Proposed Adoption Breed Ban in North Carolina Needs Work
Today I learned that Cumberland County (North Carolina) Animal Control Board is proposing an
adoption ban on what they classify as “bully breeds”, including Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Chow Chows, Presa Canarios, or any mix of those breeds.
Because of a high number of calls regarding aggressive behavior relating to these breeds, Cumberland County’s Animal Control Board is suggesting that these breeds brought to shelters will be euthanized if not adopted within 72 hours. Those returned dogs (dogs adopted from the shelter and returned by the same owner) will be immediately euthanized,
There is no doubt that this aggressive behavior is unacceptable. No one wants to be cornered, or worse, by an aggressive dog. The proposed breed ban and subsequent euthanasia of the individual dog, however, will not fix the problem we are seeing in Cumberland County.
The problem isn't the dog, but irresponsible owners and equally irresponsible and unregulated breeders. A dog isn't born aggressive, and while some breeds innately possess more aggression than others, a well-trained and socialized dog will not pose the problems faced by Animal Control in Cumberland County.
Acquiring a puppy of these breeds in Fayetteville is simple. There are always pit bull puppies for sale in the paper and signs for puppies can be seen frequently around town. These are largely owners of pregnant dogs looking for a supplemental income instead of reputable breeders looking for the right home for their dogs’ progeny. You won’t be handed a certificate guaranteeing the dogs’ providence, health, or bloodline.
The culture of Fayetteville is partially responsible for the ownership and abandonment of these bully breeds. A military town hell-bent on proving masculinity, adding a big scary dog to your household is just one more way of upping that testosterone level. The problem is that most of these guys don’t have the time needed to make these dogs suitable family pets. Unless time is taken to train and socialize these bigger, more aggressive breeds, the dog will do what dogs do: chase prey and protect their turf.
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