I am a supporter of many groups who work in the world of animal welfare including AAS. My personal views on specific issues may differ from AAS, from other posters, other organizations or the general public. For some of us, speaking out on personal beliefs and values has been very challenging and emotionally devastating. We have experienced the pain of continuing to stand forward and speak up for those who are innocent while being sued, losing “friends” and facing the unknown, all the while another companion needs to be rescued from abuse, starvation, medical neglect, chaining and isolation.

Many of us have witnessed and removed dogs from the hell they were forced to reside in. We have taken these dogs, rehabilitated them if we could, loved them, trained them and placed them in loving families. The vast majority of these chained dogs have been breeds or cross breeds of Rottweilers, shepherds, Pit bulls and Dobermans, for these are the dogs of choice by humans who have little regard for life of any kind, be it human or otherwise. Like many of us, I have experienced the joy of having a Rotti, shepherd and pittie in my life. Each and every one of these companions have been a blessing and unfortunately I know the history of pain each has endured prior to finding their way into my life.

I am also one who witnessed the horrors of the guard dog industry http://www.animaladvocates.com/guard-dog-business.htm and assisted in the removal of one dog who could not be made into the ferocious animal the business owners wanted him to be. The visions of the dogs left behind haunt me to this day and the nightmares that still wake me force me to stand strong against any organization, business or individual who would allow this abuse of animals to continue.

Do I think that by continuing to rescue these dogs I am making a difference for the breed? No I do not. Can I continue to rescue when there are no available foster homes skilled and trained in rehabilitation? No I cannot. Can I make a difference in the lives of thousands of chained and abused dogs of these breeds and other breeds? Yes I can.

I can by requesting laws that forbid acts that promote aggression, by speaking out and ensuring legislation is put in place to safe guard these breeds and the innocent humans that may suffer as a result of inadequate enforcement.

What do I personally support regarding this very difficult issue?
*Legislation that would put an end to the guard dog industry
*Breeding regulations that charge hefty fee’s per litter
*Enforcement of the PCA Act and changes to the PCA Act that include psychological distress and the five freedoms as standards of well being
*Breed specific education
*Laws that prohibit chaining and isolation
*Lengthy incarceration for animal abusers

Perhaps the movement towards the true humane treatment of these breeds (and others) could be called Cody’s Law, in memory of a little one who died needlessly.