[outspoken]

As I often do I was searching the World Wide Web about Pit related issues. I recently came across something that until now I really have not given much thought. Which is Animal Planets program called "Animal Cops"
I have watched this program several times and have seen many episodes that have shown the dangerous side of the American Pit bull. Seems like every time I have seen a Pit bull on the show or even mentioned on the show something is said about fighting, and of course most of the time the Pit ends up at the Humane Society where it is more often than not implied that placement is unlikely and the animal will most likely be put down.
One on side of this I think it is a good thing that Animal Planet is addressing there is a problem with people fighting these dogs, however I am not so sure that they are helping address the fact that it is not the animal that is the problem.

[outspoken]

It seems that any other animal they come across, they go to great lengths to point out the animal is a victim of abuse, and they do everything in their power to get the animal back in good health and good hands. I mean when have you ever seen them say something like "this is a quarter horse which are typically hard to retrain so we will most likely be putting this one down"

I am on the fence on one hand I think it is good they keep the public aware there is a fighting problem, but just once I would love to see them show a Pit bull that has been rescued and kicking it with his/her new family rather than being so quick to say "this dog will most likely be put down"

Let me know what you think on this I am really curious. If you are against Animal Planets constant negative coverage this is a link to the petition that I came across. http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_pe...i?dreampit&201


I guess i understand they may feel the are trying to pick the lessor evil put come on throw a guy a bone show something positive about the breed please. I mean what is nationally televised supporting the breed the "Dog Whisper" no offense but who watches that?
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[PNWPBR]

Animal Cops is in Detriot, MI where that particular HS has made it a policy of theirs not to adopt out that breed. My understanding for their reasoning is because of the huge dog fighting problem that Detroit has and even if a dog ended up in the HS and was not a fighting dog, the chances of it getting adopted and ending up being fought is high.

Sadly, that is the only way they feel they can combat the situation instead of education.

[megschristina]

I have seen several episodes where the Pittie was just to sick to be saved. Alot of times they cite agression as a reason to kill them. I dont know I have seen a few episodes with happy endings, also I have seen them prosecute the owners. i don't know, I just try not to watch it anymore, makes me too mad.

[luvapit]

The show "Animal Precinct" with the New York ASPCA typically tries to rehabilitate the pit bulls, and that one does point out that its the bad people owning them thats the problem, but the Detroit, and the Miami ones are no good, Houston is ok sometimes...

[buddysmom]

It is sad but true that in Detroit (maybe more than anywhere else) the resources are just not there to make sure rescued pit bulls are going to the right people, to educate adopters, follow up with them, etc ... the rescuers in Detroit have enough trouble providing the barest minimum food and shelter.

As far as how the pit bulls are portrayed on Animal Cops in general, I am usually not happy about it. The one exception that I have seen is the New York City "Animal Precinct" show. It is the only version I will watch.

[luvmybullet]

I Actually Love The Show I Have Them All Set To Record On My Dvr. On Animal Precinct In Ny, They Actually Try To Rehibilitate The Dogs Unlike Animal Cops In Detroit, If The Fighting Pit Bulls Are Taken They Immediatly Euthinize They Say They Are Unable To Rehibilitate Pit Bulls After They Are Fought. This Is Very Sad To Me Especially After Watching Animal Precinct Seeing All The Fighting Pit Bulls They Have Rehibilitated And Adopted Out. Grant It Not All Are Able To Recover From What They Expierenced But Alot Of Them Do!! I Love The Show For The Reason That It Shows People The Terrible Results Of Dog Fighting And How Loving The Dogs Are With Humans!! I Have Never Seen One On The Show Yet That Was A Fighting Dog And Tried To Attack The Officers. They Are A Resilliant Breed To Be Able To Trust Humans After All Their Original Owners Put Them Through Is Amazing To Me!!

[annji]

I've only seen one episode that had APBTs in it. In that one while it stated the dogs would be confiscated and probably not adopted, the officers did state that it was due to the irresponsibility of the owner and that the problem was widespread and very sad. I don't particularly care for the show. I did look at the petition and did not sign becasue it calls for the show to be canceled. I'd prefer it call for changes to be made in reference to the APBT. I believe that would have a much better effect on public opinion and be better able to reach the shows producers.