Treat dogs well and they will protect and obey
I REFER to the report which appeared in the South China Morning Post on December 20, relating to the proposed legislation from the Agriculture and Fisheries Department on the licensing of dogs.
Anyone who has kept dogs for any length of time knows the following: The reason why over the years the dog has been known as man's best friend.
That dogs are territorial and will be protective of the environment which they have become used to, such as a yard or a house in which they reside.
That if you treat them well they will learn, protect and obey.
That if you mistreat them they may become vicious and untrusting of man.
To state that breeds such as Shepherds should be penalised on size alone is complete and utter 'dogwash' and over-reaction to one sad event.
Shepherds are known to be amongst the most intelligent of all dogs and as such are used in police work.
Are all the police dogs here to be neutered, muzzled, collared and labelled and have to carry their insurance covernotes tied to their tails? Of course not.
They bite for a living.
If the police are called to a break-in and the police dog bites the intruder do we label the dog a biter and have it neutered or sentenced to death? The fact that police can train a dog to behave and obey means that members of the public can also do the same, dependent on their ability.
The current laws impose restrictions on how an owner can allow his dog to behave in the public thoroughfares.
'Under Control' can mean on a lead or under the control of the master's voice.
I do not know of any law relating to controlling dogs inside private property.
If intruders stay outside they cannot be bitten can they? As regards protecting the public from stray dogs I am in total agreement.
Punish the owners who buy a fluffy puppy dog then get bored with it as it grows up and turn it out to fend for itself.
What will the Government experts think of next? Neuter the owner? Ship the strays to China so they can be beaten to death and eaten? JAMES MIDDLETON Sha Tin