Hey folks,
Really interesting topic, I know that I'm still a little new here (Green round the edges!), but I thought I would give my thoughts on this.
It is always a terrible thing when a dog is brought up in a very bad way, though I do think that specific traits (however minor) can be exacerbated by the intervention of man.
Now I'm not saying that every Staffy that pops out will turn into a killer (quite the opposite, they can be lovely pooches!) but over the hundreds, if not thousands, of years we have been messing with different breeds (how do you get to a Chihuahua from a wolf???) some traits have been specifically selected and held in higher regard than others meaning they are intentionally chosen (by man more often than not) to be passed on to the next generation, thus increasing the likelihood of the trait being passed on.
I think there should also be a review of what dogs are actually allowed in the UK, the original role of these animals needs to be looked at. Why the hell would you want a dog (as Rainmaker mentioned) that has been bred to work with large farm animals (hereditarily over the past however many decades if not the last few generations of said dog which may have been brought up with a more social role in mind) if you live in a town / city / urban environment?
I really think people need to look seriously at whether they can provide the kind of environmental enrichment that these dogs need... you won't find miles of wide open plains in the centre of London with cattle to corral I can tell you!
I understand that there are areas (and people) that can provide this kind of environment for these dogs and they most likely live out a happy existence (again as Rainmaker mentions) without ever causing harm but I do think there needs to be something in place to stop chavs and other unsuitable owners from being able to own one of them.
Quite why dog Licences were ever revoked I don't know, to me it seems like a logical step... think about it, you need a licence to drive a car so why not a licence to own a dog?
Both can do terrible damage in the wrong hands along with doing a lot of good (Guide dogs, rescue dogs, sniffer / searching dogs etc.).
I really don't think there is any justifiably solid argument against licensing, what is the problem? As Teki187 mentioned earlier, it could be implemented so easily! No licence? No dog.
A simple case of registering your intent to own said animal and a short course on care (perhaps set up and run by the RSPCA or local vet and perhaps the local council too) along with a visit from say the local Dog Warden or RSPCA officer to make sure the property is suitable.
Perhaps also implement a local training regime whereby local dog trainers offer a complimentary "basics" course with a discount if you stay on for the more advanced training (e.g. working dogs and specific breed sessions) along with regular catch-ups / surgeries with the RSPCA and / or Dog Warden to make sure things are going well and to offer support and specific advice.
Cheers, apologies for the text wall
Harv
