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Pit Bulls: Friend or Foe
The controversy concerning the Pit Bull has for a long time been a source of debate in present society. The breeding of the pit bull is a result of the interference of man due to the crossbreeding of two dogs. The mixture of the terrier and the bull dog was appropriate for the creation of the perfect fighting dog. The use of the pit bull in the world wars, dog baiting and hunting are practices reflective of the previous culture. The introduction of a globalised way of thinking saw the change from a radical lifestyle to the respect of all forms of life. At the centre of this argument was the treatment of the dogs by human beings. This was marked by the creation of organizations that rallied in the better treatment of the dogs. The end of the wars, the ban of dog baiting and the switch of hunting to an industrialize way of life saw the reduction of the significance of breeding the dog. Investors in pit-bull breeding had to find alternative ways of marketing their product to their customers. One of the strategies involves domesticating the dog as an indoor pet as opposed to an aggressive animal. This decision has however led to a new controversy which questions the validity of domesticating the dog in relation to the safety of human beings. This has created the formation of two extreme sides that either oppose or propose the domestication of the dog. Coming up with a middle ground position is thus ideal in that it weighs both arguments and comes up with a compromise of both notions (Rollin, p. 333).
Domesticating the Pit-bull
A large percentage of the population has stated their stance on the issue of pit-bull rearing. Supporters of this notion state that pit-bull can live the same domesticated lifestyle as their peers. Domesticating a pit-bull involves treating the dog in a less aggressive manner so that it can acquire a more sensitive side. Owners of pit-bulls mention that they have managed to control the temper of the dogs when around people. Pit-bulls are associated with fighting vigorously to the extent of killing their victims. This occurs when they are provoked by member of the surrounding environment. Statistics have shown that the dogs have on several instances lost their tempers due to slight provocation (Rollin, p. 189). This has in turn led to the introduction of laws that monitor the society’s ownership and breeding of the dog. Supporters of the domestication on several occasions justify the behavior of the dog. Some of the excuses place the blame on pit-bull owners who enjoy the aggressive nature of the dog. Experts argue that dogs with aggressive pasts such as the German shepherds and the Rottweiler’s have managed to shed of this image. This gives hope that pit-bulls can also live a life that does not identify with the vicious character it is associated with. Most owners domesticate their dogs to maintain their aggression for protective purposes. This in turn endangers the lives of people who are exposed to the animal on a regular basis. Pit bulls should be distanced from human beings when they reach the age of fifteen years. This is credited to their uncontrollable tantrums that place the life of the owner at risk (Stahlkuppe, p. 213).
Opposition of the domestication of the pit-bull
The domestication of the pit-bull continues to meet an enormous amount of resistance from the opposite side of the argument. Several organizations have been formed to outlaw the breeding of the dog. Their premise is based on the number of lives that have been lost due to the attack by the dogs. Statistics show that pit-bulls are responsible for 71% of the dog bites. This is a relatively large number of attacks for one breed. Owners place the blame of the behavior of the pit-bull on their past. Pit-bulls were bred to meet the aggressive characteristics that they display to date. Despite this, their behavior towards people in close contact to them should not pay the price for this character. Opposes of the breeding and domestication of the pit-bulls continue to deny the claims of their possible control. One of the most affected areas in the country is the California bay area. This location is infamous for the routine breeding and raising of a large percentage of pit-bull. The presence of the breed in this area is responsible for the unsafely of the people in the bay. Some of the extreme cases have seen the maiming of victims who were in close contact to the dog. Most cases record that the victims did not provoke the dog in any war or form. The following statistics display that a high number of pit-bull owners do not take into consideration the safety of their neighbors. This has led to the protest on the legalization of the breeding and ownership of the dog. Protesters do not believe that there is a difference between the carefully trained pit-bull and the neglected ones. The main aim of their cause is to completely eradicate the existence of the breed from the society (Palika, p. 302).
Personal position from a middle ground point of view
The analysis of the two extremes reveals the positions of the supporters of both sides. One side displays its complete backing of the breeding and domestication of the pit-bull. The opposing side on the other hand showcases that disadvantages that come with the trade. Both sides have carefully laid out arguments that argue in their favor. The middle ground is thus ideal in that it provides a compromise of the two sides. It is evident that the human beings are responsible for the inbreeding of the pit-bull. The main motivation was to create a fighter that would meet the demands of the customers at that period. The pit-bull does not know an alternative way of life. They are thus subject to the inhumane actions of selfish human beings. Despite this, progress is being made by associations of pit-bull owners. These groups recognize the danger that comes with the domestication of the dog. They however insist that pit-bulls can coexist peacefully with man if they are well trained and carefully monitored. Extensive research has been done to control the aggressive nature of the dog. This has seen the improvement of the attitude towards pit-bull and pit-bull owners. It is possible for both sides to come to a compromise so as to remove the stigma that comes with the mention of the fierce breed (Kruuk, and Brown, 290).
Works cited
Foster, Ken. The Dogs Who Found Me: What I’ve Learned from Pets Who Were Left Behind. Guilford, Conn: Lyons Press, 2006. Print.
Kruuk, Hans, and Diana E. Brown. Hunter and Hunted: The Relationship between Carnivores and People. Cambridge [u.a.: Cambridge Univ. Press, 2002. Print.
Palika, Liz. American Pit Bull Terrier: Your Happy Healthy Pet. Hoboken, N.J: Howell Book House, 2006. Print.
Rollin, Bernard E. An Introduction to Veterinary Medical Ethics: Theory and Cases. Ames, Iowa: Blackwell Publishing, 2006. Print.
Stahlkuppe, Joe. American Pit Bull Terriers/american Staffordshire Terriers: Everything About Purchase, Housing, Care, Nutrition, and Health Care. Hauppage, NY: Barron’s Educational Series, 2010. Print.
