It is dawning on the UK government and I suspect other legislators that banning dog breeds because they are dangerous is impractical and unsuccessful. Any dog breed can be dangerous and any dog breed can be a wonderful pet. It is all down to selective breeding and training.
The sad thing is that any legislation concerning protecting the public from dangerous dogs will be flawed as it is impossible to enforce these sorts of laws comprehensively.
This is particularly the case in the UK where the police have been sitting on their hands for decades. They are simply underperforming dramatically and the problem is not about a lack of personnel. It is about a lack of commitment.
If there is to be legislation to ban dangerous dogs the legislation needs to tackle the behaviour of irresponsible breeders, trainers and owners who can create aggressive dogs. It is not that difficult.
The difficulty, however, is enforcing any law of this type. The ban on XL Bully dogs in the UK has been at best partially successful. There are still many XL Bully dogs owned illegally in the UK because of a lack of adequate enforcement by the police.
The arrest rate of the police for certain crimes in the UK is ludicrously low. Criminals in the UK are having a field day. It is carte blanche for criminals in the UK and it is getting worse day on day. For instance, shop lifters feel immune from police arrest and march into supermarkets and clear the shelves. Car thieves also feel immune from arrest. Car theft is a burgeoning ‘business’ in the UK which has made car insurance too expensive for many.
Some more from AI (Chat GPT):
The Cane Corso, a large and powerful breed of Italian mastiff, is increasingly being sought in the UK as a substitute for the American XL Bully, which is set to be banned by the government following a string of high-profile attacks. This substitution highlights a broader issue with dangerous dogs, which often stems not from specific breeds themselves but from irresponsible breeding, poor training, and neglectful or aggressive ownership.
Why the Cane Corso is Rising in Popularity
- Physical Similarity: The Cane Corso shares some physical traits with the XL Bully, such as a muscular build, imposing stature, and a reputation for strength and loyalty. For those seeking an intimidating or “guard dog” presence, it may appear as a natural alternative.
- Legal Status: Unlike the XL Bully, the Cane Corso is currently not a restricted breed in the UK, making it a legally permissible choice for individuals who want a strong, protective dog.
- Trend-Following: Dog ownership trends often follow media coverage, and as the XL Bully becomes associated with bans, other large, powerful breeds like the Cane Corso may inadvertently gain appeal.
The Problem with Dangerous Dogs
The underlying issue in dangerous dog cases tends to be related to how the dogs are bred, trained, and handled, rather than the inherent nature of the breed itself:
- Irresponsible Breeding Practices:
- Breeding for aggression or physical dominance without regard for temperament can create dogs prone to dangerous behavior.
- Overbreeding to meet demand often leads to genetic issues, which can include health and behavioral instability.
- Poor Training and Socialization:
- Lack of proper training and exposure to different environments, people, and other animals can result in fearfulness or aggression.
- Owners who reinforce aggressive behavior, either intentionally or out of ignorance, exacerbate the problem.
- Unsuitable Ownership:
- Powerful breeds require experienced and responsible owners who can provide the necessary training, exercise, and structure.
- Some individuals acquire such breeds to enhance their image, using the dogs as status symbols or deterrents rather than as companions, which can lead to neglect or misuse.
A Shift in Focus
The substitution of one breed for another underscores the need to move beyond breed-specific legislation (BSL) and focus on root causes. Effective solutions include:
- Stricter Regulations on Ownership: Mandatory training and licensing for owners of powerful breeds could help ensure responsible ownership.
- Education Campaigns: Raising awareness about the responsibilities of owning large, strong dogs can prevent impulsive or ill-informed purchases.
- Crackdown on Irresponsible Breeders: Enforcing regulations to prevent backyard breeding and puppy mills would reduce the number of poorly bred, potentially dangerous dogs entering the market.
In summary, while the Cane Corso may temporarily replace the XL Bully in popularity, the underlying issue remains one of human responsibility, not the inherent danger of a specific breed. Addressing breeding, training, and ownership practices is key to reducing incidents of dog-related harm.
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