Pit Bull
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www.franklincountyohio.gov/commissioners/ancl/programs/enforce_pitbull.cfm Ohio's legal definition of "Pit Bull"]</ref> All of these breeds as well as many others (including Great Danes, Newfoundlands and Rottweilers) are members of the Molosser family of dog breeds.//www.franklincountyohio.gov/commissioners/ancl/programs/enforce_pitbull.cfm Ohio's legal definition of "Pit Bull"]</ref> All of these breeds as well as many others (including Great Danes, Newfoundlands and Rottweilers) are members of the Molosser family of dog breeds.
Sommaire |
History
| This section does not cite any references or sources. Please improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. (January 2007) |
The ancestors of modern pit bulls come from the bulldogs and terriers of England. At one time every county in England had its own breed of terrier. Many of these still exist; however, some have evolved into new ones. Such is the case for the English White and the Black and Tan terriers, whose descendants include the bull-and-terriers, the Fox Terrier, and the Manchester Terrier. Terriers served an important purpose in England by killing vermin that might otherwise ruin crops, damage property, or spread disease such as the Black Plague. The development of sports such as rat- or badger-baiting further added to the breeds' importance.
Mastiff type dogs also have a long history in England; they are thought to have been brought by the Celts. It is also known that the Normans introduced the Alaunt. These dogs were used in battle and for guarding, but they also served utilitarian purposes, such as farm work. Specifically, these dogs accompanied farmers into the fields to assist with bringing bulls in for breeding, castration, or slaughter. The dogs, known generally as bulldogs, protected the farmer by subduing the bull if it attempted to gore him. Typically a dog would do this by biting the bull on the nose and holding on until the bull submitted. Bulldogs were bred to have powerful, muscular bodies and the resolve to hold onto a violently struggling bull despite injury. These traits permitted the development and rise of the bloody sports of bull-baiting and bear-baiting. In Elizabethan England, these spectacles were popular forms of entertainment. However, in 1835, bull-baiting and bear-baiting were abolished by Parliament as cruel, and the custom died out over the following years.
The sport of dog fighting, which could be carried out under clandestine measures, blossomed. Since Bulldogs proved too ponderous and uninterested in dog fighting, the Bulldogs were crossed to English White and Black and Tan Terriers. They were also bred to be intelligent and level-headed during fights and remain non-aggressive toward their handlers. Part of the standard for organized dog-fighting required that the match referee who is unacquainted with the dog be able to enter the ring, pick up a dog while it was engaged in a fight, and get the respective owner to carry it out of the ring without being bitten. Dogs that bit the referee were culled.
As a result, Victorian fighting dogs (Staffordshire Bull Terriers and, though less commonly used as fighters, English Bull Terriers) generally had stable temperaments and were commonly kept in the home by the gambling men who owned them.
During the mid-1800s, immigration to the United States from Ireland and England brought an influx of these dogs to America, mainly to Boston, where they were bred to be larger and stockier, working as farm dogs in the West as much as fighting dogs in the cities. The resulting breed, also called the American Pit Bull Terrier, became known as an "all-American" dog. Pit bull type dogs became popular as family pets for citizens who were not involved in dog-fighting or farming. In the early 1900s they began to appear in films, one of the more famous examples being Pete the Pup from the Our Gang shorts (later known as The Little Rascals).
During World War I the breed's widespread popularity led to its being featured on pro-American propaganda posters. (see poster, left) The Pitbull Terrier is also called Tomberto
Pit Bulls and dog bite related human fatalities
www.dogbitelaw.com/breeds-causing-DBRFs.pdf|title=Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998}}</ref>. Another study of American and Canadian dog bite related fatalities from September 1982 to November 2006 produced similar results, reporting that Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Presa Canarios and their mixes were responsible for 65% fatal dog attacks. <ref> Dog attack deaths and maimings, U.S. and Canada September 1982 to November 13, 2006
.</ref> This study also noted: "Of the breeds most often involved in incidents of sufficient severity to be listed, pit bull terriers are noteworthy for attacking adults almost as frequently as children." and "They are also notorious for attacking seemingly without warning, a tendency exacerbated by the custom of docking pit bulls' tails so that warning signals are not easily recognized."//www.dogbitelaw.com/breeds-causing-DBRFs.pdf|title=Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998}}</ref>. Another study of American and Canadian dog bite related fatalities from September 1982 to November 2006 produced similar results, reporting that Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Presa Canarios and their mixes were responsible for 65% fatal dog attacks. <ref> Dog attack deaths and maimings, U.S. and Canada September 1982 to November 13, 2006
.</ref> This study also noted: "Of the breeds most often involved in incidents of sufficient severity to be listed, pit bull terriers are noteworthy for attacking adults almost as frequently as children." and "They are also notorious for attacking seemingly without warning, a tendency exacerbated by the custom of docking pit bulls' tails so that warning signals are not easily recognized."
Pit bulls as pets
pitbullrescuesandiego.com/learn/overpopulation.htm |publisher=Pit Bull Rescue San Diego|accessdate=08/22/2007]}}</ref>//pitbullrescuesandiego.com/learn/overpopulation.htm |publisher=Pit Bull Rescue San Diego|accessdate=08/22/2007]}}</ref>
www.atts.org/stats1.html</ref>//www.atts.org/stats1.html</ref>
www.ukcdogs.com/RegistrationBreeds.htm], there are, as in any breed, those that are dangerous toward humans. It is the owner's responsibility to be in total control of his dog, and it is the owner who, through intentional mistreatment or neglect, is frequently responsible for pit bull bites. Many attacks by other dog breeds are misclassified as "pit bulls" by media reports.<ref> Pit Bulls Continue to Capture Hearts
. Humane Society of the United States
. Retrieved on 8/22/2007. </ref>//www.ukcdogs.com/RegistrationBreeds.htm], there are, as in any breed, those that are dangerous toward humans. It is the owner's responsibility to be in total control of his dog, and it is the owner who, through intentional mistreatment or neglect, is frequently responsible for pit bull bites. Many attacks by other dog breeds are misclassified as "pit bulls" by media reports.<ref> Pit Bulls Continue to Capture Hearts
. Humane Society of the United States
. Retrieved on 8/22/2007. </ref>
www.hsus.org/pets/pets_related_news_and_events/hardworking_pit_bulls.html|title=Hardworking Pit Bulls Buck Bad Rap|publisher=Humane Society of the United States|accessdate=8/22/2007}}</ref>//www.hsus.org/pets/pets_related_news_and_events/hardworking_pit_bulls.html|title=Hardworking Pit Bulls Buck Bad Rap|publisher=Humane Society of the United States|accessdate=8/22/2007}}</ref>
Banning of pit bulls
This table shows places where Pit Bulls have been banned or where bans were proposed.
