The aftermath of the craziness

It's been a crazy summer here in KC.  Two major pit bull attacks, one fatality. 200+ articles about pit bulls in the KC Star, another 200+ or more x 4 TV news stations.  People are freaked out about pit bulls...and honestly, the way the media has portrayed this, it's hard to blame most people -- it's too hard to get the facts on the issue.

But one of the worst problems in the aftermath of the craziness is that with all of the people being forced to give up their pit bull dogs, the overpopulation that already existed and the hysteria surrounding these types of dogs, it is almost impossible to find homes for these dogs. Mid America Bully Breed Rescue turning down 8-10 dogs a day because they have no room.  I have been fostering Stella (pictured) for nearly six months, and our friends have been fostering her brother Earl the same amount of time, and we've had no local people who have even shown an interest in them.  There are tons of wonderful dogs that are available, but because people either a) can't have a pit bull because of local legislation or b) don't want one because of fear and ignorance we are unable to find homes. 

It's very sad.  And frustrating.  Hopefully people will wake up to the realities of how great these dogs are soon...but my fear is that this will have long-term affects on people's attitudes in Kansas City.

Comments

[Cheryl Buell]

I live in a community that has had a breed ban since 1989. It infuriates me that my local government has decided what breed of dog I am capable of owning!!

I am a big fan of getting my dogs from a shelter or rescue group. When my son and I decided to get a family dog, we knew we had enough room and a lifestyle to accomodate a large dog. We wanted a medium to large black dog, since they are so often overlooked at the shelters, and we needed a dog that got along with cats.

We would have loved to have adopted a pit bull type dog. We keep our pets for life, we keep them as family pets, and enjoy spending time with our pets.

I am college educated, gainfully employed, do not have a criminal record and have successfully raised two sons. (Not that education means I will be a better dog owner, this is just a fact of my background)

So why is the government of my city deciding that I am not allowed to own a pit bull?

[Dog Training]

This is the "nanny state" in the extreme! Slowly we are being dictated to and controlled in every aspect of our lives. There is nothing wrong with pit bulls but plenty wrong with the officals that attach labels to the breed. I am all in favour of legislation that controls haphazard breeding of dogs whatever the breed but to label a breed and do everything possible to eliminate that breed forever is cruel and unjust. The lists of so called "dangerous dogs" grows longer each month. Suddenly GSD's, Doberman, Rottweilers and so on have a stigma attached to them. Lets not forget the wonderful service these dogs have given us for thousands of years and enforce legislation to control the owners and not one particular breed.
If you would like to learn more about the history of the dog, dog training and service dogs, there is a FREE book available at:
www.k9obedience.co.uk
Not only is it an excellent read (and free!) but has some wonderful photo's showing the dog for the amazing creature it is.
Regards, Marion

[daphine]

i tried to clean my pitbulls ears,he ran under the table. i reached for him and he tried to attack me like a stranger on the street.is this ever exceptable?

[Brent]

Daphine, this is never acceptible. It sounds as if your dog has some pretty high anxiety/fear issues. I'd recommend seeing a trainer to figure out how to work through them with your dog.

[MichelleD]

Forget the trainer get him to a Veterinarian first! Ear infections are SUPER painful and even the most placid dog could lash out if they have one. If your dog is normally friendly I'd bet money this is the cause...be sure and warn your vet before letting him handle the dog and you may want to muzzle the dog for the exam. Please go soon - if it is an infection it will only get worse with time.

If an infection is not the case get to a trainer experienced with aggression ASAP. If you want to email info@KCDogAdvocates.org we can help. Again, start with a vet exam. Good luck.