breed specific legislation pit bulls BSL

Buster’s Vision Education Tool

Breed Specific Legislation (BSL)

By Anne Marie, Writer for Buster’s Vision
December 22, 2017

Breed Specific Legislation

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Breed Specific Legislation – BSL & Pit Bulls

Breed Specific (Selective) Legislation (BSL) laws regard certain breeds of domesticated animals as dangerous. The outright controversial legislation and BSL ban target Pit Bulls and many other breeds. The BSL bans affect many cities throughout the world.

Why does BSL legislation even exist? Over the past few years, we have seen a significant rise in dog bites worldwide. In some cases, the bites have been fatal. Many law enforcement agencies feel certain breeds are responsible for the increased attacks. Sadly, government and elected officials are regulating laws and bans against targeted dog breeds deemed as dangerous.

Typical Regulated Breeds

“Regulated breeds typically comprise the “pit bull” class of dogs. Most of these breeds include American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and English Bull Terriers. In some areas, regulated breeds also include a variety of other dogs. For example American Bulldogs, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Dalmatians, Chow Chows, German Shepherds, and Doberman Pinschers. Sadly, any mix of these breeds or dogs who simply resemble these breeds are at risk too.”

Governments and individuals strongly feel these breeds of dogs are dangerous. What does that mean for targeted loving breeds of dogs in our communities? Or the rightful owners of targeted loving dog breeds? What about individuals and families wanting a targeted breed in the future? Should the laws dictate which innocent dogs will be put-to-sleep because of BSL? Should the laws dictate or govern dog breeds for rightful owners?

No Evidence Supporting BSL

Most organizations, including the SPCA and the Humane Society, are in complete agreement when it comes to whether or not BSL should even exist. There is no concrete evidence that certain breeds or mixed breeds are dangerous. Much comes into play when we think about how dangerous a certain breed of dog is or can be. BSL decisions can impact a dog’s family history (how the animal was rescued and/or raised), training or a lack thereof, whether or not the animal is de-sexed etc. Furthermore, in cases where Pit Bull dogs caused a majority of attacks, the Pit Bull population in those areas was significantly high. Thus making it absurd to think that this particular breed is more dangerous than other breeds of dogs.

The government, veterinarians, dog breeders, dog owners, and the public at large, need to be more responsible when it comes to protecting people and other animals from dog bites. But, that does not mean a particular dog breed needs to be regulated or banned.

Children need to be taught how to behave around dogs. Owners need to make sure they are doing everything they can to properly care for their dogs. This means, making sure they are fully vetted and properly trained to interact with adults and children alike.

Illegal Dog Fighting

Dog fighting and animal abuse need to end. Laws need to be severe and enforced upon those involved in illegal dog fighting activities. These types of illegal forms of “entertainment”, which are, of course, at the expense of the animals in question. Dog fighting is the number one reason why Pit Bulls and other dogs have a bad reputation. They have been bred and trained to inflict horrific damage while engaging in dogfighting. Unfortunately, these trained dogs or victims could attack any animal when in contact. Sadly, the trained dogs are a victim physically and mentally. They could attack a person because of their anger or in defense. Dog trainers are incredibly abusive to faultless dogs in training.

In Conclusion

We at Buster’s Vision feel igniting fear among the public needs to stop. It only leads to ignorance. Surely resulting in euthanasia of many different breeds of dogs. It also adds stress to those who already own a targeted dog breed. Finally, it instills in the general public an irrational fear of these breeds of dogs.

Furthermore, the victim is the dog trained by an owner to attack. Whether or not, the purpose is to protect their home or family or to engage in illegal dog fighting. The owner training a dog to attack needs to be under investigation immediately by the proper authorities. There should be harsh laws to protect all animals used for the purpose of attacking people or other animals. People and animals definitely need protection from animal attacks. Truly, it is irresponsible people that need to be liable for illegal behavior in training animals to attack or bite.

Be responsible. Educate yourself and others. Let sleeping dogs lie.