Amy Shojai is an International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants dog and cat consultant, the author of over 20 pet books, including one to be released soon on the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Amy asked if I can post this letter to Elgin corporate Council William Cogley - so it's public. Many experts have come forward, she isn't the only one.
Dear Mr. Cogley,
As a certified animal behavior consultant, and nationally known author of 23 books including an upcoming book on American Pit Bull Terriers (APBT) I wanted to write and applaud Elgin's interest in protecting pet dogs and innocent home-owners from the dangers of APBTs. These loving canines make terrible watch dogs, and will show thieves where to find the valuables. They can be dog-aggressive, so your ordinance does its part to save other canines from this possible risk. Unfortunately, it does little else.
Seriously, I agree that the public should be protected from "dangerous dogs" but must respectfully disagree that labeling one breed culpable makes a positive impact. In fact, I fear the city of Elgin may garner lawsuits when inhabitants are not protected by this bandaid sort of mentality. People may feel protected when nothing actually has been done to help.
Pit Bull dogs have been breed for centuries, and those that show
aggression toward people taken out of the gene pool. The same cannot be
said for random bred dogs, nor for other purebred canines known for
their protective instincts. Will the city of Elgin foot the bill for
DNA testing of all "suspect" dogs? Will you be protected if a human is
attacked by a dog that is NOT a "pit bull" and should have been managed
under the proposed law?
You are quoted: "Pit bulls are
considered dangerous dogs in the City of Elgin because they have been
found to be predisposed to violent behavior," said Cogley. "Given pit
bulls' physical strengths and abilities, they always pose the
possibility of danger and possess behavioral characteristics including
a relentless intensity to fight that may appear without warning or
provocation."
I know you and the officials of Elgin have the
best interest of your constituents in mind. However, the experts and
facts only agree that pit bulls tend to be dog-aggressive so this
ordinance will protect DOGS but will do little to protect humans who
were not at risk anyway. (Media reports are notoriously inaccurate when
it comes to dog breed identification). Certainly the people-aggressive
dogs of all breeds and mixes must be addressed.
The notion that
any dog shows aggression without warning or provocation simply points
out the public's need for education about understanding dog
communication. Your funds and energies would be well spent offering
such information.
Please rethink the pending ordinance to
effectively address the dangerous dog issue and more adequately protect
your citizens--and the city of Elgin--from potential litigation and
other costs, as well as human injury. Elgin can be the city held up to
the world as an example of pro-active dog-savvy education. Or not.
I
do not live in Elgin, and so this letter may be discounted. But as a
professional, I'm saddened that intelligent folks miss wonderful
opportunities to make positive differences. I remain hopeful that Elgin
will make educated, informed choices for its citizens and the dogs
these citizens love.
With sincere concern,
Living Better, Loving Longer...With Complete Care!
AMY D. SHOJAI, CABC
http://www.shojai.com
Certified Animal Behavior Consultant
