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Tuesday June 10, 1:04 AM
Dutch government to lift 25-year ban on pit bulls
The Dutch government says it will lift a long-standing ban on pit bulls because it did not lead to any decrease in bite incidents.
Agriculture Minister Gerda Verburg has informed parliament of the decision, which follows the advice of a commission of experts appointed to review the policy.
Instead, the country will focus on enforcing local leashing laws and owner education programs.
Spokesman Koen Geelink said Monday the ministry hopes to have a new policy in place by year-end, in which dogs that have displayed aggression will be tested by an expert.
The country banned the breeding and possession of pit bulls in 1993, after three children were killed by the dogs.
LETTER FROM DOGS TRUST 23/09/2008 :
Dear Mr Turner
You may have heard the news that Dogs Trust will no longer be taking an exhibition stand at the Crufts Dog Show or the Discover Dogs event. I’m emailing all our valued supporters to explain why we feel this move was necessary.
It is indisputable that dogs are suffering terribly as a result of the way they have been bred. Dogs Trust has been lobbying the Kennel Club and Government for many years now on the issue of inappropriate breeding practices. Sadly, this behind the scenes activity has not resulted in enough change.
The tipping point came with the airing of a recent BBC documentary on the pedigree world. After the programme was shown, we were inundated with requests to take stronger action. As a result, our trustees debated the issue at their recent meeting and voted unanimously to withdraw from Crufts and Discover Dogs.
In doing so, the trustees wished to send the strongest possible signal that we believe that urgent action has to be taken.
I must stress that our decision not to attend Crufts or Discover Dogs in no way means that we have stopped having dialogue with The Kennel Club. This is the time that all organisations with an interest in dogs need to come together to affect real change.
As well as continuing to work with The Kennel Club, we will be consulting widely in order to help deliver results.
I also want to reiterate that we are not anti pedigree dogs, pedigree breeders or their owners. We know that the majority of breeders prioritise good health and temperament in their dogs and are responsible in their breeding methods. However, while so many dogs are suffering, we feel our continued presence at Crufts would send out the wrong signals. We believe that, in this instance, action will speak louder than words.
I do hope that you can understand why we felt it absolutely necessary to withdraw from these events and that you will support our campaign to protect dogs from the pain and misery caused by bad breeding.
With best wishes and thanks for your continuing support.
Clarissa Baldwin OBE
Chief Executive
