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Marine Corps Logistics Base in Barstow Bans Residents from Owning "Potentially Dangerous" Dogs

marinecorps.pngResidents living at the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Barstow, California will no longer be allowed to keep dogs like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers as pets due to a newly implemented rule.

The United States Marine Corps’ new rule bans residents from owning  potentially dangerous dog breeds. Such owners will be expected to get rid of their dogs or donate them, said MCLB Housing Manager David Madrid.

About 65 residents live on the base and half of them own pet dogs, Madrid said.

Of those residents, three own dogs that are now banned, and were given notices a few weeks ago.

One of those residents is Lance Cpl. Noel Gonzales, who owns two 10-month-old Pit Bulls. Owners like Gonzales are able to get a waiver if their dogs pass two separate temperament tests administered by the American Kennel Club, said Madrid. Gonzales, who has trained his two dogs since they were six-week-old puppies, said he’s confident that “Tyson” and “Layla” will pass the test.

marinecorps3.png“They’re the most friendliest ‘Pits’ you’ll ever meet,” said the 21-year-old Marine. “The only thing they’re vicious towards is the vacuum when you turn (it) on.”

marinecorps2.pngThe waiver lasts until Sept. 30, 2012, when all banned breeds must be completely removed, but by then Gonzales, who has been stationed in Barstow for four months, says he plans to be out of the military and attending school.

Gonzales said he was disappointed to hear about the new policy but understands that the Marine Corps is just trying to keep the community living at the military installation safe.

He noted that dogs like Pit Bulls require owners to pay attention to training. Socializing them early on with lots of people and dogs is important. The first thing Gonzales said he did when he got the puppies was buy a book on how to train Pit Bulls.

“I’m a believer that it’s not the dog, it’s the owner,” he said.

According to Madrid, there have been no dog attacks at Barstow’s Marine Corps Logistics Base during his 26 years working there.

Story written by Eunice Lee of DesertDispatch.com

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