Another pitbull kills, this time a little girl

[artgecko]

I haven't read through all the responses, but I thought I'd post my thoughts since they seem to be slightly different perspective-wise

I believe the OP was saying that permits, rather than bans would solve these issues (i.e. idiots buying dangerous animals then causing havoc). If I"m wrong OP, I apologize.

What I think, is that "preventive" laws...Either outright bans or "permits" aren't the answer because they can punish the law-abiding person (responsible owner) along with the irresponsible non-law-abiding person.

I'd rather see laws that give harsher punishment to owners IF they behave irresponsibly and then someone gets hurt... This, IMO, would give pause to those considering getting said animal, while still allowing everyone access.

If we, however, give the government control over who can and can't own something (permits), what is to stop them from denying everyone the right altogether? They may jack up the permit "fees" to insane levels, require you to submit to home "inspections" at random times, etc.. Such things, I believe, would infringe on my rights. But if some idiot gets a pit, rott, or even lab or large snake and it harms someone due to their negligence I have no problem with them getting a huge fine, jail time, etc. This would punish their behavior while not infringing on the rights of responsible people. This wouldn't necessarily stop all "bad" people from getting animals, but there is no way to do that... Even with bans or permits people who want to can get around laws... i.e. criminals don't obey the laws anyway so why pass more?

Oh, slightly OT but btw GIO- nice presa! I was in love with cane corsos for a while but now consider them "too much dog" for me... When I do decide to get a dog, it'll probably be a boxer or doberman from stable working lines... I want a sound mind, good territorial instinct, but less drive than a presa or corso would have...I just don't have the time one would need at this point in time, plus there are NO good working dog kennels in my state that I know of (at least none in reasonable driving distance).