A new law in Italy is about to replace the country's long-standing ban on particular breeds of dogs. Several years ago, Italy narrowed its law from what used to be 92 banned breeds to only 17. Now, beginning in April, no breeds will banned in the country.
"This is a historic day because we have established for the first time the responsibility of the owner or person who is momentarily in charge of the animal," said Health Undersecretary Francesca Martini. "The measures adopted in the previous laws had no scientific foundation. Dangerous breeds do not exist. With this law we have overcome the black list, which was just a fig leaf over the larger problem." (Emphasis mine)
Italy nowjoins the Netherlands as European countries that have repealed their breed bans in favor of laws that target irresponsible owner behavior.
The new law isn't perfect -- and Katie has some good points on some of the wording of the ordinance that may cause some issues. But this is certainly a step in the right direction.
Hat Tip: Save a Pit Bull, Save the World.
This is fantastic! Didn't Italy ban Corgi's at one point?
Posted by: Pitties Place | March 17, 2009 at 01:03 PM
Yeah -- I'm pretty sure Corgi's were on the larger list of 92.
Posted by: Brent | March 17, 2009 at 01:10 PM
Yes Corgis were on the list, because even the Queen of England and her little corgis couldn't visit Italy.
Posted by: KC KS Kills Dogs | March 17, 2009 at 03:52 PM
Thanks for posting the link to Save the Pit Bull, Save the World's take on it.
While this is a victory for sure, Katie's comments about the new law echo my concerns exactly!
Posted by: Julie | March 17, 2009 at 07:34 PM
Hey Brent, you may want to take a look at this story:
http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2009Mar17/0,4670,EUItalyDogAttacks,00.html
As we all know, far too well, one of the many myths associated with Pit bulls is: "when they attack in packs its more dangerous than other breeds in a pack." Or something stupid along those lines.
It's a shame those of us that work to help folks better understand the scenarios in which dogs are more likely to bite are forced to use other's tradgedies to do so.
My heart goes out to the woman in this story, her family, and the other victims of this unruly pack of dogs.
Donovan
Posted by: Pit bull NM | March 17, 2009 at 08:12 PM
remind me why you'd want a pitbull type dog?
over any other breed? seriously...
Posted by: glen | April 22, 2011 at 09:59 PM
Because they really are just dogs...like other dogs. Fun, unique personalities with a ton of character. You really should take the opportunity to meet a few. Seriously.
Posted by: Brent | April 22, 2011 at 11:10 PM