Okay, banning is not a good option. Then, permits, ownership fees, saftey and control classes, puppy and dog care classes for owners of any large dog capable that's not fair... for all dog owners. I would submit to testing, classes, fees, whatever if my neighbors had to go too... at least then they may be made aware of the damage their dogs could do, and steps they need to take to contain and control their animals, like fencing and such. And they need to be taught that they, as owners, are responsible for any damage their dog may do.
I chose Yorkies bc I don't want 6 foot, lidded chain link fencing in my yard to contain my dogs. I don't want to have to be responsible for children/adults/cats/dogs being maimed or killed. I don't want to be dragged down the street when my dog sees what he thinks is prey. When my Yorkie sees a squirrel, I can hold her back (most times, JK). That is why I choose to own Yorkies, and not a large breed dog. Plus they eat less and poop less and puke less. And I trust them more not to turn on me, than I would any big dog. I want companionship, not a liability.
I have to push my stepdaughter in her wheelchair out to the bus every morning and bring her back in the house every afternoon. One day, the neighbor's Rottie was out on walkabout. Biggest (intact) Rottie I've ever seen in my life. I had to stand between him and my SD. I am sick of this crap. Even though I know now he's a big baby, I did not know that the first time we met. And I can not trust any dog around my SD (except therapy dogs).
And, correct me if I am wrong, but it seems to me that the small dog attacks were brought on by an approach by the victim? Every attack I mentioned by big dogs was not instigated by the victim (at least not knowingly). Dogs trained to fight dogs... then something is very wrong with them when they attack humans (brain cells gone wacky). The dog that came after me I had previously met and petted at least 6-8 times over the course of 2 years.
And one last problem... why are these fighting type dogs overrunning the shelters across the country? Overpopulation by unscrupulous breeders. The vet I used to work for is starting a mobile SN clinic to drive through the city streets and find intact animals and try to convince the owners to S/N on the spot for free.
And to clarify, I live in Baltimore County, where the little girl was mauled. There was a dog fighting ring busted right up the street from where I live 15 years ago. Drove by the place everyday, never noticed anything going on. Never even heard dogs barking. The problem is maybe worse in the city, but it's really happening all over. |