Whether people own goldfish, cats or parakeets, many derive an intense amount of joy from having pets in their lives.
Dogs are no exception but some of man's best friends get a harder time than others. Each decade has its own vilified breed; Rottweilers, German shepherds and dobermans have taken their turn in the negative spotlight.
Most recently, pit bulls are the go-to breed to be feared. People either hate them outright or say blame the owner, not the breed.
In such an emotionally charged discussion, it's refreshing to see Port Coquitlam has for years taken a reasoned approach. Dogs are deemed aggressive for behavioural actions, not merely their genetic makeup.
The city is now suggesting owners of demonstrably aggressive dogs pay more for annual licences due to the extra staff work required, and we agree.
Owning these types of animals comes with additional responsibilities, and extra fees are the least owners can do to balance the equation.
