This is a touchy subject for me. I love all dogs and this BSL, Breed Specific Legislation is just a joke. It is discrimination against something that is misunderstood. There is no animal that is born bad, they are made that way. This goes for four legs or two legs, dogs or human. I feel that any dog that is 'bad' or aggressive is that way from lack of training and love by an irresponsible owner. No dog is to blame, it is the owners responsibility to keep the animal under control, and if the owner is not able to do this than they should not own a pet. There are many restrictions on the animals you can own but what about the people that can own pets. I own a rescue American Pit Bull Terrier,APBT, and I trust her as much as anyone should trust any dog. We also have a large German Shepherd, Malamute mix and a small cat, both also rescued. They all live in the same house together and love each other. The APBT and the cat play very well together, and have done so for years. The point is: if you raise an animal the right way and show them the love and discipline they need you will have a good dog. The legislation should be for all pet owners or all breeds, not one specific breed of dog. Any dog can be aggressive. BSL is just a quick fix for a much larger problem and if we just let the government pass this absurd law they will continue to pass ridiculous stipulations on many more things than what breed of dog can be owned. I think that we should have regulations to a point, but this should be for all dogs and pets; there cannot just be a law that says that one type of breed is illegal to own. I feel this is discrimination and I do not think it is as bad as a racial discrimination but almost. One day all the APBT will be gone and it will be a shame because they are such a wonderful animal. Anyone that feels different, that is fine because we live in a country that gives us the right to have our own thoughts and feelings but I also think that this means that we have the right to own our pets and not kill off a breed just because of the fear that some of you have about these dogs. If any of you would like to meet a wonderful APBT there are many out there, you may not even know if you meet one.
Little fact: did you know there are 26 other types of dogs that look like the APBT? Yes, you are right when you say that many years ago the APBT was bred for fighting other dogs, but any sign of human aggression and the dog was put down. Maybe you should meet a well trained, well loved APBT before you make your mind up on killing this breed off or saying that this breed is a killer. They are wonderful dogs. Fear drives you, not knowledge. Knowledge and love drives me to inform you that these are wonderful, misunderstood dogs.
