I’ve been noticing a lot of talk recently about breed specific legislation. Cities around the country are introducing new laws that put restrictions on, or even outlaw altogether, “aggressive” bully breeds, most notably pit bulls. In some cases, aggressive dog breed owners are required to make their dogs wear muzzles, pay fines or simply get rid of their dogs.

Now, I understand that in some areas, dog fighting has become extremely prevalent, and that laws like this often help in the fight against dog fighting. I get that. It sucks, but I understand the need in order to protect pit bulls from living a terrible life as a fighting dog. I suspect though, that this is not the case in many of these communities. People form opinions based on fiction or inflammatory news stories, without taking the time to do their research. Yes, pit bulls and other breeds (Dobermans, Rottweilers, etc.) may have a higher prey instinct than some breeds, but that does not mean that they are inherently aggressive. The temperament of a dog is highly dependent on their social upbringing and training. A pit bull raised from a young age in a loving home that includes socialization with people, children and other pets will be just as loving and snuggly as a Lab or a puffy little dog. They are social, funny dogs that just need a responsible owner.

I think that the problem with pit bulls is that they are often owned by irresponsible people who use the breed as a status symbol. The dogs are then not trained properly and may even have any aggressive tendencies encouraged by their dumb owners. For example, Freda was attacked by a pit bull several years ago. The owner was outside with the dog, named Sugar, off of the leash at night. As soon as Sugar spotted Freda (on a leash I should mention), she shot over and started fighting with her. Why would an owner have a dog that obviously does not like other dogs, off leash in a common area of an apartment complex? I’ll tell you why, because he was dumb. Not only that, but I later came to find out that Sugar was not up to date on any vaccinations. Dumb. Even though it was an extremely scary situation for both me and Freda, I can’t blame Sugar. She was just doing what she was never taught not to do. It’s the owner’s fault for not properly socializing his dog, not having the dog on a leash, and not vaccinating the dog.

So in the end, this all comes down to discriminating against innocent victims. More pit bulls are put down in shelters every year than any other breed. Instead of spreading misinformation through breed specific legislature, wouldn’t it be better to spread facts and information on the proper way to raise and care for this smart, affectionate, fun dog?