By Natasha Jones
Times Reporter
Apr 17 2005

Fila Brasiliero. Perro de preso canario. Dogo Argentino. Canescorso Italiano. Ca de bou.
No, this is not an introduction to a foreign languages class, but breeds of dog that are raised to fight people.
And they are already here in Langley, says Sean Baker, the manager of the Langley Animal Shelter.
The Canescorso "is a very nasty dog," Baker said. "Historically, it's a war dog, bred to fight. They are fighting dogs, bred to fight people, other dogs and other animals."
"We have seen these dogs in Langley, and they all look similar to pit bulls," he added.
"All of these breeds have already made an appearance in Langley," Baker commented at the first of two open houses held to gauge public opinion on a new animal control bylaw.
A series of attacks by dogs on humans, farm animals and other canines has renewed calls for a ban on aggressive dogs.
But Baker said that if certain types of dog, such a pit bulls, are banned, it opens the door to "newcomers" such as those mentioned above.
"They will slide in as the new guard dog," he said.
People who attended the two open houses were invited to fill out a form which sought to ascertain, among other issues, if there is support for banning certain breeds.
The questionnaire also gauged opinion on the level of enforcement of the new animal control bylaw that the public is willing to support.
Glen Gordon, the Township's manager of licences and permits who is the supervisor for the Langley Animal Shelter, would not disclose if the questionnaires reveal a renewed appetite for banning breeds until the answers are tabulated and the results shared with Township council.