Great Danes and other “attack dogs” would be euthanized under Cumberland County ban
(An update to this story can be found here.)
Apparently gunning down stray dogs on the streets wasn’t enough for the dog unfriendly officials of Cumberland County, North Carolina.
Now they want to slay, within 72 hours, every dog that comes into the shelter who is, or appears to be a mix of:
American Staffordshire terrier, Rottweiller, Akita, chow chow, Doberman pinscher, German shepherd, Great Dane, Presa Canario, Siberian husky or mastiff. There’s a convenient catch-all pit bull category as well.
They’re not doing it yet, despite what you may be reading on the misinformation highway.
But they’re talking about it.
The county’s Animal Control Board is recommending that authorities limit the adoption of the above dog breeds, or, as one county official referred to them, ”attack animals.” (Clearly, they haven’t met many Great Danes.)
The idea is only in the discussion stages, but many websites are reporting –erroneously — that the new policy goes into effect today.
“I’ve probably had 1,500 emails,” said John Lauby, director of Cumberland County Animal Control. (Here’s hoping he gets about 150,000 more.)
Lauby told a Fayetteville Observer columnist that misinformation on the Internet led people to believe the county will ban adoption of pit bulls and other breeds starting Monday, and immediately euthanize any members of those breeds in the shelter.
In reality, the county hasn’t taken that medieval step, it’s just considering it.
“We’re looking at a list of animals used as attack animals,” County Commissioner Charles Evans said. “It has been suggested that something needs to be done about those.”
The recommendation would have to make its way through a committe and then require approval by the county commissioners before going into effect. But it’s scheduled to be introduced at a meeting tonight. (6 p.m., at Cumberland County Animal Services, 4704 Corporation Drive, Fayetteville).
Lauby said animal control constantly receives calls from residents complaining about dogs behaving aggressively or running loose, preventing people from getting into their cars.
“We have an inordinate number of pit bulls in the county that are chasing people, chasing dogs, they’re on school grounds and generally bother people,” he said. “The reality is that about 80 percent of our calls are related to that particular breed.”
Complaints from the public also led Cumberland County to hire an outside contractor to capture stray dogs in and around Fayetteville — a massive roundup that started in August and, at last report, led to more dogs being gunned down than caught alive.
Fayetteville doesn’t have its own animal control department, instead relying on the county office to handle dog-related issues.
As I’ve implied before, that might be part of the problem — the problem, in my view, being not just too many uncontrolled dogs, but too many unenlightened public servants, who see dogs as foes and death as a solution.
Maybe it’s the army base influence. In any event, someone needs to usher Cumberland County into modern times.
In a way, the proposed policy — while it it lists some new ”public enemy” breeds, like the husky, and some returning ones, like the shepherd — would only formalize what’s already common practice in the county.
Since April, Cumberland County Animal Control has taken in nearly 1,300 pit bulls, but only 124 have been adopted. The shelter has taken in 180 Rottweilers since then, only 26 of whom were adopted. Of 96 chow chows received at the shelter since April, 15 have been adopted, according to the Fayetteville Observer.
The rest are euthanized.
Now, some want to make it official, banning the adoption of any of those breeds and guaranteeing a death sentence for all of them, or any mixes thereof — all based on what will likely be, judging from the wisdom they’ve shown so far, an uneducated guess.
In addition to complaints, worries about liability issues are also behind the proposal. The county fears it might be held responsible for any damage done by dogs adopted from its shelter. Most shelters handle that with a simple waiver.
Petitions against the policy can be found on several websites, including our-compass.org and change.org.
If you’d like to give Cumberland County officials a piece of your mind — and it appears they could use it — continue reading for contact information.
