Jazmin Garcia
Ms.McKoy
English 2
Block-2
4 September 2013
Discrimination
Towards the Wrong Breed
During my years of growing up, I have always had a best
friend right there beside me. My Pit Bulls were there for me through the good
times and the bad. Having this breed grow up with me, it has come to my
attention many times that they do not get the right treatment or respect they
deserve. Most people see them as a threat or something to be afraid of just
because of their appearance. Others also may judge them on what rumors or
“myths” they have heard that have developed over time. I also know many places
like apartments, condos, neighborhoods, even some states that will not allow
this breed to step a paw on their property. It is a shame that people still would
not even take the time to consider this breed based on what they “think” they
know. Pit-bulls should not be discriminated against just because of their
“known” breed.
Ancestries of the Pit Bull originated in England and were
later brought over by English immigrants. This breed was originally bred for a
“gripping dog” for hunters. Later on people bred then to participate in a cruel
blood sport called baiting, where they used these dogs to fight against other
larger animals. When baiting became illegal that’s when dog fights were
developed. One myth states “If a Pitt-bull bites another dog, they’re going to
start biting people next (ASPCA Page 4)” which has been proven wrong by researchers,
stating that “dog-aggressive dogs are
no more likely to direct aggression towards people than dogs who aren’t
aggressive to other dogs (ASPCA Page 4)”. Pit Bulls are also known for their frightening
appearance so some people may adopt them for the wrong reasons. They want the
breed to be presented as a tough dog, and raise the dog irresponsibly. They
encourage the Pit Bulls aggression and if the Pit Bull does bite it is likely
to grab more media attention. In the article Villalobos Rescue Center stated
that “every negative incident involving a Pit Bull adds to the breed’s
reputation and jeopardizes our rights to own these great dogs”. The article
also stated “a well behaved and obedient Pitt-bull will be a great ambassador
for the breed and help fight prejudice and misconceptions” (Villalobos Rescue
Center, Page 2).
To all of the things I have researched and learned
throughout this process I am in a huge disagreement that this breed should had
never been discriminated from the very beginning. There is proof, research,
common knowledge, and history that states these dogs are no more of less of
harm to people than any other breed. Pit Bulls are very loyal, trustworthy,
dependent dogs and have been known to do great things throughout life. Knowing
this, should Pit Bulls be discriminated against just because of their “known”
breed? I believe others should get to
know and realize how great this breed really is. Just like the old saying, they
deserve a second chance. I mean why not? Do they not deserve to prove
themselves?
Work
Cited
"Pit Bull Facts." Villalobos
Rescue Center RSS.
2013. 09 Sept. 2013 <http://www.vrcpitbull.net/dog/training/pit-bull-facts/>
"The Truth About Pit Bulls." ASPCA. 2013. 09 Sept. 2013.<http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/truth-about-pit-bulls>
