Dangerous Dogs and Breed Specific Legislation Essay Example

Dangerous Dogs and Breed Specific Legislation Laws are currently in place designed to protect the public from dangerous dogs. Unfortunately, these laws are not strict enough and are not enforced consistently. As a result, dangerous dogs have been an increasing problem for several years. Some municipalities are pushing for specific breed banning through breed specific legislation. These community leaders feel breed specific laws would better protect the public against dangerous dog attacks. However, lawmakers are just that, they are lawmakers; they have no expertise in dog behavior and, therefore, have no business trying to correct a problem about which they know nothing. Separating dogs into the "good breeds" and "bad breeds" or banning specific breeds are not feasible solutions in eliminating the problem. Animal activist groups, veterinarians, and canine organizations are among the first to stand up and say that something must be done to protect people against dog attacks. They feel strictly enforced dog control laws which hold all dog owners accountable for their animals' behaviors are important in controlling dangerous dogs (Weiss). On the other hand, many animal activist groups believe government officials should not write these laws until they have been properly educated in the following: The impact of dogs' ancestral lineage on their behavior, which dogs are potentially more dangerous and why, the reasons breed specific legislation should not be implemented, and solutions for solving the problems. Studies suggest that the dogs known and loved today are descendants of the wolf (Zgurski). The wolf is an animal renowned for its ruthless predatory nature. It has an amazing ability to use aggressive tactics in protecting itself, obtaining vital resources, competing for pack status, and defending its territory (Price). Wolves are pack animals and organize themselves into ranks by age, strength, and ability, forming a pack hierarchy. The