http://www.canada.com/vancouver/story.html?id=9000c786-2d98-494b-ba7c-5ccad7e66d7d
Kerry
Occupation:
Location: Surrey
I raise small dogs, terriers, and let me tell you, ANY dog will become aggressive when it is restrained and isolated. These are 2 separate issues however. Isolation causes the dog psychological harm, as they are indeed social animals and having them cooped up in a backyard without any interaction will cause damage. Restraining a dog instinctively breeds aggression, no matter it be a tether or a lead. Ever notice in a park that dogs off-leash rarely get into scraps but bring two dogs together who are on leads and they instinctively growl and lunge.
Name: Teresa
Occupation: dog walker
Location: vancouver
There are no BAD DOGS only BAD OWNERS...lets just get that straight. If someone intends to adopt a large breed dog, training must be provided for the dog - it should be a requirement of adoption. If a dog is never told how to behave do you think he can just figure it out? It is sad to go the spca or pound and see all the large breed dogs available, I also was just there and have seen one american bulldog named Tye go from a rambuncios jumpy semi-happy dog to a sad timid dog in 6 weeks
Name: shering
Occupation: sales
Location: GA
I think it is outrageous and incredibly cruel to chain a dog up for long periods of time. What kind of life does this POOR animal have, IT DOESN'T!!!!!! It will only go insane eventually I hate to say this but turn on its owner hopefully. If you have this animal as a pet then why not let it in the house to live as a pet. How would you like to be chained up for hours at a time Maybe we should do that to these types of people and see how they feel. They don't care about animals how could they if they treated them like this
Name: Animal Lover
Occupation:
Location: Langley
How about I put a chain on you, the owner, or pen you into a backyard for long periods of time without socialization or interaction from other people? Let's see how long you could stand it before going mental or into a depression.
Name: Nadya
Occupation:
Location: Vancouver
I am sick to death of people who own dogs who haven't a clue on how to treat them. Never mind that this dog could escape and bite or maul someone...this dog and others like it are being mentally tortured and imprisioned. And when the dog finally snaps and does hurt someone, it's the dog that pays...sometimes with his life. And if the owner can afford the fine, the dog's condition will hardly change. When will people clue in that animals are not only capable of feeling emotions and pain, even such feelings as boredom and frustration, and think about it before getting a dog. Any animal will react negatively to being penned or chained up, no matter the size or the breed. I currently live in a house with a small yard, and I would not even consider getting a do that requires so much freedom and exercise. I work long hours at the hospital, and again, I CHOSE not to get a dog because I'm not home enough. Think about it before you get a dog, and then think about it again. Dogs are not animals you can tie up in the back yard and leave them there. Treat your dog like you would treat anyone else.
Name: gordon clarkson
Email:
Occupation: RETIRED
Location: mississauga
as far as iam concerned anyone who has a dog that is able to be violent has ulterior motives by having one
Name: Jennifer
Occupation:
Location:
Chained and dangerous isn't the only concern. My husband and I are new to Burnaby and visit the Robert Burnaby off leash Dog Park often. A couple of weeks ago there was an attack on a dog AND an owner by three Neapolitan Mastiffs... a mother and her two 14 month old pups. The notice of the time and day of the attack is the very same day we chose to leave the park when we saw them coming. My gut instinct was to remove our dog from any possible disagreements as soon as they entered the off leash area. Sure enough, on our way out, with our dog leashed and by our side, the mother growled and went after our dog. We couldn't get out of there fast enough. We have seen these dogs on numerous occasions and witnessed their tempers first hand when they showed aggression toward the dogs in the park. The owners do NOTHING to calm the situation, and have been asked, many times, to control their dogs in the park due to the obvious aggression issues. They, honestly, and to the amazement of everyone in the park, laugh it off. Well, nobody is laughing now that a dog and its owner have been viciously attacked and are seriously injured. My husband telephoned the fellow that posted his story in the park (as a warning to everyone about these nasty dogs and their irresponsible owners) and he explained to him the entire ordeal he went through. He claimed that the owners stood there while he punched the dog that had its teeth sunk into his dog's neck. When, after 10 exhausting minutes, he finally broke the dogs apart, he told his dog to "run!" and then turned to see about the owners. They had packed up their dogs and made a quick getaway from the scene. COWARDS. They didn't even have the common decency to find out how the guy and his dog were doing after the horrible attack! I hope that some laws are put in place to protect the owners who take care of their dogs, and the dogs themselves in an off leash park. We have come to learn that there is nothing anyone can do if dogs attack other dogs in an off leash area. Since the fellow in this particular incident was attacked and injured, the SPCA has recourse to act. However, the owners of the dogs, should the fellow had not been attacked, would be able to go about their business scot-free, with no penalties to them for raising vicious dogs. They still, to this day, could go to any of the parks you take your dog to! People should be fined; big time, for raising dogs to be attack animals, or allowing them to run free where innocent, happy dogs and their owners roam.
