Perth Voice Interactive

More than 12,000 people have signed a petition to oppose new laws that classify certain breeds of dog as dangerous.

Maylands Labor MP Lisa Baker tabled the second 10,000-signature petition—one of the biggest in recent years—in WA parliament last week.

She wants the proposed Dog Amendment Bill 2013 to focus more on owner education and dog training, rather than breed stigma.

“Rather than promoting responsible dog ownership, the bill gives rangers the power to seize dogs they deem to be dangerous simply based on their appearance,” Ms Baker says.

“This gives Western Australians a false sense of protection, particularly in light of the fact that aggression in dogs is not a personality trait that can be stopped by identifying one breed over another.

“In 1929, German shepherds were considered to be the dangerous dogs of the day. Three decades later dobermans became the villains, then rottweillers and today, it is pit bulls.

Her calls were backed by RSPCA spokesperson Tim Mayne: “We don’t want to go down of the path of the Victorian government where dogs are taken away and euthanised based on breed,” he said.

“Owner and dog training are part of a holistic approach to managing dog behaviour.

“Sometimes a dog’s behaviour is a medical issue, not behavioural—a German Shepherd euthanised after attacking children was found to have a massive tumour on its brain.”

Mr Baker added the bill failed to address backyard dog breeding, which contributed to unwanted puppies: “Some 33,000 dogs are euthanised in WA every year,” she said.

“Dog rescue organisations and the RSPCA are struggling to cope with the number of unwanted puppies and dogs turned over to them.

“There is no doubt that preventing the oversupply of puppies and dogs and educating the public on responsible dog ownership are the best ways to improve dog management, reduce dog attacks and keep our communities safe.”

by STEPHEN POLLOCK