The Oh So Scary Pits

by

The Tracker,

for www.metropettracker.com,

the dog & cat lost & found for Los Angeles County & City

There is a common defense for handguns that goes like this - "Handguns are not killers, people are."  Perhaps the gun enthusiasts would consider allowing us to use a translation of that - "Pit Bulls are not killers, the people who train them to kill are.  Or, Pit Bulls are not a danger to children, guardians who leave their children unattended are."

 

 

Once again, we human beings are in a panic fueled by ignorance.  As a result, many innocent creatures sharing one characteristic or an other will die in mass.  This time the characteristic is breed specific.  This attribute, some call Apple Cheeks, gives the Pit Bull the capability to bite down with great force.  Couple this facility with ownership whose only focus is to train this breed to attack aggressively either for "sport" or protection and the result can be devastating.  These very same dogs, when their usefulness as fighters, protectors or breeders are gone are often abandoned to the streets where they become a neighborhood menace; or given up to shelters where they are certain to be euthanized; or given away, ending up as security for drug dealers, or worse, in family homes. 

The result of this panic is that a lot of innocent dogs are being charged with crimes not of their doing.  Their punishment is to the full extent of the law and mob rule.  One now judges all Pit Bulls alike.  It does not matter that a litter of harmless puppies are just that.  If they look like Pit Bulls, they are abandoned in deserts, shelters, dumpsters, or worse.  It does not matter that the family dog, Pit Bull or part, has been loyal and affectionate.  He is now turned in to the shelter.  The shelters and Pit Bull rescue organizations are inundated with abandoned, innocent and confused animals.  This is what we have done to an animal strong of body and sweet of temperament which was once known as the nation's canine mascot.     In my writing this article, I came across a little known fact which acted as my muse.  One of the most celebrated owners of one of the most derided of all dog breeds was one of the most defenseless of all human beings - Helen Keller.  Without sight, hearing or speech, one would assume that her loved ones would not have allowed a killing machine as a pet for their beloved daughter.

The Army K-9 Corp, which was first established during World War I to rescue wounded soldiers on the fields of combat early on recruited a Pit Bull.  This dog set the standards to this day with his heroism.  There is also the man and dog teams who enter the dangerous rubble of collapsed buildings, the result of terrorist bombs or natural disasters, to seek survivors.  Many of these dogs are Pit Bulls.  RCA, the Pit Bull, had the distinction of being Alaska's First Hearing Dog.  Mickey, the Pit from Staten Island, New York, visited schools with his owner to educate children about safety around dogs and to administer therapy to those who fear dogs.  Bella, the Pit from Johannesburg, South Africa, lost her life with a bullet to the head trying to protect her owner's sister during a car-jacking attempt by four armed attackers.  The stories of Pit Bull heroics go on and on - as should the breed.

 

 

Do not fall into the ignorance of mob hysteria.  Pit Bulls are born, like most puppies - innocent, free of bad habits, and only wanting to please.