Posted On: April 22, 2004, 4:27 pm CDT

Posted By: amy

I'm guessing that Assemblyman Rivera is not, nor ever has been, a dog owner. Were he one, he would be aware that some Dobermans and Rottweilers are the nicest and, having been properly trained, the best behaved animals, although they are considered "high risk" breeds. He would also know that some "cutesy" breeds like terriers and toy poodles can be some of the most aggressive little biters. What's the difference? The owners. There are responsible and irresponsible pet owners, just as there are responsible and irresponsible parents.
Regarding the proposal "would permit legal action", if there's anything PREVENTING legal action here in NY state, I don't know what it is.
Also, the "research behind the bill" doesn't indicate whether the "37% increase in the last 10 years" is reflecting NY state specific numbers or a nationwide increase. And of course, the medical treatment was probably at an emergency room, since
they probably frequently occur on weekends when the doctors offices are closed, or the people affected panic. Most people who break a bone do not proceed to their doctors office first but to the emergency room.
PS - I just adopted my second rescue toy poodle. Licensed, spayed, immunized and in the process of being trained properly. There are a lot of us out here "cleaning up" after the people who buy something cute and four months later don't want to deal with the responsibility.