Pit Bull is not a specific breed of dog, but rather a term used to describe several breeds of dogs with similar physical characteristics. The American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier commonly fall under the category of "Pit Bull." There are several other breeds that can fall under the rubric of “pit bull,” including: the Argentine Dogo, the English Bull Terrier, the American Bulldog, Perro de Presa Canario and the Boxer.

These dogs have a controversial reputation due to commonly cited attack statistics and highly publicized incidents of aggression by dogs fitting the broad "pit bull" description. Verification of many attacks is difficult due to that wide variation in pit varieties, and the tendency to label all dangerous dogs as pit bulls. These attack statistics have led to a certain degree of reactionary fear, and many governments and community organizations have called for bans and restrictions on pit bulls. The hip hop world adds a catalyst to this ongoing fear of pit bulls as many hip-hop stars glorify the uses of pit bulls.

Breed supporters point out that pit bulls make good family pets, showing loyalty, playfulness, and a desire to please people. They also claim that most pit bull animals are no more or less likely to be aggressive than any other large domesticated dog. In fact many dog fancying websites and humane societies recommend "pit bull" type dogs as family pets because of their stable temperament, high pain tolerance, and desire to please people. However, because of their physical attributes and the social stigmatization surrounding them, the pit bull seems to be a popular choice among unsavoury owners. Those who primarily want an animal to fight or to intimidate do not properly train or socialize their dogs and are partly responsible for the negative stereotype of the "pit bull" in today’s society.

The American Temperament Test Society, Inc. (ATTS) breed statistics as of December 2005 show an 83.5% passing rate for the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier and a 84.7% passing rate for the Staffordshire bull terrier, as compared to an 81.2% average pass rate for all dog breeds. (personal note: I found that to be quite interesting indeed.. they're one of the best dogs in terms of temperment and yet, their reuptation is so tarnished.. it's a shame what society can do.

Pro Pit Bull Sites (and rescue):
http://www.forpitssake.org/
http://www.pawsitivelypitbull.org/
http://www.pitrescueofthegreatplains.org/
http://www.nokillnow.com/PitbullsScary.htm (must visit... melted my heart)

Breed Specific Legislation:

In response to a number of well-publicized incidents involving dogs that resemble "Pit Bulls," some jurisdictions began placing restrictions on the ownership of "pit bulls," such as the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in the UK, an example of breed-specific legislation. Many jurisdictions have outlawed the possession of "pit bulls," either "pit bull" breeds specifically, or in addition to other breeds that are regarded as dangerous.

The Canadian province of Ontario, on August 29, 2005 enacted a ban on "pit bulls." It was the first province or state in North America to do so. The breeds listed in the ban can no longer be sold, bred, or imported and all "pit bull" owners must leash and muzzle their pit bulls in public. A 60 day grace period has been put in place to allow for owners to have their "pit bulls" spayed or neutered [15]. Also it left a period to allow municipalities to adjust to the new law. Prior to the bills passage, the Ontario government cited what it deemed the success of a "pit bull" bylaw passed by Winnipeg, Manitoba.

In the United States, Denver, Colorado was one of the pioneers of banning "pit bulls." The city had legislation on the books since 1989, but was nullified by a 2004 law passed by the Colorado General Assembly prohibiting breed specific laws. However, it was overturned in April of 2005 after the city challenged in court the constitutionality of the law. The city reinstated the ban which prohibits citizens from keeping "pit bull type" dogs after May 9, 2005. Over 260 "pit bull" type dogs have been seized from their homes and euthanised since this date, resulting in widespread protest from dog owners and animal rights lobby groups. Since this legislation has passed over 1000 family pets have been taken from homes and destroyed. No such ban on other "dangerous" dogs has been enacted and no reporting of a decrease in dog bites has occurred.

THIS IS VERY DISTURBING!!!

Donations, towards the reward for finding the killer{s} of the pit bulls, Peanut and Wigglz, of Washington, who were hung by some heartless monster, are now being directed to Pasados. So far, the reward is at $5000. We are hoping this reward will grow to an amount which will cause someone, who knows something, to step forward. If you would like to make a donation, please go the the Pasado website at Pasadosafehaven.org and make sure to make note that the money is for the reward. Don't let these two babies die in vain. We, as responsible pit bull owners, dog lovers, and people with a heart, must stand up for the bullshit this breed is being put through. Our voices need to be heard. The media has created a modern day boogey man out of our dogs and in turn, people think they have a right to commit such heinous acts. The mass hysteria is sickening. We aren't going to take this anymore. I think this video speaks volumes....

http://server.inalbum.com/show/jodipreis/Message_to_the_Media2.html?296033009

What if this was YOUR babies you had to cut down?

Pit Bulls Found Hanged In Lynnwood

POSTED: 11:33 am PDT July 28, 2006
UPDATED: 11:36 am PDT July 28, 2006
LYNNWOOD, Wash. -- The owner of two pit bulls found them hanged Thursday in Lynnwood, KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reported.
The man found them with ropes tied around their necks after he heard the dogs yelping and went outside to investigate.
He was able to free the animals but they died soon after.
Snohomish County authorities are investigating the case but said they have no leads.
Copyright 2006 by KIROTV.com. All rights reserved.

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