Dangerous Dog Lists

Eduard Kasela timeline 5/2000 reports from Germany. " Here in Germany is a very big political discussion. Because there happened a lot of accidents with "fighting dogs" our government is thinking about a law against these dogs. In the moment they have 15 breeds on the list: Pitbull, Am. Staffordshire, Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu, Dogue de Bordeaux, Rottweiler, Doberman and others. They want to forbid to breed or import these breeds. The people who own a dog like these in the moment must neuter these dogs and they should pay a much higher tax (1500,-DM p. year instead of 100,-DM p. year). We hope, that they won't start with the Akita, because there happened some accidents with Japanese Akitas. Now the provinces must build each a law, like the state wants." 

NO RIGHTS AT ALL!  (timeline 6/2000) Dog owners in these countries seem to have no "constitutional rights" as are guaranteed to U.S. citizens.  As long as one "does no harm" to another citizen, it has long been understood that people in free countries should be free to do what they like.  Prohibiting a million people from enjoying the company of a particular dog on the premise that  irresponsible owners may allow a dog to do damage is grossly unfair.  It is but one more small but noticeable  infringement on our God-given rights.  

It has become easy for political zealots to influence public opinion because there is no organized opposition.  Rationale people may laugh at such preposterous precepts as "Rats Have Rights" (6/2000 PETA platform re Survivor's TV show) but failure to rebut or take a stand is what allows one's rights to be usurped.

Breed clubs in Germany have fought to prevent passage of a cascade of anti-ownership laws but with limited success.   It is noteworthy that homeland breeds such as the German Shepherd Dog and the Rottweiler have been exempted from the dangerous dog lists whereas Rhodesian Ridgebacks are about to be listed!  

Obvious targets are the "bull breeds." When was the last time a Staffie Bull attacked someone?  Bavaria has imposed a treasury boosting tax of over $600 per dog  for each un-neutered dog.  Thank England's 1991 Dangerous Dog Act for that discriminatory bit of taxation.  Perhaps it is time for another tea party?  Has anyone demanded statistics relative to how many of the bull breeds actually bit anyone?  This writer is surprised that the traditional dog loving citizens of the U.K. would tolerate such restrictions against dogs.

TheDogPlace will keep you informed as legislation develops.  Finally, there is a voice so loud that politicians will realize that they can no longer ride to election success by having created an "agenda" at the expense of dog owners.  If they are educated by dog owners rather than "animal rights" groups, they will repeal and repudiate laws which are less about "protecting the public" than about stripping individual rights from the citizenry.

Update:  Germany has passed laws banning the breeding, sale, export, etc of all Bull breeds or dogs possibly crossed with those breeds.  Dogs are being destroyed as owners are beset with higher fees, restrictions, ridicule, and government intrusion.  It has been called a holocaust.  TheDogPlace has issued a call to BOYCOTT GERMANY and German-made products!

DEFORMITIES TARGETED> (timeline 5/00)  In addition, there are breeds considered "not normal" or "not natural" in some countries. If the ears are too pendulous, the noses too flat, the eyes too loose, or any other exaggeration of physical features, the breed may be banned.

We as dog fanciers, can not deny that some sporting or hound breeds have eyelids so loose that they could not endure a day in the field due to the certainty of catching grass seeds, pollen, and other debris in the sagging eye pockets. Many giant breeds suffer with painful bone and joint deformities while some toy breeds cannot possibly jump as high as a lap. There are guard dogs that cringe from strangers only to bite invited guests from behind. We are forced to admit there are herding and stock dogs so plagued with extreme configurations as to render then unfit for their original tasks just as are some terriers and even breeds whose sole purpose is to provide companionship to mankind. 

No group of dogs has totally escaped man's quest for bigger, smaller, longer, lower, taller, etc. Extremes of type that are perpetuated in hopes of catching the judge's eye. Ironically, they are as strikingly "outstanding" to the veterinarian…. There is validity to the concerns of those who are shouting "enough is enough." What are we doing to the dogs we love?

Many breeds have been so manipulated as to cause them physical discomfort. In some cases, it can be more than that - unnatural conformation traits can be deadly. While some in the veterinary and legislative community can be rightfully accused of overreacting, breeders are beginning to recognize and make concerted efforts to eradicate the increasing incidence of genetic defects that include heart defects, breathing difficulties, and fatal kidney problems. 
   Let us hope our efforts are not too little, too late.

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