Should pit bulls automatically be labeled as "not adoptable" and put to death — just for being pit bulls? In many communities, the answer is "yes." Just because they are pit bulls.

Pit bulls have a reputation as a mean, vicious breed of dog. But here's the other side of the story. His name is Teddy. He's a pit bull, too. But you couldn't find a sweeter dog in the whole world. In fact, Teddy loves people so much he hates to be left alone. He bonded so strongly with his previous "owner," he developed separation anxiety.

Pit bulls aren't naturally bad. But some pit bull owners are. They are the ones who train dogs to be mean and vicious. They're the ones who allow dogs to be ripped to shreds in training bouts and dog fights. And they're the ones who need to be punished.

Indeed, in recent years, the San Francisco Department of Animal Care and Control has been involved in the arrest of several illegal dog fighters — all of whom have used pit bulls exclusively. While it may be true that dogs of any breed can be bred and raised in ways that make them dangerous, we agree that these dogs appear to be at particularly high risk of falling into the wrong hands.

Teddy in the Sun

But we don't agree that the answer is to ban pit bulls. Dog fighters and abusers would just move on to another breed, like Rottweilers or Dobermans. The answer is to pursue, prosecute and punish dog fighters to the full extent of the law. To set an example that will deter others. Then dogs like Teddy can go back to doing what they do best: chasing Frisbees and cuddling little kids.

At The San Francisco SPCA, we are committed to saving the lives of as many dogs as we can, including pit bulls. Pit bulls who pass our screening procedures will be made available for adoption and will be placed in loving, responsible homes, no matter how long it takes.