Pit Bulls — Dogs Like Any Other Dogs

AFF_infographic_FINAL_whole-01_01-ThumbnailIn an effort to challenge the negative stereotypes about “pit bull” dog owners, the non-profit organization, Animal Farm Foundation (AFF) created The Majority Project, a photo collection illustrating the countless “pit bull” dog owners that are no different than other dog owners; making valuable contributions to their families and communities every day.

AFF is encouraging “pit bull” dog owners to join The Majority Project by visiting their website and personalizing an “I am the MAJORITY” sign and submitting a photo with their dog. Some of the photos submitted will be chosen to appear in The Majority Project public service announcement, staring actor and “pit bull” dog owner Jon Bernthal, to help raise awareness for the cause. You can check out Jon Bernthal’s call-to-action video here.

Breed-specific legislation (BSL) causes discrimination against dog owners based on their dog’s appearance and doesn’t make communities safer. Though states and municipalities nationwide have begun to abolish such laws, BSL is still enforced in some communities, including those outlined in AFF’s Breed Specific Legislation Map. Despite the stereotypes placed on them, the overwhelming majority of “pit bull” dog owners love and care for their pets in a responsible manner, including proper maintenance, control and containment of their dogs. By treating all dogs as individuals and empowering pet owners to be responsible, we create communities that are safe and humane.

The biggest problem facing pit bulls is that they are still the “dog of choice” for gangsters who treat them with disrespect, tie them up and teach them to be killers.  All this simply perpetuates the myth that they are bad dogs. In fact, when treated with love and respect and properly trained, they are just like other dogs, they can be great family members.