Deed Not Breed - dog lovers, we need your help!

[Riley's Mommy]

cross posted from another forum:

Recent events that have seen media coverage are now being used by certain organisations to push forward more legislation for dangerous dogs. Talks of amnesties, firstly covering Merseyside, now nationwide are being stated as an answer in the immediate term. This is a flawed view.

The only dogs who will be handed in are the innocent ones owned by law abiding members of the public who are scared and confused. Those who have these dogs for illegal purposes or for the image and status they believe their dog gives them will not. These amnesties do not allow for people who are concerned to have their dogs objectively assessed and then registered, neutered etc if found to meet the ridiculously obscure guidelines for what constitutes a "pit bull type". Rather any dog handed in will simply be destroyed regardless of whether it has ever displayed any aggression. This is tragic and will surely lead to many perfectly healthy, well behaved animals being destroyed either because their owners are scared or because they simply want rid and see a free way to abandon unwanted animals. It will also have an affect on the welfare of many dogs whose owners become too frightened to take their dogs to the vets for treatment. Dogs will no longer be exercised as owners refuse to leave their own homes in fear. This again will not benefit the dogs.

The Kennel club has opposed any amnesty and instead suggested opening the register of exempt dogs. While the finer points of this need discussion it proves there is another way. In 1991 a law was rushed in because people where scared. That law failed and at a price. Lets not make the same mistake again.

No breed or type of dog is more likely to attack than any other. Lack of proper training and responsibilty by the owner is much more likely to create a dangerous dog.

Unless legislation is followed that deals with the owners who fail to control their dog, regardless of breed, we will never reduce dog attacks. If we, the general public, allow this to continue we may find we are opening up more discussion of adding to the banned breeds. Your breed or type could be next.

Like minded dog lovers have formed a campaign group and we are writing to MP's and looking to hold rallies to voice our feelings. Today it's pit bull "types", tomorrow it could be all bull breeds, the next day GSD's and Rottweilers...when will it stop? Now is the time for all dog lovers regardless of the breed they own to stand together before more lives, both canine and human, are lost. Please visit our website - www.deednotbreed.org.uk - and support us in any way you can.

You can also sign our petition opposing the addition of further breeds to the DDA, opposing any amendments to the Act which call for the restriction of any breed or type (for instance, muzzling in public) and to oppose any Amnesty which does not run in-line with the 1997 Amendment, which may allow some owners to keep their dogs by having them entered on the Register of Exempt Dogs.

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/deedNOTbreed/

 

[Flame]

I was going to sign it but the only problem i have is it saying it does not believe in muzzling these dogs in public.
As much as i dont like to see a dog muzzled sometimes it is for the best if it has a short temper or a young person goes running up to it for a bit of fuss as unfortunately not everyone asks if it is ok to pet your dog.

At the same time i feel bad for not signing it because i agree these "dangerous dogs" shouldnt be punished for something that isnt there fault and is usually the way it has been trained, handled or treated.

Dont know what to do

 

[Riley's Mommy]

i agree with you about the muzzeling thing.

i signed it because its getting out of hand now.

its the owners fault most of the time, not the dogs.

 

[Hypnorm]

I'm inclined to disagree - i think the dealers will give the dogs up because they dont give a damn about them anyway, But the people who really love their dogs and look after them will be made to suffer, and will probably hide their dog or claim it is another breed.

I also think that dogs should be licenced and the owners checked.
i also feel that certain breeds should be muzzled in public places.

There are dogs out there with agressive tendancies that you will never breed out, there are dog/wolf hybrids out there, and i think there is potential danger as these are part bred with wild animals.

sorry i could go on,

 

[Flame]

My cat is part bred type of wild leopard cat, she is not nasty, vicious or anything, She has a wild streak as in she likes to chase the other cats but this doesnt make her as dangerous as a wild cat.

I think the same goes for dogs.

 

[Hypnorm]

My cat is part bred type of wild leopard cat, she is not nasty, vicious or anything, She has a wild streak as in she likes to chase the other cats but this doesnt make her as dangerous as a wild cat.

