Little Addie and her best friend Georgie. Photo courtesy of Shannon & Jason Wallin.
Pit Bulls are magnificent, loyal animals who are often maligned and misunderstood.
The American Pit Bull terrier has long been a popular family pet, noted for his strength, intelligence, and devotion. A Pit Bull’s loyalty is second to none, but unfortunately, it is his loyal and loving nature that is often used against him, earning these dogs the inaccurate reputation of being “aggressive.”
Any dog can behave aggressively, depending upon the context, the dog’s genetic background, whether he or she is afraid, and whether he or she has been abused or neglected. Dogs who are treated well, trained properly, thoroughly socialized during puppyhood and matched with the right owner and household are likely to develop into well-behaved companions. And many dogs who are treated deplorably learn to forgive, becoming cherished members of the family despite their painful pasts.
Over the years, other breeds have been “targeted” including German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Bloodhounds, “Northern” breeds, etc. Pit Bulls are simply the latest breed to fall victim to inaccurate claims and biased media coverage.
Given their genetic history, it is important to remember that some Pit Bulls and Pit Pull mixes may be more inclined to develop aggression toward other dogs, but this is true for numerous other dog breeds, as well. This tendency, paired with Pit Bulls’ loyalty to their owners, makes them particularly appealing candidates for people who conduct dog fighting. They are also the voiceless victims of this felony, suffering for years until they die fighting, are killed by their owners, or face euthanasia once a dog fighting ring has been infiltrated.
Dog fighting is a felony in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Simply being a spectator at a dog fight is illegal in all states excepting Montana and Hawaii and in most states it is a felony offense to possess dogs for the purpose of dog fighting. The Animal Welfare Act of 1966 prohibits animal fighting-related activities when they involve more than one state or interstate mail services, including the U.S. Postal Service. In 2007, Congress passed the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act. The Act amended the Animal Welfare Act of 1966, providing felony penalties for interstate commerce, import and export relating to commerce in fighting dogs, fighting cocks, and cockfighting paraphernalia. Each violation can result in up to three years in jail and a $250,000 fine.
But dog fighting persists throughout the United States. Between 2003-2008, over one-thousand dog fighting arrests were made in the U.S. Dog fighting is a violent, highly secretive enterprise, making it problematic for law enforcement and investigators to infiltrate. Dog fight investigations require many of the same skills as a major undercover narcotics investigation, challenging the resources of any agency that seeks to respond to it.
An additional complication is that the evidence likely to be seized includes living creatures, who must be cared for while the judicial process unfolds. Most prosecutors would be happy to take on every dog fight case that they could, but they are limited by the resources available to them.
Tulip, in Dog Towne, when she was at the Pasado's Safe Haven sanctuary. She has been adopted!
Pasado’s Safe Haven has investigated cases of dog fighting for years. All too often, the bait dogs who were so terribly abused are still loving, in search of reassurance, and always forgiving. Pit Bulls are often the “breed of choice” for those who participate in dog fighting – not because they are inherently aggressive, but because they are so loyal to their humans that they will fight to their own deaths if commanded to do so. Humans take advantage of this undying loyalty and Pit Bulls pay the ultimate price for this.
Pasado’s often see cases of dogs like Pit Bulls who are deemed “bully” or “protection” breeds and are chained up 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our Cruelty Investigator, Kim Koon, states that she is amazed that they are still friendly after receiving such neglect and abuse. Even the dogs who have been horribly abused are still ready to love and forgive.
“There needs to be more resources and understanding of this breed,” Koon stated. “Pit Bulls get euthanized simply for their breed, which is so very wrong.”
The Best Friend “Vicktory Dogs” are a living testament to this amazing breed. A total of 22 Pit Bulls were seized from Michael Vick and placed in the care of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Many of these dogs had suffered for years from psychological, physical, and emotional trauma, exhibiting the human equivalent of “post traumatic stress disorder.” Many of these dogs had been forced to fight to the death – and when they won their fights, they witnessed the losing dogs dying in cruel and unusual ways such as electrocution. While some people said that these dogs should be killed, Best Friends disagreed: Victims of such horrible abuse should surely be given a second chance.
Despite this abuse, the Vicktory Dogs have made astonishing strides. These dogs were never given love or reassurance from their humans, but they have learned to love. Many will be adopted out to their own loving homes, while others will lives out their days at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
Because Pit Bulls are muscular dogs, people are often rough with them and assume that they can endure prolonged abuse. People also assume that a Pit Bull’s “tough” exterior means that they are capable of living on a chain all day, every day with no respite – but this is wrong. And they also believe that Pit Bulls have cold weather tolerance, but this is wrong, as well: Pit Bulls lack an insulating coat.
Pit Bulls are devoted dogs who are often called “leaners” by their human companions. This term was coined from Pit Bulls’ propensity to always have bodily contact with their human, often sitting at an angle and leaning onto their human’s leg to maintain that contact.
UPDATE! Tulip has been Adopted! At Pasado’s sanctuary, we have had the privilege to know numerous Pit Bulls. One of our former residents, Tulip, is a stunning black and white Pit Bull who has a naturally glossy coat. At around one to two years of age, Tulip is young, strong, and eager to please. This lovable girl is very docile and she is sweet to everyone she meets. She will be your best friend if you only take her for a walk.
- Strong body, gentle soul – Tulip is an example of the inaccuracy of the Pit Bill stigma.
Tulip is a wonderful example of the inaccuracy of the Pit Bull stigma.
Tulip is a gentle soul who shies away from other dogs who confront her. Tulip shows no aggression toward other dogs and always backs down when she meets a new dog.
While Tulip is loving and gentle, this gorgeous gal is just beyond puppyhood and still needs to have room to run. She loves to play ball, loves toys, and wants to use her strength when she is playing.
Tulip loves to stand up and give hugs to her human caregivers, gazing at them lovingly with her soft, brown eyes. Tulip has beautiful markings that match her beautiful heart and loving personality. We are so happy to report that she has found a loving home!
Here at Pasado’s, we have seen all too often the consequences of an inaccurate label: breed bans, hysteria, and euthanasia for thousands of innocent dogs. If you would like to help us continue to educate the public and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, please consider making a donation today.
Thanks to the support of readers like you, we can continue to set the record straight, saving lives and truly making a difference for those who need our help the most.
Thank you – from all of the animals here at Pasado’s Safe Haven.