Dear Mr. Vallone,

North Shore Animal League America of Port Washington, NY, would like to respectfully express our concern and disagreement with your pit bull breed legislation campaign. After reading your statement in the New York Sun, it has come to our attention that like many people who share your fears and concerns regarding "pit bulls," you may be misinformed regarding the behavioral, psychological and physical attributes of these collective breeds, which usually contributes to this common confusion.

"Pit bull" is a general title used to describe several breeds of dogs who share similar physical characteristics. Commonly, the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier fall under the category of "pit bull," though many others are often associated with it as well. However, using such a generic term, like pit bull, is as non-specific as saying retriever or hound. Therefore, we request that you clarify which exact animal you are referring to so we can all fully comprehend your notion and feel confident that you fully comprehend it, as well.

Generally, pit bulls, or the several breeds that we refer to as pit bulls, have sweet and loving temperaments towards people. They, like other dogs, love to cuddle and play and feel very loyal to their owners. However, like many creatures, it is often our best attributes that are also our greatest faults. These animals are loyal to a fault and would do just about anything to please their owners. They are not born hostile, but are taught aggression instead. In fact, according to the American Temperament Test Society, pit bulls scored an 83.4% passing rate. New York's most popular purebred, the Golden Retriever, scored a comparable 83.7% passing rate, while the Bichon Frise, for example, only scored 77.8%.

Most people know that for hundreds of years, pit bull breeds were developed for brutal blood sports including bull baiting, bear baiting and dog fighting. What most people do not know, however, is that when the dogs were fighting in the pit, the trainers were also there and could separate the animals at any time without harm - meaning that the dogs were taught obedience and respect toward humans. Any handler could approach any dog without fear or worry - even in mid-fighting frenzy. These dogs love humans, and with responsible ownership make wonderful pets. Experts will even tell you that their extreme love for humans make them a poor choice for guard dogs, as they are too friendly toward people to protect a household. So while it is in their natures to harbor hostility toward other dogs, it is not in their natures to have aggression toward humans.

We are of the opinion that banning the ownership of these animals is simply putting a band-aid on the problem and not solving it. We would much prefer, and I'm sure you would agree, that eliminating the actual problem all together - going to the root of the issue - would be more productive and return better results. The root of the problem is the dog owner and the lack of responsible ownership. A gun is a deadly weapon, but it won't fire itself. It is the imperative responsibility of the owner to properly raise, train or breed these animals with love and respect and for the right reasons. I've no doubt that if subject to similar circumstances, even the smallest, most passive canine could exhibit aggression and severely harm an infant or child. Every animal is capable of harm. Unfortunately, it is the human animal that inflicts most of it.

Here are some helpful facts on these amazing animals to assist you and the public in differentiating myth from reality. You, like many others, may be surprised to learn how obedient and loving pit bulls can be, and shocked to see how mistreated and misunderstood they really are. It is important to deal with the facts and not inconceivable tabloid rumors such as locking jaws, supernatural bite pressure or imperviousness to pain.

http://www.nsalamerica.org/feature/pitbull/fact_and_fiction.html

North Shore Animal League America would like to help you and others become better informed on these intricate canines. All too often, we get caught up in the sensationalism and emotions that can surround such a dramatic animal. It is no wonder that we become confused and afraid when even the media, whom we admire and respect, spread rumors and manipulate the truth for ratings or simply fall victim to the same misinformation. The story of a pit bull that cuddles with a child, or sleeps in its owner's bed is not hot news and will not produce ratings. These myriad events that happen every moment will go unnoticed and unaccounted for. Perhaps a parallel example, one that is easy to relate with or understand would prove useful here. For example, if we can agree and accept that racial profiling is an archaic assault on our basic human rights, why then, in parallel, can we not see breed profiling, more specifically, the discrimination against pit bulls, as a calumnious violation of animal rights?

In short, Mr. Vallone, we implore you to reconsider your campaign against breed legislation. We, along with countless reputable others, consider it to be an ineffective solution and a misrepresentation of the actual problem. Instead, let's strive to properly identify the issue and then make reasonable and humane efforts toward its critical solution. Together we can educate people of all ages to care about these animals and give value to all life; and in the process, we can stop the terrible mistreatment of pit bulls and so many other animals that are misunderstood, tortured and abused every day.

Thank you for taking the time to hear our plea. We are confident that you will take the findings and advice of many acclaimed experts into consideration, and we feel strongly that once armed with the facts, you will retract your campaign. After all, we are all loving animals, and all animal lovers.

Sincerely,

North Shore Animal League America