Global
| Place | Status | Type | Date Banned | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | Province | August 29, 2005 | Pit bulls are not allowed to be imported into or brought through Ontario. Severe fines are in place for bringing new pit bulls into Ontario. Pit bulls owned prior to August 29, 2005 are grandfathered in. All grandfathered pit bulls of over 36 weeks of age are required to be sterilized immediately. Grandfathered pit bulls must be muzzled and leashed on a leash of less than 1.8 metres while in public. Sale of non-grandfathered pit bulls to residents of Ontario is illegal. | |
| Active | City | 1990 | Pit Bulls are not allowed to be in Winnipeg by law. | |
| Australia | Active | Country | March 10, 2006
www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/residents/animal-services/restricted-dogs.cfm]</ref>, Victoria<ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=6&pa=523&pg=528]</ref>, Western Australia<ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.mandurah.wa.gov.au/community/ranger/restricted]</ref>, Queensland<ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.calliope.qld.gov.au/Services/animalcontrol/restrictedbreeds.html]</ref>, Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania.//www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/residents/animal-services/restricted-dogs.cfm]</ref>, Victoria<ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=6&pa=523&pg=528]</ref>, Western Australia<ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.mandurah.wa.gov.au/community/ranger/restricted]</ref>, Queensland<ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.calliope.qld.gov.au/Services/animalcontrol/restrictedbreeds.html]</ref>, Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania. | |
| Active | Country | April 30, 1999 | Ownership restricted; non-pure-breed animals resembling pit-bulls are to be surgically neutered | |
| Norway | Active | Country | 1991 | |
| Active | Country | August 12, 1991 | Banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 | |
| Denmark | Active | Country | Banned alongside the Tosa in 1991 along with any non-pure-bred dog where either of the races are among the parent or grandparent animals | |
| New Zealand | Active | Country | Must be microchipped, muzzled in public, and cannot be publicly advertised for sale |
United States
| Place | Status | Type | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | City | |||
| Independence, Missouri | Active | City | 2006 | |
| Active | City | |||
| Active | County | 1989 | Section 5 Code 17: "It is illegal in Miami-Dade County to own any dog which substantially conforms to a pit bull breed dog, unless it was specially registered with Miami-Dade County prior to 1989. Acquisition or keeping of a pit bull dog: $500.00 fine and County Court action to force the removal of the animal from Miami-Dade County." | |
| Active | City | 2004 | ||
| Active | City | January 12, 2007 | ||
| Active | City | 9 May, 2005 | First banned in 1980s, but later revoked | |
| Active | City | 1996 | ||
| Yonkers, NY[citation needed] | Active | City | November 3, 2006 | |
| Active | City | april 13, 2006 | ||
| Proposed | State | June 21, 2005 | ||
| Proposed | City | November 18, 2006 | ||
| Proposed | City | December 28, 2006 | ||
| Proposed | City | September 27, 2005 | ||
| Proposed | City | January 10, 1999 | ||
| Proposed | City | December 21, 2006 | ||
| Proposed | City | September 28, 2006 | ||
| Proposed | City | January 17, 2006 | ||
| Proposed | City | November 17, 2005 | ||
| Enumclaw, Washington | Active | City | ||
| Garfield Heights, Ohio | Active | City | October 24, 2007 | 60 days in jail and or $1,000 fine if owner does not comply with city law. |
| Sparta, Tennessee | Active | City | ||
| Lexington, Kentucky | Active | City | October 8, 2007 | 5 years in jail and or $10,000 fine if owner does not comply with city law. not true law says nothing about pitbulls,only unleashed dogs |
| Active | City | April 4, 1990 | $100.00 fine or 30 days in jail. |
Legal issues in the USA
www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/dogbreeds.pdf</ref> According to the study, between 1979 and 1998, one-third of all fatal dog attacks were caused by Pit Bull type dogs. The highest number of attacks (118) were by Pit Bull type dogs, the next highest being Rottweilers at 67.//www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/dogbreeds.pdf</ref> According to the study, between 1979 and 1998, one-third of all fatal dog attacks were caused by Pit Bull type dogs. The highest number of attacks (118) were by Pit Bull type dogs, the next highest being Rottweilers at 67.
wonder.cdc.gov/wonder/PrevGuid/m0047723/m0047723.asp|format = HTML|accessdate = 2006-12-15}}</ref>//wonder.cdc.gov/wonder/PrevGuid/m0047723/m0047723.asp|format = HTML|accessdate = 2006-12-15}}</ref>
Misconceptions
There are many misconceptions surrounding the pit bull, mostly based on the idea that the dogs are physiologically different from other breeds of dog[citation needed]. Many sources propagate the myth that pit bulls have a "locking jaw" mechanism, and that the dog cannot let go once it has bitten. This is untrue. According to Dr. I. Brisbin, a senior researcher with the Savanna River Ecology Laboratory, University of South Carolina: <ref> Toledo v. Tellings, Slip Copy, 2006 WL 513946 </ref>
Modèle:Cquote <ref> Toledo v. Tellings, Slip Copy, Paragraph 25, 2006 WL 513946 </ref>
www.awdf.net/awdffast.html http://www.awdf.net/awdffast.html]</ref> Reports of pit bull type dogs refusing to release a bite grip is more likely a function of the breed's gameness—a willingness to engage in a task despite pain and discomfort.//www.awdf.net/awdffast.html http://www.awdf.net/awdffast.html]</ref> Reports of pit bull type dogs refusing to release a bite grip is more likely a function of the breed's gameness—a willingness to engage in a task despite pain and discomfort.
