Do You Agree With Breed Specific Legislation?
Since I've got jet lag from the trip to Asia, I decided to ask for your opinion on breed specific legislation. While walking in a park along the South China Sea, my husband noticed this sign posted prominently. Singapore requires certain breeds of dogs to wear muzzles when in public places. Although I appreciate the intent behind the law, to protect humans and other animals from attack, I have mixed emotions about breed specific legislation. What do you think? Are these breeds so unpredictable that all members should be muzzled by law or should the decision be made on an individual basis? In other words, are there dangerous breeds or dangerous owners? Please let me know what you think. I should add that I thoroughly enjoyed the visit to Singapore. Regardless of your view on this issue of muzzling dogs, I suggest you visit the country if given the chance. It is clean and beautiful!
Posted by Dr Kris Nelson at 8/9/2010 4:31 PM 
Categories: Current Events
Tags: dogs Singapore breed specific legislation dangerous dog breeds
Categories: Current Events
Tags: dogs Singapore breed specific legislation dangerous dog breeds
This is really disturbing! Are their choices based on the size of the dog, or the perceived danger? Because somehow, the size seems less unfair. Anyway, based on gut alone, I would say it is unfair. But I'll be sure to mull it over for a while too.
Reply to this
Most of the time, the problem is the owner, not the breed. Either the owner mistreats the dog and makes it mean or doesn't know how to train and control their dog. Having said that, muzzling in public places is at least better than banning certain breeds altogether as some states here have.
Reply to this
THE DOGS ARE NOT TO BLAME. THEY CANNOT MAKE LAWS OR DEFEND THEMSELVES AGAINST SUCH LAWS. I FEEL A NEED TO VOICE A STRONG "UNFAIR" VOTE FOR MY FOUR LEGGED FRIENDS. THIS IS NO WAY FOR MAN TO TREAT HIS/HER BEST FRIEND.
Reply to this
I absolutely do not agree with breed-specific legislation. Any dog can bite or attack; the breed doesn't matter one bit. Just because certain breeds are more popular with the "wrong" people does not make the breed bad. If thugs were attraced to dachsunds, would we be trying to ban them too? It's just silliness.
Reply to this
Some dogs have been bred specifically for their wariness of strange dogs and people, and to defend and protect against perceived threats. I have never mistreated my own dog in any way (australian shepherd) and was properly socialized as a puppy, but she has an instinctive wariness of strangers and I do walk her on a head collar just for safety.
If muzzling my dog made other people feel more comfortable, I would not complain. A muzzle that is properly fitted to a dog who has been trained to wear it will not be a problem for the dog. They do not have a sense of 'fairness' and will not be offended at having to wear it. Not everyone likes or feels safe around dogs, especially certain breeds, and they deserve to feel safe (even if their fear seems prejudiced). Its about a compromise between people who would BAN all dogs from public places, and people who want to bring their dogs with them in public.
Reply to this