Doggie Diva Column

LANG

Ban on Pit Bulls

By Kyra Kirkwood

There's hardly a topic in the dog world today that's more fiery, controversial or taboo than the one of breed-specific legislation. In Denver, perhaps the most famous of examples, Pit Bulls are not allowed and owners are given one chance to relocate them. There are no second chances. Nearly 300 dogs have been euthanized during the three-month reign of Denver's ban.

Other cities are following suit, from Miami to Cincinnati. Even California is playing a quasi-version of the game with Sen. Jackie Speier's SB 861, a bill allowing cities and counties to require certain breeds be spayed/neutered as well as be subjected to breeder licensing and monitoring. It does not call for a blanket ban of a particular dog breed, and officials tag it as a halfway point between opposing parties.

But this does nothing to quiet owners. The nightly images keep everyone incensed—the round-ups of people's pets in Colorado. The Bay Area Pit puppy that was cruelly lit on fire and later euthanized. The bite-caused mutilations of children. Are Pits genetic monsters, or media-created ones? By nature or nurture? A misunderstood breed or a misplaced one? Be banned? Regulated? Or should officials deal with the owners instead? Breed, or deed?

Most say, deed.

"It is not the dog, it is always the person," said Pit Bull owner and rescuer Linda Blair of Linda Blair's WorldHeart Foundation.

Yes, the Linda Blair from "The Exorcist." Whereas she once battled Satan, she's now turning her spunk to fight her newest demon: breed-specific laws. On Aug. 15, she planned to attend a peaceful demonstration on the state capital grounds, protesting breed-specific legislation and SB 861.

Many opposing "BSL" do so because it doesn't attack the problem: irresponsible owners and unethical breeders.

"When I first heard in May about Denver banning Pits Bulls, going into people's homes and killing their dogs, I was mortified," Blair said. "We need responsibility, we need pet over-population control, we need more animal regulation workers. [Politicians] are simply going about it the wrong way. Don't go after responsible pet owners. Go after irresponsible pet owners and cruelty cases and dog fighting."

She has a point, as did actor and Pit Bull-mix owner Dermot Mulroney when he said (at an interview for his latest film, "Must Love Dogs"), "Pit Bulls obviously get a bad rap, and some are bad. But we all know it's not the animal's fault. You chain him up on concrete all day and [he'll] be a different dog."

No one should argue that every single Pit Bull is evil, or that everybody should and could own one. Once again, it boils down to owner education, which is sorely lacking in most cases, and not just those involving Pits. How many people buy "cute" dogs without having the first clue as to how the temperament will mesh with their families? All too often. Hence a big reason why our shelters are disgustingly overcrowded and our euthanasia rate is an abomination (but that's another column). Not everyone should own a Pit. Or a Newfoundland. Or a Cocker Spaniel. Or even a dog. You know who you are.

Another point: there's no need to keep an intact dog unless you are a legit breeder or own the next Westminster champion. There should be more incentives to spay and neuter all dogs that are not here on Earth to proliferate the best of that particular breed. Breeding is best left to professionals. Besides, who wants to deal with a female in heat (other than your neighbor's mutt?) or that mutt with a hankering for some Barry White action? Please.

So where does that leave California's dog owners? If you've got a Pit and are against such measures like SB 861, do some research and get involved. Check out the Chako Rescue Association's website, www.pitbull.us, or Blair's, www.lindablairworldheart.org, for information. Read up on the breed and its quirks (loyal, territorial, strong, tenacious, intelligent, stubborn, energetic) at such sites as Answers.com, http://www.answers.com/topic/american-pit-bull-terrier-1.

Take responsibility for your animal. Go to obedience classes, get him altered, teach manners, don't allow him to get into situations that might cause problems. Know your dog. If needed, get professional help from a trainer or behaviorist. Do your part. (This may be a bit of "preaching to the choir," as the ones who often wind up making headlines are those owners who have "bully breeds" for less-than-domestic purposes: fighting, guarding, machismo status symbols. Getting the AKC's Canine Good Citizen certificate does not rank high on these folks' list, I assume. But what's stopping you? Check out http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/index.cfm.)

Pit owners have been quoted as saying their dogs are like giant teddy bears. Maybe. Maybe not. But like it or not, this breed is under the public's microscope. Basically if you own a Pit, make sure he is an ambassador to the breed, and that you are an ambassador to dog owners.

"Everyone needs to get involved," said Blair. "This is a historical time for the animals and to bring awareness. What happens in California will follow suit across America."