why ban dog breeds, don't they see there is another way?

Question

I am not one of those "all dogs are nice and only their owners make them bad" kind of people. I know that certain breeds are more dominant and powerful than others, therefore making them more prone to becoming attackers. But, instead of banning these breeds, why not make requirements. Like if you want a pit, fine, but you must get your dog from a breeder(that is on file) to prevent getting puppies from those who breed fighters, and the you must attend extensive training classes with your dog, it must pass and be fixed, unless you plan to breed, then you have to register. The cost of all this should be included in the adoption fee.
It would discourage those who buy these dogs on a whim or a "guard"dogs to live on a chain their whole lives, as it is a lot of work, and if they didn't do all this, they wouldn't get the dog. What do you all think would be involved in getting a law like this passed, and would it be successful?

Answer 1

I too don't agree with a breed ban, however I believe certain breed of dogs should be liscensed and registered. I wouldn't go as far as saying they have to muzzle their pet, only if its had a record of biting other dogs or people.... but not because of the breed of dog they are.


For the liscensing, I think the dog needs to be microchip, proof of vacination anually, spayed or neutered (unless the dog is show or breeding stock), owner should have a criminal background test, dog must past a medical evaluation and temperment test, both dog and owner complete an obiedence qualification, and have insurance on their dog in which this is update this every year.

I know it sounds a little harsh, but Germany has this registry imposed and it works very well for them. They have all dogs who have been involved in animal killings, people biting and breeds of dogs who have a bad rep.

Now, responsible dog owners wouldn't care to do this, because not only does it show their amount of responsiblity but if in any case their is an incident, it only shows that the owner has done everything possible.

Answer 2

It's that sort of intrusive government that ruins free societies. Certainly, there is a need to aggressively target people that profit from cruelty to animals -- but imposing such restrictions on ordinary keepers of pets is beyond asinine.

Add to that the administrative costs you glibly attach to the "adoption fee," and you end up with $4500 worth of transactional fees for a $300-500 dog, not to mention the inevitable waiver of privacy rights and untold hours each month to maintain -- and prove -- administrative compliance.

Banning breeds is a bad idea, but what you've proposed is even worse.

And I don't agree that people-biting animals ought to be "put down" because they bit a person: most "latent aggression" in dogs arises from too little roaming space for the dog. If the dog often or persistently perceives that it's penned or caged, it's going to be more territorial.

All the "bona fide bad dogs" I've ever seen (dozens on the short-list for slaughter) that were given a second chance in a spacious environment became completely non-aggressive; moreover, with enough space, they lose their hostility towards other dogs.

Answer 3

I agree with LoveMyLab. Maybe another idea is what I've heard referred to as the "one bite" rule. If your dog bites a person, or harms another pet the owner is on notice. If it happens again there are penalties. Those can range from putting the offending animal down, to fining/jailing the owner to confiscating the dog, depending on the jurisdiction. As an aside, when I used to practice law, I got a Rottie off death row.

Personally, I think small dogs are much more apt to bite than large ones, but you don't hear about those cases because there isn't much damage.

I have a Doberman I got from the SPCA when she was a year old. She's now 13, and she's the best dog I've ever had or known. Kid-safe, cat-safe (I have 3 of those), loves to be around people. My late mom, who was scared of Dobies liked mine. I think even if a dog is bigger and more powerful than others, how it is treated and trained has more effect than the dog's innate nature.

Answer 4

i totally agree with you, but there doesn't seem to be enough funds to enforce this. you have to keep adoption fees low, or people won't adopt. and as far as enforcing the requirements, where is the money going to come from to pay the people who will be looking over their shoulders? if you watch animal cops, these guys have full police power. not every area has that. i think if the costs went up, you would see a whole lot more dogs in pounds getting eutheized.
most pit bull breeders aren't on file. and they lie about what they raise their dogs for. if you could figure out a way to raise revenue for this, i could see it happenening. but how do you get the money? i'm with you on this. i think about it all the time. maybe contact detroit or miami aspca and ask how they do it.

Answer 5

What about when ALL breeds are on the 'list'. Boston Terriers, Malamutes, Siberians, Boxers, Frenchies, Keeshonden, etc are ALL on banned/restricted lists someplace, should they all be included? ANY breed is only a bite away from being on a list someplace, should THEY all be on your list as well?

And then what would happen when the AR groups hijack it, as they certainly would. When they think it is evil to own pets, do you think any one of us would pass these tests?

I think the government needs to mind their own business, quit babysitting the public, and crack down on the roaming dog problem, which will stop the attack problem, and leave us law abiding citizens ALONE!!!

Answer 6

In ancient times people were thrown into lion dens for entertainment. People that fight dogs are stupid & should be tossed in a ring of dogs. But as far as pitts they get bred w/other pitts by those who know nothing about blood lines & breeding. That is another reason to pass such laws and it is getting to that point now. Louieville Ky is got strict laws in legis. now. Why does anybody want to own a pittbull.??? Every other dog owner has a pitt. Aren't you so UNique????

Answer 7

Because in their ignorance, they think by banning breeds, it's much easier than going through all the red tape and paperwork for your idea. It is a great idea and I'd be all for it but getting the government to actually listen and do it would be near impossible. Not to mention people still going behind their backs and backyard breeding anyway.

Answer 8

I think that all of this banning crap is ridiculous. The government is slowly taking away our rights. There are car window tint laws, dog breed band laws, smoking band laws, etc. Nobody cares about the dog ban law now until the law starts to crack down on the poodles, chihuahuas, or more common breed of dog. There are certain types of people who should NOT own an American Pit Bull Terrier. And those are the people who fight, constantly breed them, or just put them in the backyard with no human interaction. There are also people who have every right to own one, like me and my husband. He has been an inside dog from the day that we got him. He has been around all races of people and children. He helped me rescue six kittens that my ex-next door neighbor abandoned on a hot summer day. He left them in an abandoned house on top of glass. I brought them home and took care of them. Every time I went to feed them or check on them he came in the room with me and just watched them. He is very smart, sensitive, eagar to please, and cuddly. Until you raise one from a puppy you wouldn't understand. Then again it is hard to like them when all the media does is bash them. The media won't do a report on how one rescued someone or is a service dog for the elderly or handicapped. Check this video out in its entirety please: http://gprime.net/flash.php/thepitbullproblem.

Answer 9

I agree, people need to be accountable for for there actions why ban a great breed because a few people are miss use there natural traits. the bad dogs need to put to sleep , they usually live a terrible life of almost unspeakable abuse, and there owners need to be put down too but its against the law to kill humans involved. how so we change it lobby the government to put stronger laws against the people that exploits animals.

Answer 10

Excellent idea! Though I really prefer the small breeds, I agree, if there are certain limits, or requirments I see no reason for banning the breed.