The Irish Blue Cross Statement on Restricted Breeds

The Irish Blue Cross emphasises the responsibility of pet owners who own any of the below listed breeds to ensure that at all times when they are in public places that they are muzzled, on a short strong lead and under the control of an adult older than sixteen years of age, who is capable of controlling the dog. These are the current regulations enforceable by local authorities.

* American Pit Bull Terriers
* Bull Mastiffs
* Doberman Pinscher
* English Bull Terrier
* German Shepherd
* Japanese Aikita
* Japanese Tosa
* Rhodesian Ridgeback
* Rottweiler
* Staffordshire Bull Terrier
* Bandog

In addition, the Charity urges all pet owners to have their pets neutered and micro chipped and calls on the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to introduce compulsory micro chipping so that each pet has a unique micro chip that links it to its owner. This will encourage greater accountability and a more positive attitude towards dog ownership.

In the absence of legislation to restrict ownership and breeding of the above listed dogs, the charity calls on welfare groups and the veterinary profession to continue their good work in encouraging responsible pet ownership and in so far as possible to discourage the ownership of these breeds. A greater understanding of the potential risks in keeping these breeds will assist pet owners to make more informed decisions on choosing family pets and pets suited to community environments.





For further information contact:
Bernadette Doyle MVB
The Irish Blue Cross


http://www.bluecross.ie/news2.html

id just be barred from this board if i said what i feel reading this you'd think that people in this line of work would understand that dogs are not the problem in Ireland or anywhere for that matter they should be ashamed of them self for making such a statement and there we are trying to save these breeds from this big ugly world out there

that's shocking!!! I can't believe that an organisation which is suppose to be on the side of all animals would write such a stupid - and damaging - statement.

I think I'll write them few lines tomorrow...

oh ffs .... there has to be atleat one person in the blue cross that owns a restricted breed ... i wonder what they think !!! lets put pen to paper

i think they should be reminded of where they get their donations from im like a bull reading this as you said people that work with animals every day to go and say such a thing

I started reading this post thinking, that's very fair. Glad they're promotion responsible ownership etc. Then I got to the paragraph about discouraging ownership of these breeds! WTF?????????

Will be writing to them tomorrow.

I will be writing to the Blue Cross about this matter. If anyone else would care to, the address and person to contact is:

Bernadette Doyle MVB
The Irish Blue Cross,
15A Goldenbridge Ind Est,
Tyrconnell Road,
Inchicore,
Dublin 8.

thanks Karen

i love to hear what they have to say for them self

i called this number Tel: 01 416 3030 and spoke to a lady who said this is regulation by the city council since last year she said that these breeds are ban and she also said that there is no mistake in this statement issued on the blue cross web site by the blue cross ..
i had to tell her that its not illegal to own any breed in this country she just didn't want to know and also what the council was doing was illegal, i said all dogs need to be protected and need a loving home even the restricted breeds so how can people in your line of work out law certon breeds of dog when all dogs regardless of breed need a responsible owner

I can't believe someone working with such organisation would be so ignorant

I have emailed the blue cross stating my shock at there uneducated statement that all the stuff I had purchased in support of the blue cross have now been binned and I will be withdrawing my support of the Blue Cross until they make a more informed statement or withdraw the statement

I suggest that alot of people do the same maybe if a number of people emaile them they will make a more educated statement - they can come meet my restricted breed anytime and I dare them to find something wrong with her.

There are people who work hard at trying to improve the reputation and impression of restricted breeds and I know anyone who pays any attention to Roxie I go out of my way to let them know about her and encouraging them to pet her and even get a rottie kiss if they are brave enough all the while she does her little excited dance and trying to give them her paw.

your so wright i have just emailed the blue cross and i think with enough people doing the same they will open their eyes..
the thing that gets to me nowhere in BSL does it do anything to tackle irresponsible owners its always a breed of dog and the responsible owner who are being victimized and persecuted they think by removing these breeds its going to prevent young children being attacked and dogs being trained to kill?? these scumbag irresponsible owners will still carry on regardless of the law and by removing the victims is just encouraging them as their just going to keep getting away with it. they talk about promoting responsible ownership i have yet to see it the only thing i have seen is promoting no ownership and bullying the responsible people and their much loved and behaved pets with BSL, any1 who has dealt with dogs regardless of their breed will tell you a dog is how you rare it what in the name of god is up with the blue cross?

