Nuns vs. Pit Bulls
“Nuns fight against pit bull kennel for safety of children”
“Into your eyes my face remains” by anandah
This media story has been brought to my attention, and there are a few things that I feel need to be said. It is a perfect example of how stereotypes and prejudice can damage a person whose crime is being passionate about a breed of dog others love to hate. As far as the details with laws and regulations, I do not know enough to comment. However, I do know when assumptions are ruling over the truth, and people are being scared for no valid reason. This article is written for the sole purpose of bringing light to the way people can be manipulated through words and prejudgment.
The use of words in the media.
What is brought to your mind when you think of “pit bull kennel”? Is it barking dogs chained in the mud? Dog fights and abuse? What if I said “professional show kennel?” Is what you picture cleanliness, covered pens, and well-taken care of dogs? So when the media mentions a “pit bull kennel” is built near a school, the picture in most everyone’s head is likely to be completely different than the truth. If they mentioned that these dogs are in secure kennels, behind several levels of fencing, in a professional quality show kennel, perhaps their reaction would be different? See for yourself.
And why not mention that these are highly successful show dogs? The slang term “pit bull” may describe the dogs, but truly they are carefully bred AKC American Staffordshire Terriers, and UKC American Pit Bull Terriers. No, the term “pit bull” is much more effective in scaring people. These are show dogs, like the dogs you see on TV trotting around a ring, fat and happy. These are extremely well taken care of dogs, who need to have the temperament and conformation to represent the best of the breed. I am guessing that most people who are afraid of these dogs have not been looking at all of his show wins? Those judges with the blue ribbons and big trophies sure don’t look scared of the dogs. Obviously he cares about showing and breeding dogs to a professional level where they can succeed in the conformation ring. He cares about keeping them safe and happy.
SHOW WINS
At Westminster
The “Safety of the children”
I know it can be hard for people who haven’t met well-bred and well taken care of APBTs, but it’s the truth: Pit Bulls are great with children. They are not inherently dangerous. The idea that these dogs will break out of their kennels, jump the fence, run across a field, go straight to the school, and attack children playing outside is just ludicrous. As soon as people mention “But think of the children!” we forget reason, and agree that whatever that person said must be true. Especially if they are nuns. I know there are lots of news articles about pit bulls attacking children, but it is the incidents that need to be examined. Neglected dogs, unattended children, food or toys involved, etc. are the causes. And these causes certainly are not breed specific. I won’t go into this further here, but you can see more of my thought on this subject here. I definitely agree that the safety of children is important, but I think that when examining the danger, there needs to be an honest assessment. It doesn’t do good to assume danger where there is none. Well-secured, well-taken care of dogs aren’t a problem, regardless of the assumptions caused by their name.
I am sure I have posted these before, but they deserve re-visits:
Kids for Pits
Kids and Pits
In conclusion –
Even through all the evidence, all the efforts that pit bull owners use to get their dogs certified as therapy dogs, visiting schools and libraries, educating and receiving obedience and temperament certifications, there will always be those who will say their dogs are inherently vicious. Unfortunately responsible pit bull owners receive the negative repercussions of bad owners who treat their dogs poorly, put them in bad situations, and enjoy making their dogs appear vicious. Unfortunately those bad owners get more attention. They cause people to overlook the good owners and their good dogs. They cause people like Kenny Gonzales to have to spend excessive time, money, and energy to protect their dogs’ welfare. If these dogs were any other breed, would anyone complain? These are pets, show dogs, champions, companions. They are not blood-thirsty monsters waiting for the next attack. I wish dearly that people would take the time to think clearly. To see that there is nothing to fear from well taken care of dogs, kept in secure kennels, with a responsible owner. Let reason overrule assumption.
