Pit Bull Debate: Nature or Nurture
By: Lauren Murphy
Updated: January 31, 2008
Pit Bulls made up the majority of dangerous animal complaints over the past year, which begs the question, what makes them so vicious?
Is it nature or nurture?
Sandy Reed has spent her life rescuing and raising pit bulls.
"This isn't a dog problem," said Reed. "It's a people problem."
Reed says the owners of these dogs have changed over the past twenty-five years, so much that they have become a symbol for gang members.
Reed says that alliance has caused abuse, neglect, and irresponsible breeding.
She says Pit Bulls are friendly dogs who are happiest indoors with lots of attention, but they were originally bred to grip cattle for butchers.
So, if they get out, their natural instincts will take over and they're likely to attack another animal.
She says anyone who adopts or buys a pit bull should know what they're getting, and be willing to properly care for and train their dog.