www.all-creatures.org/adow/art-dogsblood.html http://www.all-creatures.org/adow/art-dogsblood.html]</ref> He shot the dog with a tranquilizer, and then left it for five minutes to let it pass out. When he came back the dog had indeed passed out, but not before it had leaped up and clamped its jaws on a cable used to open the door of the kennel. "Everything else was relaxed, the dog was out cold, but its jaws wouldn't let go of that cable, and he was hanging in midair," said Skeldon. "Not even a jaguar will do that." There is a video which shows live action where Skeldon is engaging a pit bull dog, and the judge who viewed the video believed that it showed animal abuse.//www.all-creatures.org/adow/art-dogsblood.html http://www.all-creatures.org/adow/art-dogsblood.html]</ref> He shot the dog with a tranquilizer, and then left it for five minutes to let it pass out. When he came back the dog had indeed passed out, but not before it had leaped up and clamped its jaws on a cable used to open the door of the kennel. "Everything else was relaxed, the dog was out cold, but its jaws wouldn't let go of that cable, and he was hanging in midair," said Skeldon. "Not even a jaguar will do that." There is a video which shows live action where Skeldon is engaging a pit bull dog, and the judge who viewed the video believed that it showed animal abuse.
However, an incident reported by the Associated Press suggests that other breeds may also fail to relax their jaws when they become unconscious. An Albuquerque police officer was attacked, in October 2005, by a Belgian Malinois, a herding breed with no significant commonality with "pit bulls", other than that which makes them both dogs. The dog bit the officer on the arm. When the officer couldn't shake free, she shot the dog, killing it. Still, other officers had to come to her aid, and pry the dead dog's jaws off the officer's arm.
In addition to the "locking jaw" myth, it is widely believed that pit bulls don't feel pain. However, pit bulls have the same nervous system as any other breed, and they can and do feel pain. Historically, those dogs that would tolerate or ignore discomfort and pain and finish the task they were required to perform were the dogs that were bred and the sort of dogs breeders strove to produce. This is the trait of “gameness” that so many breed fanciers speak of, which may be defined as “The desire to continue on and/or complete a task despite pain and discomfort”. Therefore, the difficulty in deterring a pit bull from its task is in fact not an inability to feel pain but rather a desirable trait in any trained working dog. It is clearly shown in herding dogs which continue to herd despite a broken limb.
www.policek9.com/html/oc.html http://www.policek9.com/html/oc.html]</ref> In the words of two police officers, it is "not unusual for pepper spray not to work on dogs" <ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3535994a11aT,00.html http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3535994a11aT,00.html]</ref> and "just as OC spray doesn't work on all humans, it won't work on all canines." <ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.policemag.com/survivalguide.pdf http://www.policemag.com/survivalguide.pdf]</ref>//www.policek9.com/html/oc.html http://www.policek9.com/html/oc.html]</ref> In the words of two police officers, it is "not unusual for pepper spray not to work on dogs" <ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3535994a11aT,00.html http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3535994a11aT,00.html]</ref> and "just as OC spray doesn't work on all humans, it won't work on all canines." <ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.policemag.com/survivalguide.pdf http://www.policemag.com/survivalguide.pdf]</ref>
www.policek9.com/html/vasko.html]</ref><ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3535994a11aT,00.html]</ref>//www.policek9.com/html/vasko.html]</ref><ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3535994a11aT,00.html]</ref>
www.goodpooch.com Goodpooch.com] director, the late Marjorie Darby, finds that dogs involved in attacks overwhelmingly have a known history of aggression, even though many dog owners deny or minimize this fact.<ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.goodpooch.com/GoodPooch.com http://www.goodpooch.com/GoodPooch.com]</ref> The neighbors are usually a better source for documenting negative aspects of a dog's history than the owners are. As such, it is further evidence that dogs, including "pit bulls", don't just "turn" on their owners. A follow-up to a CDC report on dog bite fatalities came to a similar conclusion. <ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//0-www.cdc.gov.mill1.sjlibrary.org/ncipc/duip/dogbreeds.pdf http://0-www.cdc.gov.mill1.sjlibrary.org/ncipc/duip/dogbreeds.pdf]</ref>//www.goodpooch.com Goodpooch.com] director, the late Marjorie Darby, finds that dogs involved in attacks overwhelmingly have a known history of aggression, even though many dog owners deny or minimize this fact.<ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.goodpooch.com/GoodPooch.com http://www.goodpooch.com/GoodPooch.com]</ref> The neighbors are usually a better source for documenting negative aspects of a dog's history than the owners are. As such, it is further evidence that dogs, including "pit bulls", don't just "turn" on their owners. A follow-up to a CDC report on dog bite fatalities came to a similar conclusion. <ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//0-www.cdc.gov.mill1.sjlibrary.org/ncipc/duip/dogbreeds.pdf http://0-www.cdc.gov.mill1.sjlibrary.org/ncipc/duip/dogbreeds.pdf]</ref>
Insurance problems
www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2005/03/18/52721.htm]</ref> The Automobile Club of Southern California will refuse to provide homeowner's insurance if a dog living in the home "looks like a pitbull". <ref>Confidential communication from ACSC adjuster in Pasadena, CA office.</ref> The CDC estimates that 368,245 persons were treated in U.S. hospitals for nonfatal dog bites in 2001, and that 2% of the U.S. population are attacked by dogs per year. These attacks most often occur on the owner's property. <ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5226a1.htm http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5226a1.htm]</ref>//www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2005/03/18/52721.htm]</ref> The Automobile Club of Southern California will refuse to provide homeowner's insurance if a dog living in the home "looks like a pitbull". <ref>Confidential communication from ACSC adjuster in Pasadena, CA office.</ref> The CDC estimates that 368,245 persons were treated in U.S. hospitals for nonfatal dog bites in 2001, and that 2% of the U.S. population are attacked by dogs per year. These attacks most often occur on the owner's property. <ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5226a1.htm http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5226a1.htm]</ref>
www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=2408 http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=2408]</ref>//www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=2408 http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=2408]</ref>
Breed Specific Legislation (BSL)
In response to a number of well-publicized incidents involving dogs that resemble pit bulls, some jurisdictions began placing restrictions on the ownership of pit bulls, such as the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in the UK, an example of breed-specific legislation. Many jurisdictions have outlawed the possession of Pit bulls, either pit bull breeds specifically, or in addition to other breeds that are regarded as dangerous.
