by Zach F

Created on: May 22, 2009

The media cannot take responsibility for demonizing pit bulls, or any other breed of dogs. Only breeders, trainers and owners who breed, train, and profit from fighting dogs can be held responsible.

The media is responsible for presenting news in a complete and unbiased fashion. This includes not only presenting a particular story in a neutral way, but also choosing to cover all significant stories, regardless of the impression it may leave.

Were the media to ignore the numerous deadly or near-deadly attacks by pit bulls, they would not be doing their jobs. By attempting to not demonize the breed, they would be biasing their coverage. Deaths and near deaths from dog attacks are news, regardless of what breed it is.

The reality is that many pits are bred and then trained to be killing machines. The media has a responsibility to report on this reality, which is both cruel for the dogs and dangerous for humans. By doing so, they do not demonize the breed.

Those who demonize the breed are threefold. Breeders who breed "prize" dogs breed them specifically to increase the agressiveness which some pits are known for. On the other hand, other breeders breed the pit bull for its beauty and its affection toward its master. The more we encourage the second type of breeder over the first, the sooner the breed will cease to be viewed in a negative way.

Second, trainers continue to train pits and other dogs to fight. This training is cruel to that animal, as well as to the humans and other dogs with which they interact.

Finally, some ignorant and greedy pit owners continue to fight their dogs for personal profit. In addition, some owners treat a pit bull differently than they would another dog. Because of the hype of the pit as an aggressive breed, they are afraid to properly socialize their dogs. By believing too heavily in their dog's genes, they fail to control environmental circumstances to raise a loving and safe animal. Any poorly socialized dog, from a shihtzu to a pit or rott will be aggressive. Some dogs just have the physical capability to be dangerous as well. Other owners are lenient in their training because they excuse aggressive behavior as "normal for the breed." Just because it's a pit bull does not make barking, growling, or pulling on the leash "normal" or acceptable. Dogs must be trained to exhibit behavior that is appropriate in human society, regardless of breed. And, in fact, a pit bull can be trained out of aggressive, supposedly breed typical,

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