsible pet ownership and safety; promote programs that stop the violence associated with dogfighting and animal abuse by providing positive, beneficial activities; and connect pet owners to available resources. The initial results have been encouraging and Best Friends intends to introduce the Safe Humane programming in other major cities.Org

What is the plan for the Michael Vick dogs?

We are extremely pleased with the progress of the 22 Michael Vick dogs who were brought to Best Friends in January 2008. Trainers and caregivers are working with individualized training plans for each of the dogs, with the goal of addressing any behavior issues and improving their quality of life. The dogs have developed good social skills and many enjoy the company of humans as well as other dogs. For many, the ultimate goal is to move into loving homes. Of the Michael Vick dogs who did not come to Best Friends, five are now working as therapy dogs helping people in need, and nearly all of the others have become part of someone's family. Read more about the Vicktory dogs at BestFriends.Org (Visit Bad Rap as well)

*~*In My Clyde's Memory, (Support Your Shelters, Rescues, ASPCA, & Best Friends) (Adopt A Shelter Friend & Save A Life - Donate & Help A Life) (Do Not Support Puppy Mills, BSL, & Michael Vick!!!)*~*

Ed Sayres: The Road Ahead for Michael Vick

After careful consideration, we have decided to speak out now about Michael Vick because of the special circumstances involving the ASPCA. Several months ago, Mr. Vick's PR representatives approached the ASPCA to help educate America about the heinous act of dog fighting following his release from prison. We were the first animal welfare organization given the opportunity to work with Mr. Vick but immediately turned him down due to the unique knowledge we had of his indescribable and barbaric acts of animal cruelty where he and his associates savagely electrocuted and beat dogs to death after they lost their brutal fights.

The ASPCA's general consultation and our specific role in processing the forensic evidence in this case were key elements that resulted in Mr. Vick and the three other defendants all pleading guilty to felony crimes. As such, this organization and I personally have seen the acts of cruelty committed by Mr. Vick first hand—acts so heinous that the public has never laid witness to them. And now that Mr. Vick has spoken out for the first time since his release from prison, the ASPCA wants to make clear why this organization chose not to partner with him in his supposed rehabilitation efforts. We are simply not convinced that Mr. Vick has demonstrated compassion toward animals as living beings or the necessary remorse for his criminal actions against them.

60 Minutes provided a convicted criminal a national platform to selfishly focus on his own recovery when, in fact, the animals, the victims who cannot speak for themselves, should have received the attention. CBS did a grave disservice to the animal welfare community by failing to show the ugly truth of Mr. Vick’s actions and the horrors of dog fighting and animal cruelty in this country. The continued attention paid to Mr. Vick is only reinforcing that criminal behavior does not destroy fame and fortune.

The ASPCA works every day to prevent animal cruelty, in the absence of tougher, more consistent laws and lack of education and awareness. We serve as the animals' voice, as millions of animals suffer alone and in silence because they cannot speak out against their perpetrators. When a crime against animals is committed, the ASPCA's priorities are to build a sound case that results in successful prosecution of the perpetrators, as well as the rehabilitation of the victims. Our direct involvement in the Vick case yielded success in both areas, and in fact, we work every day to ensure perpetrators like him are behind bars.

Although Mr. Vick has served his time and is now entitled to employment, the ASPCA was strongly against him being able to immediately re-join the NFL, to play alongside highly paid elite athletes who are looked upon as our heroes and role models. Today, it is difficult to see him in the uniform of a Philadelphia Eagle because of the startling lack of judgment and moral character he has demonstrated over the past several years. It is questionable whether he will have any credibility as an educator on the dog fighting issue. The ASPCA welcomes a national conversation on animal cruelty and especially dog fighting, but questions Mr. Vick’s ability to lead it. The ASPCA will heighten its efforts to bring this national travesty to the surface through meaningful education and discussion that brings the hard, cold sickening reality of a fight into stark relief for those who might wonder why all the fuss about a dog fight. A true national discussion would focus not on one man and his crimes, but on a nation that allows dog fighting to happen every day without a national outcry. This is where the ASPCA will focus its energies in the coming months.

