THE REALITY OF BREED BANS
BY MELANIE COY
Through the years many dog breeds have gained popularity because of movies or television programming. So many of us grew up dreaming of the day we could have a bigger than life canine companion such as Rin Tin Tin or Lassie. And of course the dogs with such classic intelligence as the “Lads” on Magnum P.I. Then there were the shows that shot such dogs as the Dalmatians and Jack Russell Terriers to the top of the “must have” list.
While these dogs have enjoyed their popularity and the allure has faded, there is one breed that has not been as fortunate. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a dog that also starred in movies and television shows. They were portrayed as the bigger than life hero and the symbol of all that is strong and good in our nation. They enjoyed a certain anonymity until the mid 1980’s when the ABC broadcast network aired what would be the beginning of sensationalized broadcasts that would eventually cast this dog breed as the most hated and feared dog in the world.
Within days of this first broadcast, all major news programs and talk shows were scrambling to find the nastiest, out of control examples of this relatively unknown breed. Magazine covers featured the slobbering, teeth baring images of this canine colossus. Our communities were becoming more and more terrified of this perceived menace living right under our noses. All the while the dregs of society saw the emergence of the perfect image of mayhem. The die was cast and the beginning of the end of a dog breed began.
The true Pit Bull fanciers cherished the heritage of their dogs. This was a dog bred to be a great athlete. The old dog men eliminated the human aggressive nature of the breed. They eliminated the physical infirmity so prevalent in many of the mastiff type breeds. They created a genetic masterpiece that the contemporaries preserved as close to type as was possible. This had always been a closed group, unaccustomed to having the spot light shown on their fancy. Suddenly all attention was turned on a group of dogs that no one had paid more than a moments notice to in the past.
The first of the bans came down with no notice. There was no grandfathering of dogs, no allowance for time to relocate, there was only the order to get rid of the dogs or they would be confiscated and killed. Dogs were seized and destroyed with no regard to age or temperament and no regard to due process. The flames of panic burned out of control. For this first time in history a dog breed was being banned into extinction all because a television network was looking for a way to boost ratings.
The Pit Bull fanciers were caught in disbelief that something so blatantly unconstitutional could go unchecked. They turned to the other breed fanciers for help but found the doors closed. The owners of the Shepards, Rottweilers and Dobermans were so thankful they had never been targeted, it never occurred to them that with the fall of one breed, would come the fall of many others. Anytime a portion of a right is forfeited, there is nothing that will stop the threat to the rest of the right. It was not long before the bans became the answer to all the dogs perceived as a threat. Now we are seeing the list of undesirable breeds covering any dog over fifty pounds.
Banning dog breeds has become popular because of the ease the ordinances can be enacted. The communities have always felt a certain security knowing that those evil dogs will not be attacking them in their homes. This is a concept that is complete idiocy. The threat was originally created as nothing more than a way to sell advertising. The media created an image that became desirable for the criminal element. The threat to our neighborhoods became very real, but it is not a dog that is the danger.
I am called to city council meetings to address the possible enactment of local ordinances that would ban specific breeds of dogs. I always know that some main stream citizen has had a scare and they look to eliminate the dog to return their sense of well being. The popularity of breed bans has become the easy solution to restoring that sense of security to our citizens. Sadly, this does nothing but pound another nail in the coffin of our right to responsibly keep the dog of our choice. It does nothing to address the real issue of human irresponsibility.
Just like any image that is cast as tough or on the outer limits of society, the image of the Pit Bull has become something distorted. This undesirable element has over bred these dogs so far from the original standard that they bear little resemblance to the people loving Terrier they were developed to be. These same criminals are torturing these dogs in make shift fighting pits. The Pit Bull is subjected to horrors that no other dog breed has ever endured. This is a dog breed being victimized not only by the criminals, but by the very agencies that are charged with their protection. Then to add insult to injury, they are being held responsible for the crimes perpetrated against them.
