Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) bans or restricts dogs based solely on their appearance due to the idea that these dogs are “dangerous”. When a breed ban is enacted, any dog that looks like the targeted breed is removed from the home and likely euthanized. BSL does not take into account the actions, behavior, or history of the dog, it only considers the physical appearance of the dog.
BSL is not only unfair and unethical, it is also ineffective. BSL fails to increase public safety because it does not address the real issue of owner irresponsibility. Further, BSL ignores the victims of dog bites by any dogs that do not look like the targeted breed. It is important to note that BSL comes in many guises, from outright bans to other discriminatory actions such as requirements for liability insurance, expensive licenses and other types of restrictions based on breed or appearance. Any legislation that singles out "pit bulls" is misguided, unfair and unacceptable.
One of the most obvious flaws of BSL is that it requires dogs to be identified by breed based on appearance, which is impossible to do accurately or objectively. In the end, BSL invariably punishes responsible dog owners, as they are the ones most likely to comply with the law. It is also important to note that every single canine welfare organization is against breed specific legislation.
Italy's ban started with a handful of breeds, yet grew to include over 90 different dog breeds at one point. Clearly, breed bans don’t work. Further, BSL can lead to destroying the human-canine bond entirely. The focus should be on demanding responsible ownership of ALL dogs.
Even people who don't particularly care for dogs need to realize that breed specific legislation doesn't increase safety. It isn't just that BSL is unfair, it's that BSL DOESN'T WORK. The following are some helpful and interesting websites to check out for more information:
Demand responsible ownership of ALL dogs. Don't blame a breed.
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