Mr. Vick has indeed been given another chance to play football with the Philadelphia Eagles. It is important to state that the ASPCA is extremely disappointed that owner Jeff Lurie hired him for his team before it was clear that Mr. Vick has truly developed a sense of compassion for his victims, the animals whose lives were taken by him. The ASPCA believes in second chances—in redemption—but that second chance has to be earned through contrition, conversion to the cause of animal welfare and finally, through hard work. Mr. Vick has only now begun his journey toward a second chance. It will be a long and hard road for him, and while we wish him well, we also want to remind the nation that the work of ridding the nation of dog fighting is as compelling a story as one man’s path to redemption. Let’s not forget to focus on the animals, the crimes that are still being committed every day in the United States. What are we, as a nation, going to do about that? How are we going to express our outrage long past the first time Mr. Vick takes the field in Philadelphia?

Compassion for animals is the hallmark of the ASPCA and the ultimate message that we hope is gleaned from this horrific story. While this case has garnered the national spotlight because of Mr. Vick’s notoriety, it is the end result that will matter most. Will Mr. Vick have learned something—and taken the opportunity he has been granted to impart to his legion of fans the importance of compassion toward animals? Certainly, only time will offer us an answer—but we will be watching. (ASPCA)

(Visit Bad Rap & Best Friends Online to find updates on the former Vick dogs! Leo & Hector are Therapy Dogs, Sweet Georgia who had allof her teeth ripped out by that JERK after her fight career was over (so she could breed & not hurt the males!) is doing great at Best Friends, many have been adopted and fostered, and some will no doubt remain at Best Friends and never get their true second chances!)

Now Vick the Dick gets his second chance to earn millions before proving himself worthy and he gets to be a youth role model again which he does not deserve as he is an egotistical, remorseless, sociopath, blame-game player! This was not real justice but I am sure that he will screw up again!!!

In My Clyde's Memory

Visit me on Twitter (See link to the right) for many more links regarding the fake sorry, remorseless, egotistical, sociopath, blame-game player Vick!

Now a story about the breed of Vick's Victims! (Visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary & Bad Rap to see how far some of Vick's former dogs have come although a few will never leave Best Friends)
Support the ASPCA, Best Friends, & Bad Rap as they were true friends to the dogs in this case. Peta & HSUS wanted them killed, HSUS is currently standing by Vick for PR, publicity, & $ trying to convince us that a fake sorry Vick can help in the world of dog-fighting awareness by giving a couple of coached speeches!!!



~~*~~(American Pit Bull Terriers, Pit Bulls - In Depth)~~*~~

Perhaps no other dog in history has been the subject of so much controversy as the Pit Bull. In truth, the name Pit Bull covers a large number of individual breeds, all lumped together based on their appearance and tendency towards aggression. This is not to say that all Pit Bulls are aggressive, however. Properly cared for, trained, and socialized, the Pit Bull can be an amazing companion. Some have even been used as assistance dogs and therapy dogs with great success.

Pit Bulls can be wonderful pets for responsible owners--they don't deserve their bad reputation.
The breeds most often called Pit Bulls are the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. There are several other lesser-known breeds which are loosely grouped into the term "Pit Bull", including the Perro de Presa Canario, the Cane Corso, and the Dogo Argentino.

The ancestry of the pit bull is from the bulldogs and terriers of England, where terriers served such an important function that each county had its own breed of terrier. These dogs were used to kill vermin that would otherwise spread diseases such as the Black Plague. In addition, vermin were also known to ruin crops and damage property, so the terrier was kept quite busy. The bulldog, meanwhile did exactly what the name implied - he herded bulls. When a farmer needed to bring a bull in from the field for castration or slaughter, it was not unheard of for the bull to gore the farmer. (Go figure! Maybe they knew what was coming!) The bulldog would bite the bull's nose and tenaciously hold on until the bull left the farmer alone.

