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708 Supporters

Created by LORELEI CASANDRA HERNANDEZ on March 3, 2006, 3:08 am

Sweetheart Act: Federal Ban on Dog Fighting. Breed Specific Legislation and the Protection of Game Breeds

The first point to get clear is 'pit bull' or 'pit bull' is not a breed; it is a nick-name or a type, just as a German Shepherd Dog is 'shepherd', or a Golden Retriever and a yellow or chocolate Labrador are 'retrievers'. The term 'pit bull' actually covers 5 breeds (6 including both color forms of the bull terrier). The term 'pit bull' has also been so totally warped by the media that the resultant monster one thinks of at the mention of that word is physically impossible. Quote taken from http://www.loveabull.org/pitbullinfo.htm

Many famous people have loved this breed and this petition is to restore the good name of the American pit bull Terrier. Michael J Fox, Helen Keller, Frankie Muniz, Teddy Roosevelt, John Stewart, Ashley Olsen, and Sinbad to name just a few. A common misconception is that pit Bulls are vicious Not according to the American Temperament Test Society. A recent study by this organization rates ALL the various bully breeds with passing rates of no lower than 83.9%. This is as good or better than many popular dogs today. For comparison, the Border collie only received an overall grade of 79.2%, and the Golden Retriever got 83.2%. These tests put the dogs through a series of confrontational situations. ANY sign of panic or aggression (with a minor exception for dogs TRAINED as guard/attack dogs) leads to failure of the test.
Q: Do pit bulls have locking jaws?
A: This is a popular myth. No they do not. There is no special structure or enzyme that allows a 'pit bull' to lock its jaws closed. Dr. I Lehr Brisbin of the University of Georgia states, "The few studies which have been conducted of the structure of the skulls, mandibles and teeth of pit bulls show that, in proportion to their size, their jaw structure and thus its inferred functional morphology, is no different than that of any breed of dog. There is absolutely no evidence for the existence of any kind of 'locking mechanism' unique to the structure of the jaw and/or teeth of the American Pit Bull Terrier." "Pit bulls" just have very strong jaws due to their bull-baiting background (look at those cheeks!) and are VERY tenacious.
Q: Aren't pit bulls able to bite with 1600-2000 lbs psi in bite pressure?
Sorry, wrong again. Dr. I Lehr Brisbin states, "To the best of our knowledge, there are no published scientific studies that would allow any meaningful comparison to be made of the biting power of various breeds of dogs. There are, moreover, compelling technical reasons why such data describing biting power in terms of 'pounds per square inch' can never be collected in a meaningful way. All figures describing biting power in such terms can be traced to either unfounded rumor or, in some cases, to newspaper articles with no foundation in factual data."
*UPDATE*UPDATE*UPDATE*UPDATE*UPDATE*UPDATE*
Dr. Brady Barr (PhD) actually tested the bite force of several schutzhund-trained dogs, including a Pit Bull named Aiden, with a bite meter inside the attack sleeve. His experiments were televised on a National Geographic show titled "Dangerous Encounters: Bite Force". The hardest bite he recorded from the Pit Bull was a mere 235 p.s.i. As they say on "Mythbusters", this one is officially "BUSTED!"
Q: Do pit bulls make good guard dogs?
A: Not generally. Most bully dogs are just too friendly. They are more likely to give a robber a guided tour of the house, and then beg for a ride in the getaway car, than they are to guard your 'stuff'. The exceptions are, because of their extreme loyalty, a bully will guard its owner if it feels its owner is in peril, so it’s a good dog to have at your side as you walked through that dark alley that may have muggers in it. Also due to their loyalty and eagerness to please, if the owner wants a dog to be aggressive toward humans and reinforces this behavior from an early age, the dog will most likely be aggressive towards humans as an adult.
Q: Don't only thugs, gangsters and drug dealers own pit bulls?
A: ABSOLUTELY NOT. (Gangsters, thugs and drug dealers own the ones they try to train to be people-aggressive, so we know which ones to steer clear of) Seriously, though, people from all walks of life own pit bulls. Some famous people to have owned pit bulls are: Helen Keller, Thomas Edison, General George Patton, President Theodore Roosevelt, Fred Astair, Jack Dempsey, Michael J. Fox, and Jan Michael Vincent.
Q: Won't a pit bull that shows aggression towards other animals go after PEOPLE NEXT?
A: Nope. Animal aggression and human aggression are two totally different things. I'm sure you've all heard someone say "Oh No! He went after my little Fifi! Your kids will probably be next!” This is one one of the biggest whopper myths out there. It's COMPLETELY 'normal' for a bully breed to be affectionate and loving with people, but not be totally trustworthy around other dogs or small animals. A properly raised and socialized bully should NEVER be human aggressive, IT IS NOT IN THEIR NATURE OR BREEDING. Bullies that do show aggressive behavior towards humans are NOT breed typical and should be seriously evaluated by a professional trainer to see what is causing it, or humanely euthanized.
Q: Should DOG AGGRESSIVE pit bulls be euthanized?
A: Since we just discussed that dog aggression does not equate with human aggression, there really is no need to "throw away" a dog aggressive bully dog just because it doesn't like other dogs. All the bully breeds are highly trainable and eager to please their owner, so even the more dog aggressive individuals can be RESPONSIBLY MANAGED by a smart and loving owner.
(*note: last two answers paraphrased from BadRap's website

