Dog attacks need consequences

Time to tighten the leash on dog owners, Keenan, March 28 Owners must stop thinking their dog can do no wrong, Mallick, March 27

After reading about the current consequences, or lack thereof, to dogs and dog owners in cases where a dog attacks a human, I fail to understand what is so difficult about establishing real penalties that will act as clear deterrents. A dog that attacks a human without being provoked should be put down. Period. The owner should face a large fine and potential jail time. Let’s get serious about this issue.

Steve Wuthmann, Toronto

It is not a dog’s fault if it hasn’t been raised or trained properly. It is the irresponsible dog owners who are the issue. In Austria, there is a list of dog breeds that were originally trained for fighting or similar purposes. Anyone who owns a dog from that list must take a test with their dogs to obtain a licence. Owners are tested on basic knowledge of handling dogs and must demonstrate their ability to control their dog. Only on passing this test will the owners receive a licence giving them permission to own that dog. Sounds like a great idea to me!

Barb Kishimoto, Mississauga

I once lived in an apartment building that flouted the law and did not allow tenants to own a dog, but that changed when a prospective tenant challenged the ruling. Inevitably, it all comes down to respect. Our dog is a large mixed breed and thus I do not make tenants share elevator space with my dog. If the tenant protests, I will get off. What is it about a pet owner that feels having large breed animal cooped in a small space is OK? It’s not OK. There has to be some rules around tenants having dogs in communal living. Coexisting is possible.

Dorothy Low, Richmond Hill

I want to thank columnist Heather Mallick for her article. As a father of two children who are terrified of dogs, I am constantly reminding dog owners of their responsibility to keep their dog leashed, unless they are in an off-leash area.

I would not bring my children to an off-leash dog park and fully expect dog owners to not bring their unleashed dogs to my children. Unfortunately, this is not the case. My children have been chased down by dogs on school property and on city walking/hiking trails, both places where the signage indicates dogs must be leashed or aren’t allowed altogether.

Dog owners feel entitled to follow the rules as they see fit. Matthew Bernstein, Toronto

Revision and updating of the animal services mandate could result in more effective management of the impact of pets on the environment and the lives of all residents, as well as reduce the risk of tragic incidents.

As dog owners, we would support annual pet registration, including a nominal fee.

E. Spanier, Etobicoke