Breed Specific Legislation

BSL targets specific dog breeds, which have been labeled as "dangerous". Ordinances are being passed in the forms of banning that breed in specific towns or cities, higher insurance policies for owners of these breeds, or requirements of special licenses to house such breeds of dog. This issue usually comes to light when there is a dog bite or attack that the media gets hold of. These attacks have occurred due to a variety of reasons: organized dog fighting, responses of dogs to mistreatment, dogs acting as attack or guard animals, or the unexpected, random neighborhood altercation

The problems with BSL, as I see it, are that it does not educate people on these breeds, or proper dog care in general, and it does not prevent dog bites. It raises the financial burden on shelters, taxpayers, animal control agencies, and tears families apart. Responsible owners and families have had their pet euthanized or have been forced to move in order to keep their family together because of BSL.

• American Pitt Bull

• Terrier American Staffordshire

• Terrier Staffordshire Bull Terrier

• Rottweiler

• Dobermans

• Bull Mastiff

• Chow Chow

• German Shepherd

• Akita

• Boxer

• Bulldog

• Alaskan Malamute

I do believe that non-breed specific dangerous dog laws need to be enforced. I strongly disagree with the decision to ban or segregate specific breeds and call them all dangerous, just because of their breed. Problem dogs are much like problem children. The problem does not lie in their bloodline-it lies in the raising, teaching, and training of the dog!

All BSL has done is saved us from having to address the core problems - irresponsible, ignorant dog owners, bad breeders, criminals, and an uneducated public.

Suggestions of what can be done to stop BSL, and bring the good name of these breeds back.

Enforce Leash Laws-

Increase penalties for dangerous dog owners-

Increase the penalties for dog fighting-

Regulate breeders-

Fund spay & neuter programs-

Fund low cost obedience classes-

Provide education about dog behavior-

Stop criminals from owning dogs.- Now this may sound harsh, but the criminals I am talking about are the abusive ones. If this criminal has previously abused a human or animal in the past, they have proven to be neglectful of the well-being of others. There is no need to put an innocent animal in a situation with a person like this.

If you also disagree with BSL, please visit some of the links below. To help fight for the cause, and help make the owners take responsibility for their dogs you can write to the supreme court or your local legislatures and have your voice heard.