Dangerous breeds

[Michael Romanos]

In Italy a few years ago, they decided to classify 13 dog breeds as dangerous - a move promoted by the advent of the American Pit Bull Terrier from the USA. Today in Italy this has climbed to 92 breeds. Yes 92! And the breeds now include Border Collies (NZ"s third most popular breed), German Shepherds (NZ's second most popular breed), Newfoundlands and Corgis. The dangerous classification carries the following penalties: no person convicted in a court and no person under the age of 18 can own a dangerous breed of dog. All dangerous dogs must be muzzled when in public and on a leash and lastly, a special insurance (third party) must be taken out by the dog owners.

Amazingly - and just to emphasis how MAD the Italian aithorities are - the 92 damgerous breeds does not include (English) Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Now Border Collies are highly regarded throughout the world and absolutely dominate in agility. I have never seen an angryly dangerous Border Collie. Newfoundlands are regarded as gentle giiants (everywhere but in Italy that is) and as for Corgis - I need not say any more. All breeds of dogs have got teeth and all are capable of biting hard out.

How many of Go Corgi members would want to own a Corgi which had to be muzzled and on a leash and bear other impositions including the stigma associated with having a dog to be avoided because the breed is recognised as dangerous. Who then would be an admirer and say how cute they (Corgis) are and can I cuddle him/her.

NZ currently has banned four breeds from entering NZ or been bred from in this country. THe NZ Prime Minister is interested in extending that list following the terrible mauling of a two year old girl a few days ago by a Staffie-cross. But how do you ban cross breeds. A cross breed is neither one breed nor the other.

I wouldn't want NZ to go down the path that Italy has entered. They are out of control and blatantly ridiculous. Go Corgi has broached this subject in the past and we do have two or three members who are Italian. Perhaps they can tell me what life is like with a muzzled in public and restricted Corgi/s. And obviously their loss in value and status.

[glencorgi]

Originally Posted by Michael Romanos

Go Corgi has broached this subject in the past and we do have two or three members who are Italian. Perhaps they can tell me what life is like with a muzzled in public and restricted Corgi/s. And obviously their loss in value and status.

Michael, Michael, Michael ... you are making beginnings in catching up with what the state of the world is in regards to pet ownership. Keep plugging along big guy!

Punish the deed, NOT the breed.

Debbie

[nrhareiner]

I do feel that my little girl could be a danger. Dangerous if you are alergic to kissed and dog hair.

Heidi

[Cheetah]

And this is how all those truely responsible pit bull owners feel. It doesn't quite hit home until your own breed is affected, huh?

[pmavrich]

Wow ... I hope never to get transfered to Italy. Molsen would not last 5 minutes with a muzzle. The only thing they would have to worry about with my two is that they don't team up to knock over a bottle of beer or wine and start drinking in public!

[Michael Romanos]

It's most likely fine for a dog that is not muzzled to consume wine at least in public in Italy since it is one of those cointries that allow dogs all kinds of liberties - such as riding on public transport and frequenting other public places.