I propose all persons purchasing a pit bull or pit bull mix must provide a photo id regardless of the source of the sale. The seller should be required to copy that information and file it in the proposed Bully Breed Adoption Registry kept at animal control, not to protect the public or invade privacy but to protect the animal from underground dog fighting rings. In the even that there are several dogs being fought and an owner does not step forward, the local animal control will be able to cross reference names and pets. Pitt Bulls should not be given as free to good home pets in the classifieds but rather turned into animal control who will ensure that these puppies are given a good home
I propose that there be a reward offered for information leading to the prevention or end of a dog fight. I am willing to donate $1000.00 towards that fund. That will generate more public cooperation in ending dog fighting rings. I also propose that when a dog fight is stopped, no matter if it’s before the fight during or after, that a $1000.00 fine per dog on the premises is imposed on the bystanders regardless of involvement. This will lead to more public cooperating in ending this brutal blood sport. Also if it is found that there is an owner or someone in charge of the event, usually the person holding the proceeds or bets, get a mandatory seven year prison sentence and while serving that time receive mandatory counseling and paying restitution that will fund the emergency vet clinics and the Dog Fight Prevention reward fund. I also propose that in fairness to the breed if there is a bite incident, that 2 veterinarians certify the breed. There are many APBT look alike, but only one APBT. This will help control the media frenzy and encourage many families to consider adopting these dogs which will also help heal this breed’s image and put them where they belong, with a loving family.
      


