The Pit Bull Ban: Yay or Nay

My opinion about Pit Bulls is that firstly, they are not a breed, they are a type. I also think that there really isn't an easy way to be fair to both the dogs of the people who own them irresponsibly and the people who are responsible with their owned Pit Bulls. I also think that this is a problem with more than just the Pit Bull, it's just not as publicized.

It's a no win situation.

NAY! By banning a breed you are forcing people to take the breed "underground." In my speech class I did my informative speech on the APBT's and AmStaffs. One of the statistics I found was quite shocking....you are more likely to be attacked by a cow or hit by lightning that being attacked by a PB. Last summer my dad was attacked by a cow when he was walking his dogs. *crosses her heart* I swear.

Before I moved to Sacramento I lived in a duplex and next door the lady was a single mom with 5 kids ages 13-3 her kids would jump the fence to play with my dog. Her littlest was a girl who weighed like 35 lbs and she would take his bones from him, hit him with them or the newpaper, poke him in every orfice of his body, she rode on him sat on him, and if she laid on the grass he would put his nose behind her knees and spin her in circles.

Is my dog dog aggressive; yes but, I am well aware of his signaling behaviors and I know what to do when he begins to exhibit those behaviors. Do I leave him alone with children? Nope because kids like to do things to animals when no one is looking. I wouldnt trust any dog alone with any child.

I am fully aware of the responsibilities that have to be maintained to be an AmStaff owner or a PB owner. It is hard yes but, I would never give it up. You will never meet a more loyal, loving, and charming breed.

My opinion about Pit Bulls is that firstly, they are not a breed, they are a type

 
Er....then why is there the American Pit Bull Terrier in the AKC ? []

ORIGINAL: whtsthfrequency

My opinion about Pit Bulls is that firstly, they are not a breed, they are a type

Er....then why is there the American Pit Bull Terrier in the AKC ? []

American Pit Bull Terriers cannot be AKC registered, only UKC. American Staffordshire Terriers are AKC.

Furthermore, what this person is referring to is "pit bull type". This term is commonly used in BSL language, and refers to not only APBTs, but any other dog breed and/or mix that has physical characteristics that resemble APBTs or AMstaffs. It is a very vague label, and allows law enforcers to determine a dog's breed based on a personal judgement. This term also allows BSL to umbrella many breeds, as opposed to being specific.

If you google "pit bull type" you will find many articles and websites that use this term.

When an APBT person is referring to their dog, many of them will actually use the term APBT, instead of pit bull, because of the use of the term "pit bull type" and in order to specifically refer to their breed.

ETA:
I found this written in Ontario's Bill 132.

"The Dog Owners' Liability Act of Ontario (2005) Information Sheet

The law defines a "pit bull" as a pit bull terrier, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, an American Staffordshire Terrier, an American Pit Bull Terrier, or a dog that has an appearance and physical characteristics that are substantially similar to those dogs."

http://www.doglegislationcouncilcanada.org/dolafact.htm

Also:

"(2) Section 1 of the Act is amended by adding the following definitions:

"pit bull" includes,

(a) a pit bull terrier,

(b) a Staffordshire bull terrier,

(c) an American Staffordshire terrier,

(d) an American pit bull terrier,

(e) a dog that has an appearance and physical characteristics that are substantially similar to those of dogs referred to in any of clauses (a) to (d); ("pit-bull")"

http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?BillID=323