'No such thing as a bad dog'

Council criticised for banning ten breeds from new dog park in Mullingar

Westmeath County Council has come under fire from some local dog owners for its decision to ban ten breeds from the recently opened dog park in Mullingar.

According to the press release sent out yesterday by the council, the following breeds are not permitted in the dog park: American Pit Bull Terrier, Bandog, Bull Mastiff, Doberman Pinscher, English Bull Terrier, German Shepard (Alsatian), Japanese Akita, Japanese Tosa, Rhodesian Ridgeback and Rottweiler.

The news that certain breeds are not allowed to use the newly opened facilities has led to some local pet owners criticising the council's decision on social media.

Commenting on the Westmeath Examiner's Facebook page, German Shepard owner Kieran described the decision as “ridiculous”.

“I have a German Shepherd and I could bring him anywhere as he is trained to a high standard. A little Jack Russell or a Pom could easily start a fight and do damage. Or bite someone. Yes, the damage would not be as bad as a German Shepherd. For your dog to go to a dog park it must not be aggressive to other dogs and be trained to come back to the handler when called even when there is another dog nearby. A well trained dog is key to a well run dog park.”

Kieran's fellow German Shepard owner Caolin said that her pet “would just lick you to death”.

“In my experience its the smaller dogs that are the aggressive ones!”

Another German Shepard owner Kerry posted that “the fact that some breeds are banned is a joke”.

“I've a male German Shepard who is the biggest softie on the planet and constantly just wants to play with other dogs. Restricted dog breed list is a joke at this stage. Every dog I've met belonging to those breeds has been amazing, yet I've been attacked by a Collie mix but that's okay. It's the owners that make the dog, regardless the breed!”

Rebecca posted: “Rather than banning certain breeds, ban uneducated owners. I've come across more stupid people with unsocialised Terriers or Labs that they can't control than I have any of the breeds mentioned.

Nicole said: “No dogs should be banned because of their breed or temperament, it's all down to the way the dogs were brought up. I have a Doberman, which has to be the best breed of a dog I have ever owned and I have owned plenty of dogs. Matter of fact, every dog is a gentle pooch once they are brought up the right way. Socialising your dog is key!!”

Brian posted: “Omg what bloody joke!!! I guarantee my Rottweiler is better behaved, better disciplined than some of them little sh***s of Jack Russells or Yorkshire Terriers. An absolute disgrace shame on Westmeath County Council . You are punishing the many for sins of a few years and years ago.”

Caroline posted: “No such thing as a bad dog ...you can figure out the rest of that sentence”.