How about something like a mandatory leash and muzzle law for these breeds ? And it would be one-strike-you’re-out, the dog would be taken away. And along with this, make it mandatory for all these breeds to be registered, and along with that, be spayed or neutered, and make it illegal to breed or sell these breeds. Confiscate and heavily fine those that violate the law. Harsh, but I think less so than the proposed total ban, and would be fair to responsible owners, and hopefully minimize the bad owners/dogs eventually. I love dogs, but my border collie was attacked by a pit bull type, fortunately not badly hurt, and he and I have both had scares by other dogs. I feel for the dogs but being realistic, 1000’s of dogs are put down in shelters every day, so if a few more have to go, to ensure the safety of people and dogs, that’s not unreasonable.
If they are mean & dangerous, it’s likely they are living in an abusive situation anyway, and it would be for the greater good.
It’s probably all been said before in one way or another. Yes there are certain breeds of dogs that probably deserve more respect than others. As adults we generally know those breeds, our children may not. It is therefore the responsibility of the owners and the parents to make sure that our children know how to approach and treat different dogs.
Now for the other side…
I hate govenment trying to legislate my well being. Let’s face it, there are more injuries and deaths casued by drunk drivers than by dog bites. Yet the worst that happens to the drunk is to get his hand slapped, fined a few hundred dollars and told not to do it again. No one is willing to go out on the limb and suggest otherwise.
Now, its time to jump back in here about dog issues no one has raised yet. It’s the dog kept on a chain in the back yard. The chains do cause (seemingly gentle) dogs to become more agressive. Case in point involved dog owner’s brother and spouse coming to visit from out of state (Florida). All 4 adults were in the back, fenced-in yard, greeting one another, when the brother walked over to the chained female Golden Retriever (with wagging tail). As the brother bent over to stroke the dog’s head, she reared up and bit him in the mouth with two rapid bites(first bite). The bite injury was very severe, requiring reconstructive surgery.
After learning of many more vicious dogs “on chains”, this is strong evidence the chains create a “cause and effect” of viciousness for most all dogs.
I like your ideas. While it would appear to be strict, it is better than forcing responsible pet owners to euthanize their pets.
I personally believe there are only bad pet owners, not bad pets. I may be wrong here since my first hand knowledge is limited. There are dogs with troublesome behaviors, I believe caused by mistreatment from bad pet owners. This I know, some people should not have pets.
If there are breeds that veterinarians can confirm have a problematic predisposition, then maybe a discontinuance of that breed from that point forward would make sense.
I still believe the politicians were grandstanding and I would hope they are called on the carpet.
As a claims professional with 35 years in the business I feel qualified to comment on this issue. I’ve handled dozens of dog bite claims. I also happen to be a dog lover. A small percentage of people believe they have the “right” to own whatever type of animal they want. They have lost sight of the fact that for every “right” there is a corresponding “responsibiility”. Personal responsibility is a thing of tha past in this country. Some of them buy a Pit Bull or Rottweiler to “make a statement”.
There is sufficient, valid, historical data to prove that certain breeds have an in-bred propensity to attack and bite. The annual list is topped by the Pit Bull and the Rottweiler. Not only do they top the list in terms of frequency/bites, they also get honors for the most vicious maulings and fatal attacks.
These animals may be perfectly fine pets until one day when their genetic background makes them snap. There are hundreds of breeds of dogs that make good pets. Those that are a proven danger to the public should be banned. Adults have died from attacks and children mauled and disfigured. That’s too high a price to pay for personal freedom of choice.
Having insurance to cover your stupidity for owning one of these breeds isn’t even an issue. Once the attack occurs, the victim is damaged for life. Americans should be outraged. There is no risk to our society losing it’s freedom. This is common sense. Since some people lack this trait, others have to apply it.
“The first bite is free” mentality should not be tolerated. With certain breeds, it’s merely a question of when it’s going to happen. I don’t think anyone should have to worry about themselves or their family members being mauled or killed while walking down the street because some idiot had to have a Pit Bull or Rottweiler. It makes me sick to think that there are people in this country who’s only concern is their right to do whatever they please, even if it poses a “clear and present danger” to everyone else.
Of course not. Didn’t anyone teach you not to make assumptions? Not only is your assumption inaccurate, the comparison is invalid. We’re talking about ANIMALS here. They don’t have the same rights as PEOPLE.
This article has nothing to do with any ethnic groups or mandatory seatbelt / helmet laws or obesity or smoking… Get the point?
You don’t hear of attacks by other breeds because they happen less often and the injuries are far less tramautic than those caused by the breeds we are discussuing.
I too love dogs. When when I am out walking my greyhound and I am about to pass another person walking a Rott or Pittbull, I keep a tight leash and position myself between the two dogs. Flat out, I (and many others) don’t trust those breeds.
Red sports cars don’t speed and kill people without someone behind the wheel. Guns rarely go off without someone pulling the trigger. Knives rarely imbed themselves in people without someone holding it. Matches don’t typically ignite without someone striking it. Dogs, on the other hand, don’t need their owners around to attack.
We have updated our privacy policy to be more clear and meet the new requirements of the GDPR. By continuing to use our site, you accept our revised Privacy Policy.