Name: Leslie Benisz
Email:
Occupation: self employed
Location: Vancouver
Keeping a dog chained up for long periods of time is not only cruel but it will bring out the worst behavior in dogs. This man might think that he's protecting his home and family by having a big dog as a security guard but who's protecting this defenceless and helpless animal. I know from experience that a dog that is raised with gentle love and kindness will automatically want to protect it's home and the owners that care for it. That's part of a dog's natural instinct, but dogs that are neglected and abused will eventually turn on it's owners and even children, just like any human would that is kicked and spit on enough times. The only dangerous animal that I can see here has two legs and keeps his dog chained out all night and day.
Name: Olivia
Occupation:
Location: Calgary
Coincidently I was listening to the radio station in Calgary this morning regarding a similar controversy. Many interesting statements were brought up but one that really made sense was 'a breed of a dog or its size makes it dangerous, the improper discipline and home life do' saying that a breed makes a dog more dangerous is like saying just because the there are terrorists in the Middle East it means everyone from there must be too, it's called stereotyping if you are unfamilier. Dogs attitudes are a product of their environment just like a humans, and we need to realize this before we take peoples families (their pets) away from them.
Name: Caroline
Occupation: Environmentalist
Location: Langley
I can't get over the fact that Vancouver has no animal cruelty by-laws. When are they going to realize that with a social animal like a dog, food, water, and shelter just aren't enough? It infuriates me to know that all over a great city like this, dogs are being treated like ornaments or alarm systems!
Name: Dog Luv'R
Occupation: ditto
Location: ditto
We are responsible for dogs evolving into the animal they are today, due to our interaction with them, we have made them rely upon us for food, shelter and socialization. Dogs are pack animals, that need stimulation, socialization and a sense of belonging. When you take an animal, pen it up or chain it up with minimal human or other animal contact or interaction, you are subjecting it to a life of cruelty. This treatment will breed a very fearful, depressed, anxious animal that is a potential biting hazard. Also, why have a dog for security purposes? You can get a house alarm for a lot cheaper than paying for 10-15yrs of dogfood, and vet bills to go with it. Leave the dogs as pets to us, those that care and get yourself another means of protection. Besides, if you've noticed, it is SMALL men who happen to own the really BIG dogs. What's the correlation, I wonder?
Name: Bill
Occupation:
Location: Kamloops
Why do these people, like the fellow in the story with the chained Mastiff, feel they have to lie to reporters and animal advocates? They obviously keep these dogs in the yard chained up and alone all day for the sole purpose of intimidating and discouraging anyone who may be intending to rob them or invade their home. These people are scared, as evidenced by the numerous alarm company signs, barred windows, and doors opening only two or three inches when you knock on them. Why don't they just admit that the reaction they are getting from the public is exactly what they are hoping for? Until the laws are either changed or enforced, what they're doing is still legal, and they shouldn't feel guilty for their actions. Do they really think people believe these are "pets"? Give your studded collar a shake...
Name: Kurt
Occupation:
Location: Pitt Meadows
I raise purebreds (Rottweiler and Golden Lab)and I know from experience what happens with a chained dog. They will become vicious and dangerous if left chained or secluded from others. If a dog is prone to digging, as Rottweilers are, they may need to be chained up until the problem is corrected, but they should be allowed to socialize, both with humans and other animals. Large breed dogs are not necessarily dangerous. If given the proper care and attention and social skills, they are very good companions and not dangerous at all. Most dogs are highly intelligent and large breeds are no exception. Golden Labs are actually one of the smartest breeds out there. Automatically labeling large breed dogs as dangerous is WRONG; it's like saying a bodybuilder is dangerous because he's bigger than you. Any dog treated poorly, chained up, or secluded could pose a potential danger, regardless of size. Owners need to learn how to raise dogs properly before they take on the responsibility of keeping them, especially large breeds.
Name: FMaxwell
Email:
Occupation: teacher
Location: Van
Good comments above...what more can I say? My dog (I've probably already mentioned somewhere on this site) was born in Asia, on the street, in a country where animal cruelty is not even blinked at. People were petrified of my medium- sized black dog, and dove out of the way when they saw us walking down the street. Ignorance bred ignorance and apart from a few kind souls in that country who care and are trying to change things- the attitude is ROTTEN- and to see it happening here breaks my heart. PLEASE City Hall- pass these by-laws. It is soooo unfair that animals must suffer because people are so ignorant and cruel. My dog barks at any stranger who enters our yard, and I'm glad he does with all the nutcases out there...but he is never chained- he will protect me because I care for him so lovingly. By the way, in Vanouver people think he is a puppy still and he gets petted and smiled at constantly. It is so important for people to understand these lovely animals :)
Name: A. Williams
Occupation: homemaker
Location: Vancouver
Vancouver has gone to the dogs!!! Human vancouverites have elevated the canine species to King Shit level; thousands daily pick up steaming turds of dog crap, then baby-talk and kiss and coddle them beyond any possible justification. Sorry, but it's my belief we ought to learn to bond with our own species first. (What a concept!) A smart working farm dog I can understand, but these SUV riding, organic-food eating, flavor-of-the-week breeds and their dog-people are just too much to take. No matter what people say, they day always arrives when the dog, no matter how well trained, will simply ignore any attempts to come when called. How many times have we all heard "Buster!! Come here! BUSSTTEERRRRR!!!" as the owner stands by, powerless. How can anyone justify giving so much personal power, let alone public park space, over to these slobbering, defecating, potentially-dangerous-or-allergic-to-others (not to mention stupid!) species of animals. It just boggles my mind. Surely the time will come when all involved will fie the day they ever got a mutt. And that of course, will be the day the mutt arrives at the SPCA.
