Pit Bull Issues: Breed Specific Legislation

"There is no scientific proof that genetics cause a breed of dog to be aggressive, vicious or dangerous."
~testimony from Standing Committee on amendments to the Dog Owners Liability Act. 2005

Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) is any law, ordinance or policy which pertains to a specifically named breed or breeds, but does not affect any others. BSL restricts or outlaws the ownership of the named breeds with no consideration to the behavior or temperment of the individual dogs being banned - if a dog even "looks like" one of the named breeds it is subject to BSL. The 2005 Holocaust in Denver is just one example of what can happen if BSL hits where YOU live. BSL affects every dog owner of every breed.

Some Examples of BSL:

• Restrictions on or the prohibition of ownership of American Pit Bull Terriers in some municipalities of the United States, Ontario, Canada and Queensland, Australia, and the Federal ban on importing them into Australia.
• Restrictions on the availability of homeowners insurance for owners of many breeds, including American Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Akitas, etc., in some areas of the United States.
• Proposed legislation in some Australian states that would prohibit the breeding of any breed of dog not recognized by the Australian National Kennel Council, or restrict or prohibit the propagation of some breeds.
• Bans on the transporting of some breeds by some airline carriers during the 1990s.
• Prohibition of ownership of the Welsh Corgi in some municipalities in Italy.
• A ban on the importing of the German Shepherd Dog into Australia for a large part of the 20th century.
• The requirement that Greyhounds wear muzzles in public in some Australian states.

Responsible dog owners deserve the right to own any breed of dog they wish to. Responsible dog owners have earned that right, and should not have to face losing their companions due to inefficient and ineffective legislature which does not address the true problem: IRRESPONSIBLE OWNERS.

The Denver 38 - Incarcerated for One Year - Then Murdered
(click to view youtube video)

The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly supports dangerous dog control. Dog control legislation must be reasonable, non-discriminatory and enforceable as detailed in the AKC Position Statement.

"To provide communities with the most effective dangerous dog control possible, laws must not be breed specific. Instead of holding all dog owners accountable for their behavior, breed specific laws place restrictions only on the owners of certain breeds of dogs. If specific breeds are banned, owners of these breeds intent on using their dogs for malicious purposes, such as dog fighting or criminal activities, will simply change to another breed of dog and continue to jeopardize public safety.

"Strongly enforced dog control laws such as leash laws, generic guidelines for dealing with dangerous dogs and increased public education efforts to promote responsible dog ownership are all positive ways to protect communities from dangerous dogs. Increasing public education efforts is significant because it helps address the root cause of the problem - irresponsible dog owners.

"The AKC and the purebred dog fancy have worked together to promote non-breed specific dangerous dog control legislation throughout the country. Concerned dog lovers are encouraged to serve on or start animal control advisory boards to monitor problems and help develop reasonable solutions to dangerous dog issues. The AKC can help by providing model legislation that can be tailored to the needs of individual communities."

BSL Affects All Dog Owners

Going for a trip by car in to another state or county? Plan on bringing your dog? please take note of the following:

Some states, counties and cities will actually seize your dog or puppy if the owner or guardian drives thorugh it with a dog in the car that looks like any dog on the list of prohibited breeds. It can take weeks, months or even years to get your dog back in your possession. Alive if you're lucky. If the state seizes your dog, you can be held responsible for fines and boarding fees while your dog is kenneled against your wishes!

Breed Specific Legislation only serves to penalize responsible owners and innocent dogs. At the same time, it does nothing to protect the public from the truly dangerous or vicious dog of any breed. It does nothing to effect the actions of irresponsible dog owners and breeders. A number of dog breeds are currently under attach throughout the United States and other part of the world. Those under attack include but are not limited to the following:

• Akita
• American Bulldog
• American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT)
• American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff)
• Bull Terrier
• Bullmastiff
• Chow
• Doberman
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasilero
• Rottweiler
• Shar Pei
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier (SBT)
• Tosa Inu

Included can be any dog, purebred or mixed breed, that physically resembles one of the above breeds.