ARE PIT BULL TERRIERS A DANGEROUS BREED?
Originally pit bulls were bred for bull-baiting, a gambling “game” where bulldogs attacked bulls in pits. But when that was banned in 1835, breeders turned their attention to the practice of dog-fighting. Pit bulls were bred to maximise aggression, to have a high pain threshold and a willingness to fight to the death. They were not trained to be aggressive toward humans, and are said to make loyal, obedient pets. Owners claim well-trained dogs will enjoy being around children and adults. According to figures released in September, there are more than 1,000 pit bull terriers owned legally under the Dangerous Dogs Act in England. Chris Laurence, veterinary director of the Dogs Trust, believes it is pit bulls’ new standing as a macho status symbol for young men that has been a major reason behind recent attacks. “Like any dog, it comes down to the way they’re trained and taught,” he said. “The problem is not with the breed. They’re bred to be aggressive to other dogs but not to humans, an
