Discrimination Towards the Wrong Breed

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>