ABOUT BSL
WHAT IS BSL?
WHAT IS BSL?
Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL) is a blanket term for laws that prohibit or regulate entire dog breeds in an attempt to minimize dog attacks. BSL may restrict where certain breeds are allowed to go in public or where they are allowed to live. Depending on the city and state, it may even be entirely illegal to own that specific breed due to no other reason but the way the dog physically looks. Pit Bulls are the most frequently targeted dogs effected by BSL laws.
IS BSL EFFECTIVE?
IS BSL EFFECTIVE?
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have both voiced their opposition towards Breed-Specific Legislation, stating that the laws are neither a reliable nor effective solution to preventing dog bites.
Instead, they discriminate against responsible owners and good dogs. By generalizing entire breeds, innocent dogs suffer and even get euthanized merely due to their appearance. Owners may get arrested and taken to jail, even though their dog is a friendly “family” dog who has never come close to biting or showing any aggression.
These laws are ineffective. Rather than holding owners accountable for their dogs regardless of the breed, they stereotype against specific breeds based on basic characteristics and physical appearances. To make matters worse and more confusing, “Pit Bull” is also used as a general term that can refer to different types of dogs that look a certain way. It is surprisingly difficult to identify a dog’s DNA merely by looking at them. According to a 2012 study by Maddie’s Fund, even those very familiar with Pit Bulls had a hard time identifying the primary breed of mixed dogs. These BSL laws can be very difficult to enforce due to the vagueness of establishing what dog is actually a "Pit Bull".
THE SOLUTION
WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?
Enforcing laws that are not breed-specific is a much better and more effective policy than banning entire breeds. States and cities with BSL should reform their outdated and ineffective laws targeting specific breeds and instead turn their focus on irresponsible ownership and ways to eliminate these issues.
RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP
LEASH LAWS
Leash-law ordinances should be implemented AND enforced in all communities to severely reduce unprovoked attacks on both humans and other dogs, regardless of if the owner of the unleashed dog states they are “friendly”. Many dogs become reactive and protective on-leash while approached by an off-leash, strange dog, leading to unnecessary dog fights that can even result in the leashed dog becoming the aggressor. If that dog is considered a “Pit Bull” in areas where BSL laws are enforced, the consequences can be dire. Specific areas that allow for “off-leashed” dogs, like parks, should be closed-off and gated to reduce the chance of any dangerous and unexpected interactions.
ALWAYS MAINTAIN CONTROL
Owners should be REQUIRED to have full control of their dogs at all times. This means properly gearing them up for walks in harnesses and collars that fit properly and ensure the dog's containment. This also means not placing your dogs in irresponsible situations by fully understanding your dog's psyche and personality. If you have a dog that is reactive to other dogs or humans, don't place them in scenarios where they could fail by bringing them to a dog park, an 'unfamiliar' friend's house or a birthday party. Remember, at the end of the day our dogs are our family members, but they are also dogs. They react differently to certain stimuli than humans do. You are your dog's lifeline. Never forget that.
SECURE YOUR DOG
The home, yard, car and any other location that a dog may be in should be 100% secure so no dog can accidentally escape. Owners need to monitor dogs in the yard and should know where their pets are at ALL times. There is no excuse for a dog getting out. EVER
MAINTAIN THEIR HEALTH
A healthy dog, is a happy dog. Keep up with their health and vet visits. Trim their nails (Don't want to? Ask your vet to do it for a small fee). Feed them properly and keep them at a proper weight. Stimulate them with some sort of play and activities that allow them to remain curious and mentally healthy. Properly socialize them to the best of your ability. Working with a trainer can be very helpful, especially when dealing with larger breeds. Teach them basic commands and reward them for their good behavior.
TEACH YOUR CHILDREN
Dogs should be properly socialized and not put in positions where they could potentially fail. If children are going to be in the home, they should be taught how to treat dogs with respect and care. According to the CDC, the majority of dog bites happen to children. Oftentimes these bites occur because children do not understand how to be safe around dogs.