Canine Stereotypes

My city is currently looking at ordinances for banning specific breeds of dogs or just strengthening the dangerous dog ordinances already in place.  Since I don't see the commission not doing anything because of a dog attack at the local school last year, I'm trying to research some legislation to convince them that to go breed specific ban would not be effective.

Yes, I do own a German Shepherd and she has now been listed on that dangerous dog breed list, recently.  I have raised her from a 4 week old pup and have taken great care to socialize her to people and other dogs, and have taken her through obedience and agility classes.  She loves to play with other dogs and kids.  Now, if she had been raised differently to where she was scared of others and showed aggressive behavior, well, I wouldn't have her.  That isn't responsible ownership.  I know these dogs take a stronger leader than some and conducted domination procedures from the very beginning.  She is a very submissive dog to her people.  Those that don't belong to the household she just ignores waiting for one of us to instruct her, unless they have her frisbee.  (She is a slave to the frisbee)

My question is, "What about seeing eye dogs or helping dogs."

My dog is licensed with the city, spayed, and responsive to voice commands.  Unfortunately, that is not enough for the city.  One of their proposals is to force owners of these dogs to purchase liability insurance ($100,000), microchip, leash bound when off property, and muzzle, when not confined.  Fine, I have done all but the microchip and I refuse to muzzle my dog when we go for walks.  It really defeats the purpose of having a nice big dog with me when I walk in the early mornings. 

Are there irresponsible dog owners?  Sure, just as there are irresponsible car drivers.  There are plenty of drivers I would like to muzzle and put on a leash.  But, do we assume a driver is going to be irresponsible with their car before they get in an accident or let them prove through actions (or inaction, ie biting) to show they can be responsible behind the wheel?  We can't bubble wrap each intersection or highway.  We have enforcement. 

So, if at-large dogs are the problem why not hire more animal control to enforce the laws?  As for the muzzle, how many attacks/deaths come from a dog on a leash?  I couldn't find any.  The dog got loose or the owner let them go.  Hmmm, there is that owner common denominator.

What about requiring dog owners to license their dog, and accompany them to a puppy class and then through an obedience course?  Or, the class certificates can then be signed and sent in as a requirement for licensing.

Besides, I would love to see some of the owners of smaller dogs go through the socialization.  I think they are the worst as far as biting and aggression.  They are not hard to provoke, either.  I know they may not cause as much damage as a larger breed, but why allow it?

It all boils down to owner responsibility and how a few can really bugger it up for the rest.   There will always be some who will not comply.  It is those of us who do that get penalized.

Yes, I know that pit bulls are considered dangerous dogs and are used by drug dealers for protection or fighting.  Ok, focus on them, the owners.  There are also pit bull owners that have wonderfully behaved animals.  Dog profiling in the 21st century.

Keep on Go!