Canine DNA Test Frees Family Pet

Little Lucey Cartwright was minding her own business, enjoying a beautiful day in Salina, KS, when a neighboring dog got loose.  Animal Control came to confiscate the dog at large and noticed little four-legged Lucey.   The officers determined Lucey looked like a “pit bull” and seized her from her home.  Lucey was taken to the city’s veterinarian where she underwent a Mars Wisdom Panel MX DNA Test. 

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) testing of dogs has become a popular new technology since its launch in 2007.  Dog owners use mail-in DNA "kits" to discern their pets' lineage; veterinarians test for genetic illnesses; district attorneys test dog hair from crime scenes; and owners who have had their dogs confiscated for being a “banned breed” are all using canine DNA tests.

Mars emphatically discourages the use of its DNA test for enforcing breed discriminatory legislation stating a dog’s physical, genetic, and behavior characteristics are unique to each individual dog. 

Regardless, proper breed identification is a difficult issue for Animal Control Officers and veterinarians.  A recent paper presented by Dr. Victoria L. Voith explains that  breed misidentification occurs in shelters and how DNA testing of dogs is on the rise. 

In her recent book, Ledy VanKavage, Counsel for Best Friends, says with DNA testing available to more accurately classify the breed of dog, if local authorities fail to verify their initial breed identification of a dog through DNA, there may be remedies available to the owners challenging the identification. 

Fortunately for little Lucey, the Salina Journal reports her Mars WIsdom Panel MX DNA test result was 12.5% Staffordshire bull terrier and 12.5% bull terrier (commonly grouped under “pit bull” in breed discriminatory laws) and 12.5% Boxer.  The remaining genetic markers were for 25% Bernese Mountain Dog and there is no mention of what the other 12.5% breed was.  Lucey is back at home now, happy and safe. 

Without DNA testing used in cases like Lucey's, the typical arbitrary and subjective visual identification in enforcing a breed ban begs the question: Is your dog next?

Click here to try your hand at identifying the “pit bull.”

For more information or to join the fight against these discriminatory laws, click here and be a part of Best Friends' "Pit Bulls: Saving Americas Dog" campaign.
 

Photograph by Katie Bray

Posted by Katie Bray, Best Friends Network Volunteer