I Spy ... Pit Bull PR

We had a very heated debate in class today regarding Ontario’s legislation banning pit bulls. Having known several lovely pit bulls (both pure bred and cross bred), I must preface this entry with the statement that I am extremely biased. I love pit bulls.


So here’s what we discussed ... do pit bulls need better PR?

I most certainly think they do! So how do we go about this? Make some warm fuzzy public service announcements about how cute and lovable pit bulls are? Maybe use “true life” stories about pit bulls saving the lives of others and achieving other heroic feats?

Here are the breeds that are on the naughty list:

•  Pit bull terrier
•  Staffordshire bull terrier
•  American Staffordshire terrier
•  American pit bull terrier
•  A dog that has an appearance and physical characteristics substantially similar to any of those dogs

And there it is folks! My favourite part: “an appearance and physical characteristics substantially similar.” Yup, we can seize your dog because we feel it looks like a “dangerous breed”. Let’s for a moment transfer this genius rationale to humans. Attention gentleman with an affection for fur coats, shiny alligator shoes and gold teeth ... time for a wardrobe change cause you’re gonna be arrested on the grounds that you are a suspected pimp. Beware all ye young ladies leaving the club this Saturday night. Pull down those hemlines! Cover that cleavage! You want to get arrested? Imagine the round-up that would occur in the entertainment district on the weekends! Phew! The OPP would have their hands full!

So back to public relations strategies for these adorable dogs. If it’s all appearance based, is it safe to suggest we start dressing our pit bulls in little pink sweaters? Perhaps we should force them to wear impossibly tiny hats? Little hats on animals are always funny. Tutu’s for everyone! Scratch the public service announcements. We can save pit bull owners time and money if we just invest in a wide variety of ridiculous and degrading dog costumes.

Problem solved.

Pit bulls of Ontario: you may have lost your pride (sorry about the tutus) but at least you can keep your lives.