From a comment on one of the articles of hyperbole, trying to stir the pot in BC...
- There is no dog that removes as much human flesh as pitbulls.
Once you get past the mental picture and ridiculousness of this statement, feel free to *laugh out loud*, as I did.
Next question... Wha?
I had no idea there was some competition to see what kind of mutt can remove as much flesh over another. I would hate to be the test subject of this study.
Oh here's another comment (actually in the form of a question),
- Why should owners of beagles and collies pay for having the sense to choose a breed that has a long history of adapting to humans without causing harm?
Now usually I am a person who says there is no such thing as a stupid question, however in this case I must make an exception to my rule.
- These dogs are DESIGNED to tear, to maul, to maim.
Yup, that's it.. The family pets we commonly refer to as short haired mutts or "pit bulls" are designed to maim you! I think what people are confused about is wanting a ban on Badgers or Wolverines?
Let's interject here for a moment and come back to rational reality.
We all know the common stereotypes, myths, hyperbole,
- locking jaws (disproved) see Dr. Lehr Brisbin.
- bullet proof (disproved) duh!
- stronger bite pressure psi (disproved) see Dr. Lehr Brisbin.
Quote from Dr. Lehr Brisbin;"The few studies which have been conducted of the structure of the skulls, mandibles and teeth of pit bulls show that, in proportion to their size, their jaw structure and thus its inferred functional morphology, is no different than that of any breed of dog. There is absolutely no evidence for the existence of any kind of 'locking mechanism' unique to the structure of the jaw and/or teeth of the American Pit Bull Terrier."
- chemical in the brain that causes "ticking time bomb" syndrome (disproved)
Turned out that applied to a certain former Attorney General of Ontario.
- skull to small for their brain (disproved) come on.. please!
- can't feel pain (disproved every time I try to trim nails).
- do the most damage when biting (disproved) Well I guess this would depend on what one is referring to when explaining "most damage". I live in Canada and I will speak to Canada. I consider the "most damage" to be a fatality. For further information here is a link to the DBR fatalities in Canada.
From the committee hearings a statement from Dr. Bonnie Beaver;
"Pit bull dogs, regardless of how they are defined, are not the dogs reported in Canada for inflicting fatal or even severe bites. According to the most recent study for the years 1990 through 2007, huskies and husky crosses are. Huskies were involved in 32 of 48 fatal attacks. Interestingly, this was also true in 2004 when the original bill was considered. However, huskies were not included on the Ontario list of bad dogs. Neither were German shepherds, cocker spaniels, Rottweilers, or golden retrievers, the top four breeds involved in dog-bite injuries in Canada at that time."
- are aggressive because they hang from tree branches (just plain mental).
Now let's look at some of the common myths from a portion of those fighting for their right to own a short haired mutt...
- "pit bull" is a breed (Nope) American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are all breeds. They are also among the rarest of breeds in Canada with less than 500 residing in Ontario and yes this was the case in 2004 when the Liberals enacted the ban.
- "pit bulls" need special homes cause they are different (Nope) short haired mutts are no different from any other mutt. They should be judged on energy level, size and temperament like any other mutt and matched accordingly with an appropriate home. All dogs need training and socialization to be a good canine citizen.
- "pit bulls" are the most abused "breed" (Nope) There is no evidence to support this theory.
- "pit bulls" are nanny dogs (Nope) Was a nickname for Staffordshire Bull Terriers but doesn't mean they aren't dogs and capable of biting in the wrong situation like any other dog.
- Dog fighting is prevalent (Nope) it is rare and has nothing to do with what we are fighting for. Dog fighting has been illegal in Canada since 1892! Are there pockets found in usually low income areas? Yes, but largely punk kids in alleys fighting mutts. (Yes I have talked to members of the Police about this).
- Many dogs in the shelter/rescue system that come in with terrible injuries are "bait dogs". (there is no evidence to support this). All dogs are capable of fighting with each other. Dog/Dog aggression happens with all breeds and mix breed dogs. It does not relate directly to human aggression and people with dogs that exhibit dog/dog or dog/human aggression need to seek the help of a professional trainer. Knowing your dog and their body language and paying attention goes a long way to preventing fights from breaking out.
This all being said, all I have to say is Haters Gonna Hate! I have no interest in bantering back and forth with those with irrational fears. People who have latched on to the myth, hyperbole and urban legends (and that includes most of the main stream media) and hang on tighter than a dog to a tree branch.
If you have irrational fears to "pit bulls", sharks, snakes, spiders, the dark, witches or any other thing you may be irrationally fearful of; get some help man! This is considered a mental illness in the form of a phobia and yes you can get help; just not from me.
I am more than willing to speak with people who are willing to learn about dispelling the lies but if you are preaching the lies like some tin foil hat cult club, I have nothing to say to you other than get some help!
For landshark week Game Dog Guardian had some fab illustrations. With their permission here is one of them. Love it!
Breed Specific Legislation does not work! It has been proved not to work, one example being a 10 year study in the Netherlands, which resulted in the repeal of BSL.
Jurisdictions worldwide are repealing in a domino like fashion. Jurisdictions proposed with BSL are dismissing it for programs that are not breed specific but fair, equal and enforceable. An example of this is Calgary's Responsible Pet Ownership program. The RPOP fits any size town, city or municipality.
If you are still hanging on the the belief that BSL in fact works, as opposed to what it really does (kill innocent family pets and target good dog owners) you may very well be mentally ill! Get some help!
