Photo provided by Tribune News Service
Jessica Soler | Contributing Writer
opinion@fiusm.com
The only difference between disruptive animals and disruptive human beings is that humans are able to argue their innocence.
For many cities, the controversy surrounding pit bulls has lead to an outrage of debates and legislation. Being able to legally own a pit bull depends on city law, as the issue is not statewide. The problem comes from a high number of human fatalities caused by aggressive pit bulls.
Those against owning pit bulls argue that the breed is aggressive to the point where no amount of training can subdue them. Oppositionists argue that it is not the fault of the owner but the genetics in the breed.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), “While a dog’s genetics may predispose it to behave in certain ways, genetics do not exist in a vacuum. Rather, behavior develops through a complex interaction between environment and genetics.”
The development of animals is very similar to the development of humans. Variables such as setting, interactions and birth conditions can contribute to personality development, not just genetics. Dogs, like humans, should be evaluated as individuals rather than as a collective breed.
Independently of these factors, the major influence is their human owners.
Pit bulls were originally bred as fighting dogs, able to take down animals of larger size and stature. This trait makes them appealing to people who use the dogs for violent purposes. Because many pit bulls are involved in dogfights, they are often conditioned to react aggressively towards other dogs. However, they are trained to react positively toward humans.
The ASPCA says, “Even those pit bulls bred to fight other animals were not prone to aggressiveness toward people. Dogs used for fighting needed to be routinely handled by people; therefore aggression toward people was not tolerated.”
Even with breed as a factor, there will always be cases that do not adhere to the majority.
Although they are less frequent, other breeds have instances of aggressiveness. Chihuahuas, for example, are notorious for imprinting on their owner and reacting defensively toward strangers. There are also pit bulls that consider themselves lap dogs.
Because there is so much concern over the aggressiveness of pit bulls, an actual solution should be implemented.
Laws that ban the pit bull breed do not solve the problem; they just let others deal with it. Society should not give up on pit bulls because they carry a negative status. We should work toward reversing their stigma.
Today, people are far more forgiving toward popular issues. Rage-filled celebrities can sell out areas and cheating politicians can generate legislation. There is no reason pit bulls should not receive the same pardon.
If society gave up on every troubled individual, the world would be far less populated.
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