| Subject: DOES SCIENTIFIC PROOF EXIST THAT SPECIFIC BREEDS OF DOGS ARE DANGEROUS? |
Author:
WAF
|
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
Date Posted: 14:55:40 10/13/02 Sun
Scientific Proof, does it exist?
There is no scientific proof that genetics cause a breed of dog to be aggressive, vicious or dangerous. Irresponsible owners are to blame for the behavior of dogs that are aggressive, vicious or dangerous. Breed specific legislation is an injustice, as is genocide of a specific breed of dog.
There are over 30 breeds of dogs listed responsible for human fatalities. Banning one or two breeds, declaring them to be dangerous, or placing restrictions on them does nothing to insure the safety of the public. Breeds from the Pomeranian to the Bull Mastiff have killed humans, and in most cases they were provoked. To understand the support of breed bans, one would have to view the movement directed at extermination of specific breeds by certain animal rights groups. It is their intent to stop domestic pet ownership. It is a known fact there is an ongoing federal investigation taking place into the animal rights movement. There has been evidence released showing minimal funding has gone to Humane Shelters or Animal Control for enforcing exsisting dangerous dog laws. However, there is heavy support by certain animal rights groups directed at the extermination of specific breeds, and this can be found on their websites.
It is unconstitutional to victimize responsible owners and cruel to punish specific breeds of dogs and their owners.
Because the Pit Bull type dogs have to be trained to fight, it would not be constitutional to ban them. It would be legal to prohibit training them to fight. There is no scientific proof that any specific breed is dangerous. It would be sufficient to state that it is a violation of the 5th and 14th amendments of the United States Constitution to ban specific breeds, because there is no proof of a public safety issue. Over 30 breeds of dogs have been responsible for killing humans. The statistics for human fatalities and the statistic's for dog bites are estimated and not accurate, because of this, to target one specific breed would be unjust and would create a serious danger to the public's safety; because unless all the dogs are banned that killed humans, it would do nothing for public safety in the long term agenda. The German Shepherd is responsible for more deaths than any other breed and this fact is never disclosed.
Under the US Constitution 5th/14th amendments, dogs are valuable personal property. Laws that take away ownership of property (BSL) do not allow for due process of the law. Citizens are entitled to court procedures to determine their right to own and enjoy their property. It is unconstitutional to take away the rights of the citizens of the US unless there is a serious concern for public safety. It would need to be proven that an entire breed of dog is dangerous. There is no genetic proof that an entire breed of dog is dangerous. There are many problems associated with breed specific ordinances and some of the existing legislation. Such laws fail to address the fact that most problems with dogs are due to irresponsible ownership.
One of the most serious problems with some of the existing "dangerous dog laws" is that the dog may face destruction or lengthy impoundment, while the owner receives little or no punishment. Irresponsible owners are chronic repeat offenders of animal control laws. Thus, the dog suffers the consequences of its owner's irresponsibility.
1. Do the current laws address each of the problem areas with dogs?
2. Are they being enforced?
3. Is there a problem with repeat offenders?
Problems stem from inadequate budget or manpower to enforce the laws, inadequate training to effectively deal with the problem dogs in a humane way, and low priority of animal control issues. Poor community education of existing animal control laws and lack of judicial support in upholding effective penalties also create serious problems. Strong laws that penalize the owners, regardless of the breed, are what is needed. These types of laws are valid, have merit, are not vague or capricious. Non- breed specific laws are valid under the Constitution, and are for the protection of the public welfare and safety with the degree of precision that characterizes effective legislation.
The only justice for the irresponsible owner are strong penalties such as the state of Washington RCW16.08.100 penalties for owners of dogs allowed to cause damage, bite, or perpetrate unprovoked attacks on other animals and humans.
The Washington Animal Foundation does not support breed specific legislation and has drafts of laws available for control of dangerous dogs.
COPYRIGHTWAF2002
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
| |
Feedback: 