Why we all need to look out for Breed Specific Legislation

Breed specific Legislation, or BSL, is a ban on a specific breed of dog based on the fear and ignorance of a public who thinks the only dangerous dogs come from a certain breed or breed type. Basically it operates on the idea that certain breeds of dogs will attack people or other animals unprovoked, whilst this behavior would never happen in other breeds. Common sense tells us this is not only a blatant lie, but that it is disproved with so many documented facts only pure ignorance could be fueling its spread across the country. Not only is BSL harmful to those dogs it bans, but the money spent to run the programs implemented for it is outrageous and the results produced are minescule at best.

So many resources are wasted on BSL that could be used to put the real issue to rest. Cracking down on dog abuse, dog fighting, and neglect are the real only ways to lessen the threat to the public. The list of dogs affected by BSL does not stop with the Pit Bull, also in it's ranks are: Dalmations, Rottwielers, German Shepards, Doberman Pinschers and Chow Chows. The tradgedy of the matter is simply that the public succumbs to the yellow journalism thrusted in their faces at every chance. Documented occurances have shown that when a dog attacks a human many times it is labeled a Pitbull in the police reports and subsequently in the media even when there is no evidence to support that. In specific cases there have been purebred Akitas labeled "japenese pitbulls" and even what later was revealed as a purebred yellow lab labeled a "pitbull" by the media. In Nevada a shitzu killed a 15 week old baby but the newspapers and television stations never aired a word. However, recently when a toddler had it's toes bitten off it was all over the news when the father blamed a Pitbull puppy. Even though the obvious falacy of that statement could be seen at one glance toward this 6 week old puppy, CNN aired the story anyway. Luckily, the baby's mother later admitted it had been attacked by a pet ferret.

In Ohio you cannot walk a Pitbull down the street without a Green flourescent collar marking it as a vicious dog. You purchase this collar when you liscence your dog, having to show $250 thousand dollars of liability insurance. A bit ridiculous? To say the least.

Bsl is being proposed in many parts of the country at any given time. It is based on falacy and ignorance and must be brought down by repsonsible Pit Bull owners. You can fight Bsl by staying on top of prosals in your area, even if it's not in your town because the passing of a law in one town could set an example for where you live. Make sure to watch out for it and respond accordingly. Get people together and go to town meeting, introducing your well adjusted dogs. Watch out for BSL towards any breed, the success of BSL against one dog may spread eventually banning many other breeds. Be calm and respectful when arguing your point and be sure to come prepared with documented facts. The best way to fight BSL is to continually educate people on the truth about your breed. Get together with local breed groups, stage events to let the community meet your well behaved and happy dogs. Be sure you shoot down any stereotypes you meet on a daily basis. Don't let a Pitbull hater meet you, and not walk away a little wiser and better informed on the breed. Educate yourself on the laws. You can overturn BSL by deeming it unconstitutional if you and others react accordingly in an intelligent manner.

When faced with the possibility of BSL, look towards generic legislation that would ban dangerous dogs judged by real standards and hopefully common sense will take over. That was the case in Revere, Massechusettes when BSL was replaced by stricter laws to keep the community safe.

Overall, the best way to fight BSL is to be a resposible owner and a good neighbor. Extend yourself. Socialize, train and educate on a daily basis.

You can order AKC information packets, such as "preventing breed restrictions" and "dangerous dog legislation" by visiting The AKC online. Also, keep up to date on proposed BSL ordinances with the ADBA. The ADBA has comprehensive information on the subject, as well as up to date information on which areas are trying to ban Americas most loved breed. They provide you with who to contact for each area as well as some key points to outline when talking to those officials. Stopping BSL before it's enacted is the best option.

Please go to www.stop-bsl.com to see how you can get involved to help stop BSL across America!