Facts Over Fear

Facts and Information about Pitbull-Type Dogs

"Pitbullinfo.org is published by a non-profit organization dedicated to dog bite prevention and the responsible ownership of dogs of all breeds. The dog bite-related information and statistics published on Pitbullinfo.org are sourced from peer-reviewed studies published by reliable organizations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). These studies are the only scientific peer-reviewed studies available with breed-based data for dog bite-related risk information."

Alabama Emily’s Law becomes effective on June 1, 2018

Alabama Emily’s Law becomes effective on June 1, 2018

Governor Ivey signs Emily’s Law regarding dangerous dogs

On March 8, 2018, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed Emily’s Law. This new law, which takes effect on June 1, provides a way to humanely euthanize a dangerous dog that has killed or seriously injured someone, provided the dog kills or injures without justification.

The law is named after 24-year-old Emily Colvin, who died in early December 2017 after being attacked by a pack of dogs in the front yard of her Jackson County home.

Dogs that have injured someone, but not seriously, may be returned to their owners, provided certain requirements are met.

Law sets out procedure for dangerous-dog investigation

Emily’s Law sets out the procedure for animal control officers or other law enforcement officers to conduct a dangerous-dog investigation. If the investigation causes the animal control officer or law enforcement officer to conclude that the dog is dangerous, a trial is held before a municipal court or a district court to determine whether the dog is indeed dangerous.

What happens if the dog is found to be dangerous?

If the court finds the dog has killed or seriously injured someone, the dog will be humanely euthanized. A serious injury is one that causes—

1. A substantial risk of death.
2. Serious and protracted disfigurement.
3. Protracted impairment of health.
4. Protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ.

If the courts find the dog has not caused serious injury or death, the court must then determine whether the dog has a propensity to cause future serious physical injury or death. If the court finds that the dog has such a propensity, the court then has two options:

1. Humane euthanasia.
2. Returning the dog to its owner, provided a number of requirements are met.

During the trial, the court is to presume that a dog is not dangerous if either of the following is true:

1. The dog was on the owner’s property when the attack occurred.
2. The person attacked was trespassing on any property where the attack occurred.

Requirements for keeping a dangerous dog

Here are some of the requirements if the dangerous dog is returned to its owner:

1.     The dog must be spayed or neutered.

2.     The dog must be microchipped.

3.     The dog must be kept in a locked pen that not only has four sides, but a top and a concrete bottom (or fencing that extends at least 2 feet into the ground).

4.     The owner must pay an annual $100 dangerous-dog registration fee.

5.     The owner must secure a $100,000 surety bond that provides coverage for dog bites, injuries, or death caused by the dog.

New crimes

The new law also defines several new crimes related to owning a dangerous dog.

It’s a Class B felony if—

• The dog has been previously declared dangerous.
• The dog attacks a person without justification.
• The dog seriously injures or kills the person attacked.

It’s a Class C felony if—

1. The dog has been previously declared dangerous.
2. The dog attacks a person without justification.
3. The dog seriously injures or kills the person attacked.
4. The owner knows the dangerous propensities of the dog and recklessly disregards those propensities.

It’s a Class A misdemeanor if—

1. The dog has been previously declared dangerous.
2. The dog attacks a person without justification.
3. The dog injures (but not seriously) the person attacked.

It’s a Class B misdemeanor if—

1. The dog has been previously declared dangerous.
2. The dog attacks a person without justification.
3. The dog injures (but not seriously) the person attacked.
4. The owner knows the dangerous propensities of the dog and recklessly disregards those propensities.

It’s a Class A misdemeanor if the owner of a dangerous dog fails to restrain a dangerous dog with a secure collar and leash. But if the owner is found guilty of that same crime a second time, it’s a Class B misdemeanor.

It’s a Class C misdemeanor if the owner refuses to surrender a dog to an animal control officer or law enforcement officer when the dog is subject to a dangerous-dog investigation.

It’s a Class C misdemeanor to knowingly make a false report that a dog is dangerous.

Punishments for various crimes

Type of Crime	Punishment
Class B felony	§                            Prison sentence of not more than 20 years or less than 2 years. §                            Fine of not more than $30,000.
Class C felony	§                            Prison sentence of not more than 10 years or less than 1 year and 1 day. §                            Fine of not more than $15,000.
Class A misdemeanor	§                            Jail sentence of not more than 1 year. §                            Fine of not more than $6,000.
Class B misdemeanor	§                            Jail sentence of not more than 6 months. §                            Fine of not more than $3,000.
Class C misdemeanor	§                            Jail sentence of not more than 3 months. §                            Fine of not more than $500.