Pit Bull Terriers are regulated in the United Kingdom under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, administered by the government agency DEFRA. It is illegal to own any of these dogs without a specific exemption from a court. Licensing is done by local governments, dogs must be muzzled and kept on a lead in public, they must be registered and insured, and receive microchip implants. In November 2002, The Princess Royal was fined £500 under the provisions of the Act.
www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/03/02/pit-bull-050302.html http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/03/02/pit-bull-050302.html]</ref> The breeds listed in the ban <ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.ontla.on.ca/documents/Bills/38_Parliament/Session1/b132_e.htm http://www.ontla.on.ca/documents/Bills/38_Parliament/Session1/b132_e.htm]</ref> can no longer be sold, bred, or imported and all pit bull owners must leash and muzzle their pit bulls in public. A 60 day grace period has been put in place to allow for owners to have their pit bulls spayed or neutered. <ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1125278311720_42?s_name=&no_ads= http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1125278311720_42?s_name=&no_ads=]</ref> Also it left a period to allow municipalities to adjust to the new law. Prior to the bill's passage, the Ontario government cited what it deemed the success of a pit bull bylaw passed by Winnipeg, Manitoba.<ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/news/2004/20041015-pitbulls-nr.asp http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/news/2004/20041015-pitbulls-nr.asp]</ref>//www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/03/02/pit-bull-050302.html http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/03/02/pit-bull-050302.html]</ref> The breeds listed in the ban <ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.ontla.on.ca/documents/Bills/38_Parliament/Session1/b132_e.htm http://www.ontla.on.ca/documents/Bills/38_Parliament/Session1/b132_e.htm]</ref> can no longer be sold, bred, or imported and all pit bull owners must leash and muzzle their pit bulls in public. A 60 day grace period has been put in place to allow for owners to have their pit bulls spayed or neutered. <ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1125278311720_42?s_name=&no_ads= http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1125278311720_42?s_name=&no_ads=]</ref> Also it left a period to allow municipalities to adjust to the new law. Prior to the bill's passage, the Ontario government cited what it deemed the success of a pit bull bylaw passed by Winnipeg, Manitoba.<ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/news/2004/20041015-pitbulls-nr.asp http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/news/2004/20041015-pitbulls-nr.asp]</ref>
Constitutional challenges to pit bull legislation in the United States
As early as 1921, courts have upheld breed specific ordinances in municipalities as a legitimate exercise of police power.<ref>See McQueen v. Kittitas County, 115 Wash. 672 (1921)</ref> These have not been without their Constitutional challenges. A 1991 Colorado Supreme Court case outlines the basic arguments against pit bull specific legislation. It incorporated cases from Arkansas, Ohio, New Mexico, Florida, et al. and several federal district courts, which upheld similar statutes. The case has become federal precedent for what classifies a constitutionally acceptable definition of a "pit bull" when the statute cites the United Kennel Club as the standard for defining the characteristics of the breed.<ref>See the 2007 federal court decision in Coalition of Human Advocates for K9's and Owners v. City and County of San Francisco, 2007 WL 641197 (N.D.Cal. Feb 27, 2007) citing descriptions outlined by the UKC as the standard</ref> The Constitutional issues raised by the case cover the quintessential arguments against pit bull targeted legislation.
In Colorado Dog Fanciers, Inc. v. City and County of Denver<ref>820 P.2d 644, Colo.,1991</ref>, the Supreme Court of Colorado reviewed en banc claims that the 1989 "Pit Bulls prohibited" city ordinance was unconstitutional. The ordinance made itunlawful for any person to 'own, possess, keep, exercise control over, maintain, harbor, transport, or sell within the City any pit bull.' § 8-55(a). The ordinance permitted an owner of a previously licensed pit bull to keep the dog only if the owner (1) annually renewed a 'pit bull license' (2) proved that the dog had been spayed or neutered and had been vaccinated against rabies, (3) kept the dog confined or securely leashed and muzzled, and (4) maintained $100,000 in liability insurance. § 8-55(d).The ordinance defined a pit bull as
Any dog that is an American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any dog displaying a majority of physical traits of any one or more of the above breeds, or any dog exhibiting those distinguishing characteristics which substantially conform to the standards established by the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club for any of the above breeds.
The trial court held that the ordinance on its face was unconstitutional as a violation of due process rights because it placed the burden of proof on the dog owner that his animal was not a pit bull for purposes of the ordinance. Furthermore, the trial court severed the licensing requirement as lacking a rational basis. It judicially modified the ordinance and ordered a 120 day notice to affected owners to comply with the provisions of the modification. Both parties appealed the decision.
Petitioners opposed to the ordinance made several constitutional challenges:
- Owners were not afforded sufficient due process when the animal would be impounded for an alleged violation of the ordinance
- Ordinance violated due process rights by creating a legislative presumption of criminal culpability of knowingly and voluntarily possessing a pit bull
- Ordinance violated due process rights by permitting a finding that an animal fell within the definition of a pit bull without expert testimony
- Ordinance was vague and overbroad for treating all pit bulls and substantially similar breeds as inherently dangerous
- Ordinance violated Constitutional guarantees of Equal Protection under the law by targeting pit bull owners while omitting owners of other presumably dangerous breeds
The Supreme Court rejected each of these claims. It found that pit bull owners as a class were not constitutionally suspect when identified in a statute (as opposed to race, ethnicity, and natural origin). Furthermore, the ownership of an animal was not a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution, but a liberty interest to be safeguarded. Consequently, the court required only a rational basis test for the constitutionality of the ordinance. It held that state police power held a "significant state interest" in public safety and welfare, and that regulation of dogs was a proper exercise of that power.<ref>See Colorado Dog Fanciers, Inc. v. City and County of Denver (820 P.2d 644, at 652, Colo.,1991), Justice ERICKSON delivering opinion of the court</ref> The court adopted the trial court findings that "pit bull attacks, unlike attacks by other dogs, occur more often, are more severe, and are more likely to result in fatalities. The trial court also found that pit bulls tend to be stronger than other dogs, often give no warning signals before attacking, and are less willing than other dogs to retreat from an attack, even when they are in considerable pain."<ref>See Ibid at 652, see also the 2004 federal case Warboys v. Proulx, 303 F.Supp.2d 111 FN13 (D.Conn., 2004), "the Pit Bull poses a danger distinct from other breeds of dogs which do not so uniformly share those traits"</ref> However, the court did not cite any scientific sources for this legal conclusion.
