I often get questioned with respect to what Breed Specific Legislation is, or where it is.
I think the very first point that we must focus on is the forms of Breed Specific Legislation.
Breed Specific Legislation is more than a ban.
A ban or the restriction or prohibition of a certain breed or dogs presumed to be of these breeds and or mixed breed of is an extreme measure of BSL. An example of this level of BSL can be seen in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and throughout the entire province of Ontario.
Other forms include the authority being able to seize your dog, to enter your home with or without reason and or a warrant to seize your dog, to euthanize your dog and to do any of this based on speculation and no wrong doing.
This being said, we must keep in mind that BSL come in many forms, not only a ban. The other more common forms of Breed Specific Legislation can be seen throughout our Province, our Nation and Globally. Breed Specific Legislation can also be rules, regulations, requirements, and limitations. Examples of these forms of BSL are:
- Mandatory Spay/neutering
- Mandatory Muzzling in public and in cars
- Liability Insurance
- Special and higher licensing fees
- Mandatory Identification
- Age requirements for owning and walking
- Short leashes
- Automatic labeling of a dog as dangerous and or vicious without previous bite history
- Not being able to go to off leash parks and city parks
- Requirements with respect to yard confinement
- Pet limits
- Mandatory reporting if the dog is deceased or re-homed
- Restrictions to public area
- Required accessories such as vests, collars etc.
- Mandatory photos held in a town file
- Mandatory dangerous dog signs at all entry points to your home and property
- Mandatory enclosure requirements
- Higher fines
BSL come in many forms, and all forms have been proven to be ineffective in reaching the “goals” that it sets out to do. BSL does not reduce dog bites, BSL does not decrease crime rates, and BSL does not contribute to safer communities.
Instead BSL is responsible for an annual rate of approximately 1,000,000 “pit bull and pit bull type ” dogs being euthanized because of their appearance and the stigmas attached to these physical appearances and or breeds. It is responsible for tearing apart families, having families leave everything behind to save their dogs, and for having guardians live in fear. It is a waste of public resources, time and funds.
Please join our Facebook page to learn more about BSL and what you can do to become more proactive in our fight to end BSL.