Click This: Dogs In the Pen
So, according to a small blurb in USA Today, a German shepherd that was supposed to be euthanized for attacking a child has instead been reassigned: to work at a prison as a guard dog.
“Ozzy” will not be allowed to interact with prisoners or the public. But obviously, he’ll be in close contact with prison guards since he’ll be patrolling the perimeter at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility.
Does this seem like a good solution to you for a dog that would otherwise be put to sleep? Or does it sound like trouble waiting to happen? Dangerous dogs who have attacked children being given jobs that encourage their aggressiveness — a good trend?
Tell us what you think below.
— by Donna M.
Donna is both a Jersey native and recent transplant from NYC. She is executive editor and a co-founder of GoOutJersey.
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June 13th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
In this specific case, the outcome is terrific as the dog had never shown any aggressive behavior in the past and was partially provoked by the child he bit. When children are bitten by the family or neighborhood dog, many times it is the HUMAN’s fault as child/dog interactions must always be properly supervised. Fortunately for Ozzy, the judge realized this dog’s temperament was not vicious and, if his energy was channeled in an appropriate fashion, he’ll be very successful as a working guard dog. It should be noted that dogs on chains are NOT guard dogs. Those who think a chained dog will protect a property are incorrect - the dog can’t go anywhere so what, exactly is he or she protecting. Chained dogs, in fact, have a higher incidence of biting than do non-chained dogs. In any event, Ozzy is very, very fortunate as his sentence could indeed have been deadly. Kudos to the judge!