How are Pitbulls legal in the states?

Question

I really don't understand how they are still around? everyone that owns one thinks their pitbull is "Safe" and a "Non Threat" am I the only one who doesn't believe a word theses people say??

Answer 1

I've done many a paper on Pit bulls and dog fighting, and dog attacks, so here is a bit of a lesson:

- Yes, pit bulls were specifically bred to kill and harm other animals and to be aggressive dogs.
- As were Terriers, which are legal everywhere.
- Pitbulls are very muscular dogs, and that is the main reason why they are used for fighting
- Most dog bites are not because of the dog being a specific breed but actually the parents' fault for not watching their child or messing around with a dog.
- Yes, pitbulls can be trained to fight and be aggressive, and yes they are aggressive by nature, but as our terriers. I own a Scottish Terrier, and it can be a mean little dog when put in a room with my brother's Chow/Giant Boxer mix, and that dog becomes like a kitten.

It's nature v. nurture, man, and Nurture wins.

Answer 2

Well, they're legal because theoritcally the animal shouldn't have a chance to attack any other person or animal other than their owner. By following the laws, the owner would keep the animal detained at all times, so that the public is safe from the animal.

Unfortunatly, not everyone obeys the law. If they did, people would be safe from most anything. The problem with pitbulls is that they're just dogs and aren't seen as the threat that they are.

Answer 3

I am a pit bull owner, and I believe my pit bull is "safe" and a "non-threat" ONLY when I am controlling the situation to ensure safety for him and for others. If I let him run loose, with the possibility of people and/or other dogs or animals that would challenge, provoke, or otherwise harass him, you BET he's a threat. As ANY dog would be! Owning a pit bull takes a great deal of understanding of the breed, respect for the genetic traits that may exist and manifest, and personal responsibility to ensure safety. In the right hands, pit bulls are no more dangerous or threatening to humans than other dogs. But in hands that do not understand the breed, or do not have control of their dog, ABSOLUTELY that dog becomes unsafe and a threat. I'd feel that way about a pit bull the same way I'd feel that way about a golden retriever in the same situation.

So much for your theory about all pit bull owners.

ANY dog that is not controlled by its handler, and whose handler is ignorant to the dog's genetic tendencies can most certainly be considered unsafe and a threat.

Answer 4

BLS is a flawed concept from the moment it is conceived. In most cases the dogs are targeted leaving the owner, which is the responsible, rational thinking party out if it. Some impose fines along with their laws but are often no enforced to the maximum so the owner gets a slap on the wrist.

Dogs are not the problem and BLS dose not recognize this. People are the problem and until we find a way to punish people for their neglectful actions which allow dogs to bite and terrorize the public we will never stop the problem.

First problem is take one breed away, these people will find another breed to replace it. In most places were APBT have been ban the rottweiler is now on the rise as the most popular breed. Now they are taking the heat from BLS and its supporters. They will agin restrict a breed just to have another take its place. This will happen till they run out of large breed dogs and we have lost our right to have the breed of dog we love. BLS can be compared to gender and racial profiling.

Media reports lead the public to believe that packs of roaming Pit Bulls are more likely to bite than the neighborhood dog on his leash. Over 80% of dog bites occur when the dog is with its owner or ON his owner’s property. A large number of small children are bitten by dogs they know while visiting the dog’s home. Because stories of pit bulls stimulate fear, the media is likely to report all cases of biting pit dogs or pit mix but oit stories of injury by poodles and spaniels [which is the most frequently reported biters]. In addition, the media reports “attacks” when guarding breed barks at or chases someone even when no one is injured. This adds to the public’s perception that this type of dog is more dangerous than any other dog. Some statistics lump several breeds into one category and report that “ PIT Bulls” cause more serious bites that any other breed. This would be similar to counting all bites inflicted by Retrievers [Golden, Duck Tolling, Flat Coats, Lab, etc.] and comparing that total to bites inflicted by miniature wirehaired Daschunds. It would appear that Retrievers are much more dangerous than the Daschunds.

A report about the local Labrador Retriever that attacks and maims a child isn’t considered newsworthy No one wants to believe that any family dog, the cute and fuzzy kind, are capable of biting. It’s much easier to blow up and sensationalist a story about a vicious dog when it’s a member of a breed who’s reputation precedes it. Pit Bull are already considered the demons. All reporters have to do is stand in front of the camera, look horrified and say, “A pit bull did it.”


So why is it then that more BLS laws are implement daily? God forbid a person have to take responsibility for their irresponsible actions and BLS supports these people by not placing very harsh punishments on them.

Answer 5

Dogs like humans, in most cases, are going to be a product of their environment. If you lay down rules and guidelines for your children then they won't "run" your home. It's the same way with a pit bull. If you discipline them and engage their minds there won't be a problem. Having said that, they should always be kept on leash or be in a fenced in area. I grew up around large dogs, and I own a couple myself. I have a Jack Russell terrier that is much more likely to nip at someone than my pit bull. Educate yourself about the breed, and then you may see why many owners say there dog is a "non threat." Your opinions and ideologies are based on your past experiences and the knowledge you have attained. Get to know the breed and the dog.

Answer 6

Pits are legal because the people that own them understand what wonderful, loving dogs they are. You can not ban an entire breed based on the actions of a few bad dogs (bad owners actually). I don't know what your experiences with pits are, but as any pit owner will tell you, they are wrongly labeled. I am not saying that all pits are great, but I bet I could train a lab to be mean just as easily. I just wanted to add this... generally, pits do not make good guard dogs because most of them love people. They will protect their people at all costs though.

Answer 7

A dog is what you make of it if it is trained than it wont be a threat I have met more nice pitbulls than mean ones and I can say that the nice ones are just as loving and friendly as any other dog.

Answer 8

Many people love pitbulls. I am not a pitbull owner, but I have no problem with pitbulls. My problem is with people who own them as 'guard dogs' for protection. This breed is supposed to be completely people friendly and dog aggressive. A responsible owner knows this and makes sure to handle their dog properly around other dogs.

Answer 9

Because there is no reason for them to be illegal. Why don't you look up the facts, and not go by what hte media has told you. Pitbulls passed temperment tests at a higher level than the majority of "good" dogs. The where never bred to be human aggressive(some idiots have used them for that I admit), you want to see some that are wonderful pets and are conformation show champions that live with chihuahuas, come talk to me and I'll show you my website. If you've had a bad experience with one I'm sorry, but don't go after all of them.

Answer 10

I don't live in the States but I have a pitbull. If you did any research you would know that pitbulls have better temperaments than Golden Retrievers and Beagles. According to the American Temperament Test Society Pitbulls scored 83.2% where the Golden Retriever scored 82.5% and the Beagle 77.8% . And by the way it depends how you raise your dog. Basically if you ask me you're just discriminating. In a sense you're just racist! : P