Are certain dog breeds inherently dangerous? – First post

Another day and another dog attack story made headlines.

This time, a five-year-old girl was seriously injured after she was attacked by two Rottweilers in a park in Chennai.

The victim, the daughter of a security guard, was playing in the park in the Thousand Lights area Sunday evening when the two Rottweilers attacked.

She was rescued by her mothers and some passers-by.

The girl is currently in hospital.

The incident comes just months after a man was attacked by his pet Rottweiler after forgetting to feed it.

But are “aggressive” dog breeds really responsible for the attacks?

Let’s take a closer look:

Center pushes for ban on “wild” dog breeds

The center seems to think so.

In March, the government asked states to ban two dozen dog breeds, including pit bulls, Rottweilers, terriers, wolfhounds and mastiffs.

This came after a report by a panel of experts and animal welfare organizations that was put together after the Delhi High Court directed the Center to consider banning certain breeds.

Accordingly The Times of Indiathe center said such breeds were a “threat to human life.”

“The Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying formed an expert committee under the chairmanship of the Animal Husbandry Commissioner with members of the various interest organizations and experts. “The committee has classified the following dog breeds as feral and dangerous to human life,” the letter said.

The committee also recommended banning the importation, breeding and sale of the listed dog breeds.

It said the Ministry of Animal Husbandry was not allowed to issue licenses or permits for the sale or breeding of the animals.

It also said local authorities could issue guidelines. The letter added that those who keep such breeds as pets must ensure that they are sterilized.

Animal rights activists also support the recommendation.

The People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) had also filed a petition in the Delhi High Court in March demanding a ban on nearly two dozen dog breeds.

“This order is critical to the vital protection of humans and dogs and sends a strong, clear message that pit bulls and other dog breeds are being bred as weapons.” Pit bulls and related breeds are the most commonly abandoned dogs in India, and this measure can save the dogs a lot of suffering,” the organization wrote in its written petition.

India is not the only country that bans or restricts certain breeds.

A number of countries, including Ecuador, Bermuda, France, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Spain, Qatar, Ukraine, Malaysia – as well as several US states – have banned Rottweilers.

Pit bulls are now banned in 30 countries, including the United Kingdom, Denmark, Colombia, Norway, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Malta, Spain, France, Australia, Singapore and New Zealand.

Ukraine, Australia, Denmark, Hong Kong, Israel and New Zealand have banned the Dogo Argentino.

Australia, Bermuda, Colombia, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Singapore, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates have banned or restricted terriers.

Bermuda, Malaysia, Qatar and Singapore have banned or restricted the keeping of mastiffs as pets.

But are certain dog breeds inherently dangerous?

What do experts say?

Experts say even some good-natured dogs can attack people if mistreated.

“Any dog, even a retriever or Labrador, which are known to be extremely people-friendly, can become aggressive if not trained or kept in good living conditions,” said Delano Henriques, a Mumbai-based dog trainer and behaviorist Mint.

They recommend that people choose their dogs carefully, that choosing a dog is a big decision, and that dogs tend to behave like their parents.

According to The conversation, Some warning signs people can look out for include:

• Nervousness or shyness around people

• Barking, growling and snapping

“Every dog ​​and breed is different and you should do your homework thoroughly before taking them home. They must first figure out what they are looking for in a pet – a companion, a friend, or a guardian. “Every dog ​​has a different temperament and a different way of letting off steam,” said Manoj Poovanniyil from the Rottweiler Kennel Chennai The Times of India.

“Rottweilers were originally used to pull carts to market, herd animals and guard houses and farms. They were used as working dogs,” added animal activist Mini Vasudevan. “For many, her dark and robust features can be a little frightening. But I would say that Rottweilers are a breed that is greatly misunderstood. Rotts can be extremely loyal to family.”

A Soundararajan, who has 20 years of experience in the Coimbatore Police Dog Squad, sounded a cautionary note.

“Rottweilers are wild breeds, especially abroad, which is why they are banned in many countries. They are aggressive dogs with powerful jaws and tend not to release their victims from their grasp. They need to be taught from a young age to get used to their surroundings.”

Others argue that a blanket ban makes little sense.

Jiby, a Rottweiler breeder from Kochi, pointed this out mint The fact that thousands of people across India work in the dog breeding industry employs thousands of people across India.

Such restrictions would cripple several businesses and cost people their jobs.

“Instead of a blanket ban, regulating breeding would be a better idea,” Jiby added.

Henriques also pointed out that some people may simply abandon their pets because of the ban.

“There will be a whole new problem that we have to deal with,” he added.

With input from agencies

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