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Petition Signatures


708 3 weeks ago    P Hubbard:
707 21 Jul 2008 - 16:25    Silvana Sakic : Punish the deed, not the breed.
706 22 Jun 2008 - 17:52    cassity degges :
705 23 May 2008 - 15:57    Rose Cassidy : It starts with the people who own and love these dogs to change the misperception of them. Go Bullys!!
704 15 May 2008 - 3:47    Geoffrey Barrett :
703 2 May 2008 - 1:16    Allison Ramirez : Great ideas, thanks for caring.
702 1 May 2008 - 22:39    victor lattuca : Good Stuff!
701 28 Apr 2008 - 17:16    julie russell : Dogs are treasures.The thought of pit bulls being fought sickens me. Kudos for your efforts!
700 27 Apr 2008 - 16:00    Lorna Davies :
699 25 Apr 2008 - 20:23    Martinique Shepherd :
698 9 Apr 2008 - 2:40    Lissa Guerrero : Punish the irresponsible dog owners not the entire breed.
697 17 Mar 2008 - 17:25    kk :
696 14 Mar 2008 - 15:25    Brenda Waterson : Save the DOGS!!! Punish the ignorant people who raise their dogs to fight or be aggressive to other animals, or people. Pit Bulls are a very, very loyal breed, and will do without a doubt what their owner's tell them to do. Should the dogs be punished for the owners irresponsible behavior?...NO THEY SHOULDN'T!! I own a Shepher/Pit Mix...she is such a baby..she loves to cuddle with me, and the kids all the time. Do I trust her with my children....ABSOLUTELY, I WOULD NEVER DOUBT HER!! The only bad thing about her is she can be a bit over whelming with all the doggie kisses she gives...just because her tongue pretty much covers your whole face..lol...she is a little love bug, and I wouldn't trade her for the world!! Save the dogs...punish the owners who teach their dogs bad behaviors. Dogs are very similar to children....if you shower your child with love, and teach that child right from wrong, then that child will grow into a caring, loving adult,and a great addition to society... just like dogs..you love them, teach them right from wrong they will be a wonderful dog, and if properly socialized there will be no aggresion towards any other animals. Save the dogs, punish the irresponsible owner!!
695 9 Mar 2008 - 15:45    Erin McDonald :
694 8 Mar 2008 - 12:09    michael marlowe :
693 22 Feb 2008 - 14:55    Jill : God put these animals here on earth for man to love and nurture not for you to kill them or take them from their loving families! Punish The Deed Not The Breed!!!!
692 14 Feb 2008 - 18:54    Samantha : its wrong
691 14 Feb 2008 - 17:42    Lois Karasek : Punish the deed, not the breed. Anyone who gets to know this breed knows that the most dangerous parts of a pit bull are their tongues and their tails. They will either lick you to death or beat you to death with their tail. One of the all-around most versatile breeds and also one of the most loving and loyal of family companions.
690 13 Feb 2008 - 16:30    APRIL SHELLER : I am a firm believer that a pitbull is not automatically aggressive. It is the heartless human that instills their inhuman beliefs on this wonderful breed.
689 1 Feb 2008 - 14:10    brittney nelson : I own two bully breed dogs, one was extremely aggressive when i got him, with a little work he now goes to dogy daycare everyday and meets new people with no problems, the only thing he would do is lick you to death
688 29 Jan 2008 - 17:19    ANGELICA SALINAS : I HAVE THREE BEAUTIFULL, WOUNDERFULL PIT BULLS THAT ARE ALWAYS AROUND MY TWO KIDS, AND HAVE NEVER SHOWN AGRESSION.
687 26 Jan 2008 - 22:49    Barb Oates : When are we going to quite protecting the humans that make these dogs mean. Why should the animals pay for the inhumane acts of people. Those that have already been fought and are abused are already paying the cost. It's been proven humans who are cruel to animals go on to harm people, wake up, stop protecting the people who harm this breed, do we really want those people in society. Guarantee they are doing other illegal acts. BSL will do nothing except encourage these people to pick another breed and then what? Ban that breed as well. Responsible owners make responsible pets, period. HUG a American Staffordshire/bully today, it will change your life for the better!
686 24 Jan 2008 - 14:53    Kortni Desnoyers : I'm only 14 years old but i have a pitbull myself n she is such a big baby what i don't understand is how someone can do something like that especially as puppies i hate the fact that they do it for the fun and money anyways these puppies are born and work every single muscle off in their body just to pleace their owner=[ i hate that! well im sending out a petition to...Thanks Kortni
685 12 Jan 2008 - 21:58    Michelle : BSL is the most irrational
684 10 Jan 2008 - 14:57    Nina Santamaria : dogfighting is evil
683 1 Dec 2007 - 15:05    Samantha Hirst :
682 15 Nov 2007 - 18:33    Billie :
681 11 Nov 2007 - 21:13    APRIL : THE PITBULL IS NOT A BAD BREED,THERE
680 9 Nov 2007 - 16:35    Brandy L Calhoun :
679 4 Nov 2007 - 10:10    antonia :
678 17 Sep 2007 - 22:59    Luis Garcia :
677 12 Sep 2007 - 15:20    Christine Artigue : My pit bull is the sweetest dog ever. A pit bull saved me from being raped and possibly killed. Ignorant people make everyone hate this wonderful breed.
676 4 Sep 2007 - 2:40    Lisa Henson : I strongly oppose BSL. It only seems to hurt the responsible dog owners!!! We need to hold stupid people accountable!
675 30 Aug 2007 - 1:34    Jamie Martino :
674 28 Aug 2007 - 19:33    Kim Dwerlkotte :
673 28 Aug 2007 - 4:19    Amy yancy :
672 28 Aug 2007 - 3:28    Ari Newman : Let's stop this ASAP!
671 28 Aug 2007 - 0:49    Janelle Cabral :
670 25 Aug 2007 - 0:25    Guyot :
669 20 Aug 2007 - 3:52    Kristy Lazorenko :
668 19 Aug 2007 - 8:58    Nicole C. : I do not agree with BSL and definitely do not want it to pass in any way, shape, or form.
667 17 Aug 2007 - 16:13    Alexis Troianos :
666 17 Aug 2007 - 11:39    Marisa Mierek : Stop the inhumane acts towards these beautiful family friendly dogs. Murderers get second chances, why can't a dog who never had a choice????
665 17 Aug 2007 - 11:21    Brandon : I KNOW BSL IS WRONG!!! PLEASE SAVE THE PITBULLS!
664 9 Aug 2007 - 21:58    casidys :
663 9 Aug 2007 - 4:00    Amy Boyette :
662 9 Aug 2007 - 3:02    Jasmin Kelley :
661 9 Aug 2007 - 2:22    Jack Kelley :
660 8 Aug 2007 - 14:41    melissa byrd :
659 7 Aug 2007 - 13:58    Vanessa Sand : Please STOP BSL! This is discrimination!
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