On June 4th, in Grosse Pointe Shores, a couple walking their small dog was attacked by another dog that had gotten loose from a neighboring property. The dog was identified as a pit bull and the pet that was attacked ended up with injuries that ultimately required amputation of one of its legs. A horrific experience for sure and we hope for a speedy recovery for everyone involved.
As a result of that incident, the city of Grosse Pointe Shores is considering a breed ban on pit bulls. Michigan Humane is opposed to breed-specific bans.
To understand Michigan Humane’s stance on this issue, it is important to look at this incident from more than one viewpoint. Let’s start with the victims. They should be angry. They should expect the owner of the dog that got loose to be held accountable.
These types of bans are often considered as a response to a single incident. In the heat of the moment, it is easy to apply immediate but simple answers, like a breed ban, to more complex issues. In reality, every action reported can be addressed with existing laws. They simply need to be enforced – fairly and uniformly.
Breed bans present a myriad of issues for communities that try to apply them. They are addressing what conceivably may happen as opposed to anything that has actually happened. Most people would prefer the law enforcement in their community to respond to more pressing items than what a dog looks like – something they are not trained to do. There is the issue of defining a pit bull and identifying them – by many definitions, a pit bull is simply a collective of breeds pulled together in a catch-all name. Breed-specific bans do not address the right issues.
The right issues are that people should expect that they are safe in their neighborhood from loose dogs. Owners have a responsibility to appropriately restrain their dogs while in public. Dangerous dog laws, and the owners who allow the behavior, should be held accountable.
People, pets, and communities are healthier and safer when pets are celebrated. Banning a breed is the wrong message and the wrong solution. We can expect that our existing laws be enforced regarding pets and pet ownership while simultaneously not alienating those that choose to share their life with one breed over another. Every pet is unique and every situation involving them should be considered on an individual and unique basis.