I think the same goes for dogs.

Cats are different you cant compare them with dogs as they are bred for different things, cats arent bred specifically for guarding or fighting purposes.

All cats are stil potentially dangerous if cornered or frightened!!

 

[glitzyglamgirl]

I'm inclined to disagree - i think the dealers will give the dogs up because they dont give a damn about them anyway, But the people who really love their dogs and look after them will be made to suffer, and will probably hide their dog or claim it is another breed.

I also think that dogs should be licenced and the owners checked.
i also feel that certain breeds should be muzzled in public places.

There are dogs out there with agressive tendancies that you will never breed out, there are dog/wolf hybrids out there, and i think there is potential danger as these are part bred with wild animals.

sorry i could go on,

Actually a wolf/dog hybrid is not a hybrid, as wolf and dog are the same species. (Wolf is Canis lupus - a dog is a canis lupus familiaris) and these so called hybrids are just dogs that have more recent wolf physical characteristics. They are very loving and gentle and as far as I know, there are not any reported attacks? Please correct me if im wrong!

I could go on also, about the true nature of Wolves, about how they were friends to prehistoric man long long long before the idea of keeping pets became popular, and i could tell you about the Wolves I have been in close contact with as a handler many years ago and the special spiritual bond I feel with them, but that would just make me sound mad lol

I also dont think dealers will be so willing to give them up (not just dealers but dog fighters, tough twats in general lol) as they see them as thier possesions. Its the law abiding peaceful folk who just love thier dogs who will be scared into doing it.

Anyway, I signed the petition and will copy the post onto all the other forums I am a member on, thanks for sharing!

 

[Manda&Thomas]

ive signed it before on a different forum
my sister own 3 rotties and they are lovely wouldnt hurt a fly she has 2 young kids and they all playfight the biggest is 9 stone lol she dont jump up at the kids only me as i swear she laughs when i nearly fall down
but after the rottie attacks they had my sister inmvited the local rag round to take pics and meet her dogs they were very impressed by what they saw
sorry just had to add my bit
manda x

 

[Riley's Mommy]

thanks for all that have signed the petition. i think its a worthwhile thing to do.

im lucky, that all the bigger breeds like rotties that ive met have been so lovely.

and touch wood. ive only ever been bitten by smaller terrier dogs.

 

[Hypnorm]

http://tedeboy.tripod.com/drmichaelwfox/id28.html

I would read this about wolf hybrids he makes some very good points.

I won't be signing the petition as it says it is against muzzling breeds.

 

[glitzyglamgirl]

You'll find a more reliable website here concerning wolf "hybrids"

http://www.inetdesign.com/wolfdunn/whate/

 

[Hypnorm]

Glitsy i'm afraid we will have to agree to disagree on this one
At the end of the day a wolf is a wild animal, yes related to the domestic dog but it is not a domestic animal:

A Word About Percentages

It has been estimated that over 90% of wolf hybrids sold in this country are credited with being of higher wolf content than they actually are. One danger in this is that the buyer purchasing a low content animal thinking it's higher may have the animal for years with no problems, training it like a dog, having it live in the house, be housebroken, non-destructive, etc. This person then spreads the story of how wonderful these high-content animals are and how easily cared for not much more trouble than a dog! Someone else hearing this (or even this same person getting a second animal down the line) then gets what actually IS a high content animal - and is in for a big surprise. Also, keep in mind that in addition to percentage, the number of generations the animal is away from a pure wolf will affect behavior as well. A hybrid which is 8 generations down the line from a pure wolf will be less "wolfy" than one who is 3 generations away.

Most high content hybrids (and certainly pure wolves) do NOT make good house pets; most people who have high content animals keep them in the house as pups, only to banish them to the yard after the destruction and behaviors become too much to deal with. This is not to say that no one has ever been successful at keeping a high content in the house (however, many who think they have done so may unknowingly have lower content animals) - but it would take extreme effort and dedication, as opposed to the amount of work required to acclimate a lower content or pure dog.

