To Ban the Pitbull or To Designate it a Restricted Breed?

_{This opinion piece is by Dr Ben Radihephi}

This is a very emotional topic, and I have to tread carefully lest I offend! However, a ban as proposed is too simplistic and does not take into account several variables, and the status quo as pertains in the country. Currently, there are many certain breeds that could easily be confused as Pitbulls.

In Gaborone, a trained eye can tell that most dogs that are mistaken for pitbulls are infact American Staffy or English Staffy. But because of certain similar phenotypic traits, these afford unsuspecting owners to proudly pass them of as Pitbulls. This very fact presents the first hurdle to the ban movement.

Assuming a ban is agreed upon, a lot of owners would ask for genetic/DNA identification before they can surrender their animals—This is when our courts start to work overtime, and with very little science (body of knowledge) to help the legal system.

Second, we have not strengthened our byelaws as regards to keeping pets, any pet for that matter in suburbia. Where laws exist, they are not implemented. You can pretty much keep anything; Pitbull, constrictors and other reptiles if you so wish with very little restrictions or guidance on fencing requirements or permanent Identification measures like microchips.

Third, problem dogs (aggressive, fear biters etc.) have behavior problems that stem from neglect and lack of socialization from a young age—in short absent pet parenthood. Like human vagabonds and misfits, sometimes aggression and wayward behavior can be traced to early childhood problems or society’s neglect.

If it were according to me, I would come up with restricted breed legislation. This would make certain things mandatory:

1. Puppy school and intense socialization

2. Proper identification— in some cases colourful collars/fluorescent to highlight to neighbors and visitors alike that caution may be needed.

3. Proper DNA, lineage and parentage identification

4. Punitive penalties for neglect and leaving the “restricted dog” to go stray out on the streets, and no fenced-out area(properly) in the owner’s yard.

Dr Ben Radihephi