The Tasmanian RSPCA is the latest of the state branches to let down the bull breed community, coming out in full support of the state’s new laws which will see anyone in charge of a dangerous or restricted breed dog that kills or causes grievous bodily harm with up to 21 years’ jail.
“If a person has a dog that’s a restricted breed or a dangerous dog, then I think jail’s a fair cop in those circumstances,” (RSPCA Tasmania president Dr Paul Swiatkowski) said.
“I believe that most people know what the temperament of their dog is really like.”
Not only is this position in direct conflict with the RSPCA’s assertion that all dogs laws should be breed neutral, it ignores the reality that most dogs who injure people do so in their own home, injure their ‘own’ people, and aren’t viewed as a threat by their owners. In short, the RSPCA Tasmanian president is furthering the failed notions of BSL.
And this ‘fair cop’ that he talks about? 21 years in prison – or 21 years for a child to be without a mother or a father – or a family to be a single parent household & suffer from the loss of one income; maybe their only income. In short, a disaster for most families.
Which may be ok – a fair punishment if you like – if it was likely to result in less dog injuries and fatalities. But time and time again we see that punishing people after the fact does little to prevent dog attacks or educate them on the behaviours which do lead them being safe dog owners. Especially in situations where owners are already non-compliant or not aware of current legislation and have little knowledge about dog behaviour.
These Tasmanian laws target ‘pit bulls’. Identification of what constitutes a ‘pit bull’ is a black art, not a science. The RSPCA Tasmania should be howling down this legislation as furthering the notion that only one breed of dog is dangerous and that being heavy-handed after the fact does little to improve community safety. Instead we have the major animal representative group pandering to the lowest common denominator.
With friends like these, dog owners certainly don’t need enemies.
