Letter writing wars- pit bulls

[bk_blue]

Trying to combat some of the pit bull myths *sigh*. This is what some dumbass woman wrote to the paper today:

Ian Donaldson (1/11), I'm not aware of any group of human beings being selectively bred over generations for certain traits - but like a lot of other people I've noticed something about breeds of dogs. Dog breeders and owners never seem to be surprised when particular breeds behave in particular ways, even without any training and from the time they are young: when retrievers can't be kept out of water, when kelpies round up other animals, when terriers dig holes, this is regarded as natural behaviour. Oddly, the only exception to this seems to be dogs that are bred as killers. When they do what they are bred for and attack other dogs, there are always people quick to state that this has nothing to do with what these dogs are bred for and that it is the owners who are the problem. I don't recall many reports of labradors or poodles mauling other dogs to death, irrespective of whether their owners have registered them or allowed them off lead. And if I were given a choice between leaving my puppy or my toddler with a spaniel or with a pit bull terrier, I wouldn't have to think very hard about it.

And this is my response (have no idea if it will get published):

Christine Duncan (2/11/04), I am concerned that you would not have to think very hard about leaving your puppy or child with a spaniel over a pit bull; I am concerned that you would even have to think about leaving your child or puppy with another dog, regardless of breed. Responsible owners register their dogs and do not allow them off lead unless they are capable of full control. They certainly do not leave a child or puppy with another dog.

Research the history of the pit bull terrier. That is, if you can even identify one; statistics expressly state that people don't know a pit bull from a bar of soap; people have identified my blue heeler/border collie cross as a "pit bull". You would become more enlightened on these same "killers" who were renowned for their loyalty, courage and unwitting trust in and gentleness towards people before puppy millers and other assorted undesirables began breeding for profit over temperament. This has also happened to whatever dog was in vogue- back in the 1970s it was the Cocker Spaniel.

The reason why labradors or poodles are not reported as having mauled other dogs or humans is that such stories are not newsworthy. Nobody wants to read about a dachshund biting my cousin's face when she was a toddler; dachshunds are cute and little, surely?

Statistics show the dog breed most likely to bite is the German Shepherd, a breed I have had the delight of being owned by for years without incident to family, friends or other dogs.

:evilbat:

[Taurus and Jada]

Good reply. I hope it gets published!

[BuddysMom]

That's a great reply! Let us know if it gets published ... I bet it will (Hope so anyway!!)

[Guest Mutts4Me]

[quote name='Doberfanatic']It always stuns me how people who clearly don't have a clue what they're talking about get published in the paper, while others (like BK) never make the cut. Hmmm.

Never say never ;)

I mean, it's true more often than not, and it's disheartening, but always try, because sometimes it comes out making a difference. Case in point, this was published a week after a biased article was printed:



And a couple months after that, an article highlighting an APBT who works as a service dog in the area was published (sadly, with no picture). But sometimes papers and people are willing to listen, and you've just got to hope for one person at a time.

Good luck, BK, I hope it gets published!!!

[BuddysMom]

WOW amber, that is one great article. It says it ALL and so clearly!
I think they'll publish yours too BK ... this makes me hopeful. The papers like anything well written even if they don'e agree with it.

[Rowie-the-Pooh]

GO BK! :D I really hope it gets published and the woman will learn to do her research before publishing anything like that in a newspaper! :roll:

[imported_Kat]

Great articles girls! :wink: