KC DOG BLOG

Has the pit bull craze reached a Tipping Point?

Michael Vick has been in the media, pretty much non-stop for about 3 weeks.  A recent Google Search of an article about Vick showed that it ran in about 2,400 different media outlets.

Many of the stories recount the horrific details of the events that happened on Vick's property.  These details are starting to cause media outlets to treat pit bulls in a slightly different light than usual:  as the victims that they are in these incidences.  While there are still a few idiots out there, most of the editorials talk about American Pit Bull Terriers as a product of its environment.

Meanwhile, citizens and dog owners are pushing companies to drop their affiliations to Vick...from Reebok's ceasing manufacturing Vick jerseys to Nike dropping Vick as a spokesperson. Even Senators are jumping into the act. The anger about the case is widespread, and I think, maybe, for the first time in my memorable lifetime, pit bull-type dogs are truly being seen as victims of human abuse and products of their environment. 

My sincerest hope is that people continue to see this abuse and read/watch these stories about well-balance bullies.  If this week's stories are any indication, a tipping point may have been reached in the way society views "pit bulls".  Let us hope that this continues.  Here are some of the week's top stories with some quotes:

Shelter Tails:

This story from Reading, PA has a writer who did some research on "pit bulls" and changed her mind on the "breed".  "

"I've never owned a pit bull, but the majority that come into the clinic are sweet, friendly and great with other animals and kids. Unfortunately, it's always the not-so-nice ones that make news."

"I've been bitten many times, but never by a pit bull or any of the bull breeds. Their natural traits — loyalty, love of their human family and protectiveness — are exploited by nefarious characters, with the intent of transforming the dog into an overly protective and loyal fighter. But a dog that has not been mistreated or exploited will make a wonderful family pet."

"The way I see it, it comes down to some nature, mostly nurture."

Pit bulls and stupid fools

The first sentence is a pretty good indication of the direction this guy is going: "It’s sad that one of the greatest dog breeds ever to grace the planet, the American Pit Bull Terrier, has fallen into the hands of animal abusing idiots."

"I think I speak for all Pit Bull lovers by saying, “thanks morons for sullying a substantial animal’s rep via dog fighting.” Why don’t you Darwinian holdovers get another hobby."  Great read.

You can blame the dogs, blame the owners

An interesting read from the Gainsville, FL Daily Register.

Vick Case the latest stain on pit bull's changing image

This story ran in 50 or so newspapers this week, and is one of the better I've read in a media source. 

Cooke says research has disproved common myths about the pit bull, such as the one about its bite force being greater than that of other breeds. "It can't really be the T-rex in a dog suit that it's portrayed as in the media," she says.

Chattanooga, TN Humane Educational Society To Begin Adopting Pit Bulls

The shelter hasn't historically adopted out "pit bulls", but is looking to start doing-so in their effort to help change the image of these dogs.

"It is our job to protect animals and to do the best job that we can for them, and that includes pit bulls. We're trying to do what's best for them and if we have to work harder to make sure they have a quality of life then that's what we're going to do."

Vick, not the pit bull, the true vicious animal

This reporter went down to a local shelter and met a "pit bull" named Tex...turns out Tex is a wonderfully fun dog.

"Lotan took Tex out of his cage and brought him outside to play with us. He rubbed up against my leg, played Frisbee, took interest in my pen, loved to be petted, relieved himself and then took a seat in the shade.

Pretty scary, huh?"

Dog's Behavior is Owner's Fault

Pretty good interview a "pit bull" owner in Modesto, CA...the type of story that seldom ran before the Vick case broke.

Vick story reinforces stereotypes

This article looks at the good and bad that is coming out of the Vick situation:

"This (the Vick Story) may be a good news/Bad Newz proposition.

"The good news is that more people have been made aware of dog fighting, and are voicing their opposition. Let's hope that politicians, law enforcement officials and millionaires in the sports and entertainment industries are getting the message.

"The Bad Newz is this could be bad for pit bulls, especially those not used in organized dog fights, and that's most of them."

This is a well-balanced story out of Kileen, TX

Good read.

Fox 4 Kansas City weighs in on pit bulls following the Vick troubles

Watch the video (or at the very least, check out the picture) of Bishop, a honorary KCDA member. 

"Lately when you hear about pit bulls, you're likely to see dangerous dogs hauled away in trucks or training equipment geared to help them become more vicious fighters.  You're not likely to see dogs like Bishop, a pit bull in Lee's Summit that Casey Martinez has been in love with since she found him nine years ago."

Thanks to Fox4 for the balanced story...

Bad dog? No way.

