In response to a recent ban of specific dog breeds by the Marine Corps, ASPCA behaviorists are assisting in conducting behavior assessments of some of the dogs living with families in Marine Corps housing units.

The dogs were assessed using the ASPCA’s Safety Assessment for Evaluation Rehoming (or SAFER test). Of the 85 dogs assessed so far, only two were found to have a high enough potential for aggression to have to be removed from the base. The vast majority of the pets were deemed to be well-behaved family pets.

The families of safe dogs will be given the opportunity to apply for a waiver, allowing their dog to remain on the base until 2012.

The policy bans purebred and mixed-breed Pit Bulls, Rottweilers and wolf hybrids, as well as canines with “dominant traits of aggression.”