Kennel Club Response To Rottweiler Attack - Deal With The Deed Not The Breed
03-Jan-08

It’s time to better protect the public and encourage responsible dog ownership

The Kennel Club is extremely shocked and saddened by the tragic incident that has resulted in the death of a one year old boy in Wakefield. Our thoughts and condolences are with the boy’s family and everyone who knew him.

This dreadful news highlights two things. Firstly, the need for a revision to the current Dangerous Dogs Act to place more responsibility on the owners of aggressive dogs, to cover the actions of the dog rather than the dog’s breed or type (deed not breed) and to apply to incidents that take place on private property. Secondly the need to educate the public on the vital importance of training dogs correctly and to punish those that fail to do so.

The importance of training and education cannot be overstressed since displays of aggressive behaviour by any dog, regardless of breed is the responsibility of the dog’s owner and in the wrong hands, any type of dog can be dangerous.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: “The key is in taking preventative measures, so these types of attacks don’t arise in the first place. These measures include awareness, education and training – the onus being on the owner. A responsible dog owner knows that you never leave a dog and a child, especially an infant, alone and unattended. It is the responsibility of parents, teachers, and the government to educate dog owners and children with what to do and what not to do when they are in the company of a dog”.

The Kennel Club offers two education programmes; one aimed at children – Safe and Sound, and one for dog-owning adults, the Good Citizen Dog Scheme. The purpose of the Safe and Sound Scheme is to promote the safe interaction between children and dogs, and teach children how to behave around dogs to stay safe. The scheme is in the form of a fun, interactive programme, and is very popular with children. The Good Citizen Dog Scheme, aimed at adults, covers both the theory and practical dog training skills, which are important in everyday life situations. There are three levels of award, adding to the incentive to take part in the scheme

Caroline Kisko added “Our deepest sympathies are with the family after what has been a horrendous incident. As far as any future action is concerned we would counsel a measured response rather than an immediate reaction. We have long been working with representatives of the Metropolitan Police and other organisations on our objectives for future dangerous dog legislation, which we believe would better protect the public and the welfare of dogs. The original legislation was drafted in haste in response to a spate of dog biting incidents in the late 1980’s, and it’s because this legislation was a knee-jerk reaction that it was poorly drafted and these incidents continue to occur. Another hasty decision will do nothing to address the real issues of responsible dog ownership”.

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Rooney Rumpus DNA Tested L2/HC Clear

Ellies Babe Genetically L2/HC Clear

ruardeanstaffords

I agree, ownership is the key here. Sadly rottweilers, staffs, Ambulls and other big dogs are bought as trophy dogs or for the wrong reason and this is why we see attacks from such breeds and so many of these breeds in rescue centres. It has nothing to do with the nature of these breeds. Breeders need to take greater responsability to who they sell too. I think there should be laws on breeding, as well as ownership on certain breeds.

How many more kids have to die before something is done?

And so will the parents, They will have to live with the guilt of knowing it was their fault for beng so stupid in the first place for the death of their poor child.
Its not untill its to late is when they realize how stupid and irresponcible they was till something like this happens, its then to late.

I couldn't agree more - I think all breeders and owners of certain breeds should be lisenced, with breeding stock having to pass strict temperament tests.

I am a massive fan of the dog whisperer and whole heartedly believe that it is often the owners with the problem and not the dog. I personally have a very strong bond with my dogs, they are treated as dogs, yet they are still our family pets and companions. I put a lot of effort into making sure they are well socialised , well balanced and ultimately submissive dogs.

What is needed is people willing to educate owners. Breeders need to be more aware of making sure buyers of their pup's understand the breed they are purchasing and educate these owners on the needs of the animal, the importance of socialisation etc.

I also think their should also be strict penaltys for owners with dogs that are out of control.

