The Failure of Banning Dog Breeds

The fault lies with the owners first and foremost. Communities need to increase fines for dogs roaming loose. Yes, accidents happen to even the best dog owner and a dog can escape. But those who habitually allow dogs to roam or be in a position to escape by not having proper fencing are the major problem.

Owners who leave dogs unattended when no one is home are creating a greater risk. In many areas I have lived, there always seemed to be a core of dogs (not one was any of the breeds mentioned in bans) that were always loose or escaping. The owners could care less. They never felt their dogs were a risk.

Yet these dogs had been threatening people in the community and causing damage to property. The fines for roaming dogs are often so minimal that the owners do not care: easier to pay the fine than to fix the problem. Animal cruelty cases need to be made felonies with mandatory jail time for those found using dogs for illegal activities. Hit owners in the wallet and force them to change. Habitual offenders need to lose the PRIVILEGE to own another life. Most punishments for irresponsible pet owners are presently a joke.

And of course, let's not forget education of dog, child, dog owners, and the public. It is through education and responsible dog ownership that dog-related incidents will be reduced. Not through the banning of only a select few breeds.

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