By Richard Johnston

Do you think someone should die because they have been given a bad reputation falsely?

Of course not. Yet that is exactly what is happening to three breeds of dogs in Germany.

This began last summer when, following a fatal attack on a 6-year-old boy, Germany enacted a law, which banned Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Terriers. In some parts of Germany the list also includes the Bull Terrier and the Miniature Bull Terrier. Current owners of these dogs are allowed to keep their pets only if the dogs pass a temperament test. This test takes three hours during which the animal is tested and the process is videotaped. The cost of the exam is $500 per dog.

If the animal does not pass the test, it is euthanized.

If a pet owner chooses not to have their dog tested, it may be exported from the country. Otherwise, euthanasia is the only option. Those caught breeding or buying these dogs face a fine of $50,000, and a six-month jail term. Similar legislation is being considered across Europe.

Although this type of blatant discrimination against dogs has not escalated to that extreme in the United States, many communities have vicious animal ordinances, some restricting the ownership of certain breeds of dogs. There are also some insurance companies that will not insure the homes of people who own certain breeds of dogs as well.

The Connecticut Humane Society urges concerned citizens of this country to unite in educating the public that like all breeds, Pit Bulls – when properly bred, socialized and trained – can be excellent pets. Pit Bulls are an intelligent and loyal breed that is sweet, even -tempered and good with children.

According to the American Canine Temperament Testing Association, 95 percent of the Pit Bulls that took its temperament test passed, compared to a 77 percent passing rate for all breeds on average. Pit Bulls had a passing rate that was the fourth highest of the 122 breeds tested. In fact, Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherds, Chow Chows and Chihuahuas have more reported bites than Pit Bulls. Also, there is no truth to the reports that Pit Bulls have locking jaws and may turn on their owners. Their jaws, while indeed strong, have biting mechanisms no different than those of other dogs.

The real problem with Pit Bulls today comes from humans. Like any other dog, the keys to raising a happy, well-adjusted Pit Bull are owner education, proper breeding, socialization and training. Since Pit Bulls are exceedingly loyal to their owners, an owner who wants a dog to be aggressive and reinforces this behavior can create an extremely aggressive dog. In addition, although many Pit Bull breeders are ethical, others breed dogs to be aggressive so they can indulge in dog fighting. And puppy mills pay little or no attention to what qualities they encourage in their breeding practices.

The Connecticut Humane Society urges concerned animal lovers to fight against ordinances which ban certain breeds by encouraging responsible pet ownership to combat the problem of vicious animals. Pets should not suffer because of unscrupulous practices by people. No breed should be forced into extinction because some people handle them irresponsibly.

The Connecticut Humane Society stresses that with proper care, training and breeding, Pit Bulls can be wonderful pets. We often have Pit Bulls available for adoption and always encourage those adopting to provide them with the proper training and love.

 

(The Connecticut Humane Society is a private, non-profit organizations with headquarters located at 701 Russell Rd., Newington, 06111 - 860/594-4502. The Society operates animal shelters in Newington, Bethany, Waterford and Westport.)