It's Tea Time

Link.

When the city of Omaha, Nebraska wanted to ban the Pit Bull after a dog---which was tethered outdoors and teased by children---attacked a family walking with a small child in a wagon, the Nebraska Humane Society stepped in to offer up a more sensible alternative to banning the breed altogether. All Pit Bulls must pass a canine good citizen class (CGC) where they can earn a Breed Ambassador vest, or be subjected to wearing a muzzle---the muzzle requirement being part of the legislation that the town refused to budge on.

See, now that's a good idea. This is something that will do what is important, separate out the good owners from the bad. It still targets a specific breed, but that's OK. Pit Bull owners would gladly work their dogs through a class like this. It could be a fun weekend!

More important is what follows down further in the article:

"We were not happy with "breed specific" components (the muzzling and insurance requirement only apply to Pit Bulls and those defined as Pit Bulls under the Omaha Statute) since we have had dog bites from other breeds as well and felt more strongly that the anti-tethering law and the designation of "potentially dangerous" for dogs who menace would be a better route to get to the heart of what creates dangerous dogs and therefore keep our city safe. However as the animal control entity, we are committed to enforce the laws passed by our city. So once we were told there was no negotiation on the muzzling we worked to find at least a partial solution for those people who are responsible, do train, and do socialize their dogs," said Pam Wiese, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations for the Nebraska Humane Society.

Anti-tethering laws, brilliant! Force owners to be responsible for their pets instead of just tying them to a tree/pole/house and leaving them outside all year round. Who would have thought that kind of treatment could lead to an unstable mind. I mean it's not like if we did that to a human two year old he would grow up any different than a normal child.

One thing that does bother me is the following:

What exactly is considered a Pit Bull? According to the city of Omaha, it deems any breed that has the physical traits of a Pit Bull to be considered a Pit Bull.

It goes more specifically into what the ordinance states right after that. Look, all in all this is a step in the right direction. There was legitimate give and take here. Dog doesn't pass the class? Has to wear a muzzle. That's completely fair. Dog has had previous issues that were reported? Can't take the class. Again, completely fair.

This is a real attempt to bring responsibility to the forefront in dog ownership, especially in the ownership of larger dogs, and I couldn't be more hopeful about it. This is something that needs to catch on nationwide.