Minneapolis' Dangerous Dog List Goes Digital.. and we learn a new phrase: "breed shaming"

MINNESOTA -- The owner of a dog on the Minneapolis Dangerous Dog List called it the “Scarlet Letter for dogs.”

The owner was so frightened that her comment would sway any potential appeal that she would only say it off camera.

 

The list itself has been around for decades, but the city recently launched an interactive website where anyone can find out the name, address and offense of a dog on the list.

When asked why the city would do this, Connie Bourque with Animal Control said it was for "public safety."

"We wanted to make sure that people in the community had an awareness of where dogs we deemed dangerous are residing so they are aware if they are in that area," she said.

For those who accuse the site of breed shaming, Bourque says, "Really, any dog has the potential to be on the dangerous list ... they all have teeth, and teeth are what usually get them in trouble."

Oh good Lord... "breed shaming"?! Is that the new phrase being bandied about? They've dumped the "Blame the deed and not the breed" crap and moved on to "breed shaming". Ugh.

Siri Hustad's American Staffordshire Terrier, Isabel, is on the list. Hustad tells KSTP that last spring she jumped the fence and attacked a small dog walking down the street. The extent of injuries to the other dog checked off enough boxes to land Isabel on the Animal Control's list.

She looks at the list as a responsibility for all.

"She needs to be a better dog, and we need to be better owners," she said. “I don't have a problem with neighborly transparency; it allows people to make decisions about whether they want to walk down a street. It also technically holds people more responsible."

For now, Isabel needs a muzzle and a very short leash if she leaves the house, and she's currently working with a trainer.

(5 Eyewitness News St. Paul - Apr 9, 2015)