Petey was a Pit Bull

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| Print | By | February 7, 2008 11:12 AM

Michael Vick’s pit bulls are back in the news, but this time there’s a happy ending … many of the dogs that were a part of Vick’s fighting ring have been rehabbed and are living in new homes. Tell me, though … did you read the articles about those hard-luck dogs and think “Well, good for them, but I don’t want them in my neighborhood!”

When you see a stocky, shorthaired dog on the bike path, do you give it a wide berth?

Would you let your dog play with a pit bull?

No other dog breed needs a PR agent more than the misunderstood pit bull, and I think they found one in Ledy VanKavage, the ASPCA’s Senior Director of Legal Training & Legislation. I saw Ledy speak about canine profiling at the American Humane annual conference last year and I was blown away by her presentation. She opened my eyes to the realities hidden behind the headlines. (Although she didn’t have to persuade me about pit temperament --I already know from firsthand experience that pits are wonderful dogs.) I contacted Ledy to help me do some pit bull myth-busting.

VS: What is a pit bull?
LVK: There is no such breed. There are American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, Bullmastiffs, Boxers, and American Bulldogs. Nowadays anyone who sees a short-haired stocky dog thinks it is a "pit bull". Animal control officers and police officers routinely overrule veterinarians regarding the heritage of man's best friend.

Let's face it: you can't accurately determine the lineage of most mixed breed dogs without doing DNA testing or knowing the dog's heritage. It's purely subjective-one shelter worker classifies a dog as a Viszla mix while another worker at the same shelter classifies the dog as a Pit mix. You might as well use a Quija Board.

VS: Pit bull attacks always seem to end up on the front page of the paper. Do you feel that there’s a media bias in reporting dog attacks?
LVK: If you’ve read the paper lately, every dog that bit must be a "pit". The media bias surrounding these dogs is appalling.

Case #1: A Labrador mix attacked a 70-year-old man sending him to the hospital in critical condition. Police officers arrived at the scene and the dog was shot after charging the officers.
• This incident was reported in ONE (1) article and only in the local paper.
Case #2: A 16-month old child received fatal head and neck injuries after being attacked by a mixed breed dog.
• This attack was reported TWO (2) times by the local paper.
Case #3: A 6-year-old boy is hospitalized after having his ear torn off and receiving severe bites to the head by a medium-sized mixed breed dog.
• This attack was reported in ONE (1) article and only in the local paper.
Case #4: A 59-year-old woman was attacked in her home by two Pit bulls who had entered through her doggy door. She was trying to break up a dog fight. The dogs had seen a neighbor’s Jack Russell terrier enter the home. She was hospitalized with severe injuries.
• This attack was reported in over two hundred and thirty (230) articles in national and international newspapers, as well as major television news networks, including CNN, MSNBC and FOX.

The "pit bull" attack garnered much more press -- more press than the child who was killed by a mixed breed dog. It's unconscionable. I've had animal control wardens from around the country tell me that they will have a severe dog attack in their city and the call will go out across the police scanner. The reporters will call wanting to know more- specifically the breed of dog. If the animal control warden tells them it was a Labrador or a golden retriever the reporter hangs up and the story doesn't get covered. This bias in reporting has created a modern day witch-hunt with some cities banning, hunting down and killing innocent dogs simply because of their breed.

VS: Where does human behavior factor in to the “dangerous dog” equation?
LVK: Most often the problem begins at the human end of the leash. It's a no brainer -- reckless owners are involved in most serious dog attacks. Of the fatal dog attacks that occurred in 2006- 97% of the owners failed to neuter or spay their pets, 84% involved reckless owners (chained dogs, loose dogs, abuse or neglect cases, etc.) and in 78% of the cases the dogs were not maintained as a pet- they were used as guard dogs, yard dogs, breeding dogs or fighting dogs. There are numerous factors OTHER than breed that are involved in dog bites. We need to address those factors and educate people about dog behavior.

Folks, “pit bulls” are just dogs, not monsters.
Remember Petey from Our Gang? Trusted friend, partner in crime and de facto babysitter?
Yeah, Petey was a pit bull.

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Andrew Dunn February 8, 2008 11:20 AM

yes i agree that people hear the name pittbull and they go apes ive owned a pitttbull and he was the biggest baby every people need to read up on them before they jugde them

IndyDog February 13, 2008 3:23 PM

The fact is that pit bulls are no different than other dogs. They are, in turns, noble, clownish, loyal, intelligent and loving. They have the same capacity to feel joy, contentment, grief and sorrow.

