Ban on fighting and dangerous dogs remains
(CNS): Government has not lifted the ban on most breeds of dangerous or fighting dogs but has reviewed the regulations and created a new prohibited list, which appears to have caused some confusion in the local community. With the exception of Rottweilers, which are no longer restricted, the regulations still list Pitt Bulls, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brazileiro Japanese Tosa and the related breeds, as well as any other dog bred for fighting. Officials have also produced a detailed list to accompany the regulations, which includes more than 30 breeds that are prohibited. Officials said the changes are to make the regulations consistent with the norm internationally when it comes to dog controls.
Along with the amendments, which were approved by Cabinet last month and maintain the ban on what officials describe as the ‘big four’ breeds universally recognized and regulated as dangerous dogs, the changes to the type of dogs bred and used for dog fighting has been published to guide the public.
“It is recognized that there is a varied and often changing group of breeds that are bred and used for dog fighting and that these dogs also represent a real concern for public safety and safety to other animals and pets,” officials said. “Against this regulatory framework, the department has prepared a more comprehensive list of those dogs which under Section 2 would be prohibited and which would continue to not be allowed to be imported in the Cayman Islands.”
Cayman has a growing problem with a host of dangerous dogs. There are mounting reports of attacks on pets and people by ferocious dogs that are not muzzled, chained up or that have broken free from their restraints that are in some cases banned breeds. However, there appears to be no recent reports of dog fighting or much anecdotal evidence to suggest that the activity is taking place here. Nevertheless, issues of neglect, cruelty and abuse of animals has led to growing numbers of vicious dogs on the loose. (See related story on CNS)
Although, many dogs can be dangerous, some dogs on the previously prohibited list have been removed, officials stated. The amendments to the regulations have resulted in bans being lifted on the Mallanois, Rottweiler, Chinese Shar-Pei and some Mastiff breeds, like the Neapolitan Mastiff.
The Department of Agriculture also said it is working with its ministry on a comprehensive revision of the Animals Law. CNS understands that this revision of the animal’s law is one of several factors behind thefour-month delay in the implementation of the National Conservation Law. In the interim, however, the regulations regarding dangerous dogs have been posted online and a banned list published for the public on request from the agriculture department and posted below.
“These revisions are designed to address and improve a range of areas including dog control, licensing, regulation of animal facilities and most importantly the mechanisms for enforcement which would allow for more efficient, effective and timely enforcement of the Law and its associated regulations,” officials said in a statement released last week to clarify some local press reports that had suggested bans had been lifted.
Anyone importing dogs or cats into the Cayman Islands must contact the Department of Agriculture to get a copy of the current conditions for importation and individuals should not rely on third parties, officials said, as conditions change frequently and information may become outdated.
“It is very important for persons to read the conditions carefully, discuss them with their veterinarians and ensure that they understand the requirements and timelines involved. Import conditions relate not only to the types of animals that can be imported but also, and very importantly, to the health requirements that must be met to prevent the introduction of animal diseases and pests into the Cayman Islands,” the DoA added in the statement.
For more information please tel.(345)947-3090, email: ciagriculture@gov.ky, fax: (345)947-6501, or send an enquiry by regular mail to P.O. Box 459, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, KY1-1106.
Please see full statement, the new regulations and the list of banned breeds below.
Category: Science and Nature
I prefer to watch safe dogs fighting anyway. There's something adorable about a poodle gnawing on a chihuahua that you just don't see with the dangerous breeds.
I am not worried.
You should be bobo. You the first one should be put down.
I Just think all pit bulls owners should register their animals and in case of any incident, take them from the owners.
Pit bulls shouldn't be on this island as they represent a danger for everyone including their own ers.
Dogs are called animals for a reason. They are not civilized. Dogs are decendants of wolves. Therefore, all of them have a little savage in them including the small ones that are the cutest but think they are the baddest things walking around (small dog syndrome). Different sizes and breeds came from selective breeding. So at the end of the day if us humans were able to domesticate a once wild animal through selctive bredding then the bahavior/aggression of the animal is mostly determined by the way the owner raises/cares for the dog. Obviously there some dogs that have been traumatized so bad that they cannot socialize with humans or other dogs and are considered aggressive and scorned. There are humans that attack and kill other humans should we ban them too? Just like parents not all dog owners are good ones and there should be a greater level of accountability for the owners.
exactly when was a Dogo Argentino Bred for fighting? Lets not get into the fact, that some of those dogs now taken off of the list are in rich people catagories. You people on here and in governemnt are a joke to knowlegable people.
