'As a mum and legal professional, here's what pet owners can learn from Kamillah's death.'

On the surface, I would agree.
I confess that in terms of dogs I am sexually prejudiced.
I try to understand dogs from the basis of a wolf-pack.
The pack is a family. Not ruled by an 'alpha male', but is a civilised family unit. The Dog and the Bitch rule the pack with LOVING discipline. The Dog looks after protection of the pack, and the Bitch raises the family.
The parallel with human kind is extraordinary, and some believe that eons ago, a bunch of wolves, co-operating with a bunch of apes, somehow taught the apes how to behave as a co-operative pack.
Wolves have been with us since before we were human. Indeed, our humanity probably does come from the wolves.
Now, back to the subject.
I am wary of male dogs, since they do not have the motherly instincts of bitches. They are also more likely to interpret undisciplined behaviour of pups, whether canine, or human, as a threat.
As for a bitch, I have never experienced one to attack a child. I have been attacked by a bitch who thought I was going to discipline a child, indeed, my first bitch gave me a powerful warning when I raised my voice to my wife. The bitch was not taught this behaviour, it is HARD WIRED.
The problem with dog owners is that they do not have their dog coming home pregnant, so are quite happy to let it roam and get up to mischief.
With a bitch, even a spayed bitch, there is special care to be taken, and this works both ways.
Basic rules are simple.
Keep the pack small.
Do not allow you dog, preferably, bitch to freely associate with other dogs, except those from associated packs. That is members of family and friends packs.
Treat the dog as a member of your family, and it will treat you as a member of its pack.
Do your duty of protecting, and provisioning, and you will be recognised as pack leader.
Always prefer the carrot to the stick.
Shouting, and hitting should be avoided at all costs, being for emergency only, and then only for getting attention. Once you have attention talk quietly, and hold gently.
My personal opinion is that male dogs should be licensed only dog workers.
Police, army, shepherds, etc. I strongly doubt the ability of a female human to properly control a male dog. The problem is that this is against nature, and working against nature is like sweeping water uphill with a bald brush.

So much for dogs. Now, what about cats?
Whereas a dog will give repeated warning before taking any direct action, a cat will strike out without warning.
Dogs, given the chance, will toilet off the beaten track, or in a prominent position, where it will not be trodden on. They do not like walking in it any more than we do. A cat will toilet anywhere, and hide it where you will put your hands in it.
Dogs are blamed for toxicaria, but cats are a more general carrier of that vile worm than dogs, indeed, most cases of dog infection, are caused by the cat related worm. Indeed, the dog related worm is very rare, as normal worming of dogs comes close to eliminating it. Cat owners in general allow their vermin to wander wild, and only bother the vet when something is seriously wrong.

OK, I've said my bit.
Caring for a dog is a serious responsibility.
Thinking that a MALE dog will be less trouble, is like keeping a cat, an 'easy way out', but in the long run, it is stoking up trouble.

This past week has been very hard on my family for many reasons. The death of my cousin has left a void in us that will not be filled. Your article is the first one i've read this week that hasn't made me feel angry or upset. Your humane approach to Karmillah's death has truely touched my heart. I have finally read an article about her that paints her as a human being and not as a statistic. I've always enjoyed reading the news stories featured on Mamamia. Thank you.