And another toddler mauled to death by a dog?

[i-need-a-martini]

2 years old and killed by a mastiff cross.

The grandmother managed to free the boy from the dogs jaws and rushed him inside. The dog followed her in and grabbed the baby right out of her arms because he wasn't finished.

By all accounts a well cared for dog with no history so we can't blame the owners here.

Why do we continue to allow these dogs to be kept in homes??

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/town-unites-behind-family-of-mauled-toddler-20130806-2rc22.html

[*elizabeths-mum*]

I am often surprised at the people I come across who believe that a female dog (or cat) needs to have a litter before being neutered.

Our newish neighbours have a very scary looking dog, big head, massive jaws, lots of muscle (black with brown markings if that helps identify the breed) and bloodshot eyes. He has pushed his way through a few palings in our fence so he can watch our hens (who are now locked up until we finish attaching mesh to the fence) He frightens me but I feel really sorry for him too and think he is very lonely with his owners at work all day.

[***super_nova***]

I have never suggested that a female dog needs a litter, nor I believe that it is a good idea to let a male have a mating - on the contrary.  But I also believe very strongly that there is no such a thing as a good puppy farm, actually I think that that nobody should be allowed to have more than about 10 females of breeding age, because anything more and unless it is a big family who can give each dog individual attention, means that the dogs are not getting enough.  Dogs are companions of humans, they need their humans, they need some affection from one person or small group of their own humans.  Dogs in puppy farms, even if the kenneling is exemplary, only see humans when their kennel is cleaned and they get their food.  The kennel attendants might be dog lovers and might be kind and pet the dogs, but it is not the same as dog cuddling up with their owners on the sofa to watch TV. 

[azureline**]

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/breaking-news/nsw-to-introduce-new-dog-law-after-attacks/story-fn...

THE NSW government will toughen the state's dog laws, including introducing a new category of menacing dogs, following a recent fatal attack on a toddler.

[azureline**]

Councils will be able to order the owners of dogs that have not attacked but are deemed aggressive to have their dogs desexed, wear a muzzle and never to be left alone with someone under the age of 18, The Daily Telegraph has reported.

Owners who ignore the tough rules for dogs categorised as menacing, dangerous or restricted will face maximum jail time of five years if their dog then attacks.

Under current legislation a dog has to attack before it can be declared dangerous.

"This is a more proactive approach that is followed in other jurisdictions," Local Government Minister Don Page told the newspaper.

Fines will increase to a maximum of $77,000 from $55,000 for owners who fail to comply.

The NSW government originally received recommendations for tougher dog laws from the Companion Animals Taskforce in February, the Telegraph said.