Breed specific legislation, or BSL, is most often targeted at American Pit Bulls, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Some of the laws just refer to dogs that have characteristics common to those breeds--but there are over 25 breeds and mixes that are commonly mistaken for pit bulls. All of that aside, BSL distracts from more effective dangerous dog laws that target behavior instead of appearance. Over 200 counties and cities have outright bans on these breeds, but banning a certain breed of dog will not stop criminals from finding dogs to abuse. Instead of focusing on good training and socialization, this gives the public a false sense of security that maybe just because their dog is not a banned breed it is 100% safe regardless of training or socialization.
My good friend over at OhMyDogBlog would have liked to bring her pit bull service dog to the next BlogPaws conference in Denver. Despite the fact that her bully, Emmett is a trained service dog dog that serves in a residential treatment facility for children, he is banned from coming to Denver because of his breed alone. Denver has a ban on pit bulls, though few are even willing to admit that it makes a difference. OhMyDogBlog is now planning a campaign to educate folks about misguided BSL laws, and hopes to change some minds along the way--starting with Denver's Mayor! Check out all the details over on her blog--helping us is as easy as sending (or emailing) a post card. Check her blog out every Tuesday for updates on the campaign and educational posts about BSL. Follow the conversation on Twitter with the following hashtag: #endBSL
The picture posted here of a typical-smiling-butt-wiggling pit bull was found on Doggie Stylish's post about happy dogs.
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I would love to go to the next BlogPaws, but will not set foot in Denver or give them a penny for what the city has done to the American Pit Bull Terrier - or a dog that looks like that. Horrible. What is it, like 3,000 pit bulls and mixes they killed? BlogPaws should Always plan their events in states and cities that does not have BSL.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous--That was the initial reaction that some of us had too, and it is totally understandable. Instead a groups of us attendees are planning to turn this into a teachable moment. It would have been hard to get everyone energized to #endBSL if we were not in a place like Denver. The leadership of BlogPaws is even on board now. We are going to make a splash in Denver, and make sure that it is taken into consideration for future events. Keep tabs on OhMyDogBlog linked above for updates. There are lots of ways you can support our campaign without attending.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info. There are so many stereotypes about our dogs that we are also very cautious and have to be the better dog owner. It's crazy how people judge a dog based on the breed, but knowing how much our pooches love people, and easy they are to train, I can understand how people use them for evil. We work every day to show how pitties are amazing dogs.
ReplyDeleteStaffy Bulls were called the nanny dog in Europe. They Love children! My friend has 2 and when we take them to the dog park they will spot a child a mile away and run to them to kiss and love on them! Sometimes hard to get them away from the kids cuz they are both having so much fun! Wish people would educate themselves before judging the breeds. I love the bullies!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous - Though many share your reaction, boycotts rarely work. The sides just dig in and further hunker down. After a while, they can't compromise even if they want to. Much better to engage in dialogue. Come to BlogPaws and BeTheChange.
ReplyDeleteJust curious if any other developed countries have BSL?
@Rod The United Kingdom has banned pit bulls and pit mixes since 1991, during which time number of reported dog bites tripled.
ReplyDeletehey there, thanks for the shout out on the Happy Doggies post! I just love those shark faces!! you've inspired me to do a pit bull only picture post!!
ReplyDeleteActually pugs are banned in some places. I don't have the specific area(s), but at http://www.dogpolitics.com you can view a list of 75 banned or restricted breeds. Just FYI.
ReplyDeleteBSL is definitely lame- great post! Such a fab initiative Maggie has launched!
ReplyDeleteAlso- love that photo :)
Interestingly enough, I just wrote a post on the issue as well. Check it out if interested:
ReplyDeletehttp://dawgbusiness.blogspot.com/2010/05/whats-up-with-that-breed-specific.html