Dog fighting is a blood sport that became popular in the United States around the end of the Civil War. During that time, dogs were specifically bred to be fighting machines, with breeders highlighting features like strong jaws and big shoulders. These dogs were isolated at an early age so they could be trained to be aggressive and kill other dogs for no reason other than a human’s sadistic pleasure and monetary gain.
Although dog fighting is not as publicly prevalent as it once was due to its illegality all across the country, specific dog breeds that were used at the time are discriminated against by certain laws.While these laws and regulations were created to help ensure public safety, they make the lives of owners and their dogs harder.
These laws are referred to as Breed-Specific Legislation. They were introduced in the U.S. around the late 1980s as stories about dog attacks, specifically those with “pit bull” classifications, saw an increase in the media, according to Michigan State University. The level of BSL enforcement varies by state.
Despite the differing laws across each area, there are a few breeds targeted primarily for regulation based on the possibility for aggression: American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and English Bull Terriers. Other commonly restricted breeds include American Bulldogs, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Dalmatians, Chow Chows, German Shepherds and Doberman Pinschers, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Though these breeds have distinct traits, they are often grouped together as pit bulls due to their similar physiques and a common history of being used in dog fighting.
A study comparing behavioral tendencies between “dangerous dogs” and other domesticated breeds found that there was no significant difference in their aggressive behavior. The study used two validated psychometric tools, the Dog Impulsivity Assessment Scale and Positive and Negative Activation Scales. The tests scored sensitivity to stimuli that trigger aggressive behavior.
Both the ASPCA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are against breed-specific legislation. There is no convincing data that breed-specific legislation is effective in making a community safer and on the contrary, breed-neutral laws have a positive effect on communities.
It can already be tough to find housing as a dog owner due to space requirements, weight restrictions and some housing companies banning the ownership of pets altogether. It is especially tough on owners of restricted breeds, as many complexes that allow dogs still impose breed-specific regulations.
Some Denton properties have pet restrictions such as Third Rock Properties, banning 21 different breeds of dogs, and Canopy at South Lakes, which bans dogs with certain breed mixes.
Sometimes these restrictions can be understandable as landlords may be held accountable if a dog bite occurs on their property. A claim can be made against a landlord if the bite takes place in a common space and the landlord is aware that the dog staying on the property has aggressive tendencies. However, it is unfair to assume that all dogs that are restricted due to their breed are violent.
Irresponsible owners are often the reason why some dogs become violent. Their actions can create an environment where a dog feels anxious, fearful or lacks proper training, leading to potential aggression. This pattern of neglect can be considered animal abuse, especially if the cause of anxiety to a dog is due to torture, injury or overworking an animal.
Neglecting dogs can cause them to run away. Often these dogs are not spayed or neutered due to owner negligence, making it more likely that they reproduce. The resulting litter can either end up dead or get picked up by animal control which can quickly become overcrowded.
Denton’s Linda McNatt Animal Care & Adoption Center has around 60 dogs in its possession currently. Most dogs from the center are labeled as Labrador Retrievers, American Pit Bull Terriers, German Shepherds and a combination of two or more of these breeds.
While animal care centers continue to care for these large numbers of dogs, the state’s current animal protection laws reveal a gap in ensuring these animals’ well-being.
According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Texas was ranked No. 15 in an animal protection law ranking. Despite the high ranking, it is still not enough. The justice system needs to prioritize prosecuting the people harming dogs instead of the dog itself.
Man’s best friend is getting discriminated against based on their history and their perceived dangerous potential. These laws need to change so more people can afford to live without sacrificing their furry friends.
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