- When someone says racism, it is automatically assumed that what is meant is the discrimination against another human being. But racism is not just for humans. Dogs of all kinds are pushed and molded to be depicted as the animal that the public thinks is the truth. Just as humans are treated differently because of stereotypes, so are dogs. Breedism, the parallel to racism in humans, is the word used to essentially describe the discrimination of certain dog breeds and the stereotypes that surround them. Many dogs of assorted breeds deal with this treatment, but when breedism is searched, the majority of the results return with something about Pit Bulls. There is an entire collection of posts on Tumblr that have been tagged "#breedism," and most, if not all of these posts have something to do with Pit Bulls. We know this is happening, but the question is do they deserve it? Owners, humane societies, law makers, and rescue groups all have something different to say about it.
How Were These Stereotypes Created? How do These Dogs Really Behave?
- On the American Kennel Club website, there is a feature to look and see the different breeds that are AKC registered. Each of these dogs has a brief description of its history, what group it belongs to, its average size, and what the dog can be used for. There is also a link on the AKC website to see where each breed is ranked among all other AKC registered dogs. Labrador Retrievers have topped the list at number one since 2003, and American Staffordshire Terriers have actually moved down in ranking from 64th in 2003 to 76th in 2013. The American Staffordshire Terrier, also recognized as the American Pit Bull Terrier by the United Kennel Club, is the dog most commonly referred to as the Pit Bull. The AKC webpage for the American Staffordshire Terrier describes the breed as "a people-oriented dog that thrives when he is made part of the family and given a job to do." Look at this Pit Bull puppy, I'd say she looks pretty family oriented.
- Although Pit Bulls can be friendly, family oriented dogs, there is always a sour grape in the bunch. The AKC webpage, in addition to it's comment about the breed being "people-oriented," warns that "Although friendly, this breed is loyal to his family and will protect them from any threat." This is basically a pleasant way of saying these dogs could attack anything they view as a threat, even if it isn't one. In 2013, there were 32 deaths caused by dogs. 25 of these deaths were caused by Pit Bulls. Upon further research, it is shown that most of these deaths were children, and 38 % of the victims were temporarily visiting or living in the home of the dog's owner. Some attacks were brought on, but many of the attacks also were sudden and un-provoked. As the leading cause of dog related deaths in the U.S., they have created quite the name for themselves. All of these statistics can be found on DogsBite.org, a website that looks like it would be an education website about general dog bites and attacks. The website's homepage has a banner reading "DogsBite.org Some dogs don't let go." Within this header are a few sentences about Pit Bull attacks and a link to learn more about them. Basically, this website is devoted to making the public aware of the dangers of dog bites and attacks, but mainly (possibly biasedly) those of Pit Bulls and closely related breeds. The journalPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery, published in 2009, wrote a five-year review of dog bite injuries at the Children's Hospital of Philladelphia. An overwhelming 51% of these non-fatal injuries were caused by Pit Bulls. Being that this includes bites from all kinds of dogs, 51% is an alarming number.
How do Owners fit Into the Discussion?
- Many groups and individuals who are against the discrimination of Pit Bulls say that it's normally the owner's fault for their Pit Bull's aggression. The AKCwebsite states that American Staffordshire Terriers have these qualities: "Somewhat Active; Versatile and athletic, AmStaffs like mental and physical challenges." It is possible that if a Pit Bull were kept in a small area with no place to exercise, play, or challenge themselves, they would get a little stir crazy. If an owner does not meet the dog's needs, both physically and mentally, then the dog should not be held responsible for reacting in a way that is negative and/or aggressive. Some Pit Bulls are raised to be guard dogs or attack dogs, and therefore are trained to be aggressive. This brings up the issue of dog fighting. Pit Bulls are one of the most common dogs to be specifically bred, raised, and trained to fight other dogs, usually to the death. If the dog is being trained to be a cold-hard killer, then a cold-hard killer is what it will be. In 2007, the Michael Vick dog fighting scandal was all anyone could talk about. What the public learned from this was that there was not one type of person that participated in dog fights. Even the people we look up to (like celebrities) could participate in this activity. Online, a lot of forums against Pit Bulls call Pit Bull owners "white trash" or "trailor trash." But Michael Vick was a player in the NFL making millions of dollars at the time of his scandal.
- Nephi Selu was a six year old boy who was killed by his uncle's dog which his mother said was his "best friend." His uncle had bought the dog meaning for it to be a companion and a protector to their family. The mother also said "we felt confident that it was a protector of our children." Dogs, much like everything else, are unpredictable. This is not the only case of a supposedly friendly dog snapping and injuring someone.
- Other owners of Pit Bulls are not happy about the way their precious dogs are being treated. TMJ4, a news station in Milwaukee, WI, posted a story on August 10, 2013 titled "Pit Bull Owners Come Together to Defend the Breed." The woman interviewed in this story, Cindy Steinle, makes the point that "any dog can bite, anything with a mouth can bite- I've had children bite my dog, my dog has never bitten a child." Another article, published by The Baltimore Sun May 07, 2012 is titled "A Vet's View of Pit Bulls." The vet, who makes house calls in the city of Baltimore, says that he has had families near to tears be extremely grateful just for him showing up to take care of their dogs because when they go to the vet they feel like they are thought of as "less than" for owning an unneutered or injured Pit Bull.