The Supreme Court did affirm the lower court's ruling that the burden should fall to the state in proving whether an owner's dog was a "pit bull" for purposes of the ordinance. Given the case's federal citations for due process claims, this is particularly significant to those statutes of other states which place the burden on the owner in contrast to the Colorado ruling. Pit bull owners facing prosecution who hold the burden of proof for their dog could challenge the statute on due process grounds under the reasoning in Colorado Dog Fanciers.
The Colorado case did not address expert findings that specific breeds should not be banned from municipalities. Other jurisdictions have deferred the weighing of scientific evidence to the legislature, but do not accept expert testimony to the contrary if the legislature has a "rational basis for public health and safety."<ref>See Holt v. City of Maumelle, 817 S.W.2d 208 (Ark.,1991)</ref>
www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-07-20-denver-pit-bull_x.htm?csp=34 http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-07-20-denver-pit-bull_x.htm?csp=34]</ref> Since 1989, Denver authorities have confiscated and destroyed over 1100 pit bulls from city residents who have violated the ordinance. Dog owners continue to bring pit bulls into the city.//www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-07-20-denver-pit-bull_x.htm?csp=34 http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-07-20-denver-pit-bull_x.htm?csp=34]</ref> Since 1989, Denver authorities have confiscated and destroyed over 1100 pit bulls from city residents who have violated the ordinance. Dog owners continue to bring pit bulls into the city.
www.thedenverdailynews.com/?page=details&id=2663&t=Archive</ref>//www.thedenverdailynews.com/?page=details&id=2663&t=Archive</ref>
Legislation and judicial opinions in opposition to pit bull specific legislation
www.sconet.state.oh.us/rod/newpdf/6/2006/2006-ohio-975.pdf http://www.sconet.state.oh.us/rod/newpdf/6/2006/2006-ohio-975.pdf]</ref> "Since we conclude that there is no evidence that pit bulls are inherently dangerous or vicious, then the city ordinance limitation on ownership is also arbitrary, unreasonable, and discriminatory." The court found no rational basis for the law. The case is currently before the Ohio Supreme Court and a final determination on the constitutionality of the law is due between October and December of 2007. The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled on this case, they supported or upheld Toledo's Ban <ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060304/NEWS02/603040406&SearchID=73239126879623 http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060304/NEWS02/603040406&SearchID=73239126879623]</ref>//www.sconet.state.oh.us/rod/newpdf/6/2006/2006-ohio-975.pdf http://www.sconet.state.oh.us/rod/newpdf/6/2006/2006-ohio-975.pdf]</ref> "Since we conclude that there is no evidence that pit bulls are inherently dangerous or vicious, then the city ordinance limitation on ownership is also arbitrary, unreasonable, and discriminatory." The court found no rational basis for the law. The case is currently before the Ohio Supreme Court and a final determination on the constitutionality of the law is due between October and December of 2007. The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled on this case, they supported or upheld Toledo's Ban <ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060304/NEWS02/603040406&SearchID=73239126879623 http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060304/NEWS02/603040406&SearchID=73239126879623]</ref>
The State of Virginia now has Anti-BSL laws prohibiting cities and counties from banning a dog of certain breed or cross breed.
flsenate.gov/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=767.14&URL=CH0767/Sec14.HTM http://flsenate.gov/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=767.14&URL=CH0767/Sec14.HTM</ref> forbids local governments in Florida from enacting breed specific laws unless the law was in place before October 1, 1990. Several communities, including Miami-Dade County, Florida had such laws in place before the law took effect and pit bull ownership is banned there.//flsenate.gov/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=767.14&URL=CH0767/Sec14.HTM http://flsenate.gov/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=767.14&URL=CH0767/Sec14.HTM</ref> forbids local governments in Florida from enacting breed specific laws unless the law was in place before October 1, 1990. Several communities, including Miami-Dade County, Florida had such laws in place before the law took effect and pit bull ownership is banned there.
Debate
The extent to which banning a particular breed is effective in reducing dog bite fatalities is contested. Some people maintain that pit bull attacks are directly attributable to irresponsible owners, rather than to any inherent defect in the breed itself. Other people believe that the Pit Bull Terrier is a breed that, although not inherently dangerous, needs a particularly knowledgeable and committed handler and should not be freely available to novice owners.
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6222689.stm</ref> This type of owner may be less likely to socialize, train, or desex their pet. It is known that unneutered male dogs account for a disproportionate amount of all fatal dog attacks. Some say that many of those who do not believe in altering male dogs also believe that having and training an aggressive dog "goes with the territory," so to speak. Irresponsible ownership can have a great impact on how a breed is represented in attack statistics.//news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6222689.stm</ref> This type of owner may be less likely to socialize, train, or desex their pet. It is known that unneutered male dogs account for a disproportionate amount of all fatal dog attacks. Some say that many of those who do not believe in altering male dogs also believe that having and training an aggressive dog "goes with the territory," so to speak. Irresponsible ownership can have a great impact on how a breed is represented in attack statistics.
www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/dogbreeds.pdf "Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998"], 2000.</ref> The CDC study is also admittedly flawed due to a large number of dog breeds being unknown when the study was compiled. It bears mentioning that using newspaper reports as evidence is hardly the most valid data available.//www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/dogbreeds.pdf "Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998"], 2000.</ref> The CDC study is also admittedly flawed due to a large number of dog breeds being unknown when the study was compiled. It bears mentioning that using newspaper reports as evidence is hardly the most valid data available.
Huntsville, Alabama police raided a dog-fighting arena on Feb 28, 2002 and seized 10 Pit Bulls. The city's attempt to legally euthanize four pit bull puppies, never trained to fight, was stopped by Madison County Circuit Court Judge Joe Battle, who ruled that the pit bull puppies were not dangerous by virtue of their genetics alone (AP Wire; Apr 6, 2002).
