I've Been bit, scratched, whipped and hissed at by more snakes and lizards than I can even begin to count. and I still love, respect and sympathise for each and every one of them. APBT’s are without a doubt the most loyal, intelligent, and persecuted dog on the planet IMO. Sounds to me like you need to take a closer look at the people that you live near that have really caused the unfortunate problems you’ve encountered with the breed. And try not to let those experience’s could your opinion of these wonderful animals.