By J. Thomas Beasley
Author releases 2nd edition of book with new chapters: Misunderstood Nanny Dogs?
Purchase on Amazon
DogsBite.org - In April 2015, we wrote a review of Beasley's book, Misunderstood Nanny Dogs? The book examines the pit bull problem and offers an objective analysis of the facts and myths about pit bulls. The 2nd edition was released in December 2018 and contains new chapters about the abundance of unwanted pit bulls in shelters and the proliferation of fake service and support dogs, which has led to high profile vicious attacks by several "emotional support" pit bulls.
Beasley also updated statistics throughout the 2nd edition, as fatal maulings inflicted by pit bulls now exceeds over 100 new victims since the 1st edition was published. Purchase a copy for under $10 dollars or download the free Kindle version. As we stated four years ago, this short, easy to read version of the pit bull problem and the history of the pit bull breed is a must for supporters. It is a must for pit bull owners too; many of which have no knowledge of the breed's true heritage.
"I gladly and somberly dedicate this book to all of the victims of violent dog attacks, and their loved ones, that have had to endure the agony and trauma of such a horrible and tragic event, and to all those who stand up for them, despite a never-ending sea of hate and derision." - J. Thomas Beasley
Shelters and Rescues
The new chapter on shelters and rescues begins with a law passed in California mandating that all pets sold in pet stores be solely provided by shelters and rescues. Beasley discusses the "no-kill" movement and how it is worsening an animal rescue system already "buckling under its own weight." Beasley also discusses how some shelters are misleading the public by concealing aggression and dropping breed labels in order to adopt out pit bulls to unsuspecting families.
"We are reminded of the dangers associated with shelter misinformation and shady tactics all too often" ... All to "bolster their live release rate."
Beasley states the problem of unwanted and unadoptable pit bulls in shelters, which occupy up to 70% of shelter space in some open admission facilities, must be addressed by preventing new births. "This problem has to be addressed at the supply side, not the distribution side," Beasley states. If legislators and animal welfare groups truly want to help pit bulls, the relentless backyard breeding of these dogs must be controlled through mandatory spay and neuter legislation.
Fake Service Dogs, ESAs
In the service dog scam chapter, Beasley touches on the Delta attack in June 2017, where a fake service dog attacked a passenger in the face. This attack ushered in policy changes for airlines. In June 2018, Delta went even further by banning all pit bull-type dogs as service and support dogs after two employees were bitten by a passenger's "emotional support" pit bull.1 Beasley also touches on the viral New York City subway attack inflicted by a fake pit bull service dog.
"The problem, among others, is that there is no clear definition of what qualifies as an ESA, or what qualifies a person to have an ESA."
Due to the murky waters of emotional support animal (ESA) policies, compounded by for-profit entities that provide ESA letters via online assessment, Beasley writes, more people are trying to pass off untrained ESAs as a legitimate service animal. By definition, an ESA does not require any training; it's "sole function is to provide comfort" to a person with disabilities. Beasley also notes a study that examines the ethical and legal risks associated with psychologists certifying an ESA.2
Built Upon Many Sources
Beasley’s book is built upon many sources that he nicely weaves together, covering all of the key elements for a person new to this issue, while only briefly touching on the quagmire issues. In just over an hour, one can read his book and be armed with extensive insights about the nuts and bolts of the pit bull mauling epidemic, the true history of the pit bull breed, the primary false myths about pit bulls and the "mentality" of the echo-chamber of voices who continue repeating these myths.
Finally, as a theme expressed repeatedly throughout the book, Beasley ends with the starting point of how to begin advancing society beyond the pit bull mauling epidemic. The starting point to greatly reducing the number of maulings inflicted by pit bulls does not require breed-specific legislation. It just requires one thing -- being honest about this dog breed. We either do this as a society, or remain blind, unalarmed or "ignorant of the mass violence caused by these dogs."
"But mostly, we need to just start being honest about these dogs. Stop feeding biased propaganda to the public. Stop ignoring the inordinate number of dead and seriously injured people caused by Pit Bulls every year. Stop perpetuating myths about this breed - myths that were created to promote the breed by disingenuous and unqualified advocates." - J. Thomas Beasley
Jesse Thomas Beasley was born in Savannah, Georgia. He graduated from Armstrong State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration before moving to New Orleans, Louisiana to attend law school. Jesse's law practice focuses on public interest advocacy, including representing indigent clients in both civil and criminal proceedings, often on a pro bono basis. Read his full author bio »
2Younggren, J. N., Boisvert, J. A., & Boness, C. L. (2016). Examining emotional support animals and role conflicts in professional psychology. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 47(4), 255-260.
