Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

stinkemrpink t1_iyee78r wrote

Well that leads back to what the CDC’s study on dog bites found, and what the American Veterinary Medical Association, AKC and ASPCA have to say about it, they do not DNA test the “pitbulls” that are being reported. There are a LOT of flaws with dog bite reporting. A lot of places use guidelines that would identify a pug as a pitbull. Literally. And with the reputation that pitbulls have, a lot of mutts that have bitten people are defacto labeled as pits. The CDC’s own report heavily cautions the use of its own data on pits because of these mitigating factors. They stopped collecting data on dog bites after their most recent report, because of the flaws in reporting and how misleading reports are. The doctors in the study you linked are using the same information the CDC warns about, because it is flawed.

Pits are not born more dangerous than other dogs. Studies have shown that they exhibit less preternatural aggression towards humans than one of the most popular family dogs, Labrador Retrievers. Studies have shown that dog aggression is directly linked to owner behavior. Studies have also shown that breed specific legislation hurts dogs and people. You, by advocating against pitbulls because of flawed, anecdotal evidence, are making the problem worse.

I am using these links to back up what countless of veterinarians, animal rescuers, and behaviorists have told me about pitbulls. I trust the experts, not fearmongerers. I don’t even like pitbulls, they’re too clingy! I get that it’s the internet and anonymous and probably not a big deal to you, but this misinformation kills dogs and people.

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/breed-specific-legislation

https://www.aspca.org/about-us/aspca-policy-and-position-statements/position-statement-pit-bulls

https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2017-11-15/dangerous-dog-debate

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/breed-bans-affect/

1

EJH-RVA t1_iyefoiz wrote

Where is this study showing animal aggression comes from owner behavior? That contradicts the APBT breed standard, which clearly states that animal aggression should exist in the breed. 🤔

1

stinkemrpink t1_iyehvmv wrote

Well it was referenced and cited in at least one of the links I provided, but here it is again.

https://medwelljournals.com/abstract/?doi=javaa.2009.336.342

And where did you find the breed standard, because that is straight up false. Some pitbulls were bred to fight dogs, but ALL were bred to be friendly towards humans and aggression towards humans is uncharacteristic of the breed. The dog fighting pits were especially bred to be friendly towards humans so that the aggression from a fight wouldn’t carry over to their handler. Here’s the UK standard for pitbulls:

https://www.ukcdogs.com/american-pit-bull-terrier

Since the American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize Pitbull Terrier, I’ll include their breed standard for the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Pitbull’s close relative and a breed that is often confused for a Pitbull. They might be prone to aggression towards other dogs, but they are bred to be docile towards humans.

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/staffordshire-bull-terrier/

1

EJH-RVA t1_iyekji0 wrote

I didn’t say they were bred for human aggression. I said dog aggression is in the breed standard. It’s stated in the UKC standard you linked above. Although, I’ll concede that it doesn’t say they should be dog aggressive, just that they are.

1