Are Pit bulls getting a bad rap?

It seems that this notorious breed of canine is now being put in a legal doghouse.

This has to do with a recent case in Maryland  known as Tracey v. Solesky. Herethe Court determined that owners of pit bulls or pit bull mixes and landlords who allow said owners to live in their establishments can both be held liable in pit bull attacks.

Additionally, in the event of a pit bull attack, the victim no longer has to prove that the owner and/or landlord knew the dog was dangerous–he just has to prove that they knew the dog was a pit bull or pit bull mix.

But why the breed discrimination? Well, in its Tracey v. Solesky decision, the Court had this to say about the natural disposition of the dogs:

“Because of its aggressive and vicious nature and its capability to inflict serious and sometimes fatal injuries, pit bulls and cross-bred pit bulls are inherently dangerous.”

Even if we disregard the fact that the pronoun-noun agreement really bites, the above statement from the Court still manages to sound somehow…well, wrong–especially since many veterinarians and dog experts agree that pi bulls are not “inherently dangerous.”

If you don’t believe us, just give this video from Animal Planet’s Dogs 101 a view.

You’ll learn more about the true nature of pit bulls from people who really know dogs (and I mean, come on, just look at those pups. They’re so CUTE!)

During its special session in July, the Maryland General Assembly may be placing a bill to put pit bulls on the same level as all other breeds with regard to liability laws. If a bill is successfully passed, the Assembly can overrule the Court’s decision.

Normally, the dog-eat-dog nature of politics is frowned upon, but in this case, many constituents may be pleased to see the Assembly take a deep bite into the Court’s ruling.