Punish the Owner, Not the Breed

Online, September 13, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Last month the Victorian parliament passed the Domestic Animals Amendment Restricted Breeds) Act 2011 and it has since been given royal assent to come into effect on the 30th of September, 2011. The Act was developed to allow council officers to seize and destroy unregistered restricted breed dogs, in particular pitt bulls and pitt bull crosses. This move in legislation has come about due to a recent increase in dog attacks and owners of these dogs will have until the 29th of September, 2011 to ensure their dogs are listed on the "dangerous dog register".

There has been a lot of controversy around this issue, with dog owners outraged by the Victorian Government's decision to ban these potentially dangerous breeds. Dr. Mark Perissinotto, head vet at VetShopAustralia.com.au believes that there should be a greater emphasis on the accountability of the owners of these dogs, rather than on these dogs themselves.

"All dogs have the potential to bite and attack small children, however smaller dogs don't have the same capacity to inflict as much damage as the larger breeds do" Dr. Perissinotto said. "The responsibility should fall on the dog's owners and they should be held both responsible and accountable for their dog's actions".

Dr. Perissinotto also believes that the Government's move towards making dog owners more accountable through facing jail terms will be a more effective method in reducing dog attacks than banning specific dog breeds.

"A dog is not just a pet, it's also a responsibility, and if owners are not able to provide their dogs with the needed discipline and training they require, the dog should not be punished, the owner should" said Dr. Perissinotto. "The responsibility of training the dog falls on the owner, and therefore so should the accountability for that dog's actions".

Dogs have always been seen as being a man's best friend, so if we treat them right, they will be the most loyal, loving friend anyone could find.

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