In the last few weeks, a Northern Ireland dog has attracted international attention. Two years ago, Bruce the Staffordshire bull terrier was taken away from his family and sentenced to die. Why? Bruce was deemed a “pit-bull terrier type” by the authorities, and therefore a danger to society. Bruce has never bitten anyone. He has never been threatening or aggressive to a member of the public. However under the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991, all pit bull terrier “types” are considered to be dangerous, and because of Bruce’s physical appearance, he has been sentenced to death.
While in captivity over the last two years, Bruce has had to have his tail amputated due to infection. His owners have only been allowed to see him once, and have been shocked at the deterioration of his health.
Thankfully, last week poor Bruce was given a stay of execution until the judge reviews his case again, but his future is by no means certain.
This sad and infuriating case brings our attention to the issue of Breed Specific Legislation. Frightened and poorly informed courts all over the world have put laws in place to ban pit-bull terrier types. I seem to recall a European society in the last 100 years that executed living creatures based purely on “breed”, and the last I heard, we as a society condemned them.
Any well-informed dog lover or expert will tell you that breed is not an indicator of aggressiveness. Irresponsible owners are a much better indicator. We can see evidence of these owners in the recent coverage on “weapon dogs”, dogs bred by gang members looking to use them as an intimidation tactic, or worse, as a weapon. It’s worth noting that even after specifically breeding these dogs to be aggressive, the owners still must train hostility into the dog, generally using violence. Owners and breeders such as these young men ought to be the focus of legal action, not their dogs, who are only trying to please their owners.
American pit bull terriers (APBT) have often been the focus of media attention regarding dog attacks. It’s not hard to imagine why. The words “pit” and “bull” hardly seem synonymous with “fluffy” and “cuddly.” And don’t get me wrong. Strong-willed pit bulls are not a good choice for the first time owner. But they make fantastic family dogs, when trained by the right owner. As for Staffies like Bruce? Their nickname is the nanny dog. They are anything but aggressive and adore children (and I don’t mean for breakfast). An overwhelming number of Staffies become abandoned by reckless owners who were looking for an aggressive guard-dog, and instead got a loving and friendly family dog. Because of their muscular appearance and association with APBTs, organisations like the RSPCA have a difficult time re-homing these sweet and gentle dogs.
Still not convinced? In 2001, a Pomeranian fatally attacked a small child. Yes, a Pomeranian. One of those little dogs that look more like dusters than vicious animals. Any dog can be dangerous. What’s required is proper training and responsible ownership, and our courts would do better to punish an irresponsible owner, rather than an entire breed.
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