Breed Specific Legislation: Why?

First off let’s explain what Breed-specific laws are, or are better known as (BSL). BSL is a regulation passed by the government against any certain domestic animal. While BSL is generally prosecuted against dog breeds. The biggest breed to be put under BSL ruling is the pitbull and bully breed type dogs. The legislation goes from completely banning the breed to only allowing certain people under certain circumstances to own the breed. However, the effectiveness and constitutional right of this disputed law are in question. A recent study found that dog biting cases greatly increased following when the laws were put in effect as an attempt to regulate the so-called “dangerous” dog breeds as pro-BSL activists would state.

Areas that have BSL laws

 There are multiple areas that have BSL laws, Included is Australia, Ecuador, Canada, Malaysia, Puerto Rico, Singapore, New Zealand, The United Kingdom, Venezuela, and twelve countries throughout Europe with a few American cities and counties that have placed different forms of BSL laws on pitbulls: including bans to restrictions of ownership. One of the most strict situations is in New South Wales in Australia where they place restrictions on the breed, making sterilization mandatory.

Why They are Banned

To simplify a bit more, we look at pitbulls as a part of a high-risk lifestyle. The type of people they attract are more likely to attract high risk individuals who are more likely to mistreat animals for neglect and abuse, while most of society views pitbulls as a damper on society. It’s not the dog itself, but the owners. A dog’s behavior is in direct correlation with the owner’s behavior and parenting methods. Society has put restrictions on this dog which has made it more desirable to the outlaws of society. I’m definitely not suggesting every pit bull owner is a criminal or a good person. Most people who own the breed are exceptional people. We as a society have judged the breed based on a small amount of pitbull owners. A small percentage gets to represent a large number of pit bulls. Personally growing up with the breed I’ve had hands on experience of the temperament and loyalty of the breed. The numbers don’t lie. The pitbull isn’t as poorly mannered as everyone thinks. It is by opinion the most loyal dog and man’s best friend.

Because of breed-specific laws and the negative publicity displayed with many types of dogs. Temperament tests are an important role for today’s dog advocates. The ATTS Temperament Test gives breeders a template for assessing temperament and gives pet owners insight into their dog’s behavior and chances of anything going wrong.. It can have an impact on breeding kennels and educating the owners about dogs’potential risk while showing the possible reward as well. Resulting in a positive influence on anti-BSL laws.

BSL Laws and why they don’t work.

The American temperament Exam ATTS was established by Alfons Ertel in 1977

First off let’s explain what Breed specific laws are, or are better known as (BSL). BSL is a regulation passed by the government against any certain domestic animal. While BSL is generally prosecuted against dog breeds. The biggest breed to be put under BSL ruling is The Pitbull and Pitbull type dogs. The legislation goes from completely banning the breed to only allowing certain people under certain circumstances to own the breed. However, the effectiveness and constitutional right of this disputed law is in question. A recent study found that dog biting cases greatly increased following when the laws were put in effect as an attempt to regulate the so called “dangerous” dog breeds as pro BSL activists would state. 

Good owners and dogs are penalized 

BSl also causes problems to the responsible pet owner whose dog is completely friendly and harmless, while still being socialized and always having proper supervision. These owners follow the laws as they are supposed to: taking this wonderful breed away from quality homes.

They actually encourage ownership by irresponsible owners

The outlaws of society are attracted to outlawed things. If you make the pitbull a banned breed. It’s going to attract the lawbreakers of society to own them. Pitbull ownership by gang members and other public enemies in the late 1980s go along with the first breed specific laws. A person who is a good owner and tends to follow laws and model good behaviors, while being a responsible pet owner is going to follow the laws. Rather the outlaws of society will continue to break laws. We are pushing pitbulls into the hands of criminals and away from loving and caring families.

What’s the Alternative to BSL?

There are many different factors that can result in a dog being aggressive or showing socially unacceptable behavior than what the breed of a dog is, things such as early experiences, socialization, sex of the dog, and how well they are trained. Training is a big factor that can really affect a dog’s bite risk.

• Over 75% of dog bites involve unneutered male dogs being almost 3 times more like to show aggressive behavior.
• Chained dogs are also 3 times more likely to bite.
• Almost all dogs involved in fatal attacks were not spayed/neutered.
• 81% were not treated as pets but used for other nonethical practices.
• 83% were owned by reckless owners. which were neglected and abused, and didn’t have proper living conditions.

 With proper care and preventive steps the highly feared pitbull can be the most loyal dog and man’s true best friend. We can finally fight against this disputed law and make a difference. We are becoming more accepting as a society in the past 100 years, but we still have further to go and this is just the next step.

There is no evidence that any form of BSL laws work or are effective. Many counties throughout the U.S. spend thousands of dollars on enforcing BSL laws There is no evidence that breed specific laws that are expensive and hard to enforce help improve communities well being.