It is deeply sad that so many people, especially dog lovers, have hardened their hearts against these dogs. They have few enough friends as it is. Thank goodness that Ledy is one of them.

Anonymous February 13, 2008 3:36 PM

Great article and YEAH for Ledy VanKavage!! I wish she could get on TV and educate the country!!!!!

PTD February 13, 2008 3:43 PM

Ledy is the best!
'Pit Bulls' are not the problem, people are the problem. I would trust my Pits with my son far more than many other breeds. People need to educate themselves, alter their dogs, get their dogs to training and treat them as part of the family.

CDT February 13, 2008 6:03 PM

Excellent as always Ledy!
When people begin to "think" outside of the "box" ( the Media Box we all know as the TV) things will get better.
Thank you Ledy for bringing us OUTSIDE THE BOX

CMO February 13, 2008 8:33 PM

I agree IndyDog! I wish Ledy could get on a major network and help educate the world. Ill help sponsor it!!
Off track a bit but what are our Presidential Canidates plans on ending animal cruelty i wonder??
PUNISH THE DEED...

Chris O in Antioch

Buddy February 14, 2008 7:06 PM

yes the breed is big and stronger,they sometimes look tougher and scarrier than a poodle or most dogs,and of course thier jaw strength and pulling strength is tops.But i wouldnt take a million bucks for trade on my LAYLA or BAILEY. Theres too many uneducated people that need to go to the library and read about dog breeds. ITS NOT THE DOG,,ITS THE ABUSIVE OWNERS OF THESE DOGS. MAYBE THEY SHOULD BE EUTHANIZED!!!!!!!!

Gummie February 15, 2008 2:31 PM

We wouldn't consider adopting any other breed of dog, other than a pit!!!! We love our Dover so much and he is so gentle and loyal.

Fran February 21, 2008 11:29 PM

In Ontario, Canada thanks to former (demoted) Attorney General Michael Bryant (or The Tryant as we now like to call him) so called "Pit Bull" owner's now face daily discrimination just for taking their dogs for a walk in the park. Since BSL it does not matter the disposition of our dogs, the temperament of our dogs, how long they have been a loyal and trusted member of the family. Ontario says it is an inclusive, tolerant place. But are we? I personally no longer think so. Is canine profiling any different than racial profiling? I think NOT! Mainstream media, for the sake of sensationalism, short headlines and 15 second video clips, have set our Province (that many of us now refer to as On-Scario) back to days of McCarthyism and Witch hunts. Sadly, the Liberal Party bought into the hype. Makes me realize THE inmates ARE running the asylum here. What EVER happened to good old common sense and personal accountability? Mr. Bryant, can I have the rights I was born with back PLEASE?

Kari March 16, 2008 1:35 AM

It makes me so mad. The other day me and my husband went to the store and had my 2 dogs in the back of the truck ( a pit and a lab.) I stayed in the truck to watch them and a lady walked by with her son and saw my pit and told him "Run to the car!!" She completely freaked out and Egypt is just a big baby that wants love. She wouldnt hurt a soul. It makes me mad I cant take my pit anywhere without ppl judging my dog and then me. My husbands family wont even come to our house because of her and it makes me sad.

nigel July 23, 2008 9:56 PM

lisen pitbulls are just like ne other dog it depents ow people train n bring then up if der brout up 2 figh den dey will fight if der loved in and not breed 2 fight den they wont i shud no i got 1

Anonymous April 23, 2009 9:54 AM

people like mike vick should be put out of the staffy's misery if i coked,beat,electercuted or try to drowned you you better belive you fight. i have two staffys and my 3 year old rides wrestle does what ever he wants to them dogs and they love it try that with any ankle bitter or any less of a dog it is a shame that most people are like a herd of sheep do and belive what ever they are told reporting is just like any other job only cover what sells. well it thier lost i will never serrender my right to own my staffys. problem is to many idots in this world

