Breed Specific Legislation

What is Breed Specific Legislation (BSL)? BSL is a law, ordinance, or policy which pertains to specific dog breeds. The term is most commonly used to refer to legal restrictions or prohibitions on the breeding and/or ownership of these breeds. In America, it is illegal to own American Pit Bull Terriers in some cities and/or counties. Some areas have also placed restrictions on the availability of homeowners insurance of many breeds, including Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and Akitas. California implemented a law which requires mandatory spay/neutering of only those breeds that have been proven dangerous.

So does this prove Pit Bulls and other "bully breeds" are more dangerous than other dogs? No! In fact, Rottweilers have shown an equal propensity for dog attacks but are rarely included in BSL. Dobermans, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Alaskan Malamutes, Mastiffs, and Huskies frequently injure humans but do not experience the same scrutiny as Pit Bulls. In 2000, a small Pomeranian killed a 6 week old baby, yet Pomeranians do not carry the stigma of killers. So why do pit bulls carry the stigma?

Pit Bulls were bred genetically for their fighting, protection, and hog catching abilities. As a form of early entertainment that still exists today, people use Pit Bulls as fighting dogs. People chose Pits because of how incredibly strong the breed is. Pits have heavy jaws, determination, and a high tolerance for pain. In order to make the dogs angry, the people starve, torture, poke, rial, and abuse the dogs. Humans make these dogs feel that other dogs are the enemy. This of course, makes the dog angry and ready to fight.

Myths about Pit Bulls include: Pit Bulls and mean and vicious; Pit Bulls have locking jaws; Pit Bulls have to be trained to fight; scars on a Pit Bull always means they've fought; dog aggressive Pit Bulls should be euthanized; Pit Bulls are unpredictable around children; and If a Pit Bull shows aggression towards other animals, it will go after people next. To read the explanation to these myths, please click here.

To read why these laws don't work and suggested alternatives to these laws, click here.

It's sad that these dogs, have been labeled as vicious killers. There isn't such a thing as a bad dog...just bad owners. People should learn how to properly train, socialize, and learn about their dogs. Just because your dog is comfortable and well behaved around you, doesn't mean he'll react the same to a rambunctious child, a stranger, or another dog. No matter what kind of dog you have, as an owner, you should always take precautions when your dog is around other animal or person. We don't think of Pomeranians as vicious, cruel, baby killers even though it's been reported to happen. We shouldn't blame a breed of dog for what a few have been forced to do in their past, or have done. This would be as intelligent as believing the stereotypes of different races. People need to take responsibility for their animals...whatever breed they may be.