When people get scared they look for the easiest course to restore their security. In most cases, towns already have the ordinances on their books to address the problems presented by dogs running at large or posing a danger to its citizens. The problem lies not with the presence of certain dog breeds, but in the lack of enforcement of existing laws. The solution to dog problems is always going to be in addressing the human factor. No dog decides on its own to go out and spread fear. Dogs do not network in order to get all their own kind to riot in our municipalities. No matter what the threat to our neighborhoods, the responsibility will always go right back to the human owner.
Toughening ordinances to address a specific breed, does nothing to address the issues of dogs posing a threat. Local ordinances must be enacted that will address the problems presented by all dogs that are not being kept in a responsible manner. The numbers of Pit Bulls showing up in our shelters are still rivaled by the numbers of Lab mixes. Citizens will not adhere to ordinances that do not carry a penalty. That makes it all the more important to enact ordinances that have a proven record for results.
One ordinance with a proven track record is the two strike ordinance. This is an ordinance that requires owners to micro chip their dogs when they are picked up running at large the first time. The second time a dog is picked up requires mandatory spay/neuter. The biggest threat to the preservation of all dog breeds, is the back yard breeder. The biggest threat to the safety of our neighborhoods are dogs running at large. It is a proven fact that intact males are the most notorious biters. This ordinance is an effective deterrent to many of the problems associated with all dogs.
It is important to analyze ordinances already on the books. If these ordinances are there to insure the safety of our citizens, but are not being enforced, there is no point in adding more laws. If the ordinances need to have some modification to make them effective, it can be done without singling out specific breeds. Our towns can ban all the breeds they perceive as threatening, but it will do nothing to eliminate the root cause. Laws and ordinances must be aimed at people. People control the actions of dogs. Until the actions of the irresponsible owners are brought under control, there will be no improvement. We can ban all dogs over fifty pounds and these individuals will still find a way to pose a threat even if it means spiked collars on Poodles.
Fund Raising Idea
One of the ways a friend of mine is doing fundraising and helping the public is by working through the American Kennel Association with their Canine Good Citizenship Program. We are working with this program in Cape Girardeau to raise funds for various organizations. The charge is $60.00 for the course, meeting once a week for 8 weeks, then a two week break to “practice” before the test.
A variety of people and pets are enjoying this class and many are finding out they and their dog does have what it takes to learn, not only proper dog handling but training techniques they can use with future pets. A number of those who are in the class now are planning on taking advanced classes through another person and we have one dog that will be moving onto therapy dog classes.
Not only is this great for fundraising, but it is also great for community involvement!
For more information please check out this link on getting set up for this program
Going Green!!!
These days many are going green, and there are many ways for the pet owner to do so also!
One thing I have found useful for fleas, and cheaper than some flea products is to cut up 4 lemons and put them in a quart of water, bring to a boil then let simmer for about 5 minutes. Put in the fridge over night, remove the lemons after squeezing the juice out and put in a spray bottle and use. My own dog and rescue dog spend much of their time in the house, but normally fleas can be a problem, by using this little recipe I have found that I have not had any flea problems this year. Many advise using garlic but that is something you need to check with your vet about due to allergies.
Another great idea for pet waste is to buy/find a metal trash can, cut the bottom out, then dig down enough in the yard for it to set level. This will work as a compost and you can place other items in it also.
A great site with great “green” ideas is posted below.
Passing Tips Onto New Pet Owners
When we adopt out pets, we find that many of them are first time owners and can often use advice especially after adoption. There are many sites that can offer this information. One of the best sites I have found is Animal Behavior Network. A friend of mine, Tara Lang, is one of the animal behaviorists on this site. There are free “pet parenting classes” for new pet owners, then they also offer more extensities pet classes. What they suggest is that a rescue group/shelter find a sponsor for this. The cost was around $60.00 a month last time I checked.
I suggest sharing this site with new pet owners, dog or cats.
