When sharing about fatal dog attacks I consistently do two things:
1. Use the word murder, or use phrases as verbs such as “the pitbull killed him.”
2. Remind people that scientists found differences in the canine brain based on breed, and that Bloodsport dogs especially have differences seen on imaging in their #amygdala.
These two things are not accidents.
When a #bloodsport dog looks at a target and chooses to maul the person or pet to death, it is not an accident, a snap, a blackout, a mistake, a misunderstanding, etc.
It is a sentient, bold, intentional choice to relentlessly end the life of another being. Not out of fear, but out of desire to do it.
When we unintentionally use #minimizing or #deflecting language, we become accomplices with the abuser. This occurs in other violent topics such as #domesticviolence. “In a tragic accident, the man ended her life.” Or “He was a nice man but one day snapped.”
Humans fall prey to the desire to minimize horrific choices. It helps us to feel better or to grapple with the loss of control and peace in the world. But this form of #gaslighting is also what continues to create cycles of violence.
“Yes, Of Course Dogs are Sentient. But Now There’s Science to Prove It.”
“According to a study carried out by the neuroeconomics professor and author Gregory Berns, there is evidence to suggest that dogs are self-aware.
After training a selection of dogs to remain still so that they could undergo an MRI scan, Berns concluded that our canine friends are able to experience a similar level of consciousness and emotions to humans. The dogs involved in the study were not restrained or placed under any sedatives.”
“Are dogs sentient? Yes. Research shows they appear to understand how their actions affect other dogs and humans.”
“These findings supply the first evidence that for GWL dogs, verbal labels evoke a multisensory mental representation of the objects.”
“Do Dogs Know Other Dogs Are Dogs?
This is not a philosophical riddle. Despite their highly variable appearance, dogs can recognize one another by sight alone.”
With the evidence that dogs have at least some level of sentience, our knowledge about the amygdala becomes critically relevant here.
The amygdala is associated with the ability to empathize, feel the spectrum of emotions, and develop behavioral choices.
But in both human #narcissists and #sociopaths along with Bloodsport dogs, a smaller or damaged amygdala can be clearly seen in medical imaging and is associated with more aggressive and violent behavior.
“Psychopaths Show Enhanced Amygdala Activation during Fear Conditioning”
“Dogs with anxiety have different brains, with connections with the amygdala being strengthened”
“Significant Neuroanatomical Variation Among Domestic Dog Breeds”
So the next time (like, every hour of every day) that you hear of a dog mauling or dog killing, catch yourself. Ask yourself if you’re minimizing this nonstop violence. And begin to change your perspective about these “tragic accidents.”
Respectfully,
A Dog Bite Awareness Admin
Parents for Dog Bite Awareness 
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