New pet policy bans more "aggressive" breeds

  • Published
  • By Airman Shane M. Phipps
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Effective immediately, base residents are no longer authorized to house certain breeds of dog deemed "aggressive or potentially aggressive," by Air Force policy.

According to a recent change in Air Force Instruction 32-6001, Family Housing Management, the only exceptions are for certified military working dogs being boarded by their handler, or when written approval is obtained by the installation commander.

Under the policy, Pit Bulls (American Staffordshire Bull Terriers or English Staffordshire Bull Terriers), Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Chows and wolf hybrids are defined as aggressive or potentially aggressive breeds of dogs. Breeds that bark when unprovoked, growl or snarl at people approaching, aggressively run along a fence line when people are present, bite, scratch or escape confinement or restriction to chase people are also prohibited.

"Studies have shown that those breeds are dangerous breeds, however that is not always the case," said Elfie Stoehr, base housing manager.

Residents currently owning canines prohibited by the policy may continue to keep the pet a) until they terminate housing, b) the pet demonstrates a pattern of dominant or aggressive behavior, or c) if the resident is in violation of their current lease agreement. This policy is effective immediately in family housing and will remain in effect once housing is privatized next year.

For some families who own and love a dog that is on the new list of prohibited breeds, there is cause for concern. Capt. Daniel Muggelberg, 366th Operation Support Squadron weather flight commander, has considered his three-year-old, 130 pound Rottweiler, Muggsy, to be a part of his family since he was a puppy.

"If someone owns a Rottweiler, it is not necessarily going to be a dangerous animal; but the potential is there," said Stoehr.

The Muggelberg family has no worries they will be able to keep Muggsy on base due to his calm nature and friendly attitude toward people. However, they disagree with the new policy.

"I dislike the new policy because to generalize a certain breed is unfair. There are numerous breeds that could simply be 'bad dogs' if not trained properly," said Muggelberg, as his eleven-month-old son, James, sat happily with the dog.

Prohibiting these breeds supports the Air Force's ultimate goal of safety on all installations.

"On base we have a large sense of community, neighborhood and safety. We want to make sure everybody's safe," said Stoehr.

For more information, contact the housing office at 208-828-2781

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