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Pit bulls have gotten a bad rap in recent years as being mean killer dogs, but Maura Davies said if raised in a loving environment, pit bulls can be great pets.

“Pit bulls are wonderful, loyal, fantastic dogs,” Davies said. “They just need to be given love and respect from puppyhood. When they’re treated with cruelty, like any other person or animal, they become vicious.”

Davies, director of communications for the SPCA of Texas, said several years ago, pit bulls had a different reputation.

“Years ago, they were considered loyal, loving pets,” Davies said. “The RCA dog was originally a pit bull.”

In the past 10 or 15 years, Davies said pit bulls have been associated with the bad side of society, more specifically dog fighting.

“Pit bulls were used 100 years ago in England as fight dogs,” Davies said. “There’s a long history of brutality of the breed and recent history. Both are very tragic.”

A sturdy and muscular dog, Davies said some people have pre-conceived notions about pit bulls just because of the way they look.

Dog fighting has become a problem in recent years and it’s not designated to one specific area. In Texas, Davies said dog fighting is a felony.

The SPCA is taking a stance against dog fighting by offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individual involved in dog fighting in the state of Texas. Davies said a person reporting dog fighting will have their information kept confidential, unless ordered by a judge for legal purposes.

“We just want people to feel comfortable if they report dog fighting,” Davies said. “They’ll be safe.”

While the recent case of Michael Vick, the quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons accused of running a dog fighting ring, has angered many animal and non-animal lovers, Davies said there has been some good out of the case.

“This Michael Vick case is bringing so much awareness to the horrible practice,” Davies said. “Not only is dog fighting a problem, but at dog fighting locations, there’s drugs, alcohol and gambling.”



From watching undercover videos on dog fighting busts, Davies said children are even present at dog fighting locations.

“Children should not be exposed to that type of thing,” Davies said.

Pit bulls are notorious for attacking people but Davies said statistics show that it’s not always the pit bulls that bite people.

“Actually, little dogs bite more statistically than big dogs,” Davies said.

Unlike the ferocious killer dogs that are shown in dog fights, Davies said pit bulls have a good temperament when raised in the right environment.

“They want to hang out and play,” Davies said. “They’re sweet, gentle. They have these big, beautiful, soulful eyes.”

Like any dog, Davies said pit bulls need to be in the right type of environment, preferably in a home where they can be active and energetic.

The SPCA currently has pit bulls and pit bull mixes up for adoption. Davies said all dogs up for adoption at the SPCA are given a temperament and health assessment.

Davies said the SPCA looks to place all dogs in a loving home but for pit bulls, it is especially important they receive compassion and care where they are placed.

“These pit bulls need extra loving homes,” Davies said.

To report dog fighting, contact the SPCA of Texas at 214-742-7722 or visit the Web site at www.spca.org/cruelty.

Contact staff writer Stefanie White at swhite@acnpapers.com. To post comments online, access this story at www.scntx.com.

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