I'm in favor of an online "Dangerous Dog" registry for our state.

That might seem a curious position for an animal advocate to have. The words "activist" and "advocate" seem to be interchanged readily in today's new stories and media (which couldn't be further from the real truth), but let me explain why.

At least once a day - but usually several times a day - someone in this country gets bitten or attacked by a dog and it makes the news. In fact, the majority of dog bites and attacks go unreported. Most do not end up being fatal but for some portions of our society (seniors and children), just the fear of being bitten or attacked brings about great fears - and fears most will never overcome either.

I think it is the public's right to know if there is a dangerous dog in the neighborhood and the first step is for citizens to report dog bites and attacks - the second is for an online registry to be created at the state level with readily available access.

The Commonwealth of Virginia already has this in place; the state of Colorado has one, but it's not available online.

There is the propensity for dog biters to become repeat offenders - but only if it is known. And usually? It becomes common knowledge ONLY after an attack is severe and/or makes the papers.

It's my belief if citizens became active in this area of our lives, we could actually do something about the growing epidemic of dog bites, attacks and maulings. I would wager that most people who own family pets wouldn't want to own a dangerous dog, but ALL dogs have the ability and natural tendencies to bite. The key is to train them early this behavior is not appropriate and therein lays the problem.

The first step to any problem is the recognition there is a problem. The second is to determine what cause the problem and the third is to find viable resolutions to resolve the problem. Some dog owners don't even know their dog has bitten someone until the issue becomes a legal one and they've been served notice officially. Other dog owners are aware they have a dog that will bite if given the appropriate "triggers" but do not know what to do to resolve the problem. And even others are knowledgeable they have a dog that bites, but their resolution of the problem is secrete the dog from contact with anyone in the hopes it won't happen again. None of these situations fall into the 1-2-3 of resolving this epidemic.

Dogs that are aggressive towards other dogs can be trained there is another way. It's a known fact that an intact dog is three times more likely to be aggressive and/or bite than a spayed or neutered one. Male dogs are more likely than female dogs to be aggressive, unless the female is protecting her pups. Some breeds are more protective of their territory and owners than other breeds. All four of these instances and readily be changed to lessen the chances of a dog bite or attack.

But how does the general public become aware of dangerous dogs in their area and avoid supplying the triggers that can cause an attack or bite - only by first-hand experience (unfortunately).

Because of the recent news stories concentrated on dog fighting and dog bites, several breeds are immediately viewed as 'dangerous' by the public. Granted, dogs owned by responsible owners who recognize the potential, don't walk down the street with a placard stating they've been trained and are responsible canine citizens. But with the growing fear of dogs simply by the appearance of them, we are actually encouraging the epidemic!

In addition, parents are not teaching their children how to avoid a strange dog, nor a bite or attack. We are actually setting these dogs up for failure without the vital step of educating our children, and setting up our children for a dog bite or tragedy!

It's a simple solution for the community to make an effort to report dog bites and attacks. Once the entities receive this information, TIMELY and effective reporting to a centralized source will step up the process (even if reported as a suspected dangerous dog), and especially if online so that everyone has access to this information!

While more complex and not as easily done, providing dog owners with effective anti-aggression information and training workshops would provide in the educational process and positive efforts towards lowering the incidents of dog bites and attacks. I am positive there would be many dog trainers and animal advocates who would volunteer their time and expertise in this matter, as so many of us are concerned about the epidemic and the poor reputation some dog breeds are given - "spotlight the deed and not the breed".

There almost seems to be some form of shame or guilt attached to this stereotype of owing a dangerous dog, when in fact any dog can be dangerous if not given the proper training and/or consistently being supplied with the triggers to increase aggression! There needs to be a general public awareness that EVERY dog can bite or be aggressive - we are long beyond the 'Lassie mindset' where every dog is born loving and without aggression. It simply isn't a fact.

While dogs trained to fight can seldom be rehabilitated and untrained in aggressive behaviors, the majority of dogs can be taught that charging another dog or human is simply not acceptable. But to train a dog, you must first train the owner and have the compassion and understanding in the community that this is a community and public safety issue if not handled together and as a team to lower the epidemic.

So, yes - I am in support of an online dangerous dog registry, as well as help by other citizens and our governmental entities to address the needs of dog owners to effectuate better canine citizens in our communities. We all share the same space - why not work together as a team and provide a win-win environment all the way around?