Despite myths, pit bulls make wonderful pets, expert says

Despite myths, pit bulls make wonderful pets, expert says
By PETER N. SPENCER
Staff Writer PLAINFIELD -- Pit bulls aren't bad dogs, they just get a bad rap.

That was the message by pit bull expert Mary Harwelik at the Friends of Sleepy Hollow's sixth annual Celebration of Animals on Sunday at Leland Avenue Park.

The nonprofit Friends group was hoping to dispel some of the myths of what they call "The Misunderstood Breed" at the afternoon event, which was attended by more than 30 dogs and their owners, and featured animal blessings by Catholic, Presbyterian and Hindu priests and a Native American shaman.

Though they are bred to be aggressive toward other dogs, pits bulls are not naturally aggressive toward humans, said Harwelik, the vice president of the Pit Bull Owner's Alliance. Most pit bull attacks on humans are caused by negligent and cruel owners.

"They are the most abused dog on the planet," Harwelik said.

As a dog trainer for 20 years and a pit bull advocate for more than 11 years, Harwelick said she has encountered thousands of pit bulls which have been malnourished, chained in dark cellars, beaten and improperly socialized with other animals and humans. One pit bull owner even poured battery acid on his animal, because he thought it could feel no pain, she said.

About half of the dogs found in shelters in the state are pit bulls, and almost all of them have suffered some form of neglect, Harwelik estimated.

And, because they are so often misidentified and there are so many -- based on some estimates, pit bulls are the most popular breed in the country -- there are also many reports of pit bull attacks.

But they are not inclined to hurt humans more than other breeds, she added.

 

Nice read.....its about time one of their ''experts'' knows his ass from a hole in the ground!

 

I second that!!