The dog attack numbers don't support pit bulls being banned.  It's a solid and well-balanced story....one like so many others this week.  We didn't used to get well-balanced stories, and here's to hoping that this trend continues, and people will continue to see pit bulls that are loving family pets -- the way they are meant to be -- without scoundrels getting ahold of them.  This type of balanced reporting, long term, could help change the reputation of these types of dogs forever. 

Weekly Roundup

It's been an odd week in the dog-world.  Pretty much every story out there is about Michael Vick, or in response to the Michael Vick craziness (more on that tomorrow).  But there are a few stories of note for the week.

Reading, PA to potentially enact breed restrictions

They have a weird city ordinance that if there are over a certain # of dog bites in the city, and one "breed" of dog are held accountable for over 40% of them, they will put restrictions on those types of dogs.  "Pit bulls" now qualify following the third attack attributed to a pit bull in two days.

Pit bulls attack in Alameda County, CA

A woman was walking her five dogs when a couple of them got loose and attacked a man and his young son.

Police shoot and kill Boxer in Ottawa, Canada

The dog attacked and bit two officers, and several gunshots were fired.  This of course in Ontario, which banned "pit bulls" last year with the "logic" that these types of events would be prevented.

Four pit bull puppies stolen from home

Dallas thieves walked through an unlocked door and stole a young man's computer that he was playing video games on and his four puppies. 

Pit Bull bites man in Kingston, Ontario

Again, that ban in Ontario is working how?

Nine year old bitten by pit bull in Louisville

The dog was left tethered and the girl got too close to the dog...I can't imagine how frustrating it would be to be on a chain while everyone is playing and  not allowed to take part.

Pit bull bites 3 year old girl in Madison, SC

Two quotes that really stand out in this one.  From the girl's uncle: "The girl received significant and potentially life-threatening injuries to her face" and  "At this time, her injuries are not life-threatening, but they were certainly serious at the time"

Louisville reconsiders BSL

It's amazing to me that all of these animal experts stand up and report truths about what "pit bulls" are really like and that BSL doesn't work, etc, and yet, city council's continue to ignore the people who know the most about the topic.  I will never understand that.

Man who set pit bull on fire arraigned

$50,000 bail.  I hope this guy goes down hard.

Man accused of abuse of 25 pit bulls

He was apparently seen violently beating three of the animals with a stick.  The dogs were reported to be very timid and fearful when the authorities arrived.

East Baton Rouge Parish Animal Control still pushing for BSL

The council still is against BSL "Why would we vote to pass something that’s going to get us sued the same day we pass it?” said Bones Addison, City Council Member.  It's pretty amazing that an animal control officer is pushing for BSL, that's not the norm.

Dogfighting: A shadow world of bloodlust

An interesting article from an undercover reporter on the inside world of dogfighting.  I will note that this type of organized dog fight is actually a small part of the dog fighting world, as most of the dog fighting isn't this well organized, and most of it is much more street level.  But it is an interesting look into the world of organized dog fighting.

Banned Dog Breeds Available for Sale online

16 years after the ban in the UK, they're still able to find "pit bulls" for sale for between 300 and 1000 pounds (approximately $450-1500).  And yet, the UK is used as a model of a place that does BSL...

Baltimore Police to follow dog crimes to other criminal activities

Realizing that people who abuse and mistreat dogs are usually involved in other illegal activities.

Cincinnati Animal Control Enforcement admits difficulty in enforcing BSL

They admit that it's difficult to enforce a ban on "pit bulls" if you don't know what one looks like....

Covington, OK mayor knocked down by pit bull

Apparently the city's animal control officer stepped down, so the mayor went out on an animal control call.  He was knocked down by a pit bull and cracked his skull on the sidewalk.  Turns out that he's going to be ok.

Little Rock proposes breed specific legislation

The restrictions aren't overly restrictive, but this thing is going to be impossible to enforce.

Wyoming Animal Activists say state has dog-fighting problem

Wyoming and Idaho are the only two states in the country that don't have felony laws for dog fighting.  Hopefully the Vick case will raise this awareness to change this in these states.

Dog Town

mLast week, the Kansas City Star published an article in the City section of the newspaper entitled "Dog Town".  While the story was never made available online, Kansas City Dog Advocates has posted the story in its entirety on its blog.

KCDA was contacted early on about the article - which focused on dog amenities downtown growing along with the increase in the population of downtown condos.  It was fun to get a chance for KCDA to lead some discussion on other things that will help Kansas City become a more dog-owner-friendly place to live. 

