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Why Breed-Specific Restrictions Are Not a Solution |
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Breed-specific restrictions are simplistic approaches to a complicated problem. These restrictions are reactive and mask the underlying problem of uninformed and negligent dog owners. Because all dogs have the potential to become dangerous, breed-specific laws only address part of the picture. All dog breeds can become aggressive under the conditions of poor socialization, failure to sterilize, or targeted training for dog fights. Breed-specific restrictions fail to address all of the dogs that could potentially harm members of the community. They do not provide a comprehensive solution to prevent dog bites and attacks or effective means of dealing with dog attacks when they occur. Breed-specific restrictions can also be confusing for communities to enforce, since it is not always clear what an individual dog’s breed is. There is no genetic test that will determine a dog’s breed. Determinations are based on physical appearances alone; many dogs are misidentified, with tragic consequences for them and their families. Breed-specific restrictions divert scarce animal control resources from dealing with obviously dangerous dogs to impounding dogs and prosecuting people based on their pets’ looks. Forcing animal control officers to find dogs that have been banned and euthanize all of the banned dogs that remain in the community can overtax an already burdened system of animal control. Another concern is the tremendous psychological impact on those required to perform the euthanasia. People who encourage aggressive behavior in their dogs, fail to act when their dogs show signs of aggression or fail to care for the health and safety of their dogs are not likely to comply with breed bans, licensing laws, or identification recommendations. Negligent and abusive owners will seek out another breed if the dog they have is outlawed. Finally, breed-specific restrictions cause harm to a substantial number of conscientious citizens and their well-behaved dogs. When communities legislate against a specific breed, owners with dogs of that breed are forced to either euthanize their pets or relocate to another community. This is the case whether or not the dog is aggressive. In this way, breed-specific restrictions penalize or drive out responsible citizens who own a banned breed while negligent owners hide their banned dogs or abandon them to the streets, thereby creating a potential impact on public safety. Are Breed Specific Laws Effective? Pooch Prejudice: Why Breed Bans Aren’t the Answer HSUS Statement on Dangerous Dogs and Breed-Specific Legislation Information about Breed Bans and Dangerous Dog Issues Dog Bites: Breed Specific Legislation Responsible Ownership Alternative to Breed Banning, Other Restrictions Dangerous Animal Legislation Position Statement
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