The Zoomies

When I began researching pit bulls several years ago, I found myself discovering the sad reality of Breed Specific Legislation. I found that pit bull owners have to constantly be aware of local laws that have bias towards them and their family members. I found that because of the love of their dogs, they have to make incredible sacrifices in their lives. Since then, I have kept up to date with BSL issues across the world. I have written letters, attended local meetings, participated in rallies, and even helped organize a large fundraiser to benefit the fight against Denver’s BSL. I have heard the stories of children separated from their best friends, witnessed the tears of joy from owners being reunited with their confiscated dogs, and seen the look in the eyes of innocent dogs fated to death for what others believed them to be. Many people aren’t aware of this going on in their city, or how easily the ban on pit bulls can quickly turn onto their own breed if they don’t help stop it now. I don’t have a pit bull, but I have seen enough to know that all dog owners should care about the affects of BSL.

In this article I hope to clear up some questions about BSL, as well as explain my opinion on its effectiveness, and what I believe to be a better solution. It is quite long, so I have separated it into three parts. The first is an introduction to BSL, just giving some background information for people who are new to the subject. The second part is an explanation of why I believe that BSL is an ineffective way to address dog bites, and the third is what I believe to be a better solution. Thank you for reading.

What is BSL?
BSL stands for Breed Specific Legislation. It is any type of government legislation that singles out a specific breed or breeds. It can vary from mandatory spaying and neutering to a complete ban where any dog that resembles that particular breed will be killed. The most common breeds to single out are the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier (all commonly referred to as the generic term “pit bull”). However, other breeds are finding their ways onto BSL lists as well. Mastiffs, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, and Akitas are just a few of the affected breeds. There are actually 75 breeds that have been affected by BSL: (The List) even though the generic “pit bull” is still the most common.

Why should I care?
Even if you don’t have a breed on the list of banned breeds, BSL is a subject that should interest all dog owners. By allowing BSL, we allow the government to choose whether or not a dog is dangerous based solely on appearance. This can even include dogs of a certain weight, coat type, or build. If someone feels they look “dangerous”, it is easy for legislators to include them on their list. I think it is scary to realize that the government can tell you what breed or type of dog you are allowed to own, and take away a member of your family for no reason other than that they “might” bite. I believe it is important to act now and make your voice heard as a dog owner, to let the government know that we find baseless laws against our family members unacceptable. Our dogs are important to us, and we will take a stand against laws based on ignorant fear, when there is a far better, logical solution available. BSL is often accepted, even by dog owners, because people feel that it doesn’t impact them or their pets. However, I feel it is important to be aware of how easily one set of laws can lead to the next. If we accept them because they don’t directly affect us, what will happen when they continue on until they do? If they can legislate against one breed, they can continue to do so for every breed, until it is you and your dog that are being legislated against. It is better to be aware, and be involved, to let law makers know that people care about effective and fair dog legislation while we can.

Who has BSL?
There is some form of Breed Specific Legislation all across the world. These links should help you find if there is BSL near you. You can also check your city or county’s website for more information on their laws.

Understand-a-bull
Rott-n-chatter

How can I help?
Just being aware of BSL can make a big difference. Let people know what is going on. I know that many dog owners are not aware that there is BSL in their city, let alone what BSL is. Dog owners of all breeds and mixes should be interested in the way the government is restricting and punishing innocent dogs, so spread the word and stay informed. Check out the sites mentioned earlier for updates, and subscribe to the yahoo list: BSL-UPDATES-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

You can also find legislative alerts from:
AKC Legislative Alerts

Joining and supporting groups that help fight BSL can also be a great help. Some of them are:
American Dog Owners Association
Endangered Breed Association
Coalition of Human Advocates for K9s and Owners
National Animal Interest Alliance
Dog Legislation Council of Canada

Keep up with proposed legislation and write letters or emails to those responsible for choosing the laws. You can even use the same email, edited to relate to that specific ordinance. Here are some sites with sample letters and advice to get you started:

Rott-n-chatter Sample Letters
Defending Dog

I like to include statements from the prominent animal welfare and dog based organizations that oppose BSL. Often people are surprised by the amount of groups that believe BSL is the wrong decision. These links will take you to their position statements on BSL.

Humane Society of the United States
American Kennel Club
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
American Veterinary Medical Association
National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors
International Association of Canine Professionals
Association of Pet Dog Trainers
National Animal Control Association
American Canine Foundation
Best Friends Animal Society

Anything you can do to spread the word, share information, or give some support will help make a difference in ending BSL, and keeping all of our dogs safe from discrimination.

Other articles of interest:
Why Doesn’t BSL Make Sense?
What is a Better Solution than BSL?