How about something like a mandatory leash and muzzle law for these breeds ? And it would be one-strike-you’re-out, the dog would be taken away. And along with this, make it mandatory for all these breeds to be registered, and along with that, be spayed or neutered, and make it illegal to breed or sell these breeds. Confiscate and heavily fine those that violate the law. Harsh, but I think less so than the proposed total ban, and would be fair to responsible owners, and hopefully minimize the bad owners/dogs eventually. I love dogs, but my border collie was attacked by a pit bull type, fortunately not badly hurt, and he and I have both had scares by other dogs. I feel for the dogs but being realistic, 1000’s of dogs are put down in shelters every day, so if a few more have to go, to ensure the safety of people and dogs, that’s not unreasonable.
If they are mean & dangerous, it’s likely they are living in an abusive situation anyway, and it would be for the greater good.
It’s probably all been said before in one way or another. Yes there are certain breeds of dogs that probably deserve more respect than others. As adults we generally know those breeds, our children may not. It is therefore the responsibility of the owners and the parents to make sure that our children know how to approach and treat different dogs.
Now for the other side…
I hate govenment trying to legislate my well being. Let’s face it, there are more injuries and deaths casued by drunk drivers than by dog bites. Yet the worst that happens to the drunk is to get his hand slapped, fined a few hundred dollars and told not to do it again. No one is willing to go out on the limb and suggest otherwise.
Now, its time to jump back in here about dog issues no one has raised yet. It’s the dog kept on a chain in the back yard. The chains do cause (seemingly gentle) dogs to become more agressive. Case in point involved dog owner’s brother and spouse coming to visit from out of state (Florida). All 4 adults were in the back, fenced-in yard, greeting one another, when the brother walked over to the chained female Golden Retriever (with wagging tail). As the brother bent over to stroke the dog’s head, she reared up and bit him in the mouth with two rapid bites(first bite). The bite injury was very severe, requiring reconstructive surgery.
After learning of many more vicious dogs “on chains”, this is strong evidence the chains create a “cause and effect” of viciousness for most all dogs.
Jay,
I like your ideas. While it would appear to be strict, it is better than forcing responsible pet owners to euthanize their pets.
I personally believe there are only bad pet owners, not bad pets. I may be wrong here since my first hand knowledge is limited. There are dogs with troublesome behaviors, I believe caused by mistreatment from bad pet owners. This I know, some people should not have pets.
If there are breeds that veterinarians can confirm have a problematic predisposition, then maybe a discontinuance of that breed from that point forward would make sense.
I still believe the politicians were grandstanding and I would hope they are called on the carpet.
As a claims professional with 35 years in the business I feel qualified to comment on this issue. I’ve handled dozens of dog bite claims. I also happen to be a dog lover. A small percentage of people believe they have the “right” to own whatever type of animal they want. They have lost sight of the fact that for every “right” there is a corresponding “responsibiility”. Personal responsibility is a thing of tha past in this country. Some of them buy a Pit Bull or Rottweiler to “make a statement”.
There is sufficient, valid, historical data to prove that certain breeds have an in-bred propensity to attack and bite. The annual list is topped by the Pit Bull and the Rottweiler. Not only do they top the list in terms of frequency/bites, they also get honors for the most vicious maulings and fatal attacks.
These animals may be perfectly fine pets until one day when their genetic background makes them snap. There are hundreds of breeds of dogs that make good pets. Those that are a proven danger to the public should be banned. Adults have died from attacks and children mauled and disfigured. That’s too high a price to pay for personal freedom of choice.
Having insurance to cover your stupidity for owning one of these breeds isn’t even an issue. Once the attack occurs, the victim is damaged for life. Americans should be outraged. There is no risk to our society losing it’s freedom. This is common sense. Since some people lack this trait, others have to apply it.
“The first bite is free” mentality should not be tolerated. With certain breeds, it’s merely a question of when it’s going to happen. I don’t think anyone should have to worry about themselves or their family members being mauled or killed while walking down the street because some idiot had to have a Pit Bull or Rottweiler. It makes me sick to think that there are people in this country who’s only concern is their right to do whatever they please, even if it poses a “clear and present danger” to everyone else.
Of course not. Didn’t anyone teach you not to make assumptions? Not only is your assumption inaccurate, the comparison is invalid. We’re talking about ANIMALS here. They don’t have the same rights as PEOPLE.
Don’t respond to Nebraskan. This is just another Melanie. Facts don’t matter, just feelings.
Yes, red sports cars speed and kill people. We should ban them.
Guns kill people. We should ban them. Ban knives too.
Fires burn homes and kill and maim people. We should ban matches.
BTW Nebraskan, loved your Germans thought.
This article has nothing to do with any ethnic groups or mandatory seatbelt / helmet laws or obesity or smoking… Get the point?
You don’t hear of attacks by other breeds because they happen less often and the injuries are far less tramautic than those caused by the breeds we are discussuing.
I too love dogs. When when I am out walking my greyhound and I am about to pass another person walking a Rott or Pittbull, I keep a tight leash and position myself between the two dogs. Flat out, I (and many others) don’t trust those breeds.
Red sports cars don’t speed and kill people without someone behind the wheel. Guns rarely go off without someone pulling the trigger. Knives rarely imbed themselves in people without someone holding it. Matches don’t typically ignite without someone striking it. Dogs, on the other hand, don’t need their owners around to attack.