Dr. Jeannette M. Council
PO Box 1829 Fayetteville, NC 28302
Office: 910-678-7771
Home: 910-488-0691
jcouncil@co.cumberland.nc.us
Charles Evans
PO Box 1829 Fayetteville, NC 28302
Office: 910-678-7771
Home: 910-978-6643
cevans@co.cumberland.nc.us
Jimmy Keefe
PO Box 1829 Fayetteville, NC 28302
Office: 910-678-7771
Work: 910-323-1791
jkeefe@co.cumberland.nc.us
Billy R. King
PO Box 1829 Fayetteville, NC 28302
Office: 910-678-7771
Work: 910-822-6676
bking@co.cumberland.nc.us
Edward Melvin
PO Box 1829 Fayetteville, NC 28302
Office: 910-678-7771
Cell: 910-391-4028
emelvin@co.cumberland.nc.us
Kenneth S. Edge Chairman
PO Box 1829 Fayetteville, NC 28302
Office: 910-678-7771
Home: 910-425-0918
kedge@co.cumberland.nc.us
Marshall Faircloth Vice Chairman
PO Box 1829 Fayetteville, NC 28302
Office: 910-678-7771
Work: 910-323-1040
wmfaircloth@co.cumberland.nc.us
Mayor Anthony G. Chavonne
433 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28301
910-433-1992, 910-433-3401
Fax 433-1948
mayor@ci.fay.nc.us
Dr. John Lauby
Director of Animal Services
Cumberland County Animal Control
4704 Corporation Drive,
Fayetteville, NC 28306
Animal Control Phone: 910-321-6845, 910-321-6844, 910-321-6826, 910-321-6827, 910-321-6945, 910-321-6965 910-321-6852
jlauby@co.cumberland.nc.us
Posted by jwoestendiek December 5th, 2011 under Muttsblog.
Tags: adoptions, aggressive, akita, american staffordshire terrier, animal control, attack animals, automatically, banned, bans, breed, breeds, bully breeds, captured, chow, contact, cumberland county, death, doberman, erroneous, euthanasia, euthanized, fayetteville, german shepherd, great dane, internet, john lauby, kill, killed, liability, mastiff, north carolina, petitions, pit bulls, pitbulls, presa canario, proposal, purge, reports, rottweiler, shelter, shot, siberian husky, strays, three days
Comments
Comment from Michael Rathbun
Time December 5, 2011 at 12:45 pm
This is totally 100% unconstitutional.
Comment from Maria A
Time December 5, 2011 at 3:50 pm
Were the “pit bulls” that are loose & bothering people actually chasing people aggressively & attacking people or are people just calling animal control because they are scared of pit bulls because they perceive them as dangerous. My Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the sweetest dog, yet people are generally afraid of her even after I insist she’s gentle.
Comment from Ray
Time December 5, 2011 at 3:56 pm
I am a doberman owner and will 100% tell you that these dogs are the opposite of attack dogs. It’s all in how you breed them. If you train them to attack, they’ll attack. If you teach them to be friendly they’ll be friendly. This is sickening.
Comment from Chris
Time December 5, 2011 at 4:17 pm
Not really sure that its unconstitutional, not right for sure though
Comment from Keith S
Time December 5, 2011 at 5:03 pm
I’ve had Akitas since I was 5 yrs. old, I’ve been involved with dog shows and have had therapy certified Akitas. I’ve been bit more times by my cousins chihuahua or cocker spaniel than I can count. But any dog put in the wrong situation has the potential to bite. Instead of killing those animals they need to strengthen their pet laws and fines for the owners who don’t fallow the law. No outside pets chained to a fixed object and leash laws work wonders.
Comment from Doug
Time December 5, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Great Danes and other “attack dogs” would be euthanized under Cumberland County ban
American Staffordshire terrier, Rottweiller, Akita, chow chow, Doberman pinscher, German shepherd, Great Dane, Presa Canario, Siberian husky or mastiff. There’s a convenient catch-all pit bull category as well.
This is an outrage in every aspect of humanity.You might want to think of the public’s opinion of you if you help pass this in-humane act towards mankinds best friend.Re-Election’s are hard to pass if you find yourself with very low numbers at the poll Mr. Mayor. Is it really worth your job? This has gone viral all over the world now, people are watching you and talking,might want to do the “right” thing, if you know what i mean .
