After a recent spate of vicious dog attacks on humans, Denmark’s parliament looks set to finally pass a long-simmering ban on breeds of dog that are considered dangerous. The debate over this touchy issue has been going for many months, with the country’s Justice Ministry even creating a special commission to study the problem.
But after three violent dog attacks in as many days, a complete ban on certain breeds will almost surely be passed by the Danish government before the end of the year. The latest incidents involved a Staffordshire terrier and an American bulldog, both of which are breeds that have become quite trendy in Denmark in recent years.
The Copenhagen Post states the ban has solid support from both the Liberal and Conservative parties within the government. In addition to the ban, the proposal would also make breeding, importing and selling violent dog breeds illegal.
Earlier in the year, the Justice Ministry committee studying the issue came up with a list of breeds that should be outlawed, as well as the rules that would pertain to cross breed dogs. Dog owners naturally feel that the ban would unfairly punish owners of well-behaved pitbulls.
The number of certain dangerous dogs in Denmark has skyrocketed in recent years. Just seven years ago, there were around 1,000 Staffordshire terriers and pitbulls in Denmark. But today, the Danish Kennel Club estimates that number stands at around 20,000.
Must be a lot of human sheep in Danmark for this law to get passed. I hope the Danish public wakes up to find the only threat to their general welfare in this case has been their own self serving politicians. Very sad.
I, too, employ a pit-bull who will be the most caring animal I’ve ever owned. Quickly, a fresh dog breed will can come together for the media to blast, as they have accomplished rotties and dobies in past many years. Unfortunate that media sensationalism breeds much inaccurate facts.
Instead of “dangerous” dog breeds (in my opinion there is no such thing) they should ban all those wannabe gangsters, who purchase these breeds based on their “tough” looks. The government here should just ban the stupid and irresponsibe people who own those dogs, but i guess thet’s TOO MUCH WORK.
Ridiculous.
Yeah, but why one needs a 40-kilograms predator and natural guardian in the city or a suburban?????
If some breeds are banned, one still has about 600 breeds to choose from! Not enough, eh?
The “manstopping” or dominating monsters are gained only for their status-value. I think THAT should be banned!! A dog is a creature, that needs a true meaning to exist, a job, or so. For a big monster, there’s nothing left, in the city life, modern world.
licenseing and educating dog owners and breeders is a more realistic way of controlling dangerous dogs. Dominant or ‘Alpha’ dogs need the right owners. Making sure that they get the right owner is the best way to prevent dog aggression. The responsibility ultimately lies with the breeders that place their dogs with irresponsible and unsuitable owners. All dogs have a place somewhere. no one breed is bad just the type of owners that certain breeds attract and their irresponsibility. VET THE HOMES, LICENCE THE OWNERS AND BREEDERS AND BAN BAD OWNERS AND BREEDERS FOR LIFE. PROBLEM SOLVED.
Three “viscious” dog attacks in as many days.During those same three days how many people were attacked by other people?.I know it will be alot more than three.Banning dog breeds is canine racism.It is the owner of the dog not the dog that should be taken to task.
This might be of interest to those who are contemplating a Breed Ban in Denmark
From Denver,Colorado U.S.A.
http://news.vin.com/VINNews.aspx?articleId=13623
Great links Peter.
Thank Pitts – that sensible individuals with intelligence frequent these comment sections.
Fran said:
LOOK to SUCCESS and that Sucess is in Calgary Alberta where attacks are DOWN 25% because THEY hold Owner’s accountable, not dogs.
I say, “Thank you Fran for a responsible factual statement”.
Irresponsible dog owners=Primary root of most dangerous dogs. PERIOD.
Need we say more on this subject?
Melvin said:
Pitbulls,Dobermans and Rottweilers should definitely be banned everywhere! There are a few others but this group leads the pack.
Actually it’s the ignorants of the world like you that should be banned for such inflammatory comments that have absolutely no facts to base it on. You lead the pack in ignorance- dear sir.
why don’t countries who ban dangerous dogs just ban the dangerous people who have dogs….don’t blame the breed, blame the deed
Come on, Danes are smarter than this! Keep those knee jerk reactions to a minimum and realize these bans don’t work. It’s just easier for politicos to blame dogs instead of setting People on the right path. There are bad dog owners everywhere. Others have pointed you in the right direction: NCRC and saveourdogs.net Bite stats always reflect the most popular dogs at or near the top of the preferred list, so they cannot be used to draw useful conclusions.
WHEN are POLITICIANS going to learn? Italy was up to 92 banned and/or restricted dogs when they REMOVED their ban this year after 25 years of documenting NO difference in attacks.
Netherlands REMOVED their after same.
Until the TWO Legged creatures are taken to TASK this will NOT change.
LOOK to SUCCESS and that Sucess is in Calgary Alberta where attacks are DOWN 25% because THEY hold Owner’s accountable, not dogs.
And what`s the plan after the dangerous humans(the real problem) choose other Breeds that aren`t on the Banned list…..ban those Breeds?
Learn from the mistakes of others.
National Canine Research Council
http://nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/canines-issues/breed-bans/
Denver Colorado,U.S.A has the highest rate of dog bite related hospitalizations in the entire State of Colorado despite a Ban.
And they are considering repealing it because it doesn`t work and they`re tired of all the litigation and the costs.
Learn from the successes not the failures!
Calgary Alberta Canada
http://saveourdogs.net/2009/08/09/the-calgary-model-for-success/
That’s idiotic. One of the nicest dogs I’ve ever known were these so called “dangerous breeds.” Specifically, a pit-bull that quite literally wouldn’t harm a fly (she let them land on her all the time)and an enormous Rottweiler who was just as big a cuddle bug. Of course, I suppose you can’t really ban stupid people so you have to look like you’re doing something for the public.
Bans only worsen the situation by ignoring the real issue; irresponsible pet ownership, and crap breeding. Many places are doing away with breed bans because they are smart enough to know they are not the answer.
*hail mode* cat über alles, meow
Pitbulls,Dobermans and Rottweilers should definitely be banned everywhere! There are a few others but this group leads the pack.
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polar bear dogs are the most vicious.