Why do so many people want to put innocent pit bulls to sleep?

Question

I know that they attack people, but you can't judge one pit bull for what their fathers and grandfathers did, can you?

Answer 1

IGNORANCE. They think pit bulls are some kind of monster, because of the media hype about they sub-humans who fight them and the children who have been mauled by a bad dog allowed to run loose. The same thing happened with Dobermans in the 1960's. The whole breed is condemned for the actions of a few bad owners with bad dogs.

Do everything you can to educate the public or it may be YOUR breed that they're trying to ban next!

Discrimination and banning breeds is not the answer. Ask your local lawmakers to pass laws to prosecute the owners of any dog that is allowed to run loose. If someone has a vicious dog and it bites someone, that owner should be punished the same way as if he left a loaded gun lying around and a child shot himself with it - make it a major felony!

Physically, any large dog and many small ones are capable of killing a child. Even a Golden retriever accidentally killed a child this past winter - the child was sent out to play wearing a scarf. Tragically, the dog thought this was for him to play tug-of-war with and the child died of strangulation.

Answer 2

The Pit Bull is probably the most misunderstood dog in the United States. People see them and cross the street out of fear and try to ban them from their cities. Why? Simply stated, lack of education on the breeds. The public only sees negative stories in the news. Pit Bulls are wonderful dogs in the hands of responsible owners just like any other breed. As with any dog, there will always be irresponsible owners and poorly bred dogs. That does NOT mean that all of these dogs are evil! The majority of domestic violence in the US is caused by men, are all men considered evil and dangerous, No. Then why would all Pit Bulls be dangerous because of a few bad owners

Answer 3

"Pit Bulls attack more people than any other breed." Bite statistics actually show otherwise. More popular breeds that are generally considered to be "nice dogs" top the majority of lists. It may seem to the general public who is constantly bombarded with disturbing reports on Pit Bull attacks that this is the only breed that harms humans with any great regularity. However, the fact remains that Pit Bulls are hot news items. Dogs of all breeds and mixes bite and attack people all the time, but it is mainly the Pit Bull bites that get sensationalized. A report about the local Golden Retriever that attacks and maims a child isn't considered newsworthy. No one wants to believe that any dogs--even the fuzzy, cute, popular ones--are capable of biting. It's much easier to blow up and sensationalize a story about a vicious dog when it's a member of a breed who's reputation preceeds it. Pit Bulls are already considered the demons. All the reporters have to do is stand in front of the camera, look horrified, and say, "A Pit Bull did it". From the past history of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, pit bull, the modern dog draws its character of indomitable courage, high intelligence, and tenacity. This, coupled with its affection for its friends, and children in particular, its off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, makes it a foremost all-purpose dog.
with most people unable to tell one big headed breed from an other the pit bull gets blamed for more attacks than what is rally going on.

Answer 4

PITS AND ROTTIES – DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK

Pit Bulls and Rottweilers
They’re vicious killing machines, right? Uh huh – they might lick you to death.

There is an extravagant amount of bad information out there about Pits and Rotties. Did you know that the American Temperament Test Society rates their temperaments at above average and at about the same level as Golden Retrievers?? Here’s how they stack up along with some other popular breeds:

Average Rating of all Breeds in this study: 81.0%
Cardigan Welsh Corgi 76.8%
Shih Tzu 76.9%
Old English Sheepdog 77.8%
Beagle 78.2%
Cocker Spaniel 81.5%
Rottweiler 82.3%
Golden Retriever 83.2%
American Pit Bull Terrier 83.4%
Mixed Breed 85.1%

In the ATT test, a dog is put through a series of confrontational situations. Any sign of panic or aggression leads to failure of the test. The achievement of pit bulls and Rottweilers in this study disproves once and for all the old tired belief that they are inherently aggressive to people. (Thanks to Bad Rap Pit Rescue for this resource)

To be fair, these dogs aren’t for everyone - no one breed is universally appropriate for every person. Pits and Rotties, like every dog and dog owner, should go through at least basic obedience training together. Pits and Rotties require a lot of activity, a lot of love and attention, and an owner who understands dogs or is willing to learn. They are loving, loyal and gorgeous dogs. Don’t believe the hype!

Answer 5

They are NOT all dangerous. They become mean because they are mistreated and are abused. The same goes for the rott. Did you know that the most vicious dog is the cocker spaniel? They have bitten more people that the rott or the pitt. Poodles are also know to bite. Does that mean that they should be all be put to sleep as well. A dog will only grow up as it is taught to. If it has to grow up in fear for its life, then one day it will turn to protect its self. People should not judge a breed just because of a few dogs, if that was the case, then every dog that bites then that breed should be banned... Come on people grow up and think about it.

Answer 6

Any dog, regardless of breed, is only as dangerous as his/her owner allows it to be.
Addressing the issue of severe and fatal dog attacks as a breed specific problem is akin to treating the symptom and not the disease. Severe and fatal attacks will continue until we come to the realization that allowing a toddler to wander off to a chained dog is more of a critical factor in a fatal dog attack than which breed of dog is at the end of the chain. Any breed of dog is just one bite away to someone wanting to ban them. The outlaws who's dogs are a least 90% responsible for pit bull attacks will just keep their outlawed breed, hey they are already breaking the law, or find another to turn into monsters. THEY ARE OUTLAWS THEY DO NOT GIVE A RATS A$$ IF THEY BREAK MORE LAWS. You can not give up freedom to be safe. It as nevered work.

Answer 7

Because people are soo stupid and want to seem so cool by saying they have pit bulls.. that they give aspca’s and law enforcement no choice. Im pretty sure there is a better way of handling the situation.. but they don’t have one yet.
For example I live in Miami where it is illegal to keep them and they are put to sleep, but they also give you a chance to relocate them somewhere else… but in the county over to us which is called Broward ( a ½ hour drive) it is legal to have them.. I know its stupid, but they might see it as the best solution since most of them get so viscious bc their owners mistreat them that’s all thry can do for the poor dogs.

Answer 8

All Pit Bulls are not dangerous, it really depends on the owner and how they are raised. My boyfriend owns two and they are the most adorable, loveable dogs! They are great watch dogs too. They will protect their property and their people, they may attack if they feel threatened. They are just dogs, not killers, any dog can be trained to kill, I think.

Answer 9

Pit Bulls are NOT bred for violence...........please check your facts. I am horrified that innocent pits all over the country are put to sleep because of ignorant people.

Answer 10

Do you trust the dog's owner?

Is a big dog really a good pet in a cramped apartment?

These animals were bred to attack larger creatures than themselves, to bite down and not let go, and for bite strength. Does that sound like something to let off the leash at a public park with other people nearby?