With so many things vying for our attention, it was hard to stay on point and focus on what I believe to be one of the most pressing issues currently unfolding on our national landscape-the issue of dangerous dogs.
I would like to suggest/appeal to the Government that, until we have a law governing the management of dangerous dogs, we at least pass "emergency" interim legislation requiring all dogs to be muzzled and on a leash in public. Seeing that the dog's mouth is the source of most concern, a muzzle law and a stiff penalty including loss of the animal and a $5,000 fine for having an unmuzzled dog in public will put a quick end to all of this dog-mauling madness taking place and also the debate about which breed is dangerous and which isn't. Approach this from the position that all dogs can bite.
Ownership of any dog should come with the understanding that the safety of the public is para-mount and that should your dog escape and bite someone, you would be liable for the victim's medical costs and loss of earnings, would be fined $5,000 and would lose the animal. If the dog kills there should be a manslaughter charge on top of everything else. In other words, put responsibility for the dog and its control right back where it belongs-with its owner. We need to protect the people from errant owners and these cute and cuddly animals that also happen to be able to savagely maim and kill under the right set of circumstances.
Time for pussyfooting with this issue was buried with the last victim.
Phillip Edward Alexander
Via e-mail