This petition is to bring forward an alternative model to the government for effective dog control law, given the failings of the Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) approach not just in New Zealand, but all over the world. 

The main issues are to reduce dog bite statistics, particularly among children but also in other high risk situations like visitors to the property where the dog resides, uncontrolled dogs off-leash and dogs escaped from their properties. The existing law creates discrimination against dogs of a specific appearance, and their owners in turn. While there have been some improvements in the past year, a majority of the new rules do nothing to increase education and training which is a key factor in reducing dog attacks. 

The 'Calgary Model' is the alternative I wish to put forward as it has been proven effective in Canada (Alberta) and provides security to all dogs and their owners with fair incentive to comply with the requirements. It works by 5 principles of responsible dog ownership 

(1) the importance of licensing (with the availability for all dogs to complete compliance training courses to reduce the cost)

(2) spaying/neutering 

(3) proper training, socialization, diet and medical care

(4) not allowing companion dogs to become a threat, and

(5) ethical dog procurement.

We already have some efforts in place similar to these principals and on a similar system where the more responsible the owner is proven to be, the less the licensing cost. Some of these (e.g. the responsible dog owners license) need improvement.

Under principle 5. I would like to add a licensing cost of dog breeders and the application of stronger regulations for their industry, and the possibility of approving 'one-off' licenses for individuals in approved circumstance. 

A programme (like the one already run by BARK NZ) should also be introduced into schools to teach children proper social skills and behaviors around dogs, with community programmes also available to other at-risk groups.The training given here needs to be standardised, with the consultation of respected groups like BARK already tackling the issue successfully.