OT: Scotties Could be banned in Scotland

[glencorgi]

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=662872007

Euro rules 'could outlaw 40 dog breeds'
JAMES KIRKUP POLITICAL EDITOR ( jkirkup@scotsman.com)
DOG breeders have warned that some of Britain's best-loved breeds
including dachshunds, bulldogs and basset hounds could disappear
because of new and potentially far-reaching government animal-welfare
measures.

The Scotsman has learned that ministers in Edinburgh and London are
preparing to ratify a controversial Europe-wide treaty that could set
strict limits on the breeding and handling of animals.

[Mvons]

The legislation, California Assembly Bill 1634 authored by Assemblymember Lloyd Levine has been craftily titled the “Healthy Pets Act” but the effect would be to force the surgical sterilization of all dogs and cats. Elimination of future police dogs would devastate police K-9 departments. AB 1634 would also eliminate many guide dogs for the blind and service dogs for the disabled.

The bill mandates all dogs and cats must be neutered at four months of age, with few exemptions. And the remaining pure bred animals with exemptions would be taxed and regulated by a newly created government bureaucracy. The legislation even threatens criminal penalties--just what we need--police arresting citizens for having unneutered cats and dogs!


Merrie

[Michael Romanos]

It would probably do a lot of good for the dogs concerned to pull back British Bulldogs from such a squashed up nose and face that affects their breathing passages and Basset Hounds from such a bulky body that prevents these short legged dogs from swimming but I can't think for the moment what ails Dachshunds. Don't see them in agility - perhaps they can be chronic sufferers from back problems. It is lucky Corgis, unique as they are, are not subject to anything much apart from being a little extra careful with their backs and especially careful not to let them get overweight. They are regarded as hardy breeds.

[glencorgi]

Ahhhh, but Michael, corgis ARE on European Council's hit list of breeds that could be outlawed. They want to outlaw the merle colour, as well as corgis legs are too short for their body and sadly the EC did win on tail docking for Pembrokes.

Dachshunds are prone to back problems and some of the best reference material for corgis with disc problems is from research done on Doxie's. I'd say it was a pretty safe bet that someone in the US is running a Dachshund in agility, however, they are not a breed agility enthusiasts would be looking at for that sport anyway. Fanciers of Doxie's are more likely to go with sports tailored to their original purpose such as Earth Dog events.

And why do Basset Hounds "need" to swim? What or where in their original "job" would that be an issue? People don't get Basset's to be "water" dogs. And not ALL corgis are that good at swimming either.

Debbie

[PaulaK]

I've been kept awake nights between the CA spay/neuter legislation and horse slaughter issues...now this proposed EU ban. The responsible breeders/owners are already striving for healthy and sound (in body and MIND) and are producing animals that are in demand. The people that are creating the problems have proven their indifference (unsound breeding, roaming animals, cruelty and overpopulation). The answer is not additional legislation but enforcing the existing laws.
Re that CA bill - exemption for show dogs - how do you get that exemption for a 4 month old puppy when you cannot show before 6 mos?? Did I miss something?
It's a mistake to think that this kind of legislation/ban won't make it to YOUR state or country.
I'm afraid the whole world has gone mad and somehow humans have lost the common sense gene.
Thanks for letting me rant ... I think we will be going for a walk now.
Paula
Annie n Joey (oh no ... not a forced march)

[Michael Romanos]

Debbie - I think the point I am trying to make about Basset Hounds is that their bulk in equation to their leg size makes them (awkward walkers and) unable to swim which is unnatural in the canine world.
I have never seen a Corgi who can't swim well enough even if they are not inclined to swim. But what worries me most of all is overweight Corgis - this is something that we have got to rally against, and obviously an overweight Corgi is going to be less proficient in the water and on land and even a risk if let to swim out too far in a river and battle against a solid flow.