The Dangerous Dogs Act should return to Parliament in early October, according to Law Reform Commission chairman Samraj Harripaul. His statements come after a stray pit bull was chopped to death in Couva over the weekend. In May, a review of the act, which was initially expected to take effect last month, was ordered by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar after public uproar from animal rights activists and dog owners.
The act labeled three types of canines as dangerous dogs, prohibiting their importation and breeding and also placed heavy fines and licence requirements on their owners. Many who opposed the act said pit bulls should not be singled out and asked that more emphasis be put on responsible ownership. Harripaul said the suggestions from various animal rights organisations and dog owners are being taken into consideration to create a "completely new bill," which is still being drafted.
Over the weekend, the stray pit bull is said to have viciously attacked a pompek causing the owner to take serious action to save his pet's life. Dog owner Debbie Jacob, who had spoken out against the act earlier this year, said this latest incident proves that legislation is urgently needed.
"Once again, this story demonstrates the urgent need for a comprehensive dog act-not just a Dangerous Dog Act-which holds dog owners responsible for the well-being of their dogs and the safety of those who come in contact with their dogs. Without that law, we will have a succession of horrific acts in which innocent dogs or people are mutilated or killed," she said.
She added that throwing water on the dog could have stopped the attack and prevented this gruesome outcome. Jacob, who owns two pit bulls, said that blame cannot be cast lightly. "I would like to condemn the owner of the pompek for his brutality, but I cannot because I fully understand the desperate need to save a dog that is under attack," she said.
"But we cannot simply react emotionally to stories like this. We need to question the authorities on what they are doing to ensure a fair, comprehensive dog act that protects us all as much as possible. "Irresponsible dog owners do us all a great injustice not only by endangering us but by creating prejudice against a certain breed of dog."