Comment from Anna
Time December 5, 2011 at 5:16 pm
This is unfair for these animals. For an example, Great Danes should be characterized as “Gentle Giants”, not “attack dogs”. I don’t understand how they think this is right. Don’t blame a breed.
Comment from Tiffany
Time December 5, 2011 at 5:17 pm
I really hope this bill is squashed at the town meeting. I would have liked to share the article but think the writer of it and editor should have reviewed the article better because blaming the shooting of the dogs on the town as a result of being near a military base is an ignorant statement and irrelevant to the fact that dogs are being killed. I think that the town should use that effort that is being used now to kill dogs and switch it to building a facility that will treat the dogs and take care of the strays rather than dump the strays off into the street.
Comment from Jennifer
Time December 5, 2011 at 5:21 pm
I find this completly disgusting. Americans are becoming so ignorant and as i like to call it ” DOG RACIST”. I own an American Bulldog.. what a wonderful, happy go lucky pup. i have started training/bonding with him from day one.. he knows commands/tricks by me just doin a hand signal. cuddles with me as much as he can haha… They can be trained you just have to be devoted, and COMMITTED. So many people just get a dog cause it looks cool or lets just get a dog, do they do the research on the breed.. prob not. And these people who just breed their dogs are a big problem. NO dog breed should be banned or considered ” attack dogs” that gets me so mad.. its not the dogs fault. Its the owner/breeders of these poor doggies. I agree with making the laws harsher for irresponisble dog owners… dont punish the dogs punish the stupid owners
Comment from mybluedog
Time December 5, 2011 at 5:37 pm
Since when are Great Danes attack dogs?!?!?? Good grief! I have a Great Dane and he is one of the sweetest dogs I have ever owned! My Shih-Tzu is meaner than the Great Dane and that’s because the G.D. sometimes steps on him. And these other breeds that were also mentioned are not attack dogs, give me a break! But what I don’t get, is “gunning down” an acceptable way to get rid of stray dogs? That is just absolutely disgusting and abhorrent to me! A responsible dog owner has control of their animal (on & off leash)!
Comment from Lauren
Time December 5, 2011 at 5:39 pm
I wish there was some way they could simply hire a behaviorist to distinguish dogs with actually dangerous behavior, but I suppose that’s a slippery slope & also a lot more expensive than simply killing every dog. This is the fault of lousy owners, & the fault of breeders who don’t screen prospective owners sufficiently. But the dogs have to pay for it. So sad.
Comment from Julie
Time December 5, 2011 at 5:42 pm
Breed Banning is NOT the answer. Lets PLEASE send an email to every email address listed, in opposition to this proposed ban! We can STOP this!
Comment from Mira
Time December 5, 2011 at 6:38 pm
Many look at America with envy : Ah, The American dream….well when it comes to animals, and especially dogs….it is an American Nightmare….these individuals, not only are a disgrace for their county, but for the state and for the USA….”“We’re looking at a list of animals used as attack animals,” County Commissioner Charles Evans said. “ Listen, mister, stop looking at anything…look at the image your county already got…an UGLY ONE…and who are you to decide what dogs people should adopt..This is the most horrible action ever planned against dogs, who, are already victims of abandon and neglect…now YOU dare to think taking away from them the LAST CHANCE for a nice and decent life. This is FANATICISM…and you should be ashamed of yourselves….Happy New 1012…yes, 1012…the worst of the middle ages…SHAME ON YOU….
Comment from Lcollins
Time December 5, 2011 at 7:12 pm
What do you mean the influence of the base may contribute to the issue?
Comment from John
Time December 5, 2011 at 7:45 pm
if they really do this, there considered murders and dont deserve to eat ,drink, sleep, breath and hopefully 1 day the will meet someone who thinks they look agressive and puts them to sleep:P
Comment from I Whitworth
Time December 5, 2011 at 8:01 pm
How about focusing on IRRESPONSIBLE pet owners? Many of the breeds listed are WORKING dogs, including THERAPY dogs!
