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What is BSL or Breed Specific Legislation?
Breed specific legislation, according to Dogs & The Law, a group of laws that bans particular breeds, usually pit bulls (a type of dog, not a breed) and sometimes Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Akitas, Dobermans, Chow Chows, and a few others. These laws are usually passed after several attacks by a particular breed so that city councils or county commissions can assure citizens they are doing something about a voter concern. But breed bans don't work. They target all dogs of a breed -- the innocent as well as the guilty; are difficult to enforce; and do not end the use of guardian dogs by criminals. If pit bulls in their various incarnations are banned, drug dealers and other felons switch to another breed or mix. In the meantime, the ill-tempered terrier mix that bites the hand that feeds it and the poorly-bred purebred that attacks the neighborhood children pose a far greater danger to people than the obedience-trained American Staffordshire Terrier that is a registered therapy dog but cannot step foot inside the city or county.

Are there other options to BSL?
Pit Rescue of the Great Plains agrees with animal advocacy groups like the HSUS. We oppose any legislation aimed to eradicate or regulate dogs based solely on breed. Breed Specific Legislation won’t solve the problem of dangerous dogs. These bans are over-inclusive because not every bull-type dogs kill. The bans are also under-inclusive because other breeds can kill. Dangerous dog laws serve a better purpose and doesn’t allow vicious dogs to fall through the cracks. These type of laws place the responsibility of dog bites and attacks squarely on the dog owner. It is the owner’s responsibility to prevent bites by spaying and neutering, proper socialization and ensuring their pet is safely confined.

Why is BSL unfair?
"Pit bull" is not a breed, but a "type" that encompasses several registered breeds and crossbreeds. Therefore, statistics that claim "Pit bulls" are responsible for a large percentage of attacks are lumping many separate breeds together, then comparing that to other dogs that are counted as individual breeds. Breed identification is left up to victim and witness testimony, and is often wrong. Due to negative press, biting dogs of almost ANY breed have been called "Pit bulls". Even the CDC supports the position that irresponsible owners, not breed, are the chief cause of dog bites. They have done studies that indicate that the most "dangerous breed" of dog changes with popularity and reputation. Search the American Temperament Test Society. Pit bulls have an average score that beats even the "ultimate family dog", the Golden Retriever. BSL or a breed ban will only remove Pit Bulls from the good people's homes and leave them in the hands of animal abusers who couldn't care less about the law. Dangerous dog laws are the only ones that protect the public and the dogs.

How can I learn more about BSL?
Visit these websites for even more information about Breed Specific Legislation:
ASPCA
Pit bulls on the Web
Dog play
Dog Laws
Pit Bull Rescue Central
Humane Society of the United States

Email Eric if you have more questions about BSL or you are concerned about pending legislation in your community.