AMANMDA April 25, 2009 10:50 AM

OMG I HAV A PITBULL MIX WITH A BOXER NOW I AM SCARED WTF

Sheila May 12, 2009 11:08 AM

I've had two AmStaff's in my life and they were without a doubt the most loveable, attentive, easily trainable dogs I've ever owned. Splinter died at the age of 13 and I said I would never have anoter AmStaff because all the neighbors were so scared of her. But 10 years later I came back to the breed and I'm glad I did, I got Roxie from the humane society, they had her for 3 months and couldnt find her a home she was a year old. I went to see her every day for a week, took her for walks, brought the grand kids to see her brought my 2lb Yorkie to see her. And finally brought her home. She had been abused and was afraid of men, but two years later she has started to come out of that. She is truly a wonderful companion and she loves children and other dogs. I'm so glad I have her,she is truly family. It's hard to explain the attitude she has but she is regal and has great dignaty. I've learned a lot from her.

sean May 31, 2009 11:52 AM

HELLO ! I have owned AMSTAFF`S for as long as i was responsible enough. Just as stated previously AMSTAFF`S ARE just as loving,passionate,as any other breed.In Fact,all my dogs were BIG BABIES.YOU COULDN`t LOVE`EM ENOUGH.I Have a Question though;HOW DO YOU DETERMINE HOW BIG A PUPPY WILL GROWAS A ADULT?

JENNA June 9, 2009 11:31 PM

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID IN THIS ARTICLE I OWN A PIT MYSELF AND SHE IS THE MOST GENTLE FUN LOVING HAPPY DOG I'VE EVER HAD SO FAR HER ANME IS NALANI WITH MEANS CALMING IN HAWAIIAN NAD THATS EXCETALY WHAT SHE IS LIKE I ALSO HAVE A 20 MONTHOLD DAUGHTRE THAT NALANI LOVES TO DEATH AND I COMPLETLEY TRUST HER W/ MY BABY MY DOG ALSO JUST HAD 11 PUPPIES A MONTH AGO ON THE 11 OF JUNE AND SHE LET ME BE TEHER WHEN SHE WAS HAVING THEM AND SHE LETS ME HELP TAKE CARE OF THEM W/ HER SO PEOPLE SHOULDNT JUST JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS ABOUT THESE DOGS INTILL THEY KNOW ALL THE FACTS I JUST HOPE WE AS HUMAN BEINGS CAN SEE THE BIGGER PICTURE ABOUT THESES LIVING LOVING BEINGS BEFORE THEY PUT THEM OUT AS BAD PETS WE NEED TO SEE THEM FOR WHAT THEY ARE NOT HOW THEY ARE RAISED BY THESE HEARTLESS HUMANS THAT HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO HANDLE THESE DOGS I THINK THE ONWERS OF THE DOGS SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUTABLE FOR THERE DOGS ACTIONS AND NOT THE DOGS THEMSELVES WELL THATS ALL I HAVE TO SAY FRO KNOW I JUST HOPE THE PEOPLE WHO READ THIS REALLY THINK BEFORE THEY GO OUT AND GET A DOG AND RAISE THEM FOR NE THING ELESE BESIDES AS PETS I LOVE PIT BULLS JENNA & MY FAMILY

brenda June 21, 2009 8:00 PM

I've had my Stafordshire for 8 years.She's always been great with kids and other dogs.Her only downfall is her great dislike for cats.It's up to the breeders to correct bad behavior as soon as their eyes are open at two weeks of age.

Debra June 29, 2009 5:42 AM

I have what ever one calls a pit pull to me she is a dog if you want a good dog read a lot of books about that breed if you have the time for it and can give it ever thing it need correct the dog the right way ever time you have to know what you are doing then you well have your beast dog ever read a book

DaniGirl June 30, 2009 8:41 PM

My Amstaff is the best thing that has ever happened for my 2 kids. She is only 10 weeks and already will sit, lay down, roll over(with a little help), and she is so good with my 2yr old son. I wish that more people could enjoy the love this dog has brought to my life. I Love you Bridgette! My easter baby.

AMW October 10, 2009 9:17 AM

i have 2 pits. i will never own another breed! my one is 4 and allows my daughter (4) and my nephew (2) do what ever they like to her and she just lays there. my other one is 4 months old and he just licks the babies and runs around playing. I feel safer having my dogs. they have saved my life on more than one occasion and the are very protective of me but have never bit anyone unless that person is endangering me or the kids.

portia October 28, 2009 10:08 PM

hello i just want to say that there is no dog out there with a bigger heart then a pitbull i have 9 pitbulls and i love them to death all of they are like big old babys and i also want to say that i have a baby that is almost 1 years old and she is all over them so it is not the dogs that are mean it is there owner that is what makes them that way so i want to say thank you for every body that has them and are telling people that not all of them are bad

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