Vets warn against banning dangerous dogs American Pit Bull Terrier

Vets warn against banning dangerous dogs

AAPAugust 19, 2011, 9:06 pm

Veterinarians say banning breeds of dangerous dogs would not stop attacks, despite a Victorian government vow to crack down on vicious pets.

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu said on Friday the government wanted to "be rid of these dogs as soon as possible" following the death of a four-year-old girl who was mauled by an unregistered American pit bull mastiff cross in Melbourne on Wednesday.

The owner of the dog could face charges under the Domestic Animals Act and fines in excess of $19,000.

The government has also foreshadowed measures that could include the owners of dangerous dogs facing 20 years' jail in a similar law that applies to culpable drivers.

The amnesty for registering dangerous dogs will end, meaning councils can seize and destroy the animals, while a "dob in a dangerous dog" anonymous hotline will also be set up.

But Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) spokeswoman Kersti Seksel says socialisation of dangerous dogs rather than banning them would be more effective.

Over-regulation for dog owners has not improved the situation so far, Dr Seksel said.

"It's understandable that people are now calling for the banning of some breeds, however all the good evidence available shows that this doesn't work," she said in a statement on Friday.

"Unfortunately, we believe the banning and over-regulation of dogs in our communities could be part of the problem as this leads to poor socialisation and increased risk of attacks."

The AVA is instead calling for the government to increase funding for education and socialisation programs for dogs, their owners and young children.

Its statistics show that the most likely victims of dog attacks are children aged under 10, usually by their own dogs at their homes.

"We're never going to be able to prevent every incident, but a really good way to help prevent bites and attack is through socialisation of puppies with people and other dogs at a young age, and teaching our children how to be safe around animals," Dr Seksel said.

Ayen Chol was killed when the dog escaped a neighbour's home and chased the four-year-old's cousin into her house in St Albans on Wednesday night.
Ayen was watching television in the house when the dog attacked, lunging at her as she clung to her mother's legs.


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[LittleRedHead555]

It's not the breed it's the deed. & Honestly i agree, it is 100% COMPLETELY about how the dog is raised. And ALL dogs are animals, and ANY breed of dog can turn on you and bite you, they are ANIMALS, no matter how tamed they are, they are still wild and they live off of their instincts.

[MensHelpTv]

@LittleRedHead555

Yes more so if you teach them to hunt and kill you get more of an attack dog... but yes wild instincts are still the factor.

MensHelpTv

[MensHelpTv]

My opinion is some people breed these dogs to be fighters... maybe pig hunting they need to be strong.... others use them for fighting sports.

Then another person has them around the family and babys.. no problems.

Like most rewards some times the dog can snap... I have done many times also.

MensHelpTv

[MultiDingos]

ban the breed . Don't defend the deed

[MsTreysongz1]

i have a pit bull and he has never attack me or my friends or any one around me , he is very protective , he has made attempted to attack but is normally a growl or bark but he never does it , i got him when i was 9 and now i am 18 and he is still the best , he is like my brother.. i live in Jamaica tho

[surleyguru]

@MultiDingos Your so full of shit not even a dung beatle would tackle that dung heap.

[dragonfablefan02]

@MultiDingos dont kill them all they have a right like you or me =)

[thegirlsnme]

Why don't we state the real problem the apex predator and his moronic mind set?

I've been around animals (domestic) for many many years.

Different then wild life dears:)

I've rescued rehomed and sadly had to destroy some that were to far gone to help.

But in any domestic animals backround there is the human element and I've found this is the crux of the problem.

Poor breeding ,socialization and training.

Blame man not the animal!

[MultiDingos]

shit dogs KILL THEM ALL!