Name: Tami Arseneault
Email:
Occupation: clerk
Location: surrey
Dogs are social, just as much so as people. They need and crave interaction, whether it be with people or other dogs, or any other kind of animals. Take a look at what happens to person when they are put into isolation in a prison cell, or spend any length of time alone for whatever reason...they go crazy. Any person who would do this to a dog deserves to be brought up on charges of abuse. Dogs are not a mechanism to be used to secure your possessions, they are first and foremost to be thought of as a family member, and once that has been established, they can then be trained to do all sorts of things that they will gladly do to please you, one of which includes the natural ability and desire to protect their "pack". Please, if one person reads this and gets the message that dogs are family members and not security devices, that is a start. Dogs have so much to give to a loving owner and family, please don't chain them up and isolate them. This is just as cruel as if you would do it to your own family member.
Name: George
Email:
Occupation:
Location:
ALL dog breeds have the potential to be aggresive. We had a dog a few years ago that seemed like the sweetest thing around until he got a few months older and then wham, the meanest thing around. Bite kids, attack those that came on my property that he didn't know well. Before looking at the owners though, maybe we should look at the breeders. Quit breeding the agressive dog breeds. If you have a dog that has been aggresive don't breed it!!! The only ones that need an aggresive dog are the ones that have something to prove to others or want to hide something in the house. How would you the breeder feel if one of your dogs killed a young child regardless of what the child was doing. Make laws against having dogs around people in general, get a cat how many cats do you know that have killed anyone? I am sure it is much less then a dog!!!!
Name: Gail
Occupation: Child Care Worker
Location: Vancouver
I have a Bull Mastiff Croosed with a Staffordshire and also we have her pup. They are gentle and beautiful dogs but they scare people. Our house is their house. They are wimps. They live indoors and spend a lot of time inside and outside in our huge yard and have never been chained or tied. We have them as family members. The only problem is they are anti social with other dogs. We never go out with them unless my husband who is very strong and can handle them comes with us to walk them. We have had them for 10 years and love them so much. We hope they never hurt any one but if they ever did we would immediately accept the blame and would put them down without question. I do not think they would ever hurt a human because they love all people and are so friendly to people. The only mistake we have made is we did not socialize them with other dogs. That is our fault but we are very careful and responsible with them. Gail
Name: Dave
Occupation:
Location: Surrey
With so many screwed-up and dangerous people out there these days you would be crazy not to have a protector around your home and if you must chain them-up that's what you must do.I have such an animal. I resuced it from an abused life. It was beaten starved 60lbs with ribs showing through his sides.Now it's been 3 years he's 90 lbs and has his confedence back. My vet asked us what we did to bring him back to such good health(love,care and attention)He's not fixed and will roam so I have to keep him on a chain. He's only dangerous to strangers or aggressive people,next best thing to having a gun!
Name: Alex Canon
Occupation: wireman
Location: BC
I doubt if A. Williams understands anything about dogs. The time will never come when people (fie)??? the day they got a dog
Name: MIA
Email:
Occupation: Administrator
Location: Richmond BC
My question to those that own a "guard dog" If your dog is in a yard, or chained to something what is it guarding? The tree? The yard? Your prize roses? If you keep a dog in your back yard, what's stopping a burglar from coming in the front? I rather my "guard dogs" in the house protecting me and the things I own, it's also proven that a loved dog, is a better "guard dog". So my question for those that think the dog in the yard is going to protect them, what are they protecting?
Name: deb
Occupation:
Location: Crescant Beach
I feel that if anyone who wants to have a cat or a dog for a pet, they should be put though a test and have background checks. I have always been a pet owner and i have never seen so much cruelity and iresponable pet owners. Get a life and buy yourself a stuffed toy pet
Name: Jim
Occupation: retired
Location: Vanc. Island
People should not be allowed to own animals if their intention is to chain it 24/7 outside. What is the point of that?
Name: mike edwards
Occupation:
Location: vancouver
Dogs are no different than humans when locked up too long however limiting number of pets per property and size restricting dog to living area would also alivieate some of the problems. Large breed dogs like mastifs (neo) like smaller yards where they can look over it from a vantage point they dont like much exercise and too much of it will cause joint problems later in life. If we are willing to spend so much on a dogs welfare think of the humans who live like that.