Comment from Deb
Time December 5, 2011 at 9:00 pm
I’ve owned Dobermans, Chows, Pitbulls, Great Danes, and Chows. All gentle and loved by everyone they meet. More than I can say for most of the people I meet. Call 10 businesses in Cumberland County and tell them you won’t be spending any $ in their county – that will get their attention.
Comment from Lauren
Time December 5, 2011 at 9:33 pm
Seriously??? this is sick. since when is it okay to kill the innocent? why can’t we start a law that you must become a certified breeder in order to sell pets for profit? like you have to get a permit or something in order to regulate how many litters you are able to sell? fine the owners!!!!! they are the ones that are 1) causing the uncontrolled breeding and 2) causing the aggressive behavior in the animals since this behavior is LEARNED, through neglect or abuse. I have lived in this town for almost 3 years and I truly feel that a lot of people here have absolutely no respect for the lives of animals. It’s just sad.
Comment from cheryl boker
Time December 5, 2011 at 9:33 pm
it’s obvious that you are not an animal lover plus you’re ignorant about dogs that are fear biters. they need care not to be pts.
Comment from Meaghan Edwards
Time December 5, 2011 at 10:55 pm
If you care about your dog? Fight this. I don’t care what breed of dog you own. If you don’t fight BSL, you are, in my eyes, just as irresponsible as the person who lets their dog roam.
Comment from E
Time December 5, 2011 at 11:47 pm
LOL, Great Danes? I cannot think of a less aggressive dog. What is their criteria? dogs that are big and have eyeballs and noses? It sounds more like a financial decision than anything else, they just don’t want to feed big dogs at the shelter.
Comment from JP
Time December 6, 2011 at 7:56 am
Absurd! Let’s euthanize the morons that came up with this plan. I fear them much more than I fear any mastiff, husky or pit bull.
Comment from annied
Time December 6, 2011 at 9:43 am
It is not the constitutional right of ANY dog to puncture, tear and rip the flesh off of an unsuspecting person who happens to be minding their own civilized and responsible business. The dog owners who choose to take on the responsibility of owning an animal capable of killing with little to no provocation are toying with tragedy. I reserve my sympathies for those, like me, who will do whatever it takes to minimize further death and destruction of these animals. Clearly those who are so quick to defend their precious little loves have so little regard for humanity that they have no right to use the word constitutional. It is MY right to not be mauled by your sweet pet. Everyday, thanks to vicious dog owners, there are more and more people coming around to my way of thinking. I will breathe a sigh of relief when they are gone. It will not happen soon enough to prevent the deaths, amputations and dead elderly and newborn HUMAN beings and that is truly unfortunate.
Comment from JP
Time December 6, 2011 at 10:54 am
Actually, you have no right to enforce your ideals on me, “annied”. My animal is no threat to you until something happens and then you have legal recourse (ie lawsuit, etc). If you’re so concerned with what may happen then why not ban cars, cell phones, and anything else that may cause harm to someone, some day. In a free society you have to deal with the liberties of others that you dislike, along with the liberties you like.
Comment from jlr
Time December 6, 2011 at 11:52 am
My daughter is stationed at Ft. Bragg — please don’t bring the military into this!
Mayor Chavonne has had several ideas that slight our troops — like inviting anti-war protestors to the Vietnam Veteran’s Homecoming, which was supposed to “give the Vietnam era vets the homecoming honors they deserved”. So Jane Fonda and an anti-Vietnam war group was invited.
Whether you are pro-military or not, it doesn’t take much thinking to see that this is a mayor that doesn’t seem to have much thought process himself — as this ridiculous and inhumane breed ban is a prime example of.
Mayor Chavonne is plenty enough idiot all on his own without any outside help.
Comment from jlr
Time December 6, 2011 at 12:00 pm
And Annied — for all your scare mongering tactics of “flesh ripping, oh my!” — you DO realize that any dog (I’ll repeat that: ANY dog) can rip flesh and kill you if it has enough size relevant to yours (there have been plenty of incidents of little lapdogs severely mauling and disfiguring, and if medical tech wasn’t what it is today, even yes killing small infants and children).