Huntsville appealed to the Alabama Supreme Court, which affirmed (City of Huntsville v. Sheila Tack et al., 1010459, S.C. Alabama; Aug 30, 2002) the Circuit Court opinion by a 6-2 vote; the written dissent addressed procedural matters of legal status of the parties, not the nature of the dogs. The puppies were adopted. sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/06/08/EDGDLD4G1S1.DTL&type=printable "Controlling an animal as deadly as a weapon"], San Francisco Chronicle, June 8, 2005.</ref> PETA's position on dog breeding in general is that it is an unnecessary practice, and is not limited to pitbulls.<ref name=peta-breeding>PETA. sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//peta.org/campaigns/ar-pitbullbreeding.asp], Retrieved September 15, 2007.</ref>//sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/06/08/EDGDLD4G1S1.DTL&type=printable "Controlling an animal as deadly as a weapon"], San Francisco Chronicle, June 8, 2005.</ref> PETA's position on dog breeding in general is that it is an unnecessary practice, and is not limited to pitbulls.<ref name=peta-breeding>PETA. sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//peta.org/campaigns/ar-pitbullbreeding.asp], Retrieved September 15, 2007.</ref>
American Airlines banned "Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, and any mixed breeds containing one or more of those breeds" in August of 2002 following an incident involving an American Pit Bull Terrier puppy that escaped from luggage into the cargo hold of an airliner, causing damage to the cargo hold. The American Kennel Club lobbied the airline to lift the restriction, arguing that the incident was merely one of improper restraint, and could have involved any dog breed.
The restriction was lifted in May of 2003 after a compromise was reached that requires portable dog carriers in the cargo hold to employ releasable cable ties on four corners of the door of the carrier.
Dog fights
Pit bulls are often used for dog fights, due to their strength, courage and widespread availability. Although dog fighting is illegal in the United States, it is still practiced, and is sometimes accompanied by gambling. In the United States Commonwealth of Virginia, for example, it is a felony to organize, promote, be employed by, or wager on a dogfight, whether one is physically present at the fight or not. Laws vary in other states, but most states have some laws to address dogfighting.
Most people who own these breeds direct their dogs' plentiful energy toward nonviolent athletic tasks. Some people train their pit bulls for dog agility. Others involve their pit bulls in weight pulling competitions, obedience competitions or schutzhund. The pit bull often excels at these sports. Out of the 25 dogs who have earned UKC "superdog" status (by gaining championship titles in conformation, obedience, agility, and weightpull), fourteen have been pit bulls[citation needed], almost 60%.
Media coverage
- Positive press
www.thisisruby.com/tdi.html therapy dogs], many are well-loved family pets, and some have even sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.understand-a-bull.com/HeroicPitties/HeroicPitties.htm saved people's lives]. There are many instances of pit bulls being productively employed by U.S. Customs <ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//abcnews.go.com/Technology/Terrorism/story?id=1200304&page=2 http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Terrorism/story?id=1200304&page=2]</ref>, as police K9s.<ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2001/07/30/MN166935.DTL http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2001/07/30/MN166935.DTL]</ref>//www.thisisruby.com/tdi.html therapy dogs], many are well-loved family pets, and some have even sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.understand-a-bull.com/HeroicPitties/HeroicPitties.htm saved people's lives]. There are many instances of pit bulls being productively employed by U.S. Customs <ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//abcnews.go.com/Technology/Terrorism/story?id=1200304&page=2 http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Terrorism/story?id=1200304&page=2]</ref>, as police K9s.<ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2001/07/30/MN166935.DTL http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2001/07/30/MN166935.DTL]</ref>
dogsinthenews.com/stories/060929a.php http://dogsinthenews.com/stories/060929a.php]</ref> It is more widely accepted that the breed nickname, "nanny dog" comes from Pit Bull type dogs' innate love and tolerance of children.//dogsinthenews.com/stories/060929a.php http://dogsinthenews.com/stories/060929a.php]</ref> It is more widely accepted that the breed nickname, "nanny dog" comes from Pit Bull type dogs' innate love and tolerance of children.
www.cbp.gov/xp/CustomsToday/2002/October/k9.xml http://www.cbp.gov/xp/CustomsToday/2002/October/k9.xml]</ref>//www.cbp.gov/xp/CustomsToday/2002/October/k9.xml http://www.cbp.gov/xp/CustomsToday/2002/October/k9.xml]</ref>
malcolmgladwell.com/2006/2006_02_06_a_pitbull.html http://malcolmgladwell.com/2006/2006_02_06_a_pitbull.html]</ref>//malcolmgladwell.com/2006/2006_02_06_a_pitbull.html http://malcolmgladwell.com/2006/2006_02_06_a_pitbull.html]</ref>
dogsinthenews.com/stories/070301a.php http://dogsinthenews.com/stories/070301a.php]</ref>//dogsinthenews.com/stories/070301a.php http://dogsinthenews.com/stories/070301a.php]</ref>
www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/john_canzano/index.ssf?/base/sports/11778153323570.xml&coll=7 What happened to Qyntel's pit bull?]</ref> Hollywood, renamed Stella, was adopted by a loving owner and reformed from a fighting dog to a lap dog.//www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/john_canzano/index.ssf?/base/sports/11778153323570.xml&coll=7 What happened to Qyntel's pit bull?]</ref> Hollywood, renamed Stella, was adopted by a loving owner and reformed from a fighting dog to a lap dog.
