There is a growing chorus of people who are calling for a complete ban on pit bull ownership. These people contend that pit bulls inherently are a dangerous breed. At the same time, there are still supportive pit bull owners who cling to the idea that not all pit bulls are dangerous.



The Nature of Pit Bulls

There are some biological factors associated with pit bulls that must be kept in mind when trying to analyze the debate regarding whether or not pit bulls should be banned. First of all, pit bulls have jaws that are qualitatively different from the jaws of other breeds of dogs. Contrary to the common belief that pit bulls have jaws similar to that of a dog, experts say that it is actually more related to the jaws of a crocodile.

The jaws of a pit bull are exceptionally strong. And, the manner in which the pit bull jaw is constructed permits it to literally lock onto its target and remain in that position. It nearly is impossible to pry a pit bull's jaw open once it has clamped down on a target.

Beyond the manner in which the jaw is "constructed" many experts also argue that pit bulls by nature are violent dogs. Much in the same way that a lion or tiger biologically is dangerous so is the pit bull.

Actual Case Studies Involving Pit Bulls

There is an ever growing list of instances in which pit bulls have attacked human beings -- seriously injuring them or even killing them. Typical of these occurrences is what happened to a middle aged woman in Elizabeth, Colorado, in November of 2003. She was outside her barn tending to her horses when a pack of three pit bulls -- owned by a neighbor -- came upon her. These pit bulls ended up attacking her relentlessly for 45 minutes until she was dead.

More shocking still was the fact that these dogs had attacked before. This is of course not a separate happening.

The Position of Pit Bull Owners

As with any controversy, there are two sides to the pit bill debate. Pit bull owners and supporters maintain that they are lovable and loving dogs. Once tamed and trained properly, pit bulls can show non-aggressive behaviors. In fact, pit bull owners have put up a strong fight on many fronts -- publicly, in the courts -- to be able to maintain their pets. These owners and supporters really do seem to be pulling out all of the stops to defend what they consider their right to continue to own the breed of dog of their choice, a breed of dog that they maintain is not more dangerous than any other. (Of course, many other people maintain that there is mounting evidence to the contrary.)

The Final Analysis

When all is said and done, public safety necessarily needs to come first. Therefore, the debate in regard to whether or not people should be permitted to own pit bulls has to revolve around how the public can best be kept safe in the most prudent and appropriate manner.

Whether it is nurture or nature, the sad reality is that many innocent people continue to be attacked and even killed by pit bulls on a regular basis.