Stupidity is a Social Disease
I have stayed quiet for the past few months with something of a superstitious notion that if I held onto the faith in my fellow human beings the possibility of sanity ruling in Missouri would come to pass. I am of course talking about pending legislation in both the Missouri House of Representatives and Senate that would effectively eliminate the practice of holding a dog breed responsible for the sins of humans. That superstitious notion was just thrown aside by yet another report of the type of heinous abuse those promoting breed bias have learned to so easily ignore.
The attached picture is of a male Pit Bull surrendered to the Hayti Missouri police department. He is the face of the first victim of the monsters the supporters of breed genocide protect. That is what breed bans and restrictions represent. It is nothing more than a crutch designed to hide a real monster and it is used without conscience to make those too stupid to educate themselves to the real problem feel they have done something. Yes, those who know me know I am very angry at the time of this writing. I am sick of seeing this horrific abuse while hearing the "nice, concerned" members of our society dictate death sentences on dogs they know nothing about beyond the same propaganda being spread by those who have found a way to profit on the carnage.
The dog you see has suffered starvation and dehydration, burning, bites, a broken leg and pelvis that were not treated and infection from the lack of any medical treatment. He has survived to this point by some miracle of God alone and is now in the care of a veterinarian through the efforts of the Caruthersville Humane Society. I see this dog and the outrage that anyone could not only watch this happen but actually take some perverse joy from it makes me sick. The sickness comes from not only this dog but all the other dogs we see in this condition or worse. Some have already died and some seem to hang on only to die while we helplessly give them the only love they have ever known during their final moments. This dog will survive and thrive. His suffering will not have been for nothing because he will go on to represent the thousands like him. But still the notices of breed bans fill our email inboxes and the news is filled with the tales of yet another irresponsible STUPID human hammering another nail into the coffin of the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Just a few weeks ago we heard the story from another town close to where this dog was rescued of a dog attack on two people sending one to the hospital. The key words in this instance from the sheriff himself were in regards to previous instances of aggression. This is inexcusable regardless of breed. In the case of the Pit Bull, it is against the very standards this breed was held to for a hundred years in the beginning of its original development. The same animal rights groups who have lined their pockets with the money which should have been used to support our local shelters and rescues are the ones who have also promoted an image of a killing machine. The results of their STUPIDITY has produced exactly the monster the media needed to continue inciting fear in the public too wrapped up in this frenzy to actually see the truth. I have offered on many occasions a set of animal control ordinances designed to address the problem animals without regard to breed. These have been ignored in favor of breed prejudice over human accountability.
Missouri's House and Senate have been "mulling" possible legislation addressing breed specific language over holding ALL dog owners responsible. As was feared the House Bill 1116 was contaminated by proposed amendments furthering the cause of the animal rights fanatics in this state. It is now no longer on any calendar thanks to the efforts of Representative Solon of the Kansas City area. Kansas City is home of one of two groups to be supported by the HSUS. I remind you another supported animal rights group, Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, publicly came out condemning ANY legislation furthering the cause of removing breed specific language from our laws. Keeping our bills clean has been the main issue in getting this type of legislation sponsored and supported. Basically, we have lost half the battle.
SB865 is still on the calendar for perfection. If it can be kept safe from the animal rights agenda it has a chance of being sent to the House. The problem is, Representative Solon will likely submit the same amendments and effectively kill this bill also. Even if she suddenly realizes BSL represents death, Missouri's session ends Friday, May 16. Miracles do happen and until I know for sure this bill has died, I hold onto the hope the House will move quickly and the governor will sign this bill into law. Before you ask, no I do not believe in unicorns but to lose hope at this point is to feel 28 years of fighting this stupidity will have been for nothing. Yes, there is always next year.....
In the meantime, we continue to face the horrors which are the reality of the American Pit Bull Terrier. As always, I hold the Caruthersville Humane Society in the highest esteem for all they do to not only protect this breed but also in their fight against the ignorance killing these dogs.
To help care for Skelly and the seemingly unending stream of dogs being victimized by an apathetic public, you can find contact information at the CHS website http://www.pcaws.org/.
SIDE NOTE: I send a special message of appreciation to Rochelle Steffen of Pit Bull Strong for representing our area at the Million Pit Bull March in Washington DC. I am so very proud to be able to share this journey with someone as dedicated and strong as you. Well done dear friend!
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