Dangerous Dogs or Dangerous owners?
As the owner of 3 large dogs, 2 German Shepherd dogs and one Mastiff I am always particularly interested when I come across the various articles on the web regarding comments concerning what constitutes a so called 'Dangerous Dog' category. It is interesting how people also take the various breeds, specific features of a dog or just assume that because it is big it falls into that category!
I have also noted how much these so called 'Dangerous Dog' lists vary from country to country. For example here in Spain we have an A list and a B list. The first list contains Specific Breeds that are named as `Dangerous Dogs'! The second B list contains specific feature of a dog that are characterised as features of a so called 'Dangerous Dog'! But it clearly states that they must have several of these features to be in this category. None of my dogs for example, here in Spain, fall into either of these lists. However, as a responsible dog owner and for their own safety, when taking them out in public places I behave in a responsible manner and control them by having them on a leash. If I want to allow them to run and exercise I then take them to a place where they have more space and use an extending lead. Also when they were younger I made sure that they and I attended a Dog Training class. I also put in a lot of time and effort at home training them, being very aware that being Large Breeds it was a priority for me to be able to know how to handle them too!
Anyway back to dangerous dogs lists. I just wish people would actually read and get their facts right before 'quoting' and assuming. I have heard so many people say that a dog falls into the category because it´s weight exceeds '25kg'. That is not correct! Under the Act here it is just one of the features, but on it´s own is not sufficient to categorise a dog into the list.
In Spain people who do own a dog that falls into one of these A or B lists also has to obtain a license to own the dog and undergo a medical test and obtain a medical certificte to say they are fit to own such a dog. They also have to purchase a third party liability insurance. Well that how it was and to my knowledge still is. There are also a number of observations they must undertake regarding taking their dogs into public areas. For example they must be muzzled, on leads no longer than three feet (not extending leads) and if your dog falls on this A or B list they can only be taken out one their own into public places. e.g. you cannot walk another dog with it.
Personal opinion and feelings aside. Law is law and we cannot always take the pieces we want and ignore others we don´t like. If my dogs were to fall into theses lists i would have to observe them. But equally I would then expect that the current laws here regarding People´s abuse, neglect and cruelty of animals laws to also be put into force. Which from my own personal experiences of trying to report this in the past - have been ignored. Laughably there is a law that can result in a fine of up to 18,000 euros for abandonment of dogs. I laugh because there is also a law that states your dog must be micro chipped! To not do so is also an offence. Since my time in Spain I have found and helped in excess of 50 abandoned dogs. First call is to the vets clinic to check for a microchip. Not one of those dogs had one or indeed any form of ID tag or collar. This I imagine is my own little drop in the ocean compared to how many dogs are out there being abandoned.
I also see so many people flouting the law openly with their dogs that fall into these categories of the dangerous dogs lists and walking their dogs in built up public places with complete disregard to this particular law.
So what is the answer and why have these laws in the first place if they are not going to attempt to be bothered to enforce them?
There is more to add and other aspects of the laws and treatment of people pertaining to dog ownership that I would like to write about and express my thoughts on.
I would be interested to know how the laws and observations of these laws are handled or observed in your country? Do people ignore them? Do the law enforcers bother to enforce them? Please share this information with the blog.