Note: Wolves have traditionally been crossed with malamutes or huskies, and are also sometimes crossed with german shepherds. Due to the recent surge of popularity of the hybrid and the potential for a quick buck, some unethical breeders have begun to cross wolves with more aggressive breeds, such as chows or pit bulls. These particular crosses are an accident waiting to happen, and threaten the future existence of hybrids everywhere. Do not support this very dangerous trend"

Again this is a potential area for danger like some of the other breeds mentioned where they get in to inexperienced hands and not trained or trained badly, dogs and owners need to be regulated, the dogs that are on the dangerous dogs list should stay there, but i don't feel that any other dogs should be placed on the list, Pitbulls and tosas where put put on the list for a reason and should remain regulated.

But like any law it has been flawed, and the police lax.

Bring back dog licensing and a home check and an ownership course before you can own any dog.
So people are not fit to have dogs, and dont have the time.
A friend had a border collie, but they worked 8 hours a day, and popped home for 30 mins to let it out in to the garden - and had one one hour walk a day! needless to say the dog destructed the house and became agressive the poor dog was bored stiff, they then brought the dog in to be put to sleep. We didn't put it down and it went with one of a vets friends and the dog is now doing dog agility at championship status, and is a different dog now.
Just an example of a dog in the wrong situtaion.

Anyone should think long and hard about getting a dog and research each breed, and buy only from reputable breeders - never buy from anyone who only gives a mobile number - and doesnt have the mum and possible dad present as their temperament will give a very good idea of how they will turn out.
Train your dog and be responsible - speak to owners of the same breed and see what they say - learn as much as you can about the breed you want before hand then you will be more aware of its needs.

 

[mum2be?]

Have signed from another doggy forum

thank, keep up good work

 

[glitzyglamgirl]

Some very good information there, I'll agree to disagree with you on some things aslong as you know I dont disagree with you entirely If you know what I mean lol

I think what you have highlighted is that these dogs are a specialist breed and need to be trained and cared for by highly experienced and commited owners - they are not for people who just think they are cute.

Anyone should think long and hard about getting a dog and research each breed, and buy only from reputable breeders - never buy from anyone who only gives a mobile number - and doesnt have the mum and possible dad present as their temperament will give a very good idea of how they will turn out.
Train your dog and be responsible - speak to owners of the same breed and see what they say - learn as much as you can about the breed you want before hand then you will be more aware of its needs.

Absolutely, 100% agree with that.

I have worked as a Wolf handler (pure wolves) for shows and fairs etc many moons ago and they are beautiful creatures, but you have to earn thier respect and trust - its not for everyone. This intelligent wariness they show must be inherited by hybrids, and is different to the usual blind faith that other breeds demonstrate towards thier "owners". One of the many reasons why they are a specialist breed and should remain that way, but with the right person they are amazing and worth all the extra effort.

 

[Hypnorm]

YAY we agreed on something lol

 

[glitzyglamgirl]

YAY we agreed on something lol

Theres always common ground somewhere lol

 

[Grace.]

I have signed the petition from another site,

I own a cat and a rotweiller and believe it or not the cat is worse than the dog. The dog is petrified of her. I believe all dogs can be great pets with the right training and love. Its the people who don't really use them as pets, thugs who just want a hard dog for example. my Rotti is the softest, loveable thing ever and he would never hurt anybody. He doesn't wear a mussle but is only left off a lead when nobody else is about, not incase he bites, its more for other people's piece of mind plus because he's so heavy he could easily knock a child over if he wanted to play. For this reason he is never left with a child on his own. (He loves kids). All dogs regardless of size should be trained in Obedience, i've lost count of the amount of little dogs which have ran over barking and attacking my dog. (although he just ignores them) and then the owners remark that my dog shouldn't be in a public place. (it makes me mad sometimes)

Rant over sorry!

 

[Hypnorm]

I don understand what you mean, Rotties can be some of the softest dogs around, And you are sensible to keep him on a lead if people are around,and not leave him alone with kids.
Little dogs are some of the worst as they are spoilt and never trained, and always go for the bigger dogs who then get all the grief.

i wish there were more owners like you!