After reading over this entire thread, it is my opinion that the dog in the first pic looks in great condition. She's an excellent example of a dog that is well cared for by her owner. The chain/set up is also an example/indication of an owner that is not only aware of his dog's strength, but its choice to be used, both demonstrates and denotes, to me, proper APBT ownership. As an owner of 7 other APBT's, I believe Gamedogs said, it is IMPERRATIVE to keep the dogs seperated from one another. Owners of APBT's are aware of this breeds propensity for the possibility of dog fighting and dog on dog aggression. Owners should always be prepared in the event any aggression issues arise. They MUST be prepared. This chain and set up shows owner responsiblity, in my opinion.
I also applaud this forum for being so open minded and inquisitive in regards to the APBT. We all read the stories. We all hear the headlines...This thread has remained civil and level headed. Very refreshing.
I know dog fighting, post 1976, is a felony, in most, if not all the states right now, so, I read with interest the remarks regarding the threads contained in the Game-Dogs forums. IMO, that forum doesn't either sound like it promotes or even encourages dog fighting. If anything, and I quote,... "Pit Bull Community is dedicated to the preservation of the pit bull in its original form as a game-bred dog and in its modern incarnations as a loving companion pet and top competitor in weight pull competitions and conformation shows. We are opposed to all forms of animal cruelty, and do not promote any illegal activities, but we celebrate the history of the pit bull and value its qualities of courage, strength and tenacity as the essence of the breed. We are therefore against all forms of breed-specific legislation, and work to protect the constitutional rights of pit bull owners".
I imagine if people are having their own "private" conversations", then that's certainly their business, and mods and administrators cannot possibly monitor all that goes on behind, or under the scenes. What they can do, however, is relay to people/their members, the seriousness and the cause/effect of their actions, and to reiterate to those that frequent that board that any "talk" of dog fighting is not only against the law and the rules of that forum, but can have some serious consequences, as well... and discourage it.
As far as the dog in the other pic, it's amazing, the effects of lighting and repositioning, and how they can affect the look of a picture. The dogs look to be in good shape. Agreed, too many animals today suffer form overweight/health related problems. I see this on a daily basis...
Overall, a very interesting thread, with lots of good information regarding the very misunderstood American Pit Bull Terrier, once "America's Beloved Hero"...