So much of our time has been focused on fighting off Breed Specific Legislation over the past year or so -- but this was very much out of necessity vs being our only issue. We were able to point out some of the many dog-friendly restaurants and services that are popping up downtown.  We were able to point to the city's growing need for more dog parks and green spaces.

It was a fun article..and it was fun to focus on a story about the betterment of dogs that was regardless of the breed involved.  And here's to doing more to make Kansas City a more dog-owner-friendly city...and a tip of the hat to the people who are opening businesses that cater to dog owners, and to the local DIG group for their work at Kansas City's lone dog park (Penn Valley Park) and to the local WOOF group for their work in getting another dog park in our city.  More needs to be done...but we're making progress.

Making Lemonade

It's hard to make a case that the Michael Vick situation is in any way good for dogs.  Many dogs have suffered and died in this dog-fighting ring.  Many more criminals will look at Mike Vick as a hero and will increase their dog fighting. 

Meanwhile, there seem to be "experts" on pit bulls and dog fighting coming out of the woodwork offering their "expertise" on these issues.  That scares me that the media has no desire to discern true experts from the newbie experts.

However, there are a couple of groups that seem to be trying to make a little lemonade out of Mike Vick's Lemons.

The ASPCA (a true animal welfare organization, unlike HSUS and PETA) is working with the NFL to do a public service campaign on animal abuse.  This would be a good thing.

Meanwhile, minor league baseball team the Long Beach Armada are having a little fun with this by holding "Mike Vick Animal Awareness Day" this weekend.  The promotion involves allowing people to bring their dogs to the game, and for free admission to people who trade out their Michael Vick football jerseys (which will be burned between innings during the game).   Several local animal welfare organizations are going to benefit from the day's events.

There is certainly a lot of awareness of animal welfare issues that are a hot topic right now following on the heels of the Michael Vick indictment.  Here's to this being more than the fad cause of the moment, and more of  a long-standing trend that people will become more aware of how they treat their animals, of the homeless animal problems, and work to fix some of the issues.  As an eternal optimist, I hope this will build some long-term support over the long-haul...

Sorry 'bout that

Apparently TypePad had a meltdown at some point this afternoon -- so if you were trying to check here, and couldn't get here, sorry.  I don't think comments are working yet, but at some point they'll come back, keep trying.  I'm not purposely trying to shut anyone out, nor have I been taken from my home by the KCK Mafia.  Just suffering the trials of new technology...

They're kidding right?

A couple of weeks ago, Wayne Parcell of HSUS mentioned on his blog that Congress is looking at a bill that would reduce the suffering of cats by banning declawing.

My cat has its claws.  And yes, I think it isn't right (for a lot of reasons) to remove a cats claws (not the least of which, they are great for use in teaching dogs to respect kitties).  But a national bill to reduce cat declawing?  Really?  What about the cat owners who have tried EVERY method to keep their cats from tearing up the furniture and nothing has worked?  Should they just put them out of the house or have them put to sleep?  Oh yes, that must be a better option...

This comes from an organization that has never made an effort to stop the useless killing of thousands of dogs around the country from stupid breed bans....and repeatedly ignored requests from local rescues in Kansas City when they appealed to them to take a stand against local city councils last summer.

And yet, they're focusing their efforts on cat declawing over family pets being ripped from their homes and killed.   

Dealing with the mess they helped create

Donna over at BAD RAP (Bay Area Dog Owners Responsible about Pit Bulls) had a great blog last week that reminds us that 20 years ago this month was the anniversary of the "Beware of this dog" issue of SI. 

Donna's focus is on helping the dogs in this case (and Donna is one of the best when it comes to dealing with dogs from these types of situation, so there is nothing I can say there that would be smarter than her take).  But I do want to focus on the irony of the media angle of this.

If you talk to people who have been around the dog-world long enough, many of them point to this issue of SI (as well as an issue of Time Magazine that came out the same month) as the beginning of the media craziness about the American Pit Bull Terrier.  Until this issue came out, not a whole lot of people ouside of a very small group of dog fighters, and people in the Dog Fancy world, really knew much about the American Pit bull Terrier.

This magazine changed this. The article, and magazine cover, showed scary images, and told horrible stories of the cruel abuse that was going on in some urban settings.  Stories and images that became the first thoughts of what people think of when they hear the word "pit bull" today.  Notice even on the cover that they took the "American" out of the American Pit Bull Terrier name.

Fast forward 20 years, and one of sports biggest stars is involved in one of the most high profile dog fighting ring busts in recent memory.  Michael Vick was 8 years old when the SI article came out...and no doubt he was a wide eyed kid with dreams of someday playing in the NFL...and wanting to emulate what his idols were doing.

