by Jackie Fitzgerald and J. Thomas
Many people want to know how they can help stop the spread of breed-specific legislation. Here are some ideas.
- Educate yourself on BSL and the breeds and types of dogs affected by it.
- Educate friends and family about BSL and the breeds and types of dogs affected by it.
- Teach kids about safety around dogs.
- Write to your legislators. Let them know, in a polite, civil way, that you do not support any form of BSL.
- Join a local anti-BSL dog group, or create one.
- Write a letter to the editor of your local paper voicing your opinion on breed bans or biased dog-attack articles in a rational and courteous manner.
- Train and socialize your dog. Well-behaved canines, particularly breeds or types that are discriminated against, are always a great antidote to BSL.
- Hold a booth at a fair to educate the public about BSL and the breeds and types of dogs affected by it.
- Post flyers at pet stores, dog parks, groomers, and vets explaining what BSL is and why it is a problem; if BSL is being considered in your area, post information about how to speak against it.
I’m just a kid, what can I do?
Children can help just as much as adults when it comes to fighting BSL! Here’s a list of what you can do to help:
- Learn about dog behavior. Don’t let yourself become a victim of a dog bite.
- Know how to protect yourself from dogs. The site http://www.be-a-tree.com/ has great tips on how to prevent dog bites
- Support your local shelter. Shelters always need pet food, pet toys and money to help their animals.
- Write a paper for school. [Ed. note: I know from experience that this can be a great way to educate people on the flaws of BSL.]
Thank you for doing your part to help stop BSL!
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