When the Devia family in California adopted Rocco, an American Pitbull Terrier, they had no idea what they were in for. Since the adoption, both Carol and Peter Devia were wrongfully terminated from their stable jobs at a newspaper delivery company. Unfortunately for the couple and their two children, this meant missing rent payments on their apartment and eventually being evicted. While finding a new living space might be easy for most families, owning an American Pitbull Terrier makes things more complicated. Many cities, and even entire countries, ban the ownership of the particular breed. The prejudice of Rocco has caused the Devia family to become homeless and live in their car for a full year (Lutz 1). Many stories about brutality, aggression,
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One organization supporting the APBT ban, DogsBite.org, is quoted as saying “unpredictability of aggression” (Pit Bull Myths 1) is a breed standard. The author later goes on to say that “the breed frequently attacks without provocation or warning” (1). The organization is claiming that APBTs are dangerous, aggressive, and unpredictable. Despite these powerful accusations, there is no evidence or citations provided to validate the beliefs. On the other hand, there is proof for the opposing side. Firstly, the accusation of APBTs being naturally dangerous and aggressive is absolutely incorrect. The American Temperament Testing Society (ATTS) tests over 240 dog breeds’ temperaments yearly, and the results are shocking: 86.8% of all 870 individuals tested. In comparison, only 69.8% of Chihuahuas, 80.3% of Collies, and 68.8% of Standard Smooth-Haired Dachshunds passed (ATTS Breed Statistics 1). BAD RAP, an organization dedicated to clearing the name of the APBT, gave a statement on the data: “pit bulls consistently achieve a passing rate that 's as good or better than the other most popular breeds” (Monster Myths 1). In the ATTS test, a dog is put through a series of confrontational situations. Any sign of panic or unprovoked aggression leads to failure of the test. The achievement of APBTs in this study disproves once and for all the old tired belief that pit bulls are inherently aggressive to people. “Like any breed of dog, a healthy pit bull that is properly raised will reflect the good care his owners have invested in him” (1). As long as the handler and owner properly socializes his/her dog, the behavior will be reliable and the dog will have a stable temper. This is only further evidence that the American Pitbull Terrier should be allowed in any previously banned areas. In addition to the argument of APBTs being dangerous and aggressive, opposers also claim that the breed is
One organization supporting the APBT ban, DogsBite.org, is quoted as saying “unpredictability of aggression” (Pit Bull Myths 1) is a breed standard. The author later goes on to say that “the breed frequently attacks without provocation or warning” (1). The organization is claiming that APBTs are dangerous, aggressive, and unpredictable. Despite these powerful accusations, there is no evidence or citations provided to validate the beliefs. On the other hand, there is proof for the opposing side. Firstly, the accusation of APBTs being naturally dangerous and aggressive is absolutely incorrect. The American Temperament Testing Society (ATTS) tests over 240 dog breeds’ temperaments yearly, and the results are shocking: 86.8% of all 870 individuals tested. In comparison, only 69.8% of Chihuahuas, 80.3% of Collies, and 68.8% of Standard Smooth-Haired Dachshunds passed (ATTS Breed Statistics 1). BAD RAP, an organization dedicated to clearing the name of the APBT, gave a statement on the data: “pit bulls consistently achieve a passing rate that 's as good or better than the other most popular breeds” (Monster Myths 1). In the ATTS test, a dog is put through a series of confrontational situations. Any sign of panic or unprovoked aggression leads to failure of the test. The achievement of APBTs in this study disproves once and for all the old tired belief that pit bulls are inherently aggressive to people. “Like any breed of dog, a healthy pit bull that is properly raised will reflect the good care his owners have invested in him” (1). As long as the handler and owner properly socializes his/her dog, the behavior will be reliable and the dog will have a stable temper. This is only further evidence that the American Pitbull Terrier should be allowed in any previously banned areas. In addition to the argument of APBTs being dangerous and aggressive, opposers also claim that the breed is