In some ways you can point to Sports Illustrated for this mess.  Oh sure, it's not their FAULT that people do horrible things.  But I don't think its any coincidence that 20 years to the month after this article came out, the one of the highest profile athletes in this generation is looking at a ruined and wasted career over dog fighting. 

Meanwhile, the same images and descriptions used by SI 20 years ago continue to appear in the media, perpetuating the worst images of these dogs... and the legacy lives on.

Weekly Roundup - Has anything exciting happened?

Wow. Several news stories involving KCDA (a couple I haven't even talked about yet). A new lawsuite in KCK for illegal siezure.  The whole Michael Vick fiasco. It's been a crazy week.  Amongst all the big stories, there have been a few other interesting news stories.  So read up!

Big Dogs, Bad Rap

This story from the a county newspaper in Ohio talking about why some people consider bigger dogs to be better.  What's pretty funny about this story is that it talks about someone and their 115 lbs Cane Corso, someone else with their 92 and 114 lbs Rottweiler's, someone else with Mastiffs, and of course, the pit bulls are mentioned here.  It's pretty amazing that pit bulls are always grouped in with large dogs, when in reality most are only around 50 lbs. Meanwhile, other large breeds like Golden Retrievers and Labradors are left out of the discussion.

Man accused of dog fighting in Chicago

37 dogs were removed from the property in what is being called the largest dog-fighting bust in Illinois State history.

Here's a candidate I'd like to vote for

Candidate for Plattsburg, NY city council, Irving Breyette calls the city's proposed pit bull ban "discriminatory" and "ridiculous".  "What if a GermanShepherd bites someone and then a Doberman, are we going to put bans on them too?"

Can I vote?

Pit bull mix tied to tree, doused with gasoline, and lit on fire

The dog tried to make it, but was eventually put down.  This is one of the more horrific things I've ever read about someone doing...is anyone suprised of the breed of dog involved?

PetPAC looks to expand

PetPAC was one of the groups that opposed AB1634 in California.  Their methods and some of their statistics were questioned by a lot of people...but I'm glad they did what they did and fought the bill off...

Letter to Editor in Minneapolis filled with Hyperbole

"Big dogs".  "Four legged terrorists." "News coverage describing how pit bulls have savaged human beings."  "Barrelling Chest." "Snarling".

It's these types of words, fresh out of the newspaper reports and then put back into the newspaper with letters, that get people on edge over something they don't understand.  This woman does seem to have an unfortunate situation with her dog-owning neighbor having an invisibile fence (which I'm no fan of for a host of reasons), but I was struck more by her use of the hyperbole cliches that are found in the media reports...

A "counterpoint" editorial from the Star Tribune

Mentions all the inherant difficulties of trying to enforce breed specific legislation.

Elkhart, IN News Station does report on dog bites

It's interesting that the two bite incidences they specifically mention include a border collie and a lab...and because these dogs are "non aggressive breeds" I suppose, the focus of the story is on what to do to prevent dog attacks...good advice for all breeds of dogs.  The stories always take a different tone if a Rottweiler or pit bull is involved though...

Nice piece though by WNDU.

Mountain City, WV looking at how to deal with dangerous dogs

Sounds like most on the council are looking at this with an open lense...which usually leads to good ordinances. 

Pit bull bites 5 year old girl in Boston

The girl was trying to pet the momma dog that had 3 day old puppies.  Dorothy Joyce, the mayor's spokesperson, says the intial reports are that this "could have happened with any dog. I don't think we can say this is a pit bull being a pit bull.  I think this might be a case of a dog being protective of its puppies."

If only we looked at all dog attacks as it was a dog being a dog and then look into the reasons of the attack, we'd be in a much better situation right now.

Indianapolis man faces charges for cruelty to nine dogs

As is usual, the dogs involved are pit bulls.  If you look at breeds of dogs involved in attacks and breeds of dogs involved in cruelty, it's amazing the similarities.

"Cops Shoot Pit Bull During Drug Raid"

And why is the word "pit bull" a key word in this headline?  It seems the media is intent on building up the image at any possible opportunity.

Dog attacks two people in Forrest City, AR

Got two public servents -- a Meter Reader and an Animal Control officer -- before it was shot and killed.  The breed of the dog, an Akita, appears in paragraph three.

Man fears worst for missing pit bull

Folks who own other breeds of dogs have no idea the stress that comes with being a pit bull owner sometimes.  It's pretty frightening to know that if your dog somehow got away, that someone unsavory might really want your dog, or someone else might freak out and just shoot it...

