Pitbulls: Media Prejudice For Profit

By Gary Newcomb

Gary is a contributing editor and works closely with The Little Red Dog as a volunteer and trainer. His own company PawsRMade4Walkin.com works with families who currently have problems with their pups.

If you watch the news, then you have undoubtedly heard commentary on how inherently "dangerous" Pitbulls (by the way, Pitbull is not a breed—rather a slang term that was used to describe any dog that was used for the cruel sport of bull-baiting). It is true, pitbulls have killed people, as have Labs, Shepherds, Cattle Dogs, Dalmatians, and just about every other breed of dog. But this isn't really about dog attacks. It's about the misrepresentation by the media to make these attacks seem like a regular occurrence.

According to a study conducted by dogbite.org there were 36 U.S. dog bite-related fatalities that occurred in 2018. With an estimated 89.7 million dogs (3.6 million being bully breeds), Simple math computes a 0.00001% chance of being killed by a dog.

Let's put this risk in perspective:
- The U.S. averages 43 LIGHTNING fatalities per year.
- There are over 300 deaths per year in the US from LADDERS.
- Falling out of BEDS kills 450 people annually in the U.S
- 41 Americans a year are killed by falling TELEVISIONS.
- BEE STINGS kill about 100 people in the U.S.
- More than 90 people die annually from SELFIE Related deaths.

So if lightning, ladders, beds, TVs, bees and even selfies are all more dangerous than Pitbull attacks, why are they disproportionately reported? Because they scare people.

News sources are supported by advertising; Advertising is decided on ratings, and sensational drama drives ratings. The news draws on provocative stories that make people read or watch. Naturally, animals living among us that are deemed deadly to humans is going to make viewers "tune in at 10"! Unfortunately, this over-dramatization has created an unwarranted prejudice against millions of dogs that are known to their owners to be big lap dog lovers.

If you've ever loved a bully, join us in this campaign to spread the word of how great they are. But if you haven't...Today is the perfect opportunity to learn about these awesome pups! Just not from someone who profits by disparaging them.

I have the benefit of working with these breeds every day! If you have any questions or want to meet a new bully buddy... I'd be glad to meet you at a TLRD adoption event and introduce you.

Gary Newcomb
Dog Trainer for 17 years and Owner of Paws R Made 4 Walkin
PawsRMade4Walkin.com

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