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"The animals have no voice but ours..." |
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Breed Specific Legislation February 15, 2008 I have to tell you it really bothers me when broad generalizations are made about a group just because there might be a few bad eggs in the bunch. And it particularly bothers me when humans are the ones who create the bad eggs. Before you dismiss the previous sentences as sleep-deprived ramblings, let me tell you I’m discussing a phenomenon known as Breed Specific Legislation (BSL). BSL refers to laws or ordinances passed, usually targeting a specific breed of dog, that typically bans or prohibits the breeds from cities, towns and municipalities. The breeds most often in question are Pit Bulls, but Mastiffs, Dobermans, Rottweilers and Akitas have also been named. The restrictions also bleed over into homeowner’s insurance policies – there are a lot of folks who can’t get insurance if they have certain dog breeds in their home. Okay. Let’s start this show. The proponents of BSL point to public safety concerns, and the dangerous traits and tendencies of the above mentioned breeds. They discuss the jaw strength and musculature of Pit Bulls and illustrate the number of attacks on humans and other animals made by these aggressive breeds. They talk about the strange genetic quirks of some animals who suddenly turn on their owners for no apparent reason. I’ve spoken with people who are thrilled that their homeowner’s insurance policies carry these types of conditions for dogs because it keeps their rates low. When the person mentioned that to me, it was tough to argue. Many, many people who have been the victim of a dog attack, regardless of when it happened in their lives, sometimes never really recover from it. Occasionally in my wanderings through the county, I’ll find someone absolutely scared to death of canines. It’s quite sad. Still, there are people right now reading these words who have or have had a Pit Bull, Doberman, Rottweiler, Mastiff or Akita who was a sweet-natured, loving, wonderful family dog. Indeed, I spoke with a woman a few years ago who said her Pit Bull was just excellent with her kids and family. The dog “wouldn’t hurt a fly.” This is a terribly tricky situation. I’m not discounting the number of people, and God forbid – children – who have been hurt by aggressive dogs. I’m not even saying I haven’t seen my own share of rough, untrustworthy dogs come through this shelter. I just think it’s a shame that all the dogs in the same breed get labeled as “bad” or “unfit” just because of a few examples. I’ve seen Pit Bulls who were 90-pound lap dogs. We had a Rottweiler here who rubbed against my legs like a cat when I would walk her. Many times, with BSL the personality and character of a specific dog in question is disregarded. It doesn’t matter if your dog is gentle. It doesn’t matter if the Doberman is a dear boy. If the breed has been banned, they’re all banned. Why do we persecute one dog for the actions of another? That’s simply not fair. I also think it’s horrifying how many of these “bad” dogs have been made aggressive by humans. You can make any dog mean and nasty if you try. Why you would ever want to is beyond my realm of comprehension, but it can be done. Canines are still animals and can behave in animalistic ways, especially when those instincts are deliberately brought to the forefront of their nature. How about we put our efforts into prosecuting those who create the problem with aggressive dogs in the first place? Not to rehash old news, but I was quite happy with the outcome of the Michael Vick dogfighting case. It’s about time we show others that this is a crime and has serious consequences. In other words, you can’t get away with it. If there is one thing I’ve learned in my more than six years with this animal shelter it’s that feelings, thoughts and beliefs concerning man’s best friend really run the full gamut, from one extreme to the other. I’m hoping that eventually we could have laws and policies about specific dog breeds that look at the issue on a case-by-case basis. Each animal is different just like each and every person on the planet is different. I don’t believe either group should be persecuted because of the actions of a few. Our four-legged friends can breathe, can walk, can eat, can sleep, can run and I wholeheartedly believe they can love just like humans. They just can’t speak. That’s why it’s up to us to give them a voice. It’s my hope that when animal-lovers talk for them, we can get away from the broad generalizations made about specific breeds and instead show others the loyalty and devotion of which man’s best friend is truly capable. ***** Jennifer Vanderau is the Director of Communications for the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter and can be reached at cvasoc@innernet.net. The shelter accepts both monetary and pet supply donations. For more information, call the shelter at 263-5791 or visit the website www.cvas-pets.org. Animals available for adoption can be viewed at www.petfinder.org. CVAS also operates thrift stores in Chambersburg and Shippensburg. Help support the animals at the shelter by donating to or shopping at the stores.
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CVAS, Inc.