The story of Bear and Kooda has gained a lot of exposure in the days since these healthy, friendly dogs were killed.
And there has been many people asking – were they pit bulls or not?
The truth is, under the current Victorian laws, it doesn’t actually matter. The government has told councils that DNA tests are of no benefit. The Victoria Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) have told dog owners DNA tests are irrelevant. What breed a dog actually is, under this legislation, isn’t important. What matters is whether a dog can be deemed to be of ‘pit bull type’ as determined by council officers using the ‘Standard for Restricted Breed Dogs’.
From 30 September 2011, all dogs fitting the Standard… are considered a restricted breed dog.
DPI website
So if ‘breed’ doesn’t matter (which ironically, is exactly what anti-breed-specific-laws campaigners have been arguing all along) what is the goal of these laws?
Supporters would say, ‘public safety’.
On reflection – just how much safer are we making the community by killing the healthy, friendly dogs, because of how they look?
My personal opinion is that the emphasis needs to be on responsible pet ownership, and correctly raising breeds of all sizes and personality types, rather than on a blanket ban on a breed. We need to ditch the social stigma and remember these dogs being seized and killed are loving members of their families. Enforce a temperment test on ‘suspect’ dogs instead maybe – they are put under extreme circumstances – but don’t kill based on looks. With no disrespect intended, it seems reminiscent of Hitler’s regime, the treatment of African-Americans, the treatment of women in past times……….
Wow, that’s quite unintelligent. And disappointing. Government bodies should know better. It’s like racism, kinda. :(