Revisiting Important Posts and Pages

DogsBite.org - To help new readers gain stronger footing, we are revisiting important parts of the website. These posts and pages address common questions that are sent into DogsBite.org from across the United States. Other ways to gain an overview of this website is by browsing Sticky Stories and Must Read Posts. For daily updates pertaining to dangerous dogs and pit bull issues, along with its growing blog sphere, readers can follow the DogsBite.org Facebook Page.

Success: Cities with Successful Pit Bull Laws

As recently as July of this year, new information was added to this ongoing post that shows that cities and counties in at least 12 states report successful results after enacting a breed-specific pit bull law. These states include: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Washington. Pro-pit bull groups often claim, "BSL doesn't work." City and law enforcement authorities from these jurisdictions disagree.

Top Biters: Pit Bulls Lead 'Bite' Counts in Many Jurisdictions

Updated in June of this year is the ongoing post that wallops the myth perpetuated by pit bull advocates that pit bulls "do not bite more than other breeds." In May, Fort Wayne, Indiana dog bite statistical data showed that pit bulls out bit the next closest breed, German shepherds, by nearly 5 times. Jaw dropping data from the Milwaukie area reported in March shows that pit bulls are on track in 2013 to make up 51% of all biting incidents -- more than all other dog breeds combined.

Key FAQs: Breed-Specific Legislation FAQ and Pit Bull FAQ

DogsBite.org has two downloadable FAQs that answer common questions. The Breed-Specific Legislation FAQ defines what encompasses a breed-specific law, which breeds are targeted and how cities enforce these laws. The Pit Bull FAQ provides the legal definition of a pit bull, which is a class of dogs, outlines the genetic heritage of the breed -- selective breeding for bull baiting then dogfighting -- and answers other frequent questions, like: Why don't pit bulls let go?

Activism: How to Pass a Local Pit Bull Ordinance

One question that often arises from readers is, "How do I pass a pit bull law?" Back in August of 2011, we addressed this question by creating a downloadable How-To guide that links to additional materials. The process of passing any local ordinance shares similar steps, which is why one can also learn from, How to pass an anti-tethering ordinance (HSUS) and How to protect and restore civil liberties (BORDC) -- DogsBite.org has no affiliation to either group.

Examples: Model Pit Bull Ban and Legislation Examples

Another question that arose recently pertains to a model pit bull ordinance. A Model Pit Bull Ban ordinance was submitted to the International Municipal Lawyers Association based upon Denver's pit bull ban. The ordinance improves Denver's original ban even though it has prevailed against many legal challenges. San Francisco's Mandatory Pit Bull Sterilization ordinance is solid legislation for this type of breed-specific law, proving to also withstand a legal challenge.

The section of the website, Breed-Specific Legislation State-by-State, shows sample legislation for most states and documents states with constitutionally upheld breed-specific ordinances, including: Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, New Mexico, Ohio, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Browse breed-specific laws in your state to learn about the different types of pit bull ordinances and the specific language they use.

Lastly, do not forget to review breed-specific policies enacted by military divisions. In 2009, the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps adopted uniform policies banning pit bulls and several other dog breeds from all privatized housing domestic and abroad. Air Force Space Command had a uniform policy already, as did many individual Air Force bases. In the same year, the largest public housing authority in America, New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) enacted a similar policy.

Question: Are Arguments by Pro-Pit Bull Groups Different Today?

The answer to this question is primarily No. By examining the Historical Articles portion of this website (1980s to 1990s), one can easily see that the core arguments, "It's the owner" and "breed discrimination" and "can't identify a pit bull" still rule the debate today. However, the last talking point has spun off into the delirium of DNA in recent times. Other modern changes include strategic disinformation campaigns designed to make pit bulls "just like any other dog."

What is demonstrably different today versus the mid 1980s are the actions and attitudes of humane groups that distort the breed's bloody fighting history into fairy tales of "America's Dog" or the "Nanny Dog." Myths invented by pit bull breeders. Through the mid 1980s, many humane and animal control officials warned about the dangers pit bulls posed to people and animals. By 1990, however, the "Collective" enveloped most of them except those concerned with liability.

How Can I Help This Cause?

There are many quick and useful actions you can take to help inform the public about the escalation in serious and fatal dog maulings, of which over half are inflicted by pit bulls and their mixes: 1.) Leave comments at news stories supporting the regulation of well-documented dangerous breeds; 2.) Make a donation to DogsBite.org to help advance our advocacy and educational efforts or 3.) Share with your family and friends how important this issue is to you.

Related articles:
05/31/13: DogsBite.org Featured as Guest Columnist in Support of Pit Bull Bans 
12/19/11: 1911 Pit Bull Terrier Depicted as ‘Outcast American’ to Victimize the Breed
04/26/11: Blogger Dissects Deceptive Online Pit Bull Identification Test, 'Find the Pit Bull'
01/03/11: Blog Dispels 'ATTS' Myth Used as Arsenal by Pit Bull Advocates
09/10/10: New Blog Dispels 'Bloodhound' Myth Invented by Pit Bull Advocate
08/18/10: New Blog Dispels 'Nanny Dog' Myth Invented by Pit Bull Fanciers