MOOSOMIN, SASK. - A community in Saskatchewan has decided to outlaw certain breeds of dogs because local officials believe it will make the town a safer place to live.
Moosomin's new bylaw applies to Rottweilers, Dobermans and pitbulls, breeds that are more often reported to be involved in attacks on people.
Anyone who already owns one of these breeds will be allowed to keep them. But from now on, no one else in the town will be able to acquire such dogs.
The bylaw took some Moosomin residents by surprise. Dr. Angela Damant, a veterinarian, says she was never consulted and didn't know of any problems with the dogs.
She says she's also not sure why town officials decided to go ahead with the bylaw as quickly as they did.
"I haven't heard of an incident of dog bites. I haven't heard of an incident where it was somebody's dog who bit someone."
Regina's Humane society says a bad dog usually indicates a bad owner, so a ban on certain breeds will be ineffective.
"There is sufficient legislation already in place," says society spokesperson Jesse Rasmussen. "It's up to the communities to use that legislation and go after the owners that are responsible for not adequately controlling their animals."
It's always the owner's fault if they don't socialize their dog properly
Banning a certain dog breed isn't going to help; if they were smart they'd realize that every dog is different, and if the owner doesn't socialize the dog, it's not the dog's fault.