Stop the Ban of Pit Bulls on Military bases!
- by: Taylor Walls
- recipient: Hon. Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy
As some of you may or may not know, the relationship between American Pit Bull Terriers and the United States military dates back to World War One and Two. On propaganda posters the United States used slogans like, "Neutral, but not afraid of any of them." and "We're not looking for trouble, but we're ready for it." A picture of a Pit Bull was placed with these slogans.
In the first World War Sgt. Stubby, a Pit Bull warned his troops about attacks headed their way, he also captured a German spy all on his own. He was injured in battle and while recovering he kept good morale among the other soldiers who were recovering from injuries. Sgt. Stubby is the most decorated war dog to have served the United States military. Today, it seems as if we have forgotten the sacrifice Sgt. Stubby made for his country, as Pit Bulls have been banned from military bases and evicted from their homes.
In early 2009 the Pentagon approved a "pet policy" banning Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Wolf Hybrids and Rottweilers from military housing. A few Air Force and Navy bases shortly followed suit. In the Fall, the Marine Corps issued a worldwide ban policy, the family had to relocate or law enforcement evicted the animals.
Being forced to give up family pets isn't good for the morale of our troops. The Presidential Administration needs to reverse the breed specific pet policy to keep military families together and restore these loyal dogs to their former, well-earned position of respect.
Greetings,
In the past year, many military families have been torn apart by the new pet policy that bans specific breeds from military housing. The morale of military families suffers when they have to give up their beloved pets.
The American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Kennel Club, the Humane Society of the United States, and several other experts oppose breed specific legislation as an ineffective way to reduce dog bites. In addition to being unable to reliably identify dog breeds, dog bites are the result of irresponsible owners, not any particular breed.
Sergeant Stubby, a decorated war hero, was a pit bull. The American Pit Bull Terrier was once the mascot of our military. Please restore these loyal dogs by repealing the breed ban.
The majority of American households have pets and treat those pets like family. I urge you to allow pit bulls and other restricted breeds back on military bases, so military families can stay together.
