Thursday, 26 July 2007

How can we justify the next pitbull attack?

"What are we waiting for?" is the question being asked by United Future leader Peter Dunne, after reports that yet another pre-schooler has been attacked by a pitbull-cross.

"We have a four year old girl needing plastic surgery on her face after being mauled by an animal bred as an attack dog," says Mr Dunne.

"Why are we protecting the rights of owners to have attack dogs instead of protecting our children? It's time we stopped agreeing that the idea to ban pitbulls has merit, and act on it.

"The community is simply not a place for large, aggressive, territorial attack dogs. Two weeks ago I made this same call, and now we have another 4 year old girl attacked outside a kindergarten."

"How will we justify to the next child that gets attacked that we knew it would happen, but did nothing?" asks Mr Dunne.

"I will repeat what I said a fortnight ago. Breeds like pitbulls have got to go. At the very least we need to ensure that the most aggressive breeds of dog are neutered immediately, and place an embargo on any new animal into the country.

"No one will have to give up their current pet, but it will help stop more preschoolers being attacked outside neighbourhood kindergartens," says Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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