What To Do When Animal Control Comes Knocking

Cornell study on tethering

On being a responsible owner

As responsible owners of American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers and other "bully" breeds, we are facing very difficult times.

And part of the problem has been created by ourselves.

So, I say to all of you who either own or breed American Pit Bull Terriers and other "bully" breeds, it's time to police ourselves! What is meant by police ourselves? It means we should all take the time to examine our practices; our objectives; our images; our dogs.

In case you haven't noticed, a wave is sweeping across the country where cities and towns are trying to pass breed specific legislation. Many states also are joining in. Their goal is to eradicate the American Pit Bull Terrier from their towns - or states.

The cities and towns have several precedents already set in their favor. In Kansas, the State Supreme Court ruled it was not unconstitutional to ban a breed of dog from their town and that it was not unreasonable for a town to pass measures to protect its citizens. There was a similar ruling in Colorado. Ordinances have been upheld in other states. So, unless your town, county or state is run by cooler heads, your dogs could be the next to go.

And why is this happening? Because, unfortunately, the breed is falling into the wrong hands. The dogs are being exploited. Irresponsible people are getting our dogs and causing damages that will be hard to repair.

Gang members want the dog because it represents a macho image. Drug dealers want the dog because they can make it a formidable watch dog.

Then there is the irresponsible owner who gets the dog for whatever reason, and is either too dumb or doesn't care enough to find out how to be a responsible owner.

That leaves the legitimate breeder to defend himself or herself - to convince the general public that they are not like some people would portray the dog and its owner to be. That he or she has common sense and is a responsible person.

So how do we go about "Policing Ourselves?"

That's the easy part.

How do you house your dogs? Are they on chains? If so, take an extra few seconds every day to make sure collars are secure and there are no weak places in chains. Keep the area clean, provide fresh water for your dog, clean up the waste.

Are your dogs in pens or your backyard? If so, the CHEAPEST insurance you can buy is a canine electric fence. Not the kind you bury in the ground and rely on a special collar on your dog to keep it in place. I'm talking about a set up that will cost about $50 total and require a few hours to install.

My husband and I have raised American Pit Bull Terriers nearly 40 years. We began using an electric fence with our first dog - she was a digger and could dig under a chain link fence in no time. We spent a Saturday afternoon installing an electric fence around the perimeter of the fence - about 6 inches from the fence and about 10 inches from the ground - and she never left again. We used electric fencing in all our kennel runs and yards around the house. We never had a dog get out.

And if you keep your dog in a fenced area, you also must provide shelter, water, and clean up the waste.

What kind of "statement" do you make when you are out walking your dog; or taking it for a ride in your car; or just in the public eye in general? Do you put a spiked collar on your dog? If so, why? Do you wear outlandish clothing topped off with a T-shirt showing a snarling pit bull? If so, why? I'm not saying you can't wear this type of clothing, just stop and think about whether or not you want some member of the general public to think "See, those pit bull people are just like the press says they are." Let's not put any more fuel on the media fire to sensationalize anything to do with our breed.

Now, let's talk about breeding. Why do you breed your dogs? For the money? For the prestige? To get more dogs for yourself?

If you own an American Pit Bull Terrier and only want it as a pet; and don't intend to show it; there is nothing wrong with spaying or neutering.

We are at a time now where we are going to have to determine if breeding for money is the best thing for the dogs. Let's say you breed your bitch to a nice dog and have eight puppies. Maybe you live where they will go quickly to eager buyers. But do you really know what these buyers will do with the dogs? Will they be responsible enough to raise the puppy properly or will it become a statistic?

What kind of relationship do you have with your neighbors regarding your dogs? Have you set up your yard so your dogs cannot get to a common fence that divides your property from your neighbors? Have you requested that they not allow their children to pet your dog(s) when you are not present?

What I am trying to get across to you is perhaps it's time to not breed so often. Perhaps it's time to decide if your love is for the breed and perpetuating its history; or if your love is for the dollars a puppy will bring. Perhaps it's time to be RESPONSIBLE.

If we don't all start taking a stand - a stand for the breed - there soon will be no American Pit Bull Terriers. Think about why you are going to breed your dog. Think about your advertising. Do you really want to use the words "game bred"?

If you see someone being careless with their dog, stop and offer help and advice. Don't criticize, just offer some information. If someone phones you because you have puppies for sale, by all means guide them to responsible ownership. Do the same with potential buyers of your puppies.

Endangered Breeds Association has been established since 1980 for the sole purpose of promoting responsible ownership and to fight breed specific legislation when it is introduced. It is a battle we fight on a daily basis. It is an expensive battle. It is a battle we easily can win if every owner makes a dedicated decision to cut back on breeding; promote a good image; be responsible about ownership; and get involved in organizations like EBA that need your financial assistance to fight this battle.

But the time is coming - coming sooner than many of you believe - when the wave to eradicate our dogs will overcome us if we don't stand up for the breed and stand up for responsible ownership.

If we don't take this stand, the last thing you will see of your dogs is the kennel door closing inside a van as the humane society hauls it away. And there will be no recourse.

These are difficult times we are facing. The strong will survive; but it will take every bit of will you have to make changes to your dog keeping practices and your breeding program.

EBA is not trying to tell you how to raise your dog - or how to live your life. EBA is asking you to examine yourself and why you have this breed of dog. EBA is asking you to become the most responsible person you can. EBA is asking you to help save the dog we all love so much.

If this has made you mad, or scared you, that's good! We all need to be scared and we all need to be disappointed in the irresponsible owners who are contributing to the eradication of the American Pit Bull Terrier. We all need to take a stand to get our breed out of the hands of irresponsible owners.