By Zoisa Fraser
Over the last few years, many living in various parts of the world have grown to fear Pit bulls and have labelled them as vicious. But dog experts have painted a different picture saying that they make good pets, provide protection, have unending loyalty to their owners and are protective of their territory, just like any other breed of dog.
In Guyana, there has been an ongoing debate over these animals following several mauling incidents and in one case death, by either purebred pit bulls or mixed breed dogs.
Pit bulls are readily linked to the dog attacks that occur here and it is believed that this is so because of their body makeup, jaw strength and the deadly reputation that they hold across the world.
A study conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and published in 2000, revealed that between 1979 and 1998, one third of all fatal dog attacks were by Pit bulls. The number of fatal attacks by this breed was listed as 118, followed by Rottweilers at 67.
Unfortunately, there is no up-to-date statistics on this feared dog, but from reports of fatal attacks, Pit bulls head the list followed by Rottweilers, German shepherds and chows, in that very order. Huskies, Malamutes, Dobermans and Saint Bernards have also been associated with attacks over the last few decades but on a very small scale.
Pit bull attacks have prompted many countries, to draw up legislation to ban or restrict them.
They have been banned from Canada, parts of the US and Europe as well as Trinidad and Tobago because of their physical make up and their predisposition to attack. Other countries such as New Zealand have opted to have the animals sterilized, muzzled and leashed in public.
Amend dog legislation
In Guyana, the Dog Act remains outdated and many have called for amendments to it. Under this law, the owners of these animals could be fined or serve a short jail term if found guilty of negligence in a dog attack. From all reports the latter has never been done. There are no provisions for the injuries persons receive from these animals and victims have no choice but to take civil action, a lengthy and tedious process that many opt not to take.
On a few occasions, owners have paid victims a small compensation package to avoid having the matter engage the attention of the court.
Many recommendations have been made in terms of the legislation following the recent attacks but it seems these are not being taken seriously or even considered by the relevant authorities.
Stabroek News recently spoke to President of the Guyana Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) Oliver Insanally and Veterinarian Dr Nicholas Mc Lean on this issue and they both expressed their desire for amendments to be done in the interest of all parties involved.
Earlier this year, members of the GPSCA were attacked by Pit bulls after the owners had loosed them on some children. The organization had commented several times on these feared animals.
Insanally signalled to Stabroek News that the organization’s position is that the animal legislation needs to be revamped so that it is more effective and enforceable.
