Washington Uplifts Ban on Pitbull

(Photo : Dogtime.com)
Pit bulls were stereotyped as a dangerous breed because of their aggression.

Come the new year, a legislative law has allowed people to own pit bulls given that they are deemed as well-behaved.

Larger, more muscular breeds of dogs like Pitbulls and Rottweilers are previously banned due to the stereotype that they are more dangerous.

The local jurisdictions still do not completely allow people to own these breeds. However, an exemption can be granted if the pooch has completed the American Kennel Club's Canine Citizen program -- a test which checks the pet's aggression whenever it is around a stranger or another dog. The exemption will last for two years.

For those who failed, a dog will be given a "reasonable amount of time", which is determined by the city or county where the owner lives, to retake the behavior evaluation.

The law only covers domesticated breeds. Other members of the family of Canidae like wolves, coyotes, and hybrids are still prohibited to be owned.

The law has become effective since January 1, 2020. 

Most dangerous breed of dog?

The public education website, DogBites, reported that over 14 years (2005-18), pit bulls contributed 66 percent to the fatalities caused by dog attacks.

One of the most notable cases of pit bull attacks on the previous decade is Mickey, a dog that was scheduled to be euthanized after almost he ripped off the face of Kevin, who was four years old back then. The case of the young boy was unfortunate, yet people rallied to save the dog.

Attorney John Schill, who was defending Mickey, said that it was the adult's fault that the kid suffered from that fate. He also said that killing the dog will not restore Kevin's face.

This aggression of this breed is linked to their genetic composition as they are the direct descendants of English bull-baiting dog -- a breed that was trained to attack and hold large animals like bears and bulls, according to American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

However, ASPCA also said that a canine's behavioral growth is a "complex interaction" of both environment and genetics. The development starts as early as while they were still in the womb. Early nutrition, mother's stress during the pregnancy and the temperature in the womb could affect the dog's nature.

Outside the womb, social interactions play a vital role in behavioral development. Exposing the puppies to positive experiences, especially on socialization, is considered as the key to preventing aggression. 

This is why chained and isolated dogs are most likely to attack people, and unfortunately, pit bulls often suffer from this condition, ASPCA also said. 

Supporters of pit bulls are working hard to "rebrand" the breed. Sara Enos, founder, and president of the American Pit Bull Foundation, said that irresponsible dog ownership should be blamed for the multiple savage attacks. 

Any breed of dogs can be aggressive if they were treated inhumanely, she also said.

It is important to evaluate a dog as an individual rather than for its breed, ASPCA also said. Like Enos, they also believed that even more gentle dogs like Labrador retriever may display aggressive behavior around humans.

In 2013, former US President Barack Obama said that he does not support breed-specific ban since it is "largely ineffective" and often a "waste of public resources". 

ALSO READ: Here is How Dogs Contribute to the Society