Comment from danielle
Time December 6, 2011 at 3:53 pm
Breed Specific Legislation – it’s when legislators propose bills/laws banning particular breeds, or coming up with laws concerning only specific breeds.
VERY SAD NEWS
Comment from liana
Time December 6, 2011 at 7:01 pm
Society needs to quit glorifying small dogs and get reacclimated with the big dogs! At 8y/o I was attacked by 3 jack russells and since then I refuse to own a small dog. I have owned 2 neopolitan mastiffs and they are they best dogs I have ever had! Gentle giants, they are. It’s all in the owner, not the dog. Not to say there aren’t big dogs that are aggressive or dangerous… But its all in how they are raised and trained.
Comment from PawsPetBeds
Time December 7, 2011 at 2:33 pm
The thought of BSL makes my blood boil. If there are to be any new laws they should be targetted at dog owners and breeders to somehow prove that they are committed to each dog’s wellbeing and not their own greed or self image.
Comment from LLEAH DAWN STRUMP
Time December 9, 2011 at 1:50 am
PLEASE….. Do not take your vengence out on these animals! It is not their fault what breed they are! Punish the so called owners and institute a program for Spay & Neuter! PLEASE, in your hearts, you must know the dogs can’t pick the people who have them! Thank You for listening.
Comment from Tina
Time December 15, 2011 at 6:14 pm
It’s the owners, NOT the dogs that are the problem. BSL is a joke and anti-American.
Just look at how many of Vick’s former fighters are now happy pets, ambassadors and even therapy dogs.
Dogs are amazingly good at “forgive and forget”. Too bad humans aren’t better at emulating that trait.
Comment from Amanda
Time January 10, 2012 at 12:08 pm
My aunt has a great dane and he is nothing more than a giant baby. He is sweet to every person or animal he comes in contact with.
Comment from Delia
Time March 27, 2012 at 8:25 am
From what i have researched and experienced, this BSL has demonstrated in my views, an educated act of animal discrimination. Though the fatal attacks by the DIFFERENT dogs have been very unfortunate to those who have encountered such attacks, this should not be the begining of a grudge against any dog but the begining for many of those who have faced these attacks, to encourage such animals. Encouragement is the key. Not to encourage their aggressiveness but to ecourage the better dog they can be with the help of those who disapprove by them.
I myself had a chihuahua that i loved so much, and was killed by my neighbors LABRADOR RETRIEVER. Not a common dog to do such a thing but it happend. The dog was on our grounds but even though this unfortunate event had taken place i did not press charges.
Soon I bought myself an American Pit Bull Terrier, who was the most friendliest dog anyone could have. I had to give up my friend because of the dues of a neighbors Pit Bull Mix who was aggressivly jumping on someone in the neighborhood. Very Unfair.
My point, anyone and anything deserves a second chance… this is why we don’t hang people anymore, we have jails!
Comment from Delia
Time March 27, 2012 at 8:28 am
What we need are better and more rehibilitation groups, who are willing to help these dogs become better for us and themselves. More jobs, more money, better economy, and a better country.
Comment from Richard Link
Time April 18, 2013 at 3:24 pm
Well what do you expect from a liberal democrat like Moore to introduce a bill to kill certain breeds of dogs. After all they want to abort unwanted children yet protect rapist murders, child molester and the like. For God sake capital punishment is unjust. Do anyone of these idiot have a brain or common sense. Its the guns fault its the knifes fault its the bombs fault its the DOGs fault. Well I say its our representatives fault instead of attacking the real issue the down and dirty reality that its the PERSONS fault and start punishing with real harsh punishment instead of slapping them on the wrist. Cutting off an arm when your leg has gangrene will not cure the problem wake up NC vote these dumb SOB out of office.
Comment from Will
Time December 5, 2011 at 11:21 am
I just watched an interesting show on genetic predisposition in dogs. Not one of these seems to be genetically dangerous. On the other hand, Jack Russel Terriers were bred to run loose in your barn and kill all the varmints!