Can you, please, feed my dogs while we are out of town?

I don't know why people get so bent out of shape when you ask them to feed your dogs. Really!... 

The instructions are so simple, even a child can follow them:

Appetizer:

1.  1/2 lb ground meat (chicken, turkey, or beef)
2. 1 carrot, finely grated
3.  sprinkle of low-fat grated cheese (optional)
4. 1/2 c up whole wheat bread crumbs
5. 1 egg (beaten)
6. 1 tsp tomato paste

You can replace the tomato paste with plain yogurt. 

Each dog gets half.

Main meal:

A. Mix Wellness CORE Natural Original (W) with Canidae PURE Sea with Salmon (C)

1. Lucy likes a ratio of W/C of 2:3
2. Linus prefers W/C 1:1

B. 

1. For Lucy, mix in ½ can of any gravy-based wet food
2. For Linus, mix in ½ can of any pâté wet food

C. 

1. Linus gets a 4-cup measuring cup - heaping;
2. Lucy gets a 4-cup measuring cup – a bit lower then the top;

D.

1. Put Lucy’s food to the right of her crate in the dog room
2. Pit Linus’ food to the left of his crate in the piano room

E. 

Have both dog sit, before you allow them to eat; you must stand and pet them while they eat, otherwise they will follow you around, since they prefer petting to food.

F.

Water: ad lib for both; Linus’ is in the bottle attached to the side of the crate; Lucy’s is in the hang-bucket in front of her Kuranda bed. Make sure the glass and the bucket are clean and the water is fresh every day.

3-4 hours after they have eaten, take out both dogs for a “walk,” in their yard. If you run with them, you will have to “cool” them down, by walking slowing for 10 minutes. You can let them sniff everything. I massage them, afterwards, but that is optional.

The Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics Behind Dog Bites

Great article in 

by Steffen Baldwin
Humane Society Director/Humane Agent, Army Veteran, dog rehabilitator and pit bull advocate. #dontbullymybreed

It's worth reading, even if only to see the graphics. Yum!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steffen-baldwin/the-lies-damn-lies-and-st_b_8112394.html

11 Pit Bulls Who Love The Cat More Than You

https://www.thedodo.com/pitty-kitty-party-962463467.html

IN DEFENSE OF THE PIT BULL

IN DEFENSE OF THE PIT BULL

By anybody's reckoning, Joshua Holland is a credible writer... with sufficient ethos to publish (quite prolifically) in Alternet, Salon,  Moyers & Friends, etc. He is a producer of a digital magazine, radio host, and author of what many consider erudite books. I disagree with him on many issues, but I am also a fan. That's a rare occurrence for me, I am not much into fandom - although, I am also a fan of Bill Moyers - a truly wise and objective journalist.

I don't know how I missed this last year, but here is an article by Joshua in Salon. He calls them as he sees them. Personally, I would have picked the picture of an American Pit Bull Terrier, not one of these design dogs, but maybe that's his point. "They are just dogs."

I enjoyed the article and I hope you will, too.

http://www.salon.com/2013/02/05/in_defense_of_the_pitbull_partner/

The Most Incredible Journey: A Pibble's Path

The Most Incredible Journey: A Pibble's Path 

Paperback – July 19, 2014by James S. Martinez (Author), Timothy T. Civick (Illustrator)

My review

Behind us baby-boomers the younger generations' opinions seem to be created and manipulated by mainstream media, more than ever before. Many of today's children's emotions have been emptied of empathy by sensation seeking print media. It is, therefore, with great pleasure that I read such a book. It is intended for the generation whose character, personality, values, and heart has not been crystalized. Yet.

A sweet book like this with real stories put in palatable form for the young'uns makes me smile as it will tens of thousands of children everywhere. Briefly, the book's first half is a first-"person" narrative of a puppy's journey from terror, misery, and deprivation to the forever home (as we call them in rescue) of a "guardian angel." Sprinkled throughout the story are references to the plight of a much maligned breed, namely the Pit Bull (a.k.a. pibble, pit, pittie, bully) . If read slowly and explained to a young child, this is an emotional rags-to-riches moral story. The second half of the book is comprised of real stories of actual dogs, complete with actual pictures and the easy-going rocking rhythm of the poems. The book ends, appropriately, with a Pibble's Prayer. 

I can easily see myself lying down with my son and reading this book to him, while he is looking at those soulful drawings. I love James Martinez' writing style and Timothy T. Civicks art work. 

