Grantham pet expert says no such thing as a bad dog, only a poorly educated or inappropriate owner

Sara Barnes, of Who Let’s Your Dog Out Ltd, shares her thoughts on the controversy over the intention to ban the XL Bull breed of dog in the UK. She writes:

In light of the recent statement issued by the Prime Minister that the government intends to ban the XL Bully breed here in the UK by the New Year I thought it was the perfect subject for this month’s pet care article.

Whether you love, loath or are indifferent to the Bully breed, I feel it is important to not judge an entire breed by the actions of a few dogs that through no fault of their own ended up with owners that are not in a position to train them and keep them safe. There is no such thing as a bad dog, but only a poorly educated or inappropriate owner.

If the government wants to ensure that dogs that are large and powerful are in a position to be kept safe and the community in which they live safe, then I feel it would be a better approach to clamp down on the breeders. They should be licensed, as this has been the case since 2018, and the government should introduce legislation so that the owners of breeds that are deemed to be a danger to the public when not suitably handled and trained are licensed.

These individuals would have to show proof that they have attended a recognised education and training course so hopefully ensure that they are in the best possible position to care for the dog in the way it needs to ensure it is a good member of society.

The issue with this and any other suggestion about how to control the breeding and distribution of animals is the enforcement. Who is going to be responsible for the enforcement? Could breeders insist on seeing the owner’s license before selling the dog to them? Could vets insist on seeing the owner’s/breeder’s license before registration/treatment? Could the police have powers to stop and request proof of license to own?

From a dog walkers’ perspective, we should also be assessed and licensed to walk the breeds that are deemed to be a risk to the general public to ensure when the dogs are in our care they and the public are as safe as possible.

Comment and let us know your thoughts.

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