Pit bulls, the fight continues
Thabazimbi – With recent media attention, the frequency of violent pit bull attacks has been brought to many people’s attention, and the debate on banning the questionably lethal, power breed continues.
Opinions on the matter differ as much as the opinions of the Democrats and the Republicans, it goes far beyond not seeing eye to eye. On the one side, we have concerned and – understandably – angered individuals who view the pit bull as an unpredictable threat; and on the other, we have breeders and owners who maintain that their beloved pets are harmless and ideal companions.
The pit bull – like the rottweiler, Doberman pinscher, German shepherd, and Rhodesian ridgeback (to name but a few) – is part of the ‘power breed’ group of canines. Any dog of the power breed group is in general larger, stronger, and has a higher intensity and pain tolerance level than other breeds.
But does this necessarily mean that the pit bull is a natural threat to human beings and other animals?
After the death of 10-year-old Storm Nuku (Port Elizabeth), who was mauled to death by pit bulls on Monday, 27 September 2022, the Sizwe Kupelo Foundation started its petition to ban pit bulls as domestic pets in South Africa.
“We cannot continue counting bodies because of this breed; it has proven itself to be a lethal and very dangerous animal. Its behaviour is no different from a gun; it has a killer instinct,” Kupelo said in defence of his foundation’s petition.
In Platinum Bushvelder’s 29 July 2022 issue, we reported on a young family who was devastated by the tragic loss of their beautiful little girl who was mauled to death on Friday 22 July 2022 by a pit bull owned by her grandparents in Thabazimbi. Their daughter, Liane Jason, was 1 year, and 7 months old when she tragically died. The pit bull, named Rocky, was just over a year old.
The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has backed the Sizwe Kupelo Foundation. It’s the NSPCA’s mandate to protect animals, however, they also value human lives. According to the NSPCA’s website:
“Not only do people suffer from dog attacks, but other animals have also been victim to dog attacks and have been mauled to death by pit bulls… this is an issue where both human and animal life has been placed in danger by irresponsible people who lack the skills and knowledge required to handle power breeds.
At first glance, the petition may appear to be outrageous, especially to pit bull owners, however, upon careful reflection, the petition advocates for the protection of people and responsible pet ownership. The petition calls for all pit bulls to be castrated/sterilised which would prevent the current rate of uncontrolled breeding. The petition also calls for stronger regulations for the keeping of pit bulls (and other power-breed animals) requiring owners to have permits to keep such animals.”
But Zurisha Pelser (Thabazimbi), a 20-year-old student, does not completely agree. “Pit bulls are very affectionate and intelligent dogs. They make me feel safe but at the same time, they are more than just security dogs. I believe that a dog’s behaviour very much depends on its training and upbringing.
My pit bulls are well-disciplined; I don’t beat them to train them, and they understand that I am their owner. Other people can come into my yard, but only if I first give them proper instructions to call the dogs by name and rub them. Rufus, my male pit bull, especially loves human affection/rubs.”
Looking into both sides of the spectrum, Platinum Bushvelder caught up with specialist investigator, Mike Bolhuis, to get his take on the matter. What Bolhuis relayed, is a more realistic and helpful point of view.
“Because of the crime escalation in our country, people are always eager to up their security measures,” explains Bolhuis, “unfortunately the pit bull has become an unchecked security measure.”
Bolhuis emphasised that although he does not advocate the mass castration and sterilisation of the breed, he does believe that pit bull owners need to do a proper investigation before obtaining the dog.
“A lot of people think that a pit bull will function as this big bouncer that will deter danger. But the truth is that if they don’t do their homework properly, they will get a mindless bouncer that will unexpectedly turn on anybody.
Before getting a pit bull, owners need to look at some important factors; they need to identify and properly evaluate where they are getting the dog from, and they need to assess and acknowledge all possible risks.
The dog must come from a breeder that can prove a mixed bloodline because inbreeding (which often goes unchecked) is also a big factor in the dog’s behaviour. Inbreeding in any species, be it a dog, cat, or cow, negatively influences genetics. Proper training is also essential.
The dog needs to know its owner – who needs to investigate proper disciplinary measures – but at the same time, the dog must be allowed to bond with the rest of the family. Additionally, it must also be taken into consideration that a dog’s temperament may change as it gets older. Owners may need to consider the possibility, that should their pit bull reach maturity, it may need to be rehomed as it might not have the same tolerance for people as it had in its early years.”
When asked about the legitimacy of people/rehabilitation centres who offer to come and remove pit bulls, Bolhuis stressed that as with the pit bull – and all other things – it is important to first do a proper background check. “As with anything, there will be scams. If you need to rehabilitate your dog, investigate the matter thoroughly. Find all the facts and look into the history.”
Bolhuis, who has kept a firm thumb on the pit bull saga, has relayed more information on his website: mikebolhuis.co.za.
What can be concluded about this sensitive issue, is that it is important to look at the matter – not with an emotional mindset – but from an educated and informed point of view.
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