Upstairs at Caroline
Perception of Pit Bulls Very Incomplete
RECEIVED Fri., July 11, 2008
Dear Editor,
All that many people know about pit bulls are what they read in the paper or hear on TV, so when a story reports a pit bull attack [“Dead Dogs Don't Lie,” News, July 4], it is often absorbed as a generalization about all pit bulls – and all pit bull owners. That is the most frightening aspect of this issue – that the mistakes of irresponsible owners are being projected onto the many responsible owners of pit bulls.
Jack [Bishop], it sounds like you won't even entertain the notion that there are responsible pit bull owners out there, much less have an open enough mind to want to meet them (and heaven forbid, work toward positive change) [“Postmarks,” July 11]. Too bad. Maybe you would learn that only the responsible owners would likely comply with heightened, ridiculous (and unfair) breed-specific impositions such as licenses and liability insurance. Do you really think that owners who currently don't keep their dog in a safe enclosure, don't train or socialize, and don't spay/neuter to reduce the potential for aggression are going to comply with even more requirements? The state law which restricts breed bans is not hand-tying anyone in local government – existing municipal codes on leash laws, anti-tethering, humane treatment, and vicious dogs (a definition based on behavior, not breed) are on the books and are being enforced to the extent that city resources allow. Overturning the breed ban restriction will not increase enforcement, awareness, or improve the "pit bull problem" in our community – it will only penalize responsible pit bull owners, and cause derelicts to pick another dog to abuse, neglect, or use as "property."
It's extremely frustrating that responsible pit bull owners always have to jump in to counter perceptions based on individual cases. While I love my dog, if I knew that I would have had to become a full-time pit bull advocate, I may have picked another dog to rescue – and in the process, would have missed out on saving the life of a truly wonderful companion. That probably goes for all of the other responsible pit bull owners out there – and, despite the media reports which imply the contrary, there are many of us. You just don't hear about us or our dogs, because we're not "headline news."
In the meantime, I'll endure the uneducated, closed-minded, and expletive-laden rants of those who have never met my dog (or me), and stay focused on changing one mind at a time.
See also: Austin Pit Bull Meetup Group: apbt.meetup.com/78.
All that many people know about pit bulls are what they read in the paper or hear on TV, so when a story reports a pit bull attack [“Dead Dogs Don't Lie,” News, July 4], it is often absorbed as a generalization about all pit bulls – and all pit bull owners. That is the most frightening aspect of this issue – that the mistakes of irresponsible owners are being projected onto the many responsible owners of pit bulls.
Jack [Bishop], it sounds like you won't even entertain the notion that there are responsible pit bull owners out there, much less have an open enough mind to want to meet them (and heaven forbid, work toward positive change) [“Postmarks,” July 11]. Too bad. Maybe you would learn that only the responsible owners would likely comply with heightened, ridiculous (and unfair) breed-specific impositions such as licenses and liability insurance. Do you really think that owners who currently don't keep their dog in a safe enclosure, don't train or socialize, and don't spay/neuter to reduce the potential for aggression are going to comply with even more requirements? The state law which restricts breed bans is not hand-tying anyone in local government – existing municipal codes on leash laws, anti-tethering, humane treatment, and vicious dogs (a definition based on behavior, not breed) are on the books and are being enforced to the extent that city resources allow. Overturning the breed ban restriction will not increase enforcement, awareness, or improve the "pit bull problem" in our community – it will only penalize responsible pit bull owners, and cause derelicts to pick another dog to abuse, neglect, or use as "property."
It's extremely frustrating that responsible pit bull owners always have to jump in to counter perceptions based on individual cases. While I love my dog, if I knew that I would have had to become a full-time pit bull advocate, I may have picked another dog to rescue – and in the process, would have missed out on saving the life of a truly wonderful companion. That probably goes for all of the other responsible pit bull owners out there – and, despite the media reports which imply the contrary, there are many of us. You just don't hear about us or our dogs, because we're not "headline news."
In the meantime, I'll endure the uneducated, closed-minded, and expletive-laden rants of those who have never met my dog (or me), and stay focused on changing one mind at a time.
See also: Austin Pit Bull Meetup Group: apbt.meetup.com/78.
Meghan Turner