The Wicked Witch of the East, West and In Between

In this day and age we are all well aware of the witch hunt which ensues everyday without fail in America. A tireless hunt which hopes by way of thousands of dead dogs and innocent dog breeders to turn over that lucky stone which leads to an actual active dog fighter.

When we hear of a bust where the HSUS and ASPCA claim the parties accused are perpetrators of the "biggest dog fighting ring in the country" we are reminded that the last bust propagandists said the same words. When we see images of dogs being packed into trucks we think, God I hope there is air conditioning this time. And, when we see the names scrolling across the news boards of the accused we think, I'm rooting for you. That is, if you turn out to be innocent.

You and I cannot always know who is and isn't innocent. We do, however, know that the HSUS will accuse anyone with a treadmill, a pit bull and a chain setup of being a dog fighter. So, when I hear about hundreds of dogs being confiscated and possibly innocent men being indicted I hope for the sake of the breeds very existance that this is another dishonest portrayal of innocent men. Because, in this day and age if you are actively fighting dogs in America you are a criminal. However much we might not like that fact, it is a fact. And, in order for the breed to survive the current storm we need large and small dog breeders alike to join together and do positive things in the public eye to promote the breeds ability to adapt. In other words, we need to show the world that the American Pit Bull Terrier is more than just a "fighting breed."

Unfortunately, when the media is constantly barraging the public with images of bloodthirsty pit bulls eating babies and killing poodles it's hard to show the positive aspects. And, when there is widespread national coverage of hundreds of dogs being confiscated in what is undoubtedly called "the biggest dog fighting bust in America" it's hard to get the local channel 5 out to do a nice puff peice about weight pull, conformation or even seeing eye dogs that happen to be American Pit Bull Terriers.

So, I am pleading with the fraternity to please consider a stay on all illegal activity until further notice. Please take this moment to consider that we are much better off when all of the accused are innocent. Then when they end up being guilty. Please remember that the breeds history and original purpose don't change just because you take a break from being outlaws. And, please please please go to a dog show, teach your pup weight pull or become a seeing eye volunteer. For the good of the breed.

I know and you know that 9 out of 10 accused dog fighters are innocent. But, that 1 guilty man will be a pillar for the HSUS, ASPCA and government alike as proof that all of us are drug dealers, dog fighters and criminals.

In this country we live everyday as the stewards of a breed which is under fire and under appreciated. We are here in order to make sure it continues on, unfettered and unchanged. Although we may not be able to test the dogs in the way they were meant to be tested in this sea of liberal media and government, we can appreciate the history the same.

With that I leave you to reflect and consider how you can best help your beloved breed continue on. . .