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ANIMAL WATCH - In`1974, an increasing number of severe injuries and human deaths from Pit Bull attacks--- a breed of dog almost unknown in the U.S. outside of the world of dog fighting—and an article in the New York Times reported that “the appeals by humane societies and law enforcement officials caused the U.S. federal government to issue a crack-down on dog fighting and attendant activities.” (A Federal Law to Curb Dogfighting is Urged (10/01The New York Times 1974).
But although this law provided a punishment of up to one year in jail and a potential fine of up to $25,000, the on-going tragedy did not widely attract public interest until it was shockingly brought to attention in a 1987 Sports Illustrated issue featuring a photo of a Pit Bull in attack-warning mode on the cover and an article entitled, THE PIT BULL -- FRIEND AND KILLER.
One man, Richard F. Stratton, a San Diego, CA, high school teacher, Pit Bull breeder, and avid dog-fighting proponent became known to the world at that time as the expert on the breed and the sport as he testified on behalf of dog fighters.
Stratton commemorated the dogs’ by writing and publishing This is the American Pit Bull Terrier (with a photo of his young son on the cover) to unite the current generation of “dogmen” all over the country and solidify interest in this “blood sport” for the next generation by proclaiming the positive attributes of the breed, the physical prowess of the specially bred dogs that are bred to maim and kill and the lucrative earnings from a growing group of enthusiasts for this blood sport would be lost.
Richard F. Stratton has been the most outspoken American advocate for Pit Bulls and an expert on dog fighting since the breed started gaining popularity in the 1970’s, but in 1975 the U.S. Congress passed the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007 110th,
The “Animal Fighting Prohibition Act - Expresses the findings of Congress, including that the practice of promoting for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment, any show, or other activity involving a fight between animals, including animals which were captured, bred, or trained for such purpose, is cruel and inhumane treatment of such animals.”
When he became concerned in 1976 again that Pit Bulls would become extinct after reports of increased attacks on humans, he wrote a book “This is the American Pit Bull Terrier (with a photo of his young son on the cover) to unite the current generation of dogmen all over the country and solidify interest in this “blood sport” for the next generation by proclaiming the positive attributes of the breed.
He emphasized, “the breed's unusually stable and congenial-to-people disposition is that “he is far too formidable a beast for it to be prudent to allow vicious individuals to survive (and thus to propagate). This selective process tended to weed out the mean dogs and has left us with a dog with an almost ridiculously amiable disposition.”
But that was not what the stats were showing, nor what the media was reporting.
Richard F. Stratton, a San Diego Unified School District high-school teacher, Pit Bull breeder, and avid dog-fighting proponent became known to the world at that time as the expert on the breed and the sport as he testified on behalf of dog fighters.
Then, in 1987 Sports Illustrated magazine published “The Pit Bull: Friend and Killer,” and again aroused concern about the dogs.
PIT BULL POLITICS
Articles/books by Richard F. Stratton resulted in his photo appearing in the American Pit Bull Terrier Gazette magazine in 1987, published by the American Dog Breeders Association in Lake City, UT, and containing an article on “How to Counter Anti-Dog Proposals.” It has the exact wording and communication methods used today by such organizations as Best Friends Animal Society to assure that bans on Pit Bulls are not passed or are overturned in communities, cities and states across the U.S.
STRATTON’S ADVICE ON “RESCUE” DOGS
“Another influencing element, surprisingly enough, is the rescue dog component. I have always appreciated people who participated in this, as I understood their good intentions, and I have even been of aid to them at times because of my high regard for them,” Stratton wrote.
“I understand the philosophy: better to save a dog’s life by picking a dog that would eventually be euthanized than to pay good money for a dog from a breeder.”
“The problem is that a lot of the pound dogs are there for a reason: they caused someone problems. (I am well aware, of course, that some dogs are left off because of other reasons that made things become untenable for the former owners. But nonetheless, there is a sizable contingent of problem dogs.)”
“I must confess that I am not eager to have problem dogs out there that will simply add to the infamy of the breed or will cause some sort of tragedy for a family.”
