Blame The Deed, Not The Breed

Senate Bill 861 which has passed in several states in the U.S. and is aimed at but not limited to PIT BULLS, allows local governments to enact breed-specific ordinances pertaining to mandatory spay/neuter programs provided no specific breed is declared potentially dangerous or vicious. SB 861 states that "uncontrolled and irresponsible breeding of animals contributes to pet overpopulation, inhumane treatment of animals, mass euthanasia at local shelters…this irresponsible breeding also contributes to the production of defective animals that present a public safety risk."

The impact of SB 861 on responsible dog owners, particularly purebred fanciers who participate in conformation dog shows and responsible breeding programs, will be devastating. The American Kennel Club, the California Veterinary Medical Association, the Sacramento Council of Dog Clubs, The Animal Council, and a host of other animal organizations strongly oppose SB 861. 

Some cities and states go further than SB 861 and put an all out BAN on Pitbulls as well as other breeds...

This bill and these bans do not address the real problem here ... BLAME THE DEED, NOT THE BREED!

There's no such thing as BANNING...it's a political bandaid...we ban drugs, guns, etc but people will do whatever means necessary to still obtain and sell these things. The same holds true for banned breeds...it will only make the situation worse...people will sneak these breeds into their homes and neighborhoods and hide them away, never to be socialized with other dogs, people, strangers, new places, etc. which is WHY dogs go bad in the first place. (unless of course you're training them for fighting...in this case you are an irresponsible pet owner) This is a typical "reactive" solution that will never work. The only way to solve this problem is to be PROactive...all states should adopt a program that requires ALL dog owners and breeders to learn the importance of dog socialization and mandatory obedience classes. It's a big project to take on but it's the only way! (but i guess it's alot cheaper to just ban the breed) The only reason we don't hear about other breeds attacking is because the Pit has such a bad stigma and it makes for better, shocking news to increase media readership/audience. Do you know how vicious those unsocialized little Lhasa's and Shitzu's can be?? And I've seen some pretty odd, unpredictable behavior in the Chocolate Lab breed as well! Springer Spaniels have been known for Rage Syndrome where they just fly into a vicious attack out of the clear blue for no reason at all.

This ban is the epitome of ignorance when it comes to understanding dogs! 

As you all know, it is my policy to not accept Pitbulls, Rottweillers and similar aggressive breeds. However, I do accept puppies of these breeds so they don't miss out on CRITICAL socialization during their developmental years. Most of you know them, but I currently have Cody (a Pitbull/Australian shepard mix) and Remy (a purebred Rotty) in daycare and boarding. I've had these two since they were four months old and they are incredibly social, fun loving, well behaved and affectionate dogs. Their owners did right by their breed. This is how it should be. If ALL dog owners (not just aggressive breeds) took this pro-active approach to raising their dogs, we wouldn't need bans and legislation on our dogs.

It is most unfortunate (for the dogs) that you can be the most dilligent, pro-active dog owner you can be by taking your dog to obedience training and socializing it in various settings... but then the 17 year old across the street has the same breed as you and he ties the dog up in the back yard all it's life and mistreats it so that one day it escapes and attacks someone because he has so much pent up aggression and frustration. From then on, all the neighbors look at YOU funny wondering when your dog will attack. One bad apple doesn't spoil the whole bunch!

Every year we hear about babies and children being maulled by the family dog. No matter WHAT the breed, children should not be left alone with a dog. When a child is maulled in this way, no one is usually there to see what really happened so naturally, the dog is blamed and often destroyed when it might have been an issue of the child tormenting the dog. Although we treat our pets like one of the family, DO NOT forget they are decendants of WILD ANIMALS. Canines were "built" by nature for ripping apart flesh and bone. Don't forget that no matter how cute & cuddly you think your dog is.