Denmark to Ban 13 Dog Breeds Deemed Fighters
Are Dog Breed Bans Fair?
Denmark's Dog Breed Bans
As outlined by Politiken.DK(1), a bill is currently winding its way through the Danish legislature - supported by the majority-holding Danish People's Party - that will issue 13 dog breed bans. The proposed law would make buying a banned dog breed illegal and dogs (of these breeds) that already live within Denmark's borders must at all times be leashed and muzzled.
Dog Bite Statistics by Breed
Dog Bite Law(2) reveals that there are about 75 million dogs being kept in the United States. Almost five million people report dog bite injuries each year. Of those, 800,000 require medical attention.
There were 30 fatal incidents in 2009. Statistically, the dogs most commonly involved in deadly attacks are pit bulls, Rottweilers and Presa Canarios. Less frequent - but associated with at least one fatality - are German shepherds, malamutes, Dobermans, chows, huskies, Akitas, Great Danes, St. Bernards and Pomeranians.
Should the Government Go into the Dog Breed Banning Business?
If the mayor of Lancaster, California, is correct, then the odds are good that dog breed bans are a workable solution that not only takes dangerous dogs off the streets but also curtails the gang problem. As outlined by the L.A. Times(3), Lancaster passed an ordinance that made ownership of likely dangerous or vicious breeds an offense.
In the governmental crosshairs were pit bulls and Rottweilers. It is unclear if Lancaster's mayor targeted the dogs because of their perceived danger or merely to harass gang members that seem to favor them. A year after the ordinance passed, in excess of 1,100 of the banned dogs were considered "removed" from Lancaster, which may be a politically correct term for "euthanized."
Ban Dogs or Irresponsible Owners?
It is unclear what will happen if Lancaster's gang members choose to breed other canines as attack dogs or Denmark's dog fighting rings start using Yorkshire terriers in their exploits. Following officials' logic, these breeds would then also have to be banned.
On the flipside, neighbors who have lived in fear of the dog next door can now breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that the next time the dog is loose -- or threatens them through the fence -- it might also be its last time.
Sources
(1)Politiken.DK. "Bill to ban 13 dog breeds" (accessed April 12, 2010)
(2)Dog Bite Law. "The dog bite epidemic: a primer" (accessed April 12, 2010)
(3)L.A. Times. "Breed-specific legislation has helped reduce gang-related crime, says Lancaster mayor" (accessed April 12, 2010)
Published by Sylvia Cochran - Featured Contributor in Automotive, Politics, Travel and Lifestyle
Sylvia Cochran works out of sunny Southern California and has been freelance writing -- full-time -- since 2005. SEO-optimized Internet copy includes news analysis, political Op/Ed and parenting as well as a... View profile
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12 Comments
Post a CommentBan irresponsible owners and not the dogs. Pitts are very affectionate and loving dogs and they are NOT more aggressive than any other dog. In fact Chihuahuas are a lot more aggressive than Pitts are the only reason the discussion doesn't come up with them is because they are so small.
Hey Tanja.
Dane here. The bullterrier is definitely allowed in Denmark and they were never on the list. The thirteen breeds that will be banned in 1st of July are:
American bulldog
American pitbull terrier
American staffordshire terrier
Boerboel
Caucasian sheepdog
Central Asian sheepdog
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro
Kangal
Sarplaninac
South Russian sheepdog
Tornjak
Tosa Inu
Plus massive restrictions on owning mutts/any dog without a pedigree.
I agree that any large breed might be requested to be leashed and even muzzled on public property, but banning a breed is senseless , there should be a term/registration psico test for responsible ownership for all large breeds OK but banning is infringing freedom and liberty .Any person who knows anything about dog training knows you can very easily train a lab or bobtail to be aggressive regardless of the breed
Who can let me know or where can I get the information about bullterrier Is that dog allow in Denmark or not
As an owner of a Doberman, the perception of this breed is wrong. Properly bred dogs that are brought up right are not dangerous, period. Look at the report from "Applied Animal Behaviour Science" that lists the top 33 aggressive dogs. The top six were Dachsunds, Chihuahas, Jack Russelss, AU cattle dogs, Cocker Spaniels, and Beagles. And I don't even believe these are aggressive because of genetics. I believe it's b/c people get these breeds that have no business raising a dog. The little ones are usually allowed to get away with everything, hence becoming an unstable dog.
even the best of owners cannot control their dogs 24/7. I think its an important step, I mean why have these viciousbreeds anyway? Certainly not for companionship;)
Held hostage by an aggressive dog?
That's an inane comment.
You have plenty of options in dealing with your dog, though I do commend you on keeping it.
I, too, have dogs that are deemed to be aggressive.
While I don't ban visitors from my home, I do put the dogs away when certain company is here.
My dogs are not allowed to roam free (no dog should be) and even when they are let out into the fenced-in yard I am there with them.
Don't ban the breed, ban the irresponsible owners.
I go w/ banning irresponsible owners
We have 2 Shar Pei's (the wrinkle dogs) and our male is overly aggressive. We never allow them to be outside unattended. They are always on leads or leashes. We rarely invite anyone to our home because we cannot fully trust our male dog. He is great with family members, but could cause serious harm to a stranger. After being held hostage by an aggressive dog for 10 years, I certainly understand the concern and potential ban of certain breeds.
I have mixed feelings about this "ban". I could go either way...........