Saying that i do believe that rightly enough certain breeds are more likely to be agressive over others. At the end of the day Pit bulls and such like were originally bred for fighting and i think the owners of 'dangerous dogs' should be made to hold a licence and attend some sort of course to learn how to handle and understand the breed. Banning breeds will not solve the problem as people will just move onto another. Making breeds that are known to be more aggresive harder to own would be the key.

just my thoughts...

Ang

I agree with what your saying but Pitts are not bred to fight,they are trained to fight.We created what they are and man has damaged the breed ultimatly it's our fault.

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Rooney Rumpus DNA Tested L2/HC Clear

Ellies Babe Genetically L2/HC Clear

ruardeanstaffords

yeah i agree some pitt here doesn't attack or fight the others. they are just train to fight.

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This is one reason why I and many responsible breeders feel so strongly about high breeding standards and not just breeding litters because you can, because flossie is cute and would make a good Mum, or to make a bit of pin money (done properly your unlikely to do so).

Those who jsut want to casually breed a litter feel theat thsoe suggestign teh highest standards are being snobs or expecting too much, for just pets.

Surely it is the Pet animal that must have the best character and health to be a safe and compatible family member.

People approaching breed experts for a puppy will be looked after and helped to bring it up properly, and if the breeder feels the breed is not suitable for the persons needs and abilities, they will not sell, unlike those breeding purely to satisfy a market, often created by image media exposure etc. Following the breed standard also means that the size ans likely cahracteristics both mental and physcial wil be typical and more predictable.

Here is part the breed standard description for the Rottweiler:

Characteristics
Appearance displays boldness and courage. Self-assured and fearless. Calm gaze should indicate good humour.

Temperament
Good natured, not nervous, aggressive or vicious; courageous, biddable, with natural guarding instincts.

This description should tell you of a self assured strong minded animal but that ahs an even temper.

I have only ever met such examples of the breed with the breeders I know ans on the benches at shows.

Due to the size, confidence, boldness, and the natural guarding ability absolutely rock soild temperament is esssential in any breeding animal.

Well said

Ive been sitting trying to think how to get my point across and you have said it for me!

We breed working labs and although we breed for type, style, bidability confirmation etc, we also take into account temperament and would never breed from a dog that had shown signs of aggression. Our pup's sometimes go to family homes as well as working homes (i myself have 4 children who are in contact with our gundogs every day) and although any dog can become aggresive with incorrect handing and understanding, if you have pup's from thoughtfully bred parentage with outstanding temperaments, i believe this is passed on to the pup's.

Any responsible breeder will breed to the highest standard and will have studied the breed,taken a lot of time to find a stud to compliment their Bitch, and matched her accordingly. It is when as you say 'pet' dogs are thoughtlessly bred to any old dog and sold on that temperament and health problems are likely to occur.


As for pit bulls not being bred to fight, they are trained to be this way...

well yes this point is correct nowadays, But they were originally bred to fight, when the breed originated this was at the pinacle of its breeding , they were used for bull baiting which then went on to dog fighting. Now there has to be a high level of strength and aggression bred into these dogs for this so called 'sport'. Now thats not to say they were bred to be human aggressive, quite the opposite i expect.


Which takes me back to my original point that these dogs need to be thoughtfully bred by breeders who know what they are breeding for. (type and temperament). And they need to make the new owners of their pup's fully aware of the implications of incorrect handling of these dogs. Im sure the vast majority of so called dangerous dogs are well bred outstanding doggy citizens , but (as with any breed) some not so friendly dogs slip through the net and are bred from, producing a line of offspring with a potential aggresive streak, making them harder to handle, especially for an inexperienced owner.


Gosh..sorry for the ramble LOL!!

Ang x

That is exactly so. The Rottweiler is one of the most popular KC registered breeds with over 6500 puppies registered in 2006 alone.

That probably means there are around 65 thousand of them living blameless lives in peoples homes.

There are also many unregistered ones bred and this category have a much higher chance of being bred and owned by irresponsible people, though sadly there are badly bred registered dogs of course too.