"Horrified family sees pit bull maul pet cat"

Read this story. This story has almost nothing to do with a pit bull, and virtually everything to do with a couple of young teenage kids that we need to get into psycho-therapy before their violence involves someone's teenage daughter.

Pit bulls don't deserve the bad rap

This is a pretty good article out of Massillon, OH.  It's funny though that the animal control officer felt the need to clarify that pit bulls weren't "inherantly evil".

And finally, a gem from Louisville, KY

There must be something in the water in Louisville.  This opinion piece talks about the Michael Vick dog fighting situation, then goes into how Louisville's (dissaster of an) ordinance "unfortunately" stopped short of breed specific legislation and banning pit bulls.  The writer then assumes that a ban on pit bulls would be safer for people and dogs by keeping them out of the hands of dog fighters.

Here's the deal.  Dog fighting is a FELONY in the state of Louisville (as it is in 48 states).   If someone is willing to commit a FELONY in fighting dogs, I hardly think the local city dog law is really going to be the curbing device to stop the dog fighting.  The only people affected are the people who choose to obey laws.  If you want to stop dog fighting, there are already FELONY laws in place to stop it.  Enforce your cruelty laws with vigilence...and you'll get to these people.  You don't stop felons with dog laws.

Update on Nikko

Last week, I mentioned a story about Nikko.  Nikko is a mutt dog that was confiscated from his home by KCK animal control because they said it was a pit bull -- in spite of the owner having 2 separate documents from two different veterinarians saying it was a Boxer Mix.

Turns out Nikko's owners now have a lawyer and are protesting his mis-identification.  Now the owners must prove in court that their dog is not a pit bull (as opposed to KCK Animal Control having to prove the dog actually is).  Meanwhile, only with a little help from some area dog folks (and the news reports don't hurt) they were able to keep Nikko from being put down on Friday. 

Now KCK AC, and the KCK taxpayers, get to pay for the court appearances and pending lawsuite about their violation of due process.  It's a complete waste of city resources...on a dog that is not aggressive, but merely somewhat resembels a pit bull type dog.

This is a scene that has played out many times over the past year or more, but many KCK residents don't have the means to create legal problems for the city.

KCK has a LOT of problems...heavy crime, gang activities, shootings, stray dogs everywhere, etc.  The last thing they need to be doing is surfing Craig's list hoping to confiscate a pit bull.

We'll keep you posted onwhat happens with Nikko.  I hope the little guy is able to make it home.

Tethering Ordinances made harder than they need to be

People make anti-tethering ordinances harder than they need to be.  Many times people involved in the dog community will push for tethering restrictions as a way to improve public safety -- which inevitably comes up after a dog attack that leads to a discussion of the dangerous dog ordinance.

Folks within the dog community will point to research from places like the National Canine Research Council or from HSUS that talk about chained dogs being responsible for a large percentage of fatal dog attacks (and many more non-fatal attacks).

This leads many council leaders down strange roads of not allow dogs tethered in front yards and other such policies.  Raytown, MO just discussed their tethering ordinance Tuesday night.

Anti-tethering ordinances don't have to be this hard. Yes, tethering can lead to aggression. Yes, tethering often leads to completely unsocialized dogs left forever in their back yards.  And yes, tethering often takes flight away from scared dogs, who can only reach from fear in either a fight or flight fashion. 

But tetheirng in and of itself isn't horrible.  Many people without fences leave their dog out on a tether temporarily to do its business and then bring the dog in.  These aren't the types of dogs that develope aggression.  As Jim Aziere said at the Raytown meeting "I don't think everyone tethers all day long". 

Anti-tethering laws shouldn't be this hard.  No one thinks we should make laws just to make laws. And no one should really be pushing for more laws that create more limitations on pet ownership.  Tethering laws should be considered part of neglect and cruelty laws.  Is the dog's chain bigger than the dog?  That's cruel.  Is the dog left on the chain 24/7/365?  That's cruel.  Is the dog living in a mud hole, or without shelter when it rains or snows?  That's cruel.  Is the dog left to wrap its chain around trees or debris?  That's cruel.

Front yard has nothing to do with it. It's all about cruelty. If you eliminate cruel and neglectful tethering, the safety issue will take care of itself.

I don't know why this is such a mystery for a lot of cities to figure out. 

The simplest way, IMO, to implement this is by having all tethering be "Supervised".  If you're home and paying 1/2 attention, that's probably adequate to hear your dog whimpering or barking so you can save it from trouble.  If you're leaving home and your dog is outside all day while you're at work, that's not so supervised. 

If people look at the role of cruelty and neglect on dogs, and their direct correlations to public safety, and then make tethering a part of this equation, the solutions become pretty easy.