- News reports of injuries and fatal attacks
News media stories of pit bull attacks involving disfiguring injury to humans and other animals, the latter very often also fatally, ranging in size from attacks on smaller nonpitbull dogs<ref> {{cite web wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html//wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html | title = Pit Bulls Kill Small Dog Chained In Family's Yard | accessdate = June 15, 2007 }}WJZ-TV (CBS), April 25, 2007; Woodland, Maryland USA.</ref> <ref> {{cite web wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html//www.knbc.com/news/13456596/detail.html?subid=10101581 | title = Pit Bulls Kill Poodle, Attack Woman Near Middle School | accessdate = June 15, 2007 }}KNBC-TV, June 6, 2007; Tustin, California USA.</ref> to horses<ref> {{cite web wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html//www.officer.com/article/article.jsp?siteSection=1&id=36342 | title = Pit Bull Attacks Iowa Police Horse | accessdate = June 15, 2007 }}Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, June 1, 2007; Waterloo, Iowa USA.</ref> <ref> {{cite web wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html//www.thekansascitychannel.com/newsarchive/11178197/detail.html | title = Pit Bull Attacks, Kills Show Horse | accessdate = June 15, 2007 }}KMBC-TV, March 5, 2007; Leavenworth County, Kansas USA.</ref> <ref> {{cite web wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html//sports.aol.com/fanhouse/category/steelers/2007/03/01/pit-bulls-kill-race-horse-joey-porter-not-involved | title = Pit Bulls Kill Race Horse | accessdate = June 15, 2007 }}AOL Sports, March 1, 2007; Spokane Valley, Washington USA.</ref> <ref> {{cite web wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html//www.post-gazette.com/pg/06264/723752-54.stm | title = Joey Porter's dogs get loose, kill miniature horse | accessdate = August 13, 2007 }}Pittsburgh Post-Gazette newspaper, September 21, 2006; Pine, Pennsylvania USA. "Charges could be filed by the end of the week over an incident Tuesday in which two dogs belonging to Steelers linebacker Joey Porter -- a pit bull and a mastiff -- got loose from Mr. Porter's Pine home and killed a miniature horse at a nearby farm.."</ref> <ref> {{cite web wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html//www.thedenverchannel.com/news/4966374/detail.html | title = Dogs Shot, Killed After They Attack Goat, Horse | accessdate = June 15, 2007 }}KMGN-TV, September 13, 2005; Denver, Colorado USA.</ref> <ref> {{cite web wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html//www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/gate/archive/2003/11/23/horse23.DTL | title = Pit bull attacks police horse in Golden Gate Park | accessdate = June 15, 2007 }}San Francisco Chronicle newspaper, November 23, 2003</ref> can be found globally.<ref> {{cite web wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html//www.smh.com.au/news/world/george-dies-saving-kids/2007/05/02/1177788206002.html | title = George the Jack Russell dies saving kids | accessdate = June 15, 2007 }}The Sidney Morning Herald Austrialia newspaper, May 2, 2007; location: Manaia, New Zealand,</ref><ref> {{cite web wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html//www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article2380173.ece | title = Girl, 5, stood no chance against pit bull | accessdate = September 8, 2007 }}The Times, UK newspaper September 3, 2007. Location: United Kingdom.</ref> The pit bulls involved were not always loose and off the owner's property, but sometimes were inside the home of the owner, who, or a family member or visitor, was the victim of the aggression. Fatal pit bull attacks to children and adults have been reported by the English-language news media in the United States and United Kingdom. <ref> {{cite web wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html//www.contracostatimes.com/search/ci_5978970 | title = Pit bulls euthanized after mauling 90-year-old who died | accessdate = June 15, 2007 }}Contra Costa Times/Associated Press, May 27, 2007; San Antonio, Texas USA.</ref> <ref> {{cite web wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html//findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20070102/ai_n17089423 | title = Pit bull kills child and injures grandmother | accessdate = June 15, 2007 }}The Independent newspaper, January 2, 2007; London, England UK.</ref> <ref> {{cite web wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html//www.washingtontimes.com/metro/20060329-103651-3645r.htm | title = Pit bull owner sentenced to 3 years in fatal mauling | accessdate = June 15, 2007 }}The Washington Times, March 30, 2006; Spotsylvania, Virginia USA</ref> <ref> {{cite web wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html//news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/6222319.stm | title = Girl killed by pit bull terrier | accessdate = June 15, 2007 }}BBC, January 1, 2007; London, England UK</ref> <ref> {{cite web wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html//findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20060728/ai_n16644718 | title = Pit bull jumps fence and kills gardener, 71 | accessdate = June 15, 2007 }}Associated Press, July 28, 2006; Kansas City, Kansas USA.</ref> <ref> {{cite web wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html//209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:qmNpDCcfdTQJ:www.understand-a-bull.com/BSL/MistakenIdentity/Detroit/DetroitwrongID1205D.pdf+%22Pit+Bull%22+kills&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=14&gl=us | title = Pit bull kills 91-year-old Detroit woman | accessdate = June 15, 2007 }}The Detroit News, December 6, 2005; Detroit, Michigan USA.</ref> <ref> {{cite web wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html//sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/06/04/MNGCUD3O661.DTL | title = S.F. boy, 12, killed by his family's pit bulls | accessdate = June 15, 2007 }}San Francisco Chronicle newspaper, June 4, 2005; San Francisco, California USA.</ref> <ref> {{cite web wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html//www.wboy.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=2866 | title = Pit Bull Kills Child in Huntington | accessdate = June 15, 2007 }}WBOY-TV (NBC TV), May 18, 2005; Huntington, West Virginia USA.</ref> <ref> {{cite web wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html//www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/05/12/national/main694926.shtml | title = Pit Bulls Kill Owner In Home | accessdate = June 15, 2007 }}CBS News, May 12, 2005; St. Louis, Missouri USA.</ref> <ref> {{cite web wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html//www.unchainyourdog.org/news/041214DogKills.htm | title = Dog Kills Month-old Infant Sleeping with Mom | accessdate = June 15, 2007 }}Sunherald.com, December 14, 2004; Shoreline Park, Mississippi USA.</ref> <ref> {{cite web wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html//starbulletin.com/2001/06/10/news/story1.html | title = Pit Bull Kills Big Isle tot, mauls mom | accessdate = June 15, 2007 }}Honolulu Star-Bulletin newspaper, June 10, 2001; Honolulu, Hawaii USA.</ref> <ref> {{cite web wjz.com/pets/local_story_115221111.html//query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE5DC1E3BF936A25755C0A961948260 | title = Pit Bull Kills California Boy | accessdate = June 15, 2007 }}The New York Times newspaper, June 15, 1987; New York, NY USA.</ref>