I work with poor children who are in trouble: mentally, behaviorally, or emotionally. In their world, dog-fighting is culturally acceptable. I am thinking of getting some copies of "The Most Incredible Journey: A Pibble's Path" and spread them around their schools, libraries and community centers. If this book changes just one kid's perception of what's right and what's wrong, it will be all worth it. 

· Paperback: 80 pages
· Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (July 19, 2014)
· Language: English
· ISBN-10: 1497307023
· ISBN-13: 978-1497307025

http://tinyurl.com/mc5exd8

Delaware Gives Abused Pit Bulls The Second Chance They Deserve

 The Huffington Post  | By Arin Greenwood

Posted: 08/04/2014 1:58 pm EDT Updated: 08/04/2014 1:59 pm ED

"Delaware's Governor Jack Markell (D) signed Senate Bill 245 into law late last week.[...]

Under the new law, dogs seized from fighting situations -- most often pit bulls -- may now be individually evaluated to see if they might be adoptable. Previously, the law deemed all dogs seized from fighting situations to be "dangerous," and required them to be euthanized (including pregnant dogs, and puppies, though this part of the requirement seems to have been executed in a somewhat flexible manner)."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/04/delaware-pit-bulls_n_5641684.html?utm_hp_ref=pit-bulls

10 Celebrities Who Really Love Their Pit Bulls

This post is part of HuffPost's ongoing #PitBullWeek coverage.

 

10 Celebrities Who Really Love Their Pit Bulls
The Huffington Post  | By Nick Visser
Posted: 08/01/2014 5:31 pm EDT

"Let's face it: Despite all the myths, pit bulls are just about the nicest dogs there are. You know it, we know it and even celebrities know it, including these 10 famous members of the elite who've welcomed these bullied breeds into their families with open arms."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/01/celebrity-pit-bulls_n_5642916.html?utm_hp_ref=pit-bulls

THE TRUTH ABOUT PIT BULLS (VIDEO)

The Truth About Pit Bulls (VIDEO)

Posted: 08/01/2014 2:38 pm EDT
by Amber Genuske amber.genuske@huffingtonpost.com


This post is part of HuffPost's ongoing #PitBullWeek coverage.

 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/pit-bulls/

Follow them at their website or on Facebook and Twitter where they are be using the hashtag #PitBullWeek

Don't forget to look at the slide show of the 75 NY-Area Pit Bulls Looking For Forever Homes

Look at those faces... Brie, Dallas, Dharma, Duchess, Gracie, Marian, Loretta, Isis... how can you resist? Take one (or two) of them home. You will never regret it.

PITBULLSHIRT.COM

From

Bama Bully Rescue

EXCITING NEWS! Today is the first day of a brand new fundraiser sponsored by the folks at www.pitbullshirt.com! If you aren't already familiar with their tees, you're in for a surprise! They have TONS of pitbull-positive designs, and all of them also convey the message of adoption! 

Check out the site, and when you make a purchase, please be sure to type in BAMA BULLY in the customer notes section of their order form. When you do, we get 10% of proceeds donated to us from any shirt purchases, ALL MONTH LONG! 

PLEASE SHARE WITH ALL OF YOUR PITBULL-LOVING FRIENDS 

http://www.pitbullshirt.com/

JUST DOGS PROJECT

from Jenny Persing's 

Jenny Persing's Just Dogs Project is a collection of photos and stories from owners of pit bull-type dogs in the Seattle area. Jenn is inspired by her personal experiences with the canines, especially her own bully, Rain. Rain has been Jenny's muse for art, advocacy and community building. Jenny started her work in 2013. Since then, she has been collecting and publishing stories of the love shared between these supposedly "dangerous" dogs and their owners.

Enjoy the "Just Dogs Project" 






photographs: 

http://raindogphoto.com/justdogsproject/

and stories

http://raindogphoto.com/news/

HE DIDN'T RIP MY FACE OFF

from

My Pit Bull Never Snapped

Roo Yori
Founder/CEO, Wallace the Pit Bull Foundation
Posted: 07/30/2014 10:22 am EDT Updated: 31 minutes ago  

Roo Yori decided to adopt a Pit Bull named Wallace, despite the fact that he was told he and his wife have just become a "certain kind of people" because they had "that type of dog. They were told to be constantly on guard because Wallace will attack them in their sleep. They were told that one day Wallace would snap, and they will be sorry.

