When some Connecticut residents think about dangerous types of dogs, the pit bull usually comes to mind. In a previous blog post, the aggression of this breed was examined. However, many groups still defend them and enumerate reasons why they should be tolerated. DogsBite.org lays out many of the common arguments that support pit bulls.
Advocates of these dogs suggest that the number of recorded attacks is inaccurate. They argue that fatal encounters receive more attention from the media, leading to inflated statistics. Supporters of the breed consider the media to be biased because the injuries incurred are more likely to be severe than those from other dogs, making them more newsworthy. Studies are also usually downplayed, with the evidence considered irrelevant because of the sources. It is also commonly suggested that owners are to be blamed for pit bull attacks, rather than the breed itself.
Groups also propose the idea that the pit bull’s genetics have been changed over time. They commonly espouse that handlers only breed dogs that are not aggressive. It is also claimed that an attack can be predicted. Ideas such as this usually ignore research that notes the fact that many pit bulls do not present the typical warning signals of a violent encounter. Another commonly circulated idea is that many breeds share characteristics and classification with the pit bull. Because of this, advocates suggest that people mistake the type of dog involved in an attack.
While the breed’s detractors cite genetics as proof of violence, supporters discredit this idea. According to Time Magazine, a representative of a pit bull rescue group has commented that these dogs are no more violent than others, and suggests that training and treatment carry the most weight. Despite this, some organizations call for laws that dictate mandatory spaying and neutering.
