Vicki
Administrator
Too dangerous to live?
Tuesday, 04 August 2009 08:50
Three dog attacks in three days increase the likelihood of complete ban on certain dog breeds.
A proposal to completely ban dangerous dog breeds is likely to go through parliament later this year after the third attack in three days.
Debate has long simmered over how to control the rising popularity of dangerous breeds. The Justice Ministry has even set up a commission to study the issue.
And after the most recent attacks, which involved an American Bulldog, a Staffordshire terrier and a dog of unknown breed, spokesmen from the government’s Liberal and Conservative parties indicate they are in favour of a ban on the breeding, importing and selling of violent dog breeds.
Spokesmen for the two parties said they would introduce legislation to ban vicious breeds during the autumn session of parliament.
In addition, the Danish People’s Party, a key government ally, has allied with the opposition Social Democrats and Socialist People’s Party to come up with proposals for stiffer penalties for dog owners who violate dog ownership statutes. The proposals do not include a ban, but Malene Harpsøe, a spokesperson for the Danish People’s Party, said they would support a ban.
The Justice Ministry committee was established earlier this year to determine whether a ban would work, which breeds should be outlawed and what rules should apply to cross breeds.
The opposition, however, has used the continuing attacks to criticise the committee, whose findings are expected in December, for dragging its feet and delaying a decision.
Dog owner advocates argue that a ban would unfairly punish responsible owners, and could lead to the introduction of other violent breeds not covered by the ban.
The number of dogs considered dangerous breeds has exploded in recent years. In 2002, the number of pitbulls and Staffordshire terriers in Denmark was estimated at 1,000. Today the number is about 20,000, according to the Danish Kennel Club.
Too dangerous to live?
Tuesday, 04 August 2009 08:50
Three dog attacks in three days increase the likelihood of complete ban on certain dog breeds.
A proposal to completely ban dangerous dog breeds is likely to go through parliament later this year after the third attack in three days.
Debate has long simmered over how to control the rising popularity of dangerous breeds. The Justice Ministry has even set up a commission to study the issue.
And after the most recent attacks, which involved an American Bulldog, a Staffordshire terrier and a dog of unknown breed, spokesmen from the government’s Liberal and Conservative parties indicate they are in favour of a ban on the breeding, importing and selling of violent dog breeds.
Spokesmen for the two parties said they would introduce legislation to ban vicious breeds during the autumn session of parliament.
In addition, the Danish People’s Party, a key government ally, has allied with the opposition Social Democrats and Socialist People’s Party to come up with proposals for stiffer penalties for dog owners who violate dog ownership statutes. The proposals do not include a ban, but Malene Harpsøe, a spokesperson for the Danish People’s Party, said they would support a ban.
The Justice Ministry committee was established earlier this year to determine whether a ban would work, which breeds should be outlawed and what rules should apply to cross breeds.
The opposition, however, has used the continuing attacks to criticise the committee, whose findings are expected in December, for dragging its feet and delaying a decision.
Dog owner advocates argue that a ban would unfairly punish responsible owners, and could lead to the introduction of other violent breeds not covered by the ban.
The number of dogs considered dangerous breeds has exploded in recent years. In 2002, the number of pitbulls and Staffordshire terriers in Denmark was estimated at 1,000. Today the number is about 20,000, according to the Danish Kennel Club.
Too dangerous to live?