Maritime Morning - Andrew Krystal

The recent controversy over the contention of municipalities to ban certain dog breeds (you know who you are) due to aggressiveness, provoked predictable outrage from doggie debaters who fear a repeat of Ontario’s reaction to dog related near death expeiences. Ontario has banned pit bulls.

The axiom, that there are no bad dogs, only bad dog owners, came under particular scrutiny on my broadcast this week. The postulate falls short when it comes to the nature of the ramifications of bad dog ownership: if you mistreat, or otherwise brutalize a poodle, the consequences are marginal; kids don’t die of poodle dog mauling.

The same isn’t true of Pit bulls, Doberman’s, and their ilk.

Say whatever you want, how can you really argue with my logic regarding ramifications?

If even one child is saved, or if even one person is saved from being maimed, isn’t it worth it to give up on certain breeds? Remember, specific dog breeds are not fundamental to human survival or to quality of life. It is an aesthetic choice, analogous to hand gun ownership.

I enjoy target shooting with pistols but I would give it up knowing that fewer handguns in circulation means less access. Period.

So, what about the black market in banned breeds or firearms for that matter? At least it is marginalized and subject to prosecution, despite the fact that a black market in animals means more abuse of the animals themselves.

I never did understand the over-emoted approach many have to their breed loyalties. For many, it supersedes their human affections.

All it will take is for one serious mauling or dead kid for the public to turn, as they have in Ontario.

Do you remember that tacky example of extreme kitsch that is that bizarre 1870 painting by Cassius Coolidge? Well, dogs don’t play cards. Not even Poker.

But, for many, George Orwell’s Animal Farm is something to be desired.
In that one, dogs vote when pigs rule.