Calgary Calling

Experts against breed-specific legislation are calling for the UK to use the 'Calgary Model' instead - but what exactly is the Calgary Model, and does it work?

Nov 29, 2023

Imagine a place where most lost pets find their way back home, where animal shelters are not overcrowded, where pet owners are well-informed and responsible, and canine aggression has fallen dramatically… This is not a utopian dream but the reality of Calgary, thanks to its innovative approach to animal control.

The Alternative to a Cull

On Monday, 27th November, public demand in the form of hugely popular petitions forced a parliamentary debate on breed-specific legislation in the UK. Responding to the "XL Bully Ban". Anita Mehdi, the creator of the main petition, argues adding another ill-defined breed to the ineffective Dangerous Dogs Act won't work, saying instead that bad owners need to be targeted and that "The Calgary Model" is what the Government should take into consideration when looking into responsible ownership.

The Calgary Model of Dog Licensing:

Promotes responsible pet ownership
Ensures high rates of pet return to owners
Reduces euthanasia rates
Fosters community involvement
Provides comprehensive support and education for pet owners
Reduces the frequency and severity of Canine Aggression

Still, anti-dog activists in the UK often misrepresent it, claiming it doesn’t work, is too expensive or that people from Calgary no longer want it. In this article, I will to show what the model involves, share the research that shows it is more effective than breed-specific legislation, and how it’s licencing model is not only cost-efficient but funds animal welfare.

Model City

Calgary, nestled in the heart of Alberta, Canada, basks in a summer warmth that's both gentle and invigorating. The sun casts a golden hue over the city, illuminating the sprawling parks and the glistening Bow River. Days are long and bright, perfect for outdoor adventures or strolls along the riverbanks. Evenings bring a comfortable coolness, ideal for enjoying the city's vibrant nightlife or gazing at the starlit sky. This season, Calgary is a picturesque blend of urban charm and natural beauty, warmed by a sun that seems to smile down on the city's joyful, bustling life. But it's not just idyllic for humans; the "One Health" model looks at the health of humans, pets and society as a whole.

The Calgary Model was pioneered by Bill Bruce, former Director of Animal Services and Bylaws in Calgary. It has gained international recognition for its effectiveness in managing pet populations and promoting responsible pet ownership. Bill asked himself the question:

"Is the problem specific breeds? ...Or is the problem Canine aggression?"
Bill Bruce

By rephrasing the question, he was set on a path that developed a more holistic and effective approach.

This model starkly contrasts with blunt breed-specific legislation, which often targets specific dog breeds deemed 'dangerous' without addressing the root causes of animal control issues and is often - as in the UK - being implemented against expert advice.

The Calgary Model in Action

Responsible Pet Ownership:

The Calgary Model emphasises educating pet owners about their responsibilities, leading to a more informed public that takes better care of their pets. The city runs collaborative events and school programs focused on responsible pet ownership.

High Pet Return Rates:

Licensing and identification under this model significantly increase the chances of lost pets reuniting with their owners. Calgary has one of the highest licensing compliance rates, with 90% for dogs and 50% for cats.

Reduced Euthanasia Rates:

The model's focus on education and responsible ownership leads to fewer shelter animals and lower euthanasia rates. Calgary's approach has led to low euthanasia rates and high return-to-owner rates.

Community Involvement:

The model's success is partly due to the collaboration between various stakeholders, including veterinarians, rescue organisations, and the community. The model was developed with input from multiple stakeholders, ensuring broad community support.

Support and Education:

The model extensively supports pet owners, including spay-neuter programs, emergency medical care, and conflict resolution training for animal control officers. Calgary offers a subsidised spay/neuter program and trains its animal control officers in community relations.

Is it effective?

I've shared in previous articles how comparisons of breed-specific and breed-neutral legislation suggest the breed-neutral approach is more effective in reducing the frequency and severity of dog attacks. Many robust studies have examined the Calgary model and its effectiveness.

Dr. Dawn Rault is a distinguished academic at Simon Fraser University, specialising in the intersection of animal and human studies within the criminal justice system. Her expertise stems from a Population and Public Health doctorate, focusing on human-animal studies and one-health promotion. Dr. Rault's research is pivotal in understanding the role of animals in society and law, examining the work of animal law enforcement officers and exploring innovative ways to enhance health in multi-species environments. Her work integrates animals into social and legal frameworks with a compassionate approach.

Dr. Melanie Rock, another of the authors, is a prominent anthropologist and social worker, holding credentials for PhD, MSW, and RSW. Since 2003, her work at the University of Calgary has been dedicated to exploring the impact of pets on mental, physical, and social health, acknowledging their significant role as both positive and negative influences on human well-being.

They were the lead authors of the paper "One Health" Promotion in a Model City for Dog Aggression Policy: A Qualitative Inquiry in the City of Calgary.

Their study found that Calgary's high compliance rate with dog licensing (estimated at 80-90% for dogs) contributes significantly to the effectiveness of its animal-control policy and assists officers in efficiently locating dogs following a dog aggression complaint.

The public's perception of Calgary's human-animal services as effective and humane encourages citizens to lodge complaints, aiding in addressing dog aggression incidents. This reduces the risk of dog aggression by promoting responsible pet ownership and addressing behavioural issues.

