A man in Denmark named Dan was so devastated when authorities confiscated his dog that he committed suicide. What did the dog do wrong? Nothing but exist as perhaps a pit bull or pit bull mix. Many breeds are, unfortunately, banned in Denmark. Because of breed-specific legislation, authorities took his dog named Zanto. Under that country’s law, Dan had eight days to prove that the dog was not a prohibited breed, according to the Examiner.

When Dan could not prove that his dog was not a prohibited breed, Zanto was confiscated and euthanized. Denmark’s breed-specific legislation on pit bulls is titled the “Dog Act.” Under that law, police are required to euthanize dogs that “savage” a person or another dog. Under the Dog Act, the ownership and breeding of 13 breeds of dogs, including the pit bull terrier, the Kangal, the South Russian Shepherd Dog, the Dogo Argentino, Boerboel, and the American Bulldog, is illegal — regardless of if the dog has engaged in any prohibited behavior. Legislation in 2010 raised the number of banned dogs to 13 breeds, according to Opposing Views.

Unfortunately, after his dog was taken, Dan, 27, whose last name was not released, reportedly took an overdose of pain medication and died. Dogs are often seen as family members, sometimes the closest relationship someone has. Losing such a beloved family member in such a manner is tragic, to put it mildly. Foreningen Fair Dog Fan, a Facebook page dedicated to dog owners and dogs, devoted a page to Dan. Many commented that they were sad at the devastating result of having a dog taken away from a loving, devoted owner.

“Zanto (the dog) was ripped out of Dan’s arms, (Zanto’s owner) because he looked like one of the now banned dog breeds, or mixture of both. Zanto had nothing done, he is a good, devoted and happy dog and has never done a fly mischief. The owner had 8 days to prove Zanto’s creator, but we all know that it is not a possible task.”

There have been numerous attempts to change Denmark’s breed-specific laws, including a Change.org petition. The Animal Law Coalition has cited studies that breed-specific legislation and bans have not decreased the number of dog bites in the country. According to Opposing Views, the Animal Law Coalition stated the following about the breed-specific laws Denmark continues to enforce.

“Denmark is moving in the opposite direction from other European Union countries that have discovered breed discrimination does not work to prevent or reduce dog bite incidents.”

On the other end of the spectrum is the show “Pit Bulls and Parolees,” where Tia Torres will do all she can to save this misunderstood breed. The show was renewed for a seventh season, according to an article in the Inquisitr.

What do you think about breed-specific legislation? Do you think that breeds should be banned even if the specific dog hasn’t engaged in any aggressive behavior? Or do you think that dogs should be judged individually, regardless of their breed or mix? Please leave comments below.

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