As is often the case, sporting contests grew around the required work. Just as cowboys compete in rodeos, English terriers and bulldogs competed in competitions meant to show off their skills, being baited by rats and badgers for the terrier, and by bulls and bears for the bulldogs. Parliament soon banned the practice as inhumane, and those ever-inventive Brits turned to dog-fighting as a pastime. The bulldogs weren't particularly interested, so they were bred to English White terriers or Black and Tan Terriers to produce the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a strong, tenacious dog, capable of fighting for the pleasure of his owners. It should be noted that the goals pursued by selective breeding were intelligence and non-aggression towards the handler and fight referee. Both qualities are displayed in present-day Pit Bulls.

With the massive immigration of Irish and English into Boston during the mid-1800's, many Staffordshire Bulls were brought to the United States, where they were bred to be larger and stockier. This new breed came to be known as the American Pit Bull Terrier and was soon quite popular. Pete the Pup was featured in Our Gang, which evolved into The Little Rascals. The dog even appeared on the cover of Life magazine three times, more than any other breed.

In the late 20th century, Pit Bulls became the breed of choice for drug dealers and other illegal enterprises, both as a status symbol and as a means of protection. Rather than socializing the dogs as pets, these dogs were specifically bred and trained to be aggressive. To make money off of the dogs, the owners often turn to gambling on dog fights. Because this type of owner is not particularly concerned with being responsible, pit bulls are often not contained properly to prevent injuries to others. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that as many as one-third of fatal dog attacks are due to Pit Bulls. This has resulted in a number of cities and states within the U.S., as well as many other countries, banning any dog that looks like it may have Pit Bull heritage.

Urban legends abound regarding Pit Bulls. Some say their jaws lock shut on their prey, but studies have shown that the jaw structure and function of a Pit Bull is no different than that of any other dog of its size. Other stories say that Pit Bulls are unable to feel pain, which is why pepper spray or other pain-inflicting devices are ineffective in stopping a Pit Bull attack. It isn't that the dog can't feel pain, it is that he has been bred and trained to finish his task in spite of the pain.

Pit Bulls who are responsibly bred, trained and socialized can indeed make good pets, in spite of the additional insurance most owners in the United States are required to carry if they own one of these dogs. Celebrities such as Jessica Biel, Rachael Ray, and Jon Stewart own Pit Bulls, as does Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer.

Pit Bulls have even been nicknamed "nanny dogs" for their propensity to adopt orphaned animals such as kittens and baby squirrels. There are numerous stories of heroic Pit Bulls, including Chief, who in 2007 dashed in front of a spitting cobra to save his family. The dog was able to prevent the snake from hurting the humans, but died later from the dose of venom he received.

Due to the breed's high energy and intelligence, they make great working dogs, often being used in search and rescue as well as for drug-sniffing operations. Dakota, a Pit Bull from California was used to search for Laci Peterson after her disappearance and for the remains of the Space Shuttle Columbia's crew after the explosion. Popsicle, a Pit Bull used by the United States Customs Service, was involved in one of the biggest cocaine busts in history. Incidentally, Popsicle received his name when he was rescued from a freezer where he had been left to die after serving as a bait dog to train fighters. Norton, another dog rescued from the fighting ring, saved his mom's life when she went into anaphylactic shock after a spider bite. The dog nudged the woman's husband until he woke up to assist his wife.

It is a tribute to the intelligence of the breed that so many dogs rescued from the fighting ring can be rehabilitated as pets. Of the nearly 50 Pit Bulls taken from Michael Vick in 2007, only one had to be euthanized due to its aggressive tendencies. About half of the dogs required rehabilitative behavior training, while the remainder were deemed suitable for adoption immediately.

If you are thinking about adopting a Pit Bull, you must make sure you are worthy of the task. Early obedience training is essential, as is keeping the dog supplied with work or play that makes use of his high energy level and intelligence. Before you adopt, make sure you know your local laws and insurance regulations concerning this breed, as your expenses may be quite a bit higher with a Pit Bull than with other breeds who do not have such a bad reputation!