Email sent

I really hope they will see how wrong that statement is and how many people did upset.
I still can't believe it though...

This is the email that I have sent to them and have also forwarded same on to the Blue Cross in the UK not perfect

"In the absence of legislation to restrict ownership and breeding of the above listed dogs, the charity calls on welfare groups and the veterinary profession to continue their good work in encouraging responsible pet ownership and in so far as possible to discourage the ownership of these breeds. A greater understanding of the potential risks in keeping these breeds will assist pet owners to make more informed decisions on choosing family pets and pets suited to community environments"

Dear Ms. Doyle,

I am at lost for words over your above statement. I would have thought that such a well known organisation would have thought long and hard before they posted such comment, all but condeming a large number of dogs.

Rather then discouraging people to own these dogs would it not be more important to encourage responsible ownership through dog training etc rather then restricting the ownership of these dogs, when in truth all you are doing is making them more wanted. As in relation to legislation in relation to restricted breeds is this not covered under the Control of Dogs Act???

From your statement it makes me wonder if you have ever met restricted breeds that are well socialised, an important part of the family etc. Is the saying "Deed Not Breed" not something to think about. I myself am an owner of a restricted breed. I have quiet a few friends who have restricted breeds and I have emailed a copy of your Statement to them and they are as much shocked by the contents of your statement.

I had purchased quiet a few of your Christmas cards, pens etc and unfortunately feel I cannot support a group who issues such broad sweeping statements, they have all been binned and my support of the Blue Cross will now cease until you ralter or emove your statement.

I am involved with rescued animals on a weekly bases and would not expect thisr comment from a group that claims to be there to help sick and injuried animals.

Laura

ah Laura you should post photos of your Roxy with that letter ' i dont think this woman has realised how hurtful it is to the owners of these dogs and to the dogs ' if only poor Roxy could read she would be heartbroken ' i still cant believe that this woman has actualy said this and is standing by what she said ' it realy feels very very wrong ' xx
good email

I have forwarded my email to The Blue Cross UK and await with interest her response.

It not so much that as an owner of a restricted breed that you don't expect comments like that you just don't bloody well expect them from a fecking so called charity that likes to pride itself on the care it gives to ALL animals. I wouldn't lower my baby Roxie to that bag anyway she is far too pretty for her - anyone know had to dislodge a rottweiler off a sofa she has surgically attached herself to it

ah bless her ' just curl up beside her and use her as an electric blanket lol
let me know if you get a response or an apoligy

DUBLIN City Council has designated part of a public park a ‘dogs only’ area where owners can let pets off their leads to exercise, explore or socialise.
But the breeds deemed by the authority to be ‘dangerous’ will not allowed to go there.
These are the Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Akita, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Dobermann, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Bullmastiff, Japanese Tosa and the pit bull, which must be muzzled and on a lead at all times.
The initiative was put forward by council officials – ironically, the same officials who came under fire from dog owners earlier this year for threatening to ban so-called dangerous dogs from council estates and properties – and endorsed by members. At present, in other public parks across the city and on beaches, all dogs must be kept on leads.
Wardens are empowered to impose on-the-spot fines on owners who can opt to argue their case in court where penalties for failing to keep a pet under control can be as high as 1,900 euros. The pilot scheme has been introduced in a small area of St Anne’s Park, on the north side of the city, and a decision is to be taken early next year on whether it should be made permanent and extended to other Dublin parks.
“It’s been a success and very well received,” said a council spokesman. “But we have not yet decided to adopt it as a policy.”


http://www.dogworld.co.uk/News/50-dublin

yeah we just put them in a big cage and send them all off to the zoo

This is the reply I got from the UK Blue Cross

Dear Laura

Thank you for your email and comments regarding the recent article on The Irish Blue Cross website.

I have forwarded your email to The Irish Blue Cross for the attention of Bernadette Doyle, asked them to respond to you directly and copy us in on their response.

Kind Regards

Esther Knight
Supporter Care
Blue Cross Head Office

Great - I'll email the UK blue cross too. Maybe if we generate enough paperwork for Bernadette to deal with, she'll reconsider her statement.

Kazza wrote:Great - I'll email the UK blue cross too. Maybe if we generate enough paperwork for Bernadette to deal with, she'll reconsider her statement.

yes

Moving this to the restricted breed section of the forum