my dog kills cats

Question
i have a huge problem...i have a malamute that i love very much...the problems is, that he has killed 3 cats in the last couple of months, all belonging to our neighbor....two times the cat was in our yard but yesterday he went and ran into the neighbors yard (he accidentally got out) and killed the cat.  My husband wants me to get rid of him and i really dont know what to do, and i'm incredible sad for the neighbor and myself... Is there anything that I can do about this? Thanks for your help...
sad  

Answer
Hi Alyssia!  I can completely understand your sadness.  The truth is, dogs have been going after cats since the beginning of time! It's in their nature.  Some dogs won't, and some will.  It's horrible that he killed the cats, but it doesn't mean that the dog is furocious.  He just sees a moving target and goes with the flow!  Instead of getting rid of him, why not take him outside on a leash from now on, this way he will not have the chance to run after the cats.  If it is common for him to break away from you when he sees a "moving target", simply put a muzzle on him when you take him outdoors.  I know tons of people that have to do this, so it is not an uncommon act for a dog to kill cats.  No offense...but you can't be feeling like these deaths are your fault.  The cat owners are every bit as responsible for this as you are.  A responsible cat owner keeps their cats indoors, especially knowing that large dogs are in the area. So, please, don't beat yourself up about this!  I have 5 cats and a dog also. My dog gets along very well with the cats because he was brought up with them.  There is a huge rottwieler that lives down the street...I would never let my cats out.  So you see, it's not only your dog's fault, but the cat owners' faults as well.  Hang in there.  You seem to love your dog so much.  Don't get rid of him just because he is being a dog.  Just be more cautious and do not give him the chance to get after the cats.  You may also mention to your neighbors who have cats, that leaving your cat outside not only causes the risk of them getting in a fight with a dog, but also feline infectious diseases that can be passed on to other cats, increasing the population of unwanted kittens who are killed every day in animal shelters, and injuries like getting hit by a car.  Do not let your dog and yourself be the cat owner's scapegoats for the guilt they feel for letting their cats be outside.  Every cat owner knows the risks, and if they are willing to take these risks, they must deal with the consequences.  You keep your baby!  Best of luck and feel free to ask me any other questions you may have!
Hang in there and I'll be thinking of you and your baby!
Hilary