The Myth of Dangerous Dog Breeds: All Dogs Can Kill

In the last three years, five British children have died because of a frenzied dog attack. Five children who had dreams of a happy future, and assumed the dog in their house was a friend. Like many children, stroking, chasing and teasing their favourite playmate was a normal part of their daily life. They felt like heir dog looked after them and made them feel safe.

That is, until the day the dog turned.

‘He was bitten, mauled and shaken like a rag doll.’

These chilling words were uttered by the relatives of John Paul Massey, who died after a frenzied attack by his uncle’s illegal Pit-bull Terrier. The horrific wounds he received in less than 2 minutes killed him almost instantly. There was nothing his family could do to save him.

The UK Dangerous Dogs Act prohibits four types of dog to be owned in Britain. The Pit-bull is the most widely known, but just as dangerous are the Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro. Despite tough legislation, in the last decade, the number of illegal dogs confiscated and killed by the government has tripled.

Dog Bite Statistics

Government figures released in 2009 show that:

• 100 victims of dog attacks are treated in UK hospitals each week – a rise of 66% in less than a decade.
• 5, 221 people needed treatment in 2009, up from 3,137 in 1999.
• 1,250 of these were children. The most common age was children under 2.

All Dogs are Dangerous Dogs

There are many more dog attacks occurring in the UK than there are animals being exterminated. The reason is simple: most dog attacks are made by legal family pets. Whilst the Dangerous Dog Act has created a lot of controversy, animal welfare charities agree on one thing, any dog can be dangerous.

Police have called dogs the guns of the 21st century. To own a firearm, you need extensive training and a specific purpose for needing one. Yet anyone can buy a dog, which is potentially as lethal. Just like gun crime, victims of dog violence are often the families who buy them for protection. It’s not just gang members on council estates; even a family’s cuddly Labrador can snap, and kill.

Experts are starting to wonder if any dog can be considered safe, especially around children. Aggression in dogs is frequently linked to their pack mentality. Allowing dogs to sit on furniture, sit in doorways and eat family food can cause them to believe they are the pack leader and lead to violent attacks. Yet in many families, ignorance about dog behaviour means that these aggressive acts are considered ‘cute’.

Just as a parent who left a loaded gun on their sofa would be considered abusive, families who cannot responsibly manage their pets should also be considered guilty of neglect. Dogs are complex animals, with a psychology very different from humans. Isn’t it time that the dangerous dog act was changed so that everyone should be given training before being allowed to own a dog.

The family of John-Paul Massey will regret their actions for the rest of their lives. Despite their reputation as man’s best friend, any dog can be a killer. Ask yourself one question. Is the dog playing with your children a risk you can afford to take?