And they forgot the most dangerous speices! The Chameleon MLA-changes colour whenever it does not like something and makes sure no other top dog has any teeth to do anyhting about it.
When I saw the original article in the Compass I thought it was their April Fool's Day joke.
Guess the joke was on me.
Guess I wont be able to get the Chupacabra that I just ordered from Texas either…
Agree 100% – funny how laws are amended or removed when somone influential is involved….
quite frankly its disgusting and people wonder why nobody takes any damn notice of whats laws are still in place….
What ban ? There are pitbulls everywhere . . . . . Lack of enforcement of the law.
Cayman solution – rather embarrassing that the fire department had a banned dog – but relationships with the firemen a little delicate, and no appetite for fining the department which is already budget strapped. At the same time the police struggling to explain why they have not prosecuted since the department has publicly announced they had the dog! – so lets just change the law so we do not have to prosecute (igonoring the fact the law which applied at the time, not now, is relevant).
Soon come – fire department supplements its budget by selling groceries on a Sunday, hosting parties without a licence for music, dancing or liquor, and running a casino every Saturday night. Cause if you are not going to enforce the law when it is flagrantly broken, why not use that to ease their budgetary problem.
Importation is easy to control, but what about the hundreds of fighting dogs that have been bred on island? Will they be located, removed and put down? Unless there is enforcement regarding dogs already here, I don't see that anything will be achieved. Even when people have been attacked or bitten by dogs when out running or cycling, there are few if any repercussions.
As for suggesting that fighting dogs are safe, it's just not true. Has anyone ever heard of a Golden Labrador or a Spaniel mauling a child or an adult? Of course not, it's not in their nature.
Ignorance at it's best. Take a look at this!
https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Backgrounders/Pages/The-Role-of-Breed-in-Dog-Bite-Risk-and-Prevention.aspx
These dogs can be vicious without being provoked. Quite a few of the breeds that are banned are actually wonderful dogs. It's the owners fault for raising them nasty. Poodles are aggressive dogs and will bite without provocation! When visiting the Island I was chased by a yellow lab….yes a yellow lab! The owner thought it was funny. ANY breed can be a mean breed. Rottweilers are on the top of list for aggression.
First of all it a Labador Retriever or a Golden Retriever not a Gold Retriever and yes, even though not as common as the so called bad breed, these dogs have mauled children As stated in an article below, it is how you raise the dog, genetics, etc. Pit Bulls are very loving dogs and raised correctly make the best pets. It is the owners that make these dogs into what they are….german shepherds, dobermans, even poodles and chihuahas can put a good hurting on a child…..the unfortunate thing is the person who "banned certained breeds" actually cares for them including docking and croping The people of the cayman islands paid a so called "enforcement officer" for banned breeds, when the law came into effect many many years ago, banned breeds were to be microchipped, spayed/nuetured and contained properly, when out and about was to be muzzled…i don't think that law was ever enforced. No one stopped the breeding of these dogs, no one enforced the law…I wonder what politician wants to bring in a so called "ex banned breed"????
"…can put a good hurting on a child"?! You talk like that?! Really?!
Extraordinary.
I wonder which friend of a friend of a politician this was done for. ?
'With the exception of Rottweilers" LMAO. What the actual Eff? Is this maybe because the fire department had a rott puppy that someone has now bent the rules? Anyway, I find this totally ridiculous. Dogs temperment comes with its genetics, but is also heavily on how the actual dog is raised. I have family abroad who has the sweetest "banned breed" ever…kept inside, socializes with both other dogs and humans. Unfortunately the dog will never be able to come back to Cayman. Very sad. Maybe if the fire department gets the dog i'm speaking about it will get a pass too…..
Yeah, soft as butter, I know. Thesanimals always are until they rip off an infant's face.