Dog Attacks - it doesn't matter which breeds you ban..

.. you won't stop attacks from happening.

Why?

Because you need to look at the root cause, and the root cause isn't the type of dog. It's the type of owner.

I'm no genius, but common sense and logic tells me that:

People like different types of dog. So no matter which breeds you ban, people will find another dog - that they can get - that fits their 'likes'. (So they end up with a breed very similar to the ones that do get banned.)

Now, I'm not for a minute saying that these people are all yobs wanting to get pitt bulls or other 'hard' dogs. Just look at recent cases of dog attacks. The most recent being the grandparents 2 and a half year old Rottie.

Were these grandparents trying to be 'hard'? I very much doubt it. Chances are they bought the dog out of insecurity - and felt more secure with a large breed, or maybe they just like big dogs? Or maybe they grew up with one and wanted another now as they have time to look after it? Or maybe they get talked into it by someone involved in rescue, and when they saw the dog they just couldn't say no.

Whatever the reason, it doesn't matter, my point is people have different reasons to get different types of dog... so even if you banned another a few more breeds, similar breeds would still end up in unsuitable homes because they would then, fit the 'likes' or wants of these people. (And as I mentioned, not everyone is attracted to these dogs for yobbish reasons.)

So why is that a problem if non-yobs are getting them?

Because regardless of their intentions, they still have no idea on how to bring up dogs, and specificly, these type of dogs... they are unsuitable owners.

Take the recent cases as an example - you could quite easily replace Rottie with GSD, Or Dobermann, or Collie, or in fact any meduim to large sized dog brought up incorrectly.

Yes, I do acknowledge that if you did eradicate ALL breeds that were once used for hearding, ratting, baiting, fighting etc you would make a small % difference - but as I mentioned above, people will then be drawn to the dogs that fit their likes the most, in other words dogs of similar look/build/temperment to the ones that are now banned. So the only way you'd stop it significantly by going down the route of banning breeds - would be by banning all breeds capable of inflicting damage... that would probably leave us with cat-sized dogs!

The alternative?

That's what this threads for So if logic tells us banning a few breeds isn't going to make much difference - what will?

I personally believe that we need more control on ownership and breeding of dogs. Just like we have laws on car ownership and manufacture - that have been put in place to protect ALL of us.

Of course we'd need to sit down and think things through, but at a quick glance, that could mean tests for owners prior to getting a dog, compulsory dog training, more control on the quality of dog food, more control on dog-breeding (let's get rid of the BYBs once and for all!).

Yes this would drive the cost up of owning a dog, but that is a small price to pay - especially if there are many more millions of dogs out there that lead a better, more understood life.

Anyway, that's one idea - anymore?

Azz, I dont agree its always the owners, absolutely not. I can think of a few on here, VERY experienced owners who have owned dogs many years etc.. and have had their dog turn on them or other people resulting in injuries. Some Dogs DO just attack, for what reason, who knows?

But then that's not breed specific is it? And like I said, in that case and the route of banning breeds, you'd need to ban ALL breeds capable of inflicting damage. So you'd have to kiss goodbye to your Borders Terriers too...

(not a nice thought is it?)

I say licensing and registering all dogs and anyone who mates dogs ped or mongrel must have a license to do so.I also say the registered owners MUST be held responsible for their dog,if they aren't a jail term is the order of the day and a fixed one at that.

Stiffer penalties for owners would help,murder charges for owners whos dogs kill people would go a long way

I think there will always be exceptions to the rule and I do believe you get bad (hate that word) dogs as you get bad humans and they will attack regardless of training, in any breed. But the majority of dogs who are well trained and socialised will behave appropriately. Humans have caused the problems it is up to us to solve them humanely.

Azz, if that was the law, then so be it! Seriously, humans over dogs every time!

Personally I would scrap BSL it doesn't work and is ineffective and bring in tighter legislation to make ALL dog owners accountable for there dogs actions regardless of breed.

If the dog attacks or even kills someone, murder or similar charges should be brought.

Education is also a big part of responsible ownership starting with children in primary schools.

Tighter legislation on the breeding,sale & advertising of dogs I would also like to see.
As far as I can see Politicans and alike do lots of talking after an incident, such as what happened yesterday but are not doing enough regading the legislation.

& Licensing the dogs will stop them attacking in the home ?? I very much doubt it & of course the irresponsible will not licence their dogs leaving we law abiding people to pay to run the scheme

I've been of the opinion that it is the owners that should be licenced before they can own a dog-after all you cannot legally drive a car without a licence & currently have to take a theory test before you can even legally get behind a wheel. Even if you do not own a dog if you walk a dog you should still have to be licenced & no licence no dog QED

They have compulsory dog licences in Northern Ireland & they have worse problems with dogs than on the mainland

I would also reduce the licence for people who train their dogs & pass tests(like the KCGC etc)

I guess at the end of the day a dog is an animal with a big mouth and big teeth.

As long as dogs and people cohabit (is that a word?) then people will occasionally be killed.

It's true that 'any' breed can attack but some breeds obviously do more damage.

Not sure I'd fancy trying it but I very much doubt any of mine could kill me if I was 'fit and able' to defend myself.
I doubt Hannah would stand much of a chance though. I can see the day when a law is introduced to prevent certain dogs from living with children.