MONDAY, MAY 3, 1999

Pit bull's nature under fire

Pit bulls. Usually the two words alone strike a nervous chord in those who hear them. Their reputation is that of a ferocious, powerful animal that has the power to lock its jaws and never let go.

But did you know that Helen Keller owned one? Fred Astaire also owned a pit bull along with General George S. Patton. The Buster Brown shoe company's mascot is a pit bull. The electronic company RCA uses Nipper, a pit bull, as its mascot. Pit bulls were also used as a mascot to illustrate the American stance of neutrality in World War I. But most of all, who can ever forget Petey, the trusted four-legged wonder of the Li'l Rascals gang?

The reason why pit bulls have been revered as pets or chosen to represent products is because of their tremendous loyalty. They are also well known for their high threshold for pain, desire to please, and love of their owner's affection.

So why the negative reputation? Research indicates the public's misperception that crime has increased is a major contributing factor.

So what does this have to do with pit bulls? If people perceive that crime has increased, they will want to protect their homes and family. Acquiring a dog is a tangible way to protect themselves.

The problem with this is that the majority of people do not know the work involved in taking care of and properly raising a dog - not just a pit bull - but any dog.

According to Dr. Dennis Fetko, a world-renowned animal behaviorist, most people do more research in finding the right computer or refrigerator than they do for a living, breathing member of the family that could be there for 12 years or more.

Another reason is the backyard breeder whose fascination with having a tough dog leads them to irresponsible breeding. Another is the cruel and greedy use of pit bulls for dog fighting. These questionable citizens will breed pit bulls for aggressive tendencies.

Dogs are descendants of wolves. Since they are descendants, they follow the same order of hierarchy in pack life. There is only one dominant male, and males will usually vie for that position. In the wild, as with our domestic dogs, males will only fight for dominance and not to kill. What dog fighters are doing when they breed for that drive to kill is creating a freak of nature, one that is not supposed to exist.

Combine these factors and you have the tragic case of Fily Araujo, a toddler who was killed by the family pit bull named Payaso, meaning "clown," when his mother left them alone outside for a moment. Add your vulture-like local television news programs to cover this tragedy and you have pit bulls occupying 40 to 50 percent of city dog shelters.

Remember that we humans are the ones who ultimately impact our surroundings, good or bad. The media and the public always blame pit bulls for the harm they cause, but never the humans. Pit bulls are facing negative publicity and certain death because of the choices we have made.

Vanessa Valera is a public relations journalism major.