How are Humane Societies, Pounds, and Kennels Reacting to these Stereotypes?
- Steinle, mentioned in the article above also states that "doggy daycares, training facilities, vets, a lot of them will discriminate just for liability reasons." This brings us into the next discussion surrounding Pit Bulls, what are public places and businesses doing about them? Like the family that the vet in The Baltimore Sun speaks about and, many owners are having problems finding places that will house, or even care for their Pit Bulls. Shelters across the country are becoming flooded with Pit Bulls that have been rescued, or have been given up by their owner for a variety of circumstances. Some of these dogs, depending on the situation, are euthanized. It can be because they are aggressive to an extreme, or because the shelter simply does not have room for them. Not all shelters are euthanizing Pit Bulls, some shelters have a no-kill policy and do their best to help every dog live out the rest of their life. One of the ways they do this is by trying to get the dog adopted into a home, or put it with a foster family. But animalsheltering.org says that often Pit Bulls are marketed as either an "unknown mix" or a "bulldog/terrier mix" to help them be adopted more easily. When researching I found that on no websites for any humane society, kennel, or pound, anything specific related to their views on Pit Bulls. There could be two reasons for this. 1. They don't want people to know that they discriminate against Pit Bulls, or 2. They don't discriminate against Pit Bulls. If interested, the best way to tell what their views are is to call and ask.
What Types of Policies are Being put in Place Because of Breedism?
- There are many different views on what should be done in regard to Pit Bulls and legislation. Some are saying we shouldn't do anything. Pit Bulls are not a threat and a few sour grapes shouldn't change how we view the bunch. Another group is saying that breed specific legislation (BSL) is not fair, but other measures should be taken. They suggest not putting blame on the dogs, but say we should educate owners and the general public. The only laws they think are necessary pertain to being strict on illegal activities such as dog fighting or similar training for dog owners. Another point of view is that breeds should be restricted, not banned. The group of people expressing this also agrees that we should educate the public about dog safety, but thinks that we should regulate by passing more strict criminal laws. The main point is that they believe that dangerous dogs (Pit Bulls and related breeds) should be kept from the wrong people, places, and situations. Some even suggest that muzzling dangerous breeds in public is a good alternative to banning. "You might wonder why it is illegal to own a goat or a chicken in a crowded city, but perfectly fine to own a man-eating dog!" The website dogbitelaw.com is full of arguments like this both for and against BSL. One argument for BSL is an effective rhetorical example. The main point is that if a specific model of a Jeep was recalled for causing deaths for being un-safe, then no one would be in an uproar and fighting it. If Pit Bulls are causing deaths and are un-safe, then why is it any different?
- Many states, counties, and cities have either put laws into place regarding specific breeds, or are discussing it as a possibility. Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Massachusetts all do not allow local municipalities to pass breed specific laws. However, California does allow local municipalities to pass mandatory breed specific spay and neuter laws, but do not allow them to pass breed specific bans. On the map below, you can click on a state to see what cities have BSL, and what their BSL is for.
What are Pit Bull Rescue Groups Doing to Overcome Breedism?
- In a world where it sometimes feels like everyone is against them, someone has to be fighting for the Pit Bulls, don't they? BADRAP is one of the main rescue groups who's mission is "securing the future of the American Pit Bull Terrier as a cherished family companion." They offer education classes for owners, and obedience classes for Pit Bulls. They also work on getting Pit Bulls matched to a perfect forever-family. Through their efforts, many Pit Bulls have been saved from euthanasia and have been given a second chance at life. Lovers Not Fighters is another Pit Bull rescue group. Their mission is to "rescue, rehabilitate and advocate for homeless, neglected, abandoned and abused pit bulls and pit bull type dogs." They also "strive to educate and bring about positive awareness to these breeds though community outreach and education." They are strictly no-kill, and do their best to find foster homes for these dogs instead of keeping them in a shelter. Their goal is to one day have a facility to train these dogs into being service and guide dogs. These two groups are just an example of some people who recognize that Pit Bulls are worth so much more than the stigma.
Do They Really Deserve it?
- There are websites upon websites out there swinging to one side or another, and each one contradicts the other. In the end, it all comes down to who you trust, who you know, and how you feel. If you have a Pit Bull, or know someone who owns a friendly Pit Bull, you are more likely to be against breedism of Pit Bulls. But if you have ever been attacked, or know someone who has been attacked, you will more than likely be for the breedism of Pit Bulls. There are legitimate points for both sides of the argument, it all depends on where you stand in your beliefs. But before you make a decision, if you make a decision at all, remember to look at the facts, not at the false. Think about how breedism and BSL effects both others, and yourself. There is probably not going to be a middle ground on this topic any time soon. Unfortunately, there will be more attacks. But hopefully as a nation we will come together to do what needs to be done to protect both the lives and the prosperity of our citizens, no matter what it may be.
Friday 23 January 2015
Breedism: Do Pit Bulls Deserve it? Racism does not only apply to humans. Dogs, especially Pit Bulls, are stereotyped just like humans. This breedism can be severe and effects both the dogs, and their owners. Do these stereotypes hit the nail on the head, or are they off base? byAvatar for Amber MillerAmber Miller10 months ago470 Views
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