BSL has been in the news for years, never this close to home; but now, it is in our backyard. Burnaby City Council voted unanimously to hike licensing and increase penalties for Breed Specific (vicious) dog offences.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vicious-dog-fines-fees-hiked-by-burnaby-city-council-1.1874545
What Makes a Dog “Dangerous”?
The broad definition of a dangerous dog is one who inflicts unjustified, serious injury—or poses an imminent threat of unjustified, serious aggression—toward people or other animals. However, “dangerous” is defined differently by different jurisdictions. It is up to the court to decide whether a particular dog satisfies its jurisdiction’s definition.
Terms used to define other symptoms or levels of canine aggression include “potentially dangerous” and “vicious."
Did you know, Rottweilers were the most commonly reported breed involved in fatal attacks. And between 1975-1980 German
Shepherds were the #1 killer, Husky type dogs 2nd, and Saint Bernard 3rd. A study in 2006 showed, based on administration record for dog bite treatment, German Shepherd type dogs were 5 times more likely to cause bite trauma than "Pit Bulls"
(not to say these are bad dogs, just that dogs bite sometimes)
Check out more studies and stats below, but gather your own information to be informed. We as responsible owners need to help educate!
And be aware,
The bylaw (in Burnaby) defines a vicious dog as: "a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, an American Pit Bull Terrier and any dog generally recognized as a pit bull or pit bull terrier and includes a dog of mixed breed with predominant pit bull or pit bull terrier characteristics."
Burnaby City Counsel has jumped the gun with its uneducated decision and has unnecessarily targeted the Bully Breeds and their owners.
To stay informed, with up the minute information: follow @HugABull on twitter
