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The dog has captured our hearts and pawed its way to be an undisputed support to the human race in terms of companionship, disability aids, vocational work pets and best friends. Unfortunately dog bites do happen and results of such cases is usually taking a lethal injection to the canine. Unlike bears, alligators, sharks and other wild animals that share the same fate once teeth were to cut human flesh, man's best friend does not deserve death as a penalty.

The nature of these wet nose, four legged mutts is that of a protector not as an attacker. Dogs are territorial, evidence of having to sniff and mark every corner of the neighborhood during walks. If the dog feels its life or territory is threatened, it will defend it. Unless a person is trespassing or generally up to no good, there is no reason for the dog to bark, much less bite. No dog trots around looking for victims to chew on. Stray dogs are generally terrified of human beings because these un-collared kinds get stones thrown at them for sport. It's not uncommon to hear stories on how dogs put their own lives at risk for the safety of their owners . Such a loyal, selfless animals that are known for protecting man, woman and child alike, could not possibly harm one unless in dire circumstances.

However the loving nature of the dog can be changed. Dogs are bright animals, more susceptible to social intelligence compared to other animals. Training and conditioning can develop a dog to assist people in vocational areas such as sheep herding, hunting or leading the disabled. A dog can also be trained to be ruthless and vicious. These dogs are left to sleep in small cages, out of sunlight and tormented to hone their aggressive nature. They are fed raw meat, never taken out for walks as well as verbally and physically abused. The purpose of such training is probably to ward of intruders, attack foes or worse, for inhuman sport such as dog fights. If dogs can be trained to help the blind, can't they also be trained to bite? In these cases, the owners should be punished for their neglect and abuse, not the dog.

Instead of destroying a domesticated pet, an investigation should be done to discover the circumstances that caused the attack. Additional rules on pet ownership should be enforced to tighten the leash of the owners as well as the dogs. Pet owners should be responsible for the behavior of their dog, enforcing discipline as well as love. Ultimately the responsibility of the dog's behavior should rest on the owner's shoulders, such as never letting a dog free of its leash during walks. Unnecessary death of a life, no matter what fur it has, should be avoided. The practice of spaying and neutering pets help reduce the number of strays but abandoning pets should also be outlawed.

There should be an appropriate penalizing system to be carried out on the hands that feeds (or beats) the pet, rather than carrying out a death sentence to an animal that learns from behavioral clues. Clues which the owner exhibits. Unless the dog is medically required to be put down there is a reason why a loyal companion that loves unconditionally has to be destroyed. There's a reason these 4 legged creatures are man's best friend.

Learn more about this author, Suzy Stembridge.
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