Moto: A narcotic detection dog, pictured here with his K-9 partner, Washington State Trooper Jason Knott *
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Above and beyond their place as family companions and in traditional service occupations, dogs in Washington serve in an ever-widening spectrum of therapeutic roles. The physical and emotional benefits to humans that come from relationships with dogs are now recognized and utilized by psychiatric facilities, assisted living centers, hospitals, schools and even prisons.
While serious attacks by dogs are very rare, the intense media coverage that may accompany such an incident can mislead the public and/or lawmakers into imagining that dogs pose a significant threat to the community. Sensationalized publicity, combined with a lack of awareness of the infrequency of dog attacks, and of their causes, has resulted in reactive and uniformed policies directed against certain types of dogs. At least eight towns or counties in Washington State have enacted breed specific legislation banning or restricting certain dogs.
Today, dogs contribute more to the welfare of individuals and society than perhaps any other time in the history of the human dog-bond. Additionally, over the past 3 decades, increased awareness of the importance of humane care and control of dogs, the enactment and enforcement of leash laws, and dog bite prevention education, have all been instrumental in significantly lowering the number of reported dog-related injuries nationwide.
Fortunately, most of the residents of Washington state understand and recognize the value of dogs, and do not legislate their fate based upon physical appearance.
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*A rescued pit bull, LawDogsUSA alumnus K9 Moto was presented with the the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association Animal Hall of Fame Award, Professional Division. Ironically, the awards ceremony took place in Yakima, a city that bans American Pit Bull Terriers.
National Canine Research Council