“It is not only possible problems with disposition, though, as a lot of these dogs have health and structural problems. Coming from a long line of irresponsible breeders, the dogs will often present health problems, ranging from cancer to hip dysplasia to other structural problems, such as bad knees and torn or vulnerable cruciate ligaments.”
“It is important to keep in mind that the price you pay for a dog is a small percentage of what you will pay over its lifetime and that is especially true if you get an unsound animal.”
Richard F. Stratton is also listed on “The Cichlid Stage” site and has published numerous articles about this exotic fish, according to public records.
RICHARD F. STRATTON LOOKS BACK
Now, after a life dedicated to defending Pit Bulls and their owners, he does express remorse for some of his actions and opinions which have resulted in the breeding by many who have created creatures that have maimed and killed adults and children.
He also has some interesting and surprising opinions on adopting or owning a Pit Bull.
HIS LEGEND WILL LIVE ON, WITH MIXED OPINIONS
Articles/books by Stratton resulted in his photo with one of his Pit Bulls adorning the cover of an American Pit Bull Terrier Gazette magazine in 1987. It contains an article on “How to Counter Anti-Dog Proposals,” with the exact information and communication methods used today by such organizations as Best Friends Animal Society to assure that bans on pit bulls are not passed or existing bans/restrictions are overturned in communities, cities and states across the U.S.
STRATTON’S THOUGHTS ON PIT BULLS NOW
“While I was personally won over by the breed because of its stark warrior spirit and fighting capabilities, I have changed a lot in my lifetime, and I now particularly appreciate the intelligence and good disposition of the breed. However, I do believe that anyone who considers a member of this breed should make peace with its fighting and hunting history and be willing to keep the dog contained and on leash,” Stratton says.
LOOKING AHEAD.
Richard Stratton now has retired from the San Diego Unified School District and, according to reports, devotes much of his time to another love--Cuchild Exotic Fish, about which he has also published many books and articles, and he is involved in the Cuchild Society.
He started “The Long Goodbye,” because he obviously wants to share his thoughts and experiences and regrets with friends everywhere, acknowledging the fragility of life.
Any quoted material I have included here, unless indicated otherwise, is directly from his on-line site, and the entire site can be seen here.
The Long Goodbye
His latest post, “The Long Goodbye” shows his mental clarity at the age of 92 and his ability to m Richard F. Stratton has been the most outspoken American advocate for Pit Bulls and an expert on dog fighting since the breed started gaining popularity in the 1970’s, but in 1975 the U.S. Congress passed the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007 110th,
The “Animal Fighting Prohibition Act - Expresses the findings of Congress, including that the practice of promoting for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment, any show, or other activity involving a fight between animals, including animals which were captured, bred, or trained for such purpose, is cruel and inhumane treatment of such animals.”
When he became concerned in 1976 again that Pit Bulls would become extinct after reports of increased attacks on humans, he wrote a book “This is the American Pit Bull Terrier (with a photo of his young son on the cover) to unite the current generation of dogmen all over the country and solidify interest in this “blood sport” for the next generation by proclaiming the positive attributes of the breed.
One theory advanced to account for the breed's unusually stable and congenial-to-people disposition is that he is far too formidable a beast for it to be prudent to allow vicious individuals to survive (and thus to propagate) .... This selective process tended to weed out the mean dogs and has left us with a dog with an almost ridiculously amiable disposition.
But that was not what the stats were showing, nor what the media was reporting.
Richard F. Stratton, a San Diego Unified School District high-school teacher, Pit Bull breeder, and avid dog-fighting proponent became known to the world at that time as the expert on the breed and the sport as he testified on behalf of dog fighters.
Then, in 1987 Sports Illustrated magazine published “The Pit Bull: Friend and Killer,” and again aroused concern about the dogs.
PIT BULL POLITICS
Articles/books by Richard F. Stratton resulted in his photo appearing in the American Pit Bull Terrier Gazette magazine in 1987, published by the American Dog Breeders Association in Lake City, UT, and containing an article on “How to Counter Anti-Dog Proposals.” It has the exact wording and communication methods used today by such organizations as Best Friends Animal Society to assure that bans on Pit Bulls are not passed or are overturned in communities, cities and states across the U.S.
