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A fundamental problem underlying anti-dog legislation is that the larger audience of responsible owners and breeders who
are the innocent victims become burdened with the excessive restrictions of ownership. Because of the disconnect in thinking
between the legislation and its intended purpose, anti-dog proposals only serve as a catalyst that eventually polarizes the
community.
The chronology surrounding this kind of legislation typically begins with an incident- -very often a bite. The process
that follows identifies one or more breeds as an important threat to the community. The participants and victims include dog
owners, interested citizens, the media, elected officials and the animal rights groups. One of the ingredients used to promote
this kind of legislation is the use of undefined labels which effectively stigmatize or characterize the owners and the breed(s)
in a negative way. Undefined labels such as “puppy mill”, “dangerous dogs”, “vicious dogs”,
and “dogs out of control” are used to promote the need for severe legal action. Throughout the process no one
questions the use of the undefined labels, perhaps because they are aimed at a lesser species that cannot speak for themselves.
Others believe the answer may lie in our lack of understanding how the media, elected officials and the animal rights groups
see the problem, and how they are drawn to use and apply undefined labels to achieve their goals. A useful way to review this
phenomenon is to notice what factors are needed to produce the incendiary reaction that gives credence to anti-dog legislation
........Unfortunately, in most communities, dog owners do not become involved
until they are faced with the consequences of the legislation. This means that others drive the agenda that affects their
pets. Historically, the response to dog problems has been to fight each proposal one by one, city by city. This approach no
longer ........
**********A new strategy with a more penetrating and focused effort is needed.one that
embraces coalitions of informed citizens whose purpose is to guide and steer the course of legislation and the political future
of officials who are bent on eliminating dogs from their community.Dr. CarmenBattaglia *********We invite you to join us...we need your expertise, enthusiasim, experience and commitment...Please help
US be part of the SOLUTION...............
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