Related articles:
03/04/19: Million Dollar Lawsuit: Mother of Child Mauled by an 'Emotional Support' Pit Bull...
04/14/17: Delta Passenger is Severely Attacked by an Unrestrained 'Emotional Support Dog'
04/01/15: Misunderstood Nanny Dogs? A Critical and Objective Analysis of the Facts & Myths...
Thank you so much for highlighting this book and others like it. They are a welcome counter-balance to the the tidal wave of “cute, misunderstood pittie” books.
While I was on Amazon I also discovered a book titled “My Dog Doesn’t Bite: The Parents’ Guide to Dangerous Dogs” by Mark S. Mathusa DVM, which I also purchased and plan to read. This seems to be another one of those rare authors who is willing to look at the grim realities of bully breed proliferation.
Another book recommendation:
Red Zone: The Behind-the-Scenes Story of the San Francisco Dog Mauling by Aphrodite Jones
It’s about the Diane Whipple case.
I can only imagine how much hate and vitriol Mr. Beasley has been subjected to. All for speaking the truth about a breed of dog that has no place in civil society.
I’m glad he covered the “no kill” madness that has permeated the rescue industry. I personally will never trust a rescue organization that pushes the “save them all” mantra. It’s has allowed unacceptable and dangerous dogs into neighborhoods with innocent people completely unaware these creatures are next door. I shouldn’t have to be armed to let my kids play outside safely.
Pit pushing organizations are the same as drug cartels. They push dangerous product into neighborhoods all over this country and the result is the horrific mailings and deaths of unsuspecting folks.
Kudos to Mr. Beasley for doing what is no doubt a thankless and dangerous job.
My pappion-bishone mix was attacked by a 120 pound Pitbull named Beast. It happened in Stockton ca. We were taking are same morning walk that we have been doing for 7 years. I fought him off and was actually unhurt . I actually fought for her life but she died after surgery 2 hours later. The dog is alive and lives two doors down.
And I hope you’re filing a lawsuit against the dog owner.
Thank you for making this website.
I had a vet tech try to convince me that the “pitties” were loveable, misunderstood goofballs out of the blue. I was there for a check up with my sheltie pup. I told her they seemed unpredictable, periodically killing even their own family, & cited a recent murder that had made the news.
It’s time to charge the owners with murder, assault with a deadly weapon, etc.
I’m in Canada where shelter dogs are few & far between. They’re either incurably ill, geriatric or a dangerous dog. At least half are pit bulls.
So sick of seeing them labelled “lab cross”. No, they’re not, & dog people know it. The set & shape of the ears & eyes, the shape of the muzzle, the fur. This all combined screams pit bull/pit cross, but it’s labelled “lab cross”.
Shelters here get so few dogs compared to the USA that I think they should do DNA tests. DNA doesn’t lie. People do, when it’s convenient.
My sister was interested in adopting a lovely looking pup from a major shelter. She called, asked if they had the dam, & what she was. Rottweiler. You don’t think someone might wish to know that?! She’s never lived with a dog, but they talked up the breed like it was toy poodle level suitable.
I’m sorry for what you must endure. I believe you’re saving lives.
The more I think about the vet tech while reading this website, the more I realize she was using the clinic she doesn’t even own to indoctrinate new dog people to be pro pit bull. It isn’t working. And it’s so wrong. Doubt it’s in her job description.
I’m well known to be a new dog person at that clinic. And when I got to thinking, none of the vets there have a pit. Two each have a cat, one has a mini schnauzer, one has two border collies, & the best tech has an old Lhasa.
When the “pittie” tech heard my response, she resolutely turned away in place in a semi circle like a child caught stealing cookies & pouted. I didn’t hear another word, but the two receptionists exchanged a glance. Guess people don’t expect a new dog person to have done any research/stand up to a pro pit tech.
I’m so incensed. I was being primed to join the indoctrinated masses who believe no dog should ever be euthanized. I was there for a check up.