Its been a while since I have posted here. The more I read about these proposed breed ordinances the more I see our local cities doing more to protect criminals. These laws target the animals and do little to actually correct the problem. The laws are written and those who abide by laws, which are most of us tend to abide by them.
The criminal who has not already licensed his vicious dogs, or ensured that they are vaccinated is not likely to now suddenly start following the law. So now we have a law which primarily targets good citizens with the primary punishmen inflicted upon the dog rather than the owner.
Poor breeding habits by backyard breeders and those involved with drugs and dog fighting have truly spoiled many wonderful breeds. Yet we continue allow these activities to take place. Puppy mills and backyard breeders of other mixes and purebreds have also caused the decline of many different breeds through inbreeding, multiple litters per year etc...
Perhaps its time to start passing laws about breeding requirements for all breeds in order to improve the quality of all the dogs we love? Perhaps its time that AC becomes able to put puppy mills out of business and end backyard breeding. True breeders work extremly hard in maintaining good lines for their chosen breed. Selection of stock is not a silly whim but one of careful consideration no matter which breed of dog is being bred.
Will this solve every problem overnight...no it won't. In the long run and over time, the quality level of the dogs we love will improve as genetic related issues diminish through good breeding.
The laws we need in many cases are on the books but not enforced. Let enforce the required licensing. Lets enforce leash laws. Let's enforce animal quality of life laws. Again focus on those who provide poor care, and irresponsible ownership practices and let our current laws work.
Last week while out at my local dog park, a femaile husky was roaming at large. She was quite the friendly girl with a nice harness. She had a local city license tag, but no name or in case of finding please return to tag. The license had the phone or the local AC office which was close and re-directedto the local police department. The dispatcher who answered the phone adived "Just let her go and she will finder her way home." I wonder if the response would have been the same for our favorite bully breed? Mind you I live in an area rampant with coyotes andof course there are many cars. I could not do what I was instructed. I expected to be told something like keep her over night and call the office in the morning, or take her to the central shelter night drop. I took her to the shelter and last I heard her owners had been contacted. Hopefully by now they have been re-united and the owner's fined for allowing their dog to roam at large.
In any event I know that even if the owner's had abandon her she is perfectly adoptable and will find a good home. She was very sweet. Okay time to get off the soap box.