Country of Origin:
The American Pit Bull Terrier originated in the United States

Height:
American Pit Bull Terriers are 18-22 inches (46-56 cm)

Weight:
American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 22 -110 pounds (10-50 kg)

Colors:
American Pit Bull Terriers are a multicolored, black and white coat.

Coat:
American Pit Bull Terriers have thick, short, shiny hair. Brush regularly with a firm bristle brush. A rub with a piece of toweling or chamois will make their coat gleam.

Temperament:
Good natured, loyal and affectionate, the American Pit Bull Terrier has been known to be aggressive towards other dogs; however this can be avoided with proper training. American Pit Bull Terriers when properly socialized do well around children and make great family pets. They are obedient, eager to please, courteous and intelligent and make great guard dogs.

Health Concerns:
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a generally healthy breed. Some known problems are hip dysplasia, hereditary cataracts and allergies to grass.

Life Expectancy:
The American Pit Bull Terrier can be expected to live about 12 years.

Living Environment:
A home with a fenced yard is recommended. American Pit Bull Terriers are very energetic, and not a great choice for a first time owner.

AKC Group:
Classed as the American Staffordshire Terrier by the AKC and as the American Pit Bull Terrier by the UKC

In My Clyde's Memory,

We still need your calls & letters to Save Stu & help to speed up his release - visit the owners (Jeff) blog at http://tinyurl.com/mcdd45 -Read older posts as well!

In My Clyde's Memory,

Monday, July 13, 2009:

Board of Animal Services Commissioners moves to amend L.A. Code to free Stu!

The Board convened at about 10:30 (a half-hour late) and immediately began discussion of Item 3A regarding Stu. Although newly installed Interim General Manager, Kathy Davis was present for her first meeting ever, but she did not even get an introduction. I can't say I've ever even seen her before but she sat next to the City Attorney in the GM's spot...and was entirely silent.

The Board took Public Comment from a large group of concerned citizens, some who traveled from as far as southern Orange County to support Stu. The Board requested that no action to "euthanize" Stu be taken at this time. At 11:05 the Board withdrew to closed session to consult with Assistant City Attorney Laurie Rittenberg, the supervising attorney on Stu's court cases.

Although the Board estimated that they would return to open session at 11:45 , they did not return until past 12:30 p.m at which time, Commissioner Riordan introduced a motion that the Board make a recommendations to Council to amend the Los Angeles Municipal Code section covering "dangerous" dogs which would allow the Board to modify a "dangerous" designation made by a general manager, even long after the appeal process has been finalized. Commissioner Riordan stressed that the amendment be retroactive to cover Stu's case. Commissioner Ponce seconded the motion and it was passed 4-0 (Commissioner Secunda had left the meeting by this time and did not take part in the vote).

What this means is that , at a subsequent public meeting (presumably on July 27, 2009), the Board will actually make a recommendation to City Counicl to amend the code in order to give the Board the power to reverse a GM's decision AFTER the appeal had been finalized. I take this to mean that the Board, once empowered by the code change, intends to remove the "dangerous" designation from Stu which would allow the Board to send him home under reasonable terms and conditions for his care and control.

I do not know how long this will take, but apparently the Board intends to ask the Coucil for an expedited consideration of their request for the code change.

I'm a little frazzled by the whole thing beause it doesn't seem real. I'm encouraged, but I will believe it when I see it. This could take months or weeks or the Council could refuse to the amend the code.

NOTE: The Board will hold their annual elections for President and Vice President on July 27. Last time the "election" was more of a mayoral "appointment" of Tariq Khero as interim President following the resignation last fall of Glenn Brown. Who's up?

Posted by Stu's Dad - Jeff de la Rosa

**~**See his blog at http://laanimalservicesboardwatch.blogspot.com/ and look through old posts for information to keep the calls & e-mails & Tweets coming to speed things up for Stu**~** FREE STU!!!
In Clyde's Memory,