United Airlines has decided that pit bull dogs aren't too dangerous to fly. This is wonderful news for breeders and travelers who depend on air travel to get their dogs to destinations around the world.
In the dog show circuit, especially for American Bully owners who show their dogs with the American Bully Kennel Club, it isn't uncommon for dog owners to drive many hours to dog shows since finding a reputable and affordable airline that will transport pitbull-like dogs is difficult. Hopefully, the ban lift from United Airlines will make it much easier and safer for show American Bullies and pits to make it to shows and other functions.
While the ban lift allows pits to fly, it still comes with restrictions. Pits, as well as eight other breeds including the dogo Argentino, presa canario and cane corso, will have to fly in reinforced crates. These crates can't have any plastic parts, must be secure and must have safety measures that prevent the door from accidentally opening. This means that United is still profiling these nine breeds to some extent, but at least it isn't with an outright ban any longer.
It seems like large companies are starting to actually pay attention to what consumers want. This change in United Airlines policy came as a result of an online petition started by Jessie Huart, a pitbull owner who started the petition on Change.org after the airline refused to fly her 10-year-old pit. With almost 46,000 signatures collected, it is no wonder why United lifted the ban.
This ban lift is a step in the right direction for these breeds and their owners; however, it is vitally important that all dog owners act responsibly. Socialization and proper training are necessary for all dogs, especially pit bulls.
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Casey Holley is a freelance writer who actively fights against breed specific legislation. You can read more of her work at Content by Casey and American Bully Connection.
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Comments: 4
Pit bull-type dogs are without doubt the ugliest animals ever created (and, like all dogs, they were created by man – God would never have created something so repulsive). The bodies of some of them (e.g., the one in the photo) are so wide and muscular and their legs so far apart they appear deformed. Then there is that huge mouth (better to kill you with!) and those beady little demonic eyes. Why anyone would want such an ugly, dangerous animal is beyond me.
People who own these monsters are of the same ilk as those women who write letters to, and even marry, convicted serial killers and other murderers. They believe creating an alliance with such a dangerous man (or dangerous dog) sets them apart from the mundane, when all it actually does is confirm they are ignorant, delusional individuals who seriously need to GET A LIFE!
While I respect your right to have your own opinion, you are wrong on several points. I am only going to address two points. Pit bulls have temperaments that are better than some common breeds. The APBT has a temperament score of 86.8, while the Chihuahua has a score of 68.3. This means that pit bulls have a better temperament than Chihuahuas.
It comes down to how a dog is raised. Responsible dog owners socialize dogs and irresponsible dog owners don't. Any dog is dangerous when it isn't properly socialized and trained.
Second point I will address. The dog in the picture isn't a pit bull. She is a papered show dog and her papers show that she isn't a pit bull. Before you try to down a breed, you should know the standards and be able to identify the breed.
Have a wonderful day.
Second, if you knew anything about pit bulls, you would know they are a "type" dog, not a "breed." The term "pit bull" is applied to several breeds including the American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier and even the American bulldog, or any combination thereof.
Furthermore, it does NOT come down to how a dog is "raised," it comes down to a dog's breeding. Breeding dogs isn’t the same as raising children. Dogs are selectively bred for specific characteristics – fox hounds chase fox, retriever-type dogs retrieve game, etc. Because certain traits are bred into dogs, it takes a heck of a lot less time to train a shepherd-type dog to herd animals than it would a Siberian husky. Pit bull-type dogs are the ideal fighting dog because they were bred for this purpose, not to be "nanny dogs" (LOL!) as some who know absolutely NOTHING about dogs or dog-breeding would have us believe.
The true experts on pit bulls are emergency room doctors and nurses who see firsthand what damage a pit bull-type dog can do to a human being within a few minutes, and people associated with law firms that represent those savaged by these beasts, or the families of those murdered by them.
There is no point in continuing this discussion because the fact ER doctors and nurses in some locations are calling for a ban on pit bulls means nothing to people like you. You will continue blindly defending these 4-legged sharks until your “sweet, gentle, wouldn’t-hurt-a-fly” pit bull turns on you or attacks one of your children.
Your close mindedness is amazing. I am not the one who called pits 'nanny dogs' but that is what they were known as before irresponsible people chose to exploit them by abusing their power and drive. It also amazes me that you pick and choose what statistics and facts you want to believe. Yes, there are a lot of pit bull bites, but there is also a lot of misinformation about many bites. Earlier this year, a 'pit bull' was blamed for an attack on a child. A video tape from a surveillance camera showed a wolf attacking the child, but very few media outlets updated the story with that information.
The APBT is considered a breed by numerous kennel clubs. If you knew anything you would know that. The general term 'pit bull' is often used to describe a type of dog that includes a few breeds like the APBT and the American Staffordshire Terrier.
The APBT isn't a savage beast by nature. By nature, these are working dogs who are very loyal. In the past, people have targeted German shepherds, Rotts and mastiffs. It just so happens that the breed to hate of the decade is the 'pit bull'. That has already changed in many countries overseas where the targeted breeds have now become the JapaneseTosa, Fila Brazil and the Dogo Argentino.
As far as my children go, they aren't your concern. My children are healthy and happy. Part of being a responsible dog owner for ANY breed is ensuring proper supervision. I am always watching when my dogs and my children interact. I don't own APBTs, so your comment is irrelevant.