With the implementation of its newest law, Texas has firmly cemented its reputation for tough-as-nails justice. As of September 1 the “Attack by Dog” statute went into effect, mandating a prison sentence of at least 2 years and up to 20 years for any Texan whose dog seriously harms or kills someone. This law is the final proof that America is disillusioned about what it means to own a dog.
Americans carry on a perplexing love affair with their dogs. The animals are viewed as so much more than what they are - cute and cuddly and comforting; instead, they are considered family members. Just yesterday, in fact, my dentist balked at the mention of grandkids, noting that Rover and Spot are the only grandkids he’ll ever need. I even have a friend who put on a $600 birthday bash for her pooch! Alarmingly, that party was probably low-key in comparison to the fetes available on the dozens of websites dedicated to dog celebrations. I had never heard of a “pup party planner” until my google search, but apparently it has emerged as a lucrative position. And don’t forget those dog emporiums like PetSmart, and wherever it is that people buy those jeweled collars and tailored “clothes” - all for Fido!
This canine fetish is exactly the mentality which led to the passing of the Texas law. As much as people want to believe otherwise, dogs are not household members. Their actions can’t be predicted and controlled and accounted for the way a person’s can. And no matter how many “behavior modification therapy sessions” or “finishing school” classes your dog attends, you can never trust them. (By the way, there really are such services available to your dog.)
The Texas legislature appears to suggest that with appropriate human responsibility, dogs can be fully integrated into society as safe and predictable members of our communities. Ridiculous!
From Mandewilkes.com
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