STRATTON’S ADVICE ON “RESCUE” DOGS
“Another influencing element, surprisingly enough, is the rescue dog component. I have always appreciated people who participated in this, as I understood their good intentions, and I have even been of aid to them at times because of my high regard for them,” Stratton wrote.
“I understand the philosophy: better to save a dog’s life by picking a dog that would eventually be euthanized than to pay good money for a dog from a breeder.”
“The problem is that a lot of the pound dogs are there for a reason: they caused someone problems. (I am well aware, of course, that some dogs are left off because of other reasons that made things become untenable for the former owners. But nonetheless, there is a sizable contingent of problem dogs.)”
“I must confess that I am not eager to have problem dogs out there that will simply add to the infamy of the breed or will cause some sort of tragedy for a family.”
“It is not only possible problems with disposition, though, as a lot of these dogs have health and structural problems. Coming from a long line of irresponsible breeders, the dogs will often present health problems, ranging from cancer to hip dysplasia to other structural problems, such as bad knees and torn or vulnerable cruciate ligaments.”
“It is important to keep in mind that the price you pay for a dog is a small percentage of what you will pay over its lifetime and that is especially true if you get an unsound animal.”
Richard F. Stratton is also listed on “The Cichlid Stage” site and has published numerous articles about this exotic fish, according to public records.
RICHARD F. STRATTON LOOKS BACK
Now, after a life dedicated to defending Pit Bulls and their owners, he does express remorse for some of his actions and opinions which have resulted in the breeding by many who have created creatures that have maimed and killed adults and children.
He also has some interesting and surprising opinions on adopting or owning a Pit Bull.
LEGEND WILL LIVE ON, WITH MIXED OPINIONS
Articles/books by Stratton resulted in his photo with one of his Pit Bulls adorning the cover of an American Pit Bull Terrier Gazette magazine in 1987.
It contains an article on “How to Counter Anti-Dog Proposals,” with the exact information and communication methods used today by such organizations as Best Friends Animal Society to assure that bans on pit bulls are not passed nor existing bans/ the overturned in communities, cities and states across the U.S.
STRATTON’S THOUGHTS ON PIT BULLS NOW
“While I was personally won over by the breed because of its stark warrior spirit and fighting capabilities, I have changed a lot in my lifetime, and I now particularly believe that anyone who considers a member of this breed should make peace with its fighting and hunting history and be willing to keep the dog contained and on leash,” Stratton says.
LOOKING AHEAD
Richard Stratton now has retired from the San Diego Unified School District and, according to reports, devotes much of his time to another love--Cuchild Exotic Fish, about which he has also published many books and articles, and he is involved in the Cuchild Society.
He started “The Long Goodbye,” because he obviously wants to share his thoughts and experiences and regrets with friends everywhere, now acknowledging the fragility of life.
Any quoted material I have included here, unless indicated otherwise, is directly from his on-line site, and the entire site can be seen here. .
THE LONG GOODBYE
His latest post, “The Long Goodbye” shows his total mental acuity at the age of 92.
The sections are HOME, ARTICLES, GALLERY. CONTACT, and his latest articles and thoughts, and can be read by clicking on the links below:
Richard F. Stratton has been the most outspoken American advocate for Pit Bulls and an expert on dog fighting since the breed started gaining popularity in the 1970’s, but in 1975 the U.S. Congress passed the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007 110th,
The “Animal Fighting Prohibition Act - Expresses the findings of Congress, including that the practice of promoting for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment, any show, or other activity involving a fight between animals, including animals which were captured, bred, or trained for such purpose, is cruel and inhumane treatment of such animals.”
When he became concerned in 1976 again that Pit Bulls would become extinct after reports of increased attacks on humans, he wrote a book “This is the American Pit Bull Terrier (with a photo of his young son on the cover) to unite the current generation of dogmen all over the country and solidify interest in this “blood sport” for the next generation by proclaiming the positive attributes of the breed.
