Why were APBTs banned in England?

Hello, I don't know how much information on this subject people will be able to offer me as I assume this is a predominantly American site, however I was wondering why the breed was banned in England. I think its a very harsh ruling to ban a breed and wanted to grasp a better understanding of the situation. Thanks for those that can help.

Gale's Reply:

It is a harsh measure and a useless one as far as reducing the number of dog bites in a community. There are places in the U.S. and Canada that ban pit bulls also--cities like Denver and Ontario. And, I believe Australia has some type of restriction on pit bulls though it's never really been clear to me what it is.

In the absence of knowledge of the particulars in the U.K., I would say it's probably not much different than anywhere else. The media sensationalizes any mishap involving a dog that looks like a pit bull.

I heard something on a student documentary the other day that said there is evidence that shows that the media overwhelmingly rejects dog bite stories that do not involve pit bulls. This gives the public the false impression that pit bulls are more vicious than other dogs.

Consequently, the public has come to fear pit bulls and politicians have capitalized on that by running on a platform of keeping the community safe by banning the dogs that people fear most.

In other words, it's a combination of ignorance and ambition that has cast APBTs in such a negative light.

Perhaps someone with more intimate knowledge of the situation in the U.K. will see this and respond also.