Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is a term that covers laws that attempt to reduce dog attacks by targeting specific breeds and either enforcing harsh restrictions on the ownership of these dogs or banning them all together. The Pit Bulls tend to be a usual target of BSL and are banned in many counties in many states.
According the ASPCA, “There is no evidence that breed-specific laws—which are costly and difficult to enforce—make communities safer for people or companion animals.” The ASPCA sites an example of Prince George County in Maryland where the breed is banned stating that public safety has not gotten better after the ban was implemented.
Instead of targeting irresponsible dog owners who let their dogs run free, don’t train them, or engage in illegal dog fighting rings, they try and blanket the situation by just banning a breed instead. In fact, our very own Douglasville tried to ban the breed in 2010 after an attack occurred. Luckily, they looked to the ASPCA, AKC and Humane Society for guidance and voted down the ban after the facts that BSL does not work became clear.
BSL punishes good dogs and responsible dog owners, sends the breed into “hiding” in the community, and giving people a false sense of security. Instead of punishing the breed, punish the deed! Please help us and other Pit bull rescues across the nation fight back and speak out against BSL.