This was not a standalone finding; other research backs it up -

"Previous research has shown that the severity of dog-bite injuries reflects multiple factors, including the degree of inhibition exhibited by dogs and how people behave towards dogs… There has been a decreasing trend in the probability of a high or medium severity bite, and an increasing trend in the probability of a low severity bite since 2012."
Insights about the Epidemiology of Dog Bites in a Canadian City Using a Dog Aggression Scale and Administrative Data

The article from the University of Calgary discusses a study on dog bites, focusing on understanding and preventing such incidents. The study, conducted over six years, analysed over 2,000 dog bite cases in Calgary. It was found that most severe bites occur at home, with children and older adults being the most common victims. The researchers, including Dr. Sylvia Checkley, Dr. Niamh Caffrey, and Dr. Melanie Rock, used the Dunbar aggression scale to assess bite severity and categorised dogs into breed groups defined by the Canadian Kennel Club.

The study revealed that dogs from all breed groups are capable of biting, and no specific breed group is more likely to cause high-severity bites. This finding challenges the effectiveness of breed-specific legislation in addressing dog aggression. The researchers adopted a One Health approach, considering the interaction between humans, animals, and their environment. They emphasised the importance of understanding dog behaviour, public awareness, and tailored prevention strategies.

Key recommendations include:

Constant supervision of dogs around children.
Attention to the risks dogs pose to older adults.
The importance of dog and owner education.

The study also highlights the role of veterinarians in discussing dog behaviour and training during exams. Socialisation and basic obedience training for dogs and education for people are crucial in reducing severe bites and the subsequent euthanisation of dogs.

The Arguments against the Calgary Model

Some extremists argue that breed-specific legislation is essential for public safety because certain dog breeds are 'inherently' dangerous and that banning or regulating these breeds can significantly reduce dog attacks and ensure public safety. They may point to statistics showing higher incidences of attacks or aggressive behaviour in certain breeds, suggesting that these breeds pose a unique risk to the community.

However, even if some of these concerns come from a place of good intentions, they are based on poor data and interpretation. The Calgary Model demonstrates that focusing on specific breeds is less effective than a comprehensive approach to responsible pet ownership. BSL is often based on poorly collected, biasedly analysed data. Attacks by breeds like pit bulls are more likely to be reported and misidentified. Breed identification, especially in mixed-breed dogs, is often inaccurate, leading to unjust policies under BSL. The Calgary Model, by not targeting specific breeds, avoids this pitfall.

"The way that it tends to be presented to the public is a pit bull bit this child.' And when it's not a pit bull, when it's a Labrador retriever, they may not even cover the story. We've been told that the part about the dog's breed or appearance may not be very interesting in that case."
Melanie Rock

https://explore.ucalgary.ca/dogs-and-democracy

Is it too expensive?

Others have argued that it is an expensive system - but with over 145,000 annual pet licences issued at $40 a year it brings in $5.8 million in revenue to the city that is used to fund animal welfare programs - such as no-cost spay and neutering.

What do residents think?

City residents are overwhelmingly in favour with an incredible 94% saying they are satisfied in 2022.

94% of Calgarians are satisfied with the “Calgary Model” service provided by the city in 2022 - up from 93% in 2021.

https://bclgcommunity.com/dog-licence-calgary-ab?service-line-budget-bar-chart-serviceplanbudget-xview=2023&service-line-budget-bar-chart-serviceplanbudget-view-open=

Calling for Calgary

The evidence is conclusive - The Calgary Model is a more humane, effective, and comprehensive approach to animal control compared to Breed Specific Legislation.

it’s cost effective, it’s popular, It benefits the animals, owners, and the wider community. This model demonstrates how education, community involvement, and supportive policies can create a harmonious environment for pets and people alike.

In the UK a Conservative government with a track record of dismissing experts and acting against scientific advice is pushing through this terrible legislation. Calgary's success story offers a hopeful vision of what can be achieved tough compassion, collaboration, and education.

Ultimately, the data tells its own story - this graph from a presentation given by Bill Bruce shows that even as Calgary's population has grown, the model - undeniably works in reducing Canine aggression.

Why wouldn't you want to do the same here?

References

‘One Health’ promotion in a model city for dog-aggression policy: A qualitative inquiry in the City of Calgary. URL: https://www.sciencegate.app/document/10.29173/cjen46

Caffrey, N., Rock, M., Schmidtz, O., Anderson, D., & Parkinson, M. (2019). Insights about the Epidemiology of Dog Bites in a Canadian City Using a Dog Aggression Scale and Administrative Data. Animals, 9(6), 324. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9060324

Rock, M. J., & Mouton, M. (n.d.). Dog bites happen every day but urban pet policies can help prevent them. The Conversation. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/dog-bites-happen-every-day-but-urban-pet-policies-can-help-prevent-them-168715

University of Calgary. (n.d.). Anatomy of a dog bite: The when, where, and why of dogs that bite. University of Calgary News. Retrieved 28th November, 2023, from https://www.ucalgary.ca/news/anatomy-dog-bite-when-where-and-why-dogs-bite

AnimalWised. (n.d.). The 6 Levels of Dog Bites - The Dunbar Bite Scale. Retrieved 28th November, 2023, from https://www.animalwised.com/the-6-levels-of-dog-bites-the-dunbar-bite-scale-1929.html

Iacobucci, G. (2021). The government has ignored its scientific advisers’ advice to impose immediate restrictions to stop the NHS becoming overwhelmed by the rapid spread of the omicron variant. BMJ, 375, n3131. https://www.bmj.com/content/375/bmj.n3131