[selzer]

Originally Posted by Dainerra

what about people who own their home, but live in a community that doesn't allow fencing? they wouldn't be able to build a kennel like you describe, even though they meet the other "criteria" that you put forth?

sorry, but money doesn't make someone a good dog owner! people who are wealthy are just as likely to abandon their dog as anyone else. they are just as likely to be irresponsible, though they may have better lawyers to keep them out of trouble.

the problem with making a strict licensing program is that the people most likely to be irresponsible are also most likely to not bother getting licensed anyway. Also, who gets to decide what is appropriate? The government already has laws on animal welfare, which most of us consider too lenient. With the strong breed bias that the public has, they are likely to go to the opposite extreme. They won't outright ban "formidable" breeds, but could make the requirements so strict that no one can afford to adhere to them.

Dainerra, most people is communities that ban fencing have basements and could put an appropriate kennel in their basement for those times when the dog is not with the owner.

Or the kennel can be inside the garage.

Or the dog can be properly crated in the house and left outside on lead.

What the general public does not want are dogs pushing through a cheap fence and getting to a dog or people walking down the street minding their own business. They also do not want children to be able to unlatch the gate and wonder in.