Read the rest of the story...

http://tinyurl.com/mntlj6z

WE ARE LEGION

We Are Legion

Now and then, especially after a particularly unfruitful argument about the virtues of Pits, invariably with some utterly ill-educated person, I feel like shutting down. Just let me live with my dogs in peace. And 'they" can kiss my butt. By "they" I mean a cadre of semi-humans who walk in and into darkness, with nothing but ugliness on the inside, black hearts and all, spewing forth miserable agenda, usually driven by greed, or pride, or the search for some other Earthly hell, because they must be living in hell, otherwise how can we possibly explain this lack of mercy, lack of compassion, and lack of ability to love. Luckily their meaningless, incoherent, and oinking is mostly silent text, with the occasional squealing in some never-watched medium.

The only thing missing from this ugly, ugly film is the sound of jackboots hitting the asphalt as they march our dogs to gas chambers and crematoria. 

Mendacity is their name and prevarication is what they do. I know all this and I should be able to dismiss them all as pimples on the World's ass, but, now and then, they get to me.

Then, I remember... I got into this with naïveté, ignorance, but pure, albeit selfish, heart. I happily went my ways, learning as much and as well as I usually do. First the exhilaration of new discoveries and the pleasure of training. Then the satisfaction of seeing animals' response. Then tragedy. Rebirth of commitment with a new understanding. 

Somewhere along the way, the game became serious labor. It turns out I have become a Pit Bull activist. And I am not alone. 

How many of you are in "here" with me? It turns out we are hundreds of thousands, MILLIONS... innumerable. I like the company I keep: both animal and human. ;-)

Sgt. Stubby on The Travel Channel

A Canine War Hero

Learn about the most decorated war dog in history

Sergeant Stubby (1916 or 1917 – March 16, 1926), has been called the most decorated war dog of World War I and the only dog to be nominated for rank and then promoted to sergeant through combat, a claim for which there is no documentary evidence, but was recognized in connection with an exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution. He was the official mascot of the 102nd Infantry, assigned to the 26th (Yankee) Division. Stubby served for 18 months and participated in seventeen battles on the Western Front. He saved his regiment from surprise mustard gas attacks, found and comforted the wounded, and once caught a German soldier by the seat of his pants, holding him there until American soldiers found him. Back home his exploits were front page news of every major newspaper. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_Stubby

Watch this video from

http://www.travelchannel.com/video/a-canine-war-hero

Dangerous breed: dog or man?

Dangerous breed: dog or man?

This event took place on: Thursday, August 15, 2013
Location: KPCC's Crawford Family Forum
474 South Raymond Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105

Which is the dangerous breed, dog or man? KPCC's crime and safety reporter Erika Aguilar takes up these questions at the Crawford Family Forum with animal researcher Dr. David Haworth, dog behaviorist Brandon Fouché and PETA's Lisa Lange. Bring your questions and join the conversation. KPCCRadio (via YouTube).

http://www.scpr.org/events/2013/08/15/1146/dangerous-breed-dog-or-man/

16 Pit Bull Heroes

These 16 Dogs Are Heroes. They Are Also Pit Bulls.

The Huffington Post | By Kate Bratskeir
Posted: 07/29/2014 9:34 am EDT

http://tinyurl.com/nrr52mw

Logical Talk About Pit Bulls

Let's Use Logic to Talk About Pit Bulls -- It'll Make Things Better for Everyone

by Arin Greenwood
Animal Welfare Editor, The Huffington Post
Posted: 07/09/2014 10:44 am EDT Updated: 07/09/2014 10:59 am EDT

http://tinyurl.com/pvql7xs

The dog you see with the tutu is Mazzy, a mixed-breed dog who was banned from a Louisiana town for nothing more than the results of a genetic test. Mazzy's parents successfully challenged their town's breed ban; she's living back home with them now, and the town is responsible for paying Mazzy's parents' legal fees. Breed restrictions not only don't increase public safety -- they are also expensive to try to enforce.

Homeless Man's Guardian Angel

Homeless Man Who Sold Sketches Of Dog Now Has Own Art Show, Credits His 'Guardian Angel' Pup

The Huffington Post | By Melissa McGlensey
Posted: 07/22/2014 10:01 am EDT Updated: 07/25/2014 3:59 pm EDT

http://tinyurl.com/kx8uuoq

Pit Saves Chihuahua Soulmate

This Pit Bull Carried Her Injured Chihuahua 'Soul Mate' To Safety, Now They Need A Loving Home

The Huffington Post | By Arin Greenwood
Posted: 07/22/2014 11:24 am EDT Updated: 07/23/2014 10:59 pm EDT

http://tinyurl.com/k77yqrz