From 30th September last year, Victoria became home to some of the most draconian legislation in the country. It allowed animal management officers to seize and kill unregistered dogs they deem to be ‘pit bulls’ or ‘of pit bull type’, kill dogs on site without impounding them, kill dogs after impoundment with no minimum impoundment holding time and the fine for stray restricted breed dogs was raised to over $4k. Councils were given authority to enter premises to search for ‘pit bulls’, a $100,000 dangerous dog hotline was set up, and more than $130,000 in grants was given to local councils to enforce the new laws. (ref)
So we’re heading into the twelve month anniversary of the new laws – how it working out for the community? Surely with such enormous resources and publicity being pumped into these, the community is much, much safer?
Firstly, let me prefix this by saying dogs are remarkably safe animals. Of the more than 3 million dogs in Australia, only a few will ever cause an injury to a person, and only rarely do we see fatalities from dog attack in this country. However, bites do happen. And when they do, its important that we look at the factors that lead up to the attack as it allows us to stop it happening again in the future. We always have a behaviour problem (dog AND owner), not a breed one.
This month in Belfield, a man walking two dogs (a spaniel and an off-duty labrador guide dog) was set apon by three dogs, reported to be pit bull terriers. The labrador was chased into traffic and killed, while the spaniel received injuries. (ref)
In July, a Burnside Heights family’s five year old terrier cross died after being attacked by an off-lead german shepherd. (ref)
In June, in Monash a west highland terrier was set apon by another larger dog reported to be a ‘pit bull’. The westie needed surgery to save his life, and no people were injured. (ref)
Also in June, a three year old child was bitten by her pet dog. She suffered upper body wounds and head injuries. The dog was a husky.
Another incident in June involved an Endeavour Hills man whose west highland terrier was attacked by another dog, a staffordshire cross. Both dogs were on lead. The man suffered bite marks on his hand and the dog received minor scratches. (ref)
Dog attacks are (still) happening weekly in Brimbank, with at least one reported each week to Council. A total 37 dog attacks have been reported to the council since January 1. (ref)
Dog attacks on people have almost tripled in Wyndham in the first half of this year. Wyndham Council has received 26 reported dog attacks on humans in 2012 compared with an average of nine for the past three years. (ref)
About 150 dogs have been put down as ‘pit bulls’ since the new laws were introduced, while another 20 are in pounds awaiting destruction. Councils have been beaten in more than half of appeals by owners trying to save their pets. (ref)
Hume Council has been taken to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal six times since September last year by residents who claimed their dogs were wrongfully identified as American pit bulls. In two cases, VCAT overturned the council’s assessment of the dogs, stating they were not restricted breeds, citing the council assessor had “a lack of experience in assessing these types of dogs …” (ref)
The RSPCA is refusing to give evidence at appeals, vets are refusing to destroy dogs on the grounds of breed alone, while the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has this week released it’s position paper, firmly opposed to breed-specific legislation and setting out an evidence-based alternative approach.
As those who despise pit bulls beyond all good sense and evidence celebrate the first anniversary of the Victorian legislation, lets take a moment to look at the true victims of these bad laws.
Doug was recently found to be a ‘pit bull’ and impounded by Moonee Valley City Council. He was just six months old when he was taken from his home. Held and assessed a couple of months later when he was around 9 months old, and his council declaration featured the following;
Length longer than height? “Not currently, but given age, dog is still growing”
Are the withers to elbow/elbow to ground generally equal? “as above”
“Lips a little loose, but not for age”
“unable to view side bite as dog is young and excitable”
“lacking a little in muscle due to age and development”
Doug’s owner challenged the assessment, however VCAT upheld the declaration. Doug is due to be killed next week.
Dogs who’ve never done anything wrong are being seized from their homes for the way they look and killed. While our dog issues are no closer to being solved.
Killing a baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Words fail me.
We should be targeting problem dog owners, and preventing breeding for dog fighting. Perhaps Victoria should enforce pet licensing. If councils are going to the trouble of entering people’s homes to look for pit bull type dogs, surely they would have time to check the living arrangements of dogs and observe the owners ability to control the dog under various circumstances. Eg does the dog come when called even if there are other dogs around etc. can the owner control the dog. If the owner does not have proper control of the dog, they need to attend obedience class whete a dog trainer professional can recommend action. The pet licensing system could be an extension of the registration and would also eliminate neglect and cruelty. It would create jobs and keep most people happy :)
Disgusting… How how can they do this to an innocent, who has never done anything wrong? How can this be stopped?
This is disgusting. Wake up to yourselves Victoria. You are taking loved family pets that have done nothing wrong. Im ashamed to be an aussie with this BSL.
Here is proof enough that BSL DOES NOT WORK!!!!!
BANISH BSL AND ITS IGNORANT FOLLOWERS!
http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/08/11/2949683/pit-bull-ban-should-be-struck.html
It is just disgusting that these innocent dogs are being killed just because they look like pit bulls. BSL is a ridiculous. Money would be far better spent going after abusive dog owners than killing innocent puppies.
I am GOBSMACKED….Killing an innocent baby who has done nothing wrong.
ARE THERE BOUNTIES BEING PAID??? this is beyond belief!!
absoulutely horrible. they need to be stopped.
completely unjust.
And this is why I am never living in Victoria… Even if I don’t own a bully breed type I don’t think it’s safe place to live until they address problem DOG OWNERS.
There should be special licenses for certain dog breeds, just like driving cars! No dog deserves to be put down based on looks and breed alone!
My two cents.
This is pathetic and disgusting! You should all be ashamed!
People need to look carefully at their city councils and elect animal-friendly politicians and council members. What a waste of taxpayers money. Imagine that money going to educational programmes for pets and or shelters. Or, even to PEOPLE. There is a special HELL for people who destroy innocent puppies. Please rethink what you are doing… BSL is a proven failure.
They`re are no bad dogs just bad owners….these are the ppl you should be going after. Shame on you!!
Re quoting ( They`re are no bad dogs just bad owners….these are the ppl you should be going after. Shame on you!! ) I’m just so mad & can not understand how anyone can do this, were is our humane societies now.. God bless the poor innocent animals whom paths cross these hell bound people.
What a disgrace … target deeds not breeds … have some commonsense. Forget the witch hunt on dogs!
I’m Italian but I’m a great enemy of BSL and I’ll sign all the petitions and send all the e mails possible to fight against this cruel idiot law. This is a genocide of dogs, a nazi law. Shame to all the authorities which may this crime.
Words can not describe how heart breaking this all is. I don’t know what I would do if one of my babies were taken for me. Stop BSL it doesn’t work its only hurting family’s that have done nothing wrong. Shame on the council workers and the politicians for allowing this witch hunt to continue