All over the
world, communities and even countries are calling
for the banning of multiple breeds of dog.
Is this the best way to reduce dog bites?
Will this really solve the problems many
communities are facing? Or, are legislators
trying to take a fast way out and not address the
real problem?
If a breed is
banned, ultimately only those who are responsible
owners of the breed will be affected. Are
these the people causing the problems? No.
Those who are using dogs for fighting, protecting
drugs or as weapons and status symbols will
continue to own the dogs and ignore the laws.
This type of owner tends not to register dogs,
often keep the dogs in horrid conditions, train
them to be dangerous and feel that laws do not
apply to them. These are the people who are
causing problems and will continue to do so.
If you ban a dog, it will become even more of a
status symbol to own. Breaking the law and
thumbing noses at society drive many people's
actions. Banning a breed will make it more
desirable to the wrong people! Suppose a
community is able to round up and exterminate all
dogs of a particular breed, well, new ones will be
smuggled in or another breed will become a status
symbol.
We need to open our eyes and realize that breed
bans will not stop these punks and gangs from
doing what they want. Look at all the
shootings going on? Obviously gun restrictions are
working… Not! And new restrictions
fail as well.
What about dog bites? Anywhere from
75-80% of all dog bites occur from the family pet
regardless of breed or cross. This means
20-25% of all bites are from other dogs – like
ones roaming loose. So, you round up all the
dogs running loose, it will not have much of an
impact in reducing dog bites overall – just
those bites caused by loose animals.
Honestly, the 75-80% is conservative. How
many family pets nip a person and the bite never
gets reported and medical treatment never
sought? Yes, loose dogs are a risk,
but a person is far more likely to be bitten by
his own pet or the pet of someone he
knows.
Banning a breed will not reduce this number at
all. Take away the dog, they will get
another breed and may just as well get bitten from
that one. Most dogs that bite are often
poorly trained, poorly socialized and are often
left in positions where they may feel the need to
bite.
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