The Montreal ban on pit bulls has caused quite the stir among the animal loving community. This ban has been put into place after an attack in June that left one woman dead. The dog although initially identified as a pit bull was shot and killed when police officers arrived on scene as he was considered dangerous. The dog however was registered as a bulldog and DNA has yet to prove otherwise.
Pit bulls are often identified by their large heads, and are portrayed in movies and media as being vicious attack dogs which is partly responsible for the bad reputation they get. Pit bulls were originally used to bait bulls and as guard dogs, but were later moved indoors and used to watch over children because of their gentle nature. However, due to their build, strength and agility these dogs are often used in dog-fighting rings, and as attack dogs. These jobs are the owner's choice not the dog's.
This ban requires pit bull owners to register their dog in order to keep it. The residents of Montreal are also prohibited from adopting or buying a pit bull. The ban was put into place by a vote of 37-23 in favor of the ban, it was put into effect on October 3rd. The title "pit bull" is not its own breed but basically a description of a dog with a large head. Under the title of "pit bull" are;Staffordshire bull terriers, American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, any mix that has one of these breeds and any dog that looks like one of these breeds. All of these dogs are placed under the ban in Montreal. All of those dogs are required to wear a muzzle when in public and stay on a leash no longer than 1.25 meters.
These dogs are being punished even if they are not aggressive. Humans train them, we train them to fight, we breed them to be agile and strong but when something goes wrong, it is the dog's fault, never ours. Any dog can be aggressive if it is trained the wrong way.. Pit bulls need responsible owner ship and we need to end the stigma. A pit bull's heart is way bigger than its head will ever be.