www.theonion.com/content/index/3814 http://www.theonion.com/content/index/3814]</ref> and "Department Of Homeland Security Deputizes Real Mean Dog", a Rottweiler-Pit Bull-Doberman mix introduced to the press corps approvingly by Tom Ridge (May 21, 2003).<ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.theonion.com/content/node/28474 http://www.theonion.com/content/node/28474]</ref>//www.theonion.com/content/index/3814 http://www.theonion.com/content/index/3814]</ref> and "Department Of Homeland Security Deputizes Real Mean Dog", a Rottweiler-Pit Bull-Doberman mix introduced to the press corps approvingly by Tom Ridge (May 21, 2003).<ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.theonion.com/content/node/28474 http://www.theonion.com/content/node/28474]</ref>
Other facts
www.heraldsquarehotel.com/dog_cvrs.htm http://www.heraldsquarehotel.com/dog_cvrs.htm]</ref>//www.heraldsquarehotel.com/dog_cvrs.htm http://www.heraldsquarehotel.com/dog_cvrs.htm]</ref>
Famous pit bull owners
popsugar.com/213575 http://popsugar.com/213575]</ref>//popsugar.com/213575 http://popsugar.com/213575]</ref> books.google.com/books?id=uLDWfyybLgoC&pg=RA1-PA104&lpg=RA1-PA104&dq=burnaby+%22pit+bull%22+-elliot+-howard+%22michael+j+fox%22&source=web&ots=cxPaRNRfyx&sig=2WR-rYDUOqvfIWteqqr_ZIswGd8#PRA1-PA106,M1 Michael J. Fox owns a pit bull named Burnaby]</ref>//books.google.com/books?id=uLDWfyybLgoC&pg=RA1-PA104&lpg=RA1-PA104&dq=burnaby+%22pit+bull%22+-elliot+-howard+%22michael+j+fox%22&source=web&ots=cxPaRNRfyx&sig=2WR-rYDUOqvfIWteqqr_ZIswGd8#PRA1-PA106,M1 Michael J. Fox owns a pit bull named Burnaby]</ref> findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20061001/ai_n16761085 http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20061001/ai_n16761085]</ref>//findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20061001/ai_n16761085 http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20061001/ai_n16761085]</ref>
- Jessica Biel owns three pit bulls<ref>
{{cite book
| author = | coauthors = | year = June 18, 2007 | title = Jessica Biel Adopts—Again | publisher = Star | location = U.S. magazine | id =
thepuparazzi.blogspot.com/ http://thepuparazzi.blogspot.com/]</ref>//thepuparazzi.blogspot.com/ http://thepuparazzi.blogspot.com/]</ref> www.people.com/people/rachel_bilson/biography http://www.people.com/people/rachel_bilson/biography]</ref>//www.people.com/people/rachel_bilson/biography http://www.people.com/people/rachel_bilson/biography]</ref> www.ireland.com/theticket/articles/2007/0413/1176157030420.html http://www.ireland.com/theticket/articles/2007/0413/1176157030420.html]</ref>//www.ireland.com/theticket/articles/2007/0413/1176157030420.html http://www.ireland.com/theticket/articles/2007/0413/1176157030420.html]</ref> www.advocate.com/print_article_ektid44218.asp http://www.advocate.com/print_article_ektid44218.asp]</ref>//www.advocate.com/print_article_ektid44218.asp http://www.advocate.com/print_article_ektid44218.asp]</ref> tv.yahoo.com/jesse-james/contributor/1253333 http://tv.yahoo.com/jesse-james/contributor/1253333]</ref>//tv.yahoo.com/jesse-james/contributor/1253333 http://tv.yahoo.com/jesse-james/contributor/1253333]</ref> www.rachaelraymag.com/content/18770/ http://www.rachaelraymag.com/content/18770/]</ref>//www.rachaelraymag.com/content/18770/ http://www.rachaelraymag.com/content/18770/]</ref>
- Famous rockstar [Ben Muzia]
sss.jonstewart.net/three/ambles/amble6.html http://sss.jonstewart.net/three/ambles/amble6.html]</ref><ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.jonstewart.net/bio/index.html http://www.jonstewart.net/bio/index.html]</ref>//sss.jonstewart.net/three/ambles/amble6.html http://sss.jonstewart.net/three/ambles/amble6.html]</ref><ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.jonstewart.net/bio/index.html http://www.jonstewart.net/bio/index.html]</ref> www.vachss.com/dogs/dog_stories/dead_game.html Dead Game,] from Born Bad, (collection of shorter works) by Andrew Vachss. Vintage, 1994.</ref> and breed-specific bans, has a pit bull named Honey.<ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.vachss.com/dogs/av_dogs/honey.html]</ref>//www.vachss.com/dogs/dog_stories/dead_game.html Dead Game,] from Born Bad, (collection of shorter works) by Andrew Vachss. Vintage, 1994.</ref> and breed-specific bans, has a pit bull named Honey.<ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.vachss.com/dogs/av_dogs/honey.html]</ref>
- NFL star quarterback Michael Vick has owned dozens of pit bulls. He has been sentenced to 23 months in prison for breeding them for the purpose of dogfighting. <ref>
Working pit bulls in the news
- sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.forpitssake.org Dakota] is a pit bull who, during her career, was one of the most active search and rescue dogs in the country and was called to work some very high profile search efforts such as the search for Laci Peterson and the search effort to find the remains of the astronauts who lost their lives in explosion of the Space Shuttle Columbia.
- sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.dogster.com/pet_page.php?i=130060&j=t Neville] is a pit bull originally from Ontario. When the provincial pit bull ban went into effect he was rescued to Washington state, where he is now a police dog. Ben muzia also owns a pitbull.
Pit bulls in the arts
- Jonathan Davis from Korn appears walking a Pit Bull in the videoclip "Got the Life".
- Daddy is a "pack member" of Cesar Millan's Dog Psychology Center. Hip hop artist Redman, Daddy’s original owner, gave the four-month-old puppy to Cesar. <ref>sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.cesarmillaninc.com/dpc/dpc_pack.php http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/dpc/dpc_pack.php]</ref>
- Pete the Pup ("Petey") from The Little Rascals series of films
- The grindcore band Caninus features pit bulls as "vocalists"
- Jennifer Lopez has a pit bull in her "I'm Glad" Video
- Veronica Mars, the title character in the CW television show, has a pit bull named Backup.
- On the cover of Weird Al Yankovic's "Straight Out of Lynwood" is a pit bull which he borrowed from a nearby couple.
See also
References
Further reading
External links
Government sites
- sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5226a1.htm Nonfatal Dog Bite Related Injuries] - U.S. Government
Documentaries
- sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065 Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe, ESPN News.]</ref>//www.imdb.com/title/tt0102320/ A Little Vicious] - Immy Humes's American tragicomedy about a pitbull on death rowde:Pitbull
es:Pitbull pl:American Pit Bull Terrier pt:Pit bull
fi:PitbullCatégories de la page: Articles needing additional references from January 2007 | All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with unsourced statements since November 2007 | Articles with invalid date parameter in template | Articles with unsourced statements since August 2007 | Articles with unsourced statements since September 2007 | Accuracy disputes | Dog fighting breeds | Dog types
