No dog deserves breed specific legislation
“So good news, I saw a dog today.” For all you Will Ferrell’s “Elf” fans out here you may recognize this quote in one of its classic Buddy and Micheal scenes.
I am not a fan of this movie, but I do like this quote, simply because Buddy says he saw a dog. He did not specify what breed of dog he saw, it could have been a Dalmatian, a German Shepard or Pit Bull, however, the quote just says dog, because Buddy the Elf probably did not care what breed it was, he was just happy to see one.
I think this is how everyone should feel about dogs. Because not one breed is better than another. BSL or breed specific legislation has created an unwarranted fear and stigma for good dogs and owners. Breed specific laws are defined as laws that regulate or ban certain breeds of dogs, with the concept of decreasing dog attacks on people or animals.
It has not been proven anywhere that these types of regulations contribute to a safer society or decrease attacks.
According to ASPCA’s website around 700 cities in the U.S. have adopted BSLs. Even though many big names do not support them, one including the Centers for Disease Control. The CDC quotes “Any dog of any breed has the potential to bite.”
Along with the CDC, The American Kennel Club, Humane Society and others also do not give BSL the positive support enforcers look for. Because then when it comes down to it, they create more problems than they solve. A stigma is put around bully-type dogs.
Things like muzzles, leashes and banning certain dogs from dog parks give the wrong message for those that do not know the loving dog behind all of it. According to their petitions pages, the AKC oppose legislation that discriminate against certain phenotypes of dogs no matter the breed.
With big-wig names like this pushing for non-discriminatory laws, how come so many people are still scared of dogs? Mostly because the regulations in places that discriminate bully type breeds create fear more than the dog itself.
The happy medium on breed specific legislation is control for all dogs or none at all. Some will say it is not fair, but BSL is not fair now, nor will it ever be. Dogs are dogs, they are all good, it is bad people that make them bad.
The Humane Society of the United States compiled a full page on their website who are against or do not give notice to BSL I encourage everyone to visit and read the testimonials.
If you see a dog with a muzzle, do not pass judgement because another dog doesn’t have one. Because all dogs have the potential to bite, not just certain types.