Dogs that can be dangerous

I think most people are with you on the need to change the law, Fisherman, but I can't see that we're humanising dogs here.

Yes Lynruby I have come across children like that and it makes my blood boil that parents allow it to happen.  Mind you out of control dogs can upset others - my labrador was attacked by a friends dog recently and she has become quite withdrawn and growly if other dogs get too close to her now. 

I don't think we are humanising them here - they are our very close companions but they are still canines. 

I don't think anyone is humanising dogs here TW, although Fisherman seems to think so 

Lets stop humanising dogs.Any sign of aggression is dealt with instantly and in any doubt its destroyed. Likewise life ban on anyone who is remotely responsible for an aggressive dog. No second chance.Change the law if necessary.

im not a dog owner although having had one in the family many years ago and please correct me if im wrong, i dont believe dogs are aggresive but made aggressive by owners, the difference being , if you watch dogs and owners at training grounds they will follow their masters commands (sheepdogs is a classic example) if you look at other dogs that come from hostile enviroments they will inevitably take a lead from the owner controversial? or fact? opinions may be divided over to you

the vast majorities of dog owners are responsible and caring for their pets.  There are a sizeable minority that shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a dog.  Unfortunately if you legislate you will penalise the good as well.  Perhaps a £100/year license and 3rd party insurance my deter the bad!

All these ideas are good ,but who and how will they be policed??

HD has a point, the Govt intro'd the chipping Dogs scam, then passed the policing of it to the local councils who've stated that they can't afford to police it, the police have stated they will get involved at the nasty end, not the seeking transgressor bit. So basically it has no policing at all. If anyone is found with a Dog without a chip the owner has 5months to get one fitted before being fined(As of a few months ago) so it's just a money making lip service scam

I guess microchipPing is useful for some occasions - identifying owner of lost dog or dealing with repeat offenders. If a dog is involved in a minor incident with another dog or person it won't be put down.  However, if the owner doesn't take steps to ensure the dog doesn't get into the same situation again the police would be able to confirm if it is a repeat offender And take appropriate action.

I don't think any dog can be trusted in all events - children in particular are not predictable and although they will learn over time how to behave a dog may well react instinctively.  The same can be said of humans but the repercussions tend not to be so great as we have a wider range of tools at our disposal, which don't include enormous sharp teeth.

In my opinion, domesticated animals are wild animals that retain their self preservation instinct and can revert to the wild state without warning. They can do so if frightened, surprised, hungry or unwell, all of which can make them defensive. The majority of wild animals are not normally aggressive unless they are hunting for food or defending their family or territory.

Until all humans recognise this and act accordingly, I am afraid attacks and injuries will continue. Left to fend for themselves most domestic animals would fare far better than their owners in a similar situation.

Very well put TW!  It would be impossible to eliminate all dogs with potential to harm without becoming a dogless society in my opinion.  However with proper training mostly of owners risks can be minimized.