Stratton commented about Pit Bulls that, “the breed's unusually stable and congenial-to-people disposition is because ” he is far too formidable a beast for it to be prudent to allow vicious individuals to survive (and thus to propagate). This selective process tended to weed out the mean dogs and has left us with a dog with an almost ridiculously amiable disposition.”
But that was not what the stats were showing, nor what the media was reporting.
Then, in 1987 Sports Illustrated magazine published “The Pit Bull: Friend and Killer,” and again aroused concern about the dogs.
PIT BULL POLITICS
Articles/books by Richard F. Stratton resulted in his photo appearing in the American Pit Bull Terrier Gazette magazine in 1987, published by the American Dog Breeders Association in Lake City, UT, and containing an article on “How to Counter Anti-Dog Proposals.” It has the exact wording and communication methods used today by such organizations as Best Friends Animal Society to assure that bans on Pit Bulls are not passed or are overturned in communities, cities and states across the U.S.
STRATTON’S ADVICE ON “RESCUE” DOGS
“Another influencing element, surprisingly enough, is the rescue dog component. I have always appreciated people who participated in this, as I understood their good intentions, and I have even been of aid to them at times because of my high regard for them,” Stratton wrote.
“I understand the philosophy: better to save a dog’s life by picking a dog that would eventually be euthanized than to pay good money for a dog from a breeder.”
“The problem is that a lot of the pound dogs are there for a reason: they caused someone problems. (I am well aware, of course, that some dogs are left off because of other reasons that made things become untenable for the former owners. But nonetheless, there is a sizable contingent of problem dogs.)”
“I must confess that I am not eager to have problem dogs out there that will simply add to the infamy of the breed or will cause some sort of tragedy for a family.”
“It is not only possible problems with disposition, though, as a lot of these dogs have health and structural problems. Coming from a long line of irresponsible breeders, the dogs will often present health problems, ranging from cancer to hip dysplasia to other structural problems, such as bad knees and torn or vulnerable cruciate ligaments.”
“It is important to keep in mind that the price you pay for a dog is a small percentage of what you will pay over its lifetime and that is especially true if you get an unsound animal.”
RICHARD F. STRATTON LOOKS BACK
Now, after a life dedicated to defending Pit Bulls and their owners, he does express remorse for some of his actions and opinions which have resulted in the breeding by many who have created creatures that have maimed and killed adults and children.
He also has some interesting and surprising opinions on adopting or owning a Pit Bull. Also, read links below for real insight into the dual life of a father, grandfather, school teacher and
HIS LEGEND WILL LIVE ON, WITH MIXED OPINIONS
Articles/books by Stratton resulted in his photo with one of his Pit Bulls adorning the cover of an American Pit Bull Terrier Gazette magazine in 1987. It contains an article on “How to Counter Anti-Dog Proposals,” with the exact information and communication methods used today by such organizations as Best Friends Animal Society to assure that bans on pit bulls are not passed or existing bans/restrictions are overturned in communities, cities and states across the U.S.
STRATTON’S THOUGHTS ON PIT BULLS NOW
“While I was personally won over by the breed because of its stark warrior spirit and fighting capabilities, I have changed a lot in my lifetime, and I now particularly requre that anyone who considers a member of this breed should make peace with its fighting and hunting history and be willing to keep the dog contained and on leash,” Stratton says.
LOOKING AHEAD.
Richard Stratton now has retired from the San Diego Unified School District and, according to reports, devotes much of his time to another love--Cuchild Exotic Fish, about which he has also published many books and articles, and he is involved in the Cuchild Society.
He started “The Long Goodbye,” because he obviously wants to share his thoughts and experiences and regrets with friends and readers everywhere, acknowledging the fragility of life.
Any quoted material I have included here, unless indicated otherwise, is directly from his on-line site, and the entire site can be seen here. .
“The Long Goodbye” shows his mental clarity at the age of 92.
The sections are: HOME, ARTICLES, GALLERY. CONTACT, and his latest articles and thoughts, and can be read by clicking on the links below:
· The Long Goodbye January 18, 2024
· Once More Around the Mulberry Bush January 9, 2024
· The Wash December 28, 2023
· The Question of Pain November 9, 2021
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