BSL - Breed Specific Legislation, Animal Discrimination, Civil Rights, Rescue Effects
Lets talk about what can be done as
alternatives to BSL?
This is just a start...
Enact Leash Laws and Enforce Leash Laws
Many laws are passed to appease an event that happens and after that the law is not enforced. Be
responsible with your own dog and politely remind, and report offenders.
Does your State have a dog fighting law?
While dog fighting exposure increased in the US this year the numbers are alarming on how much of this
that goes on. One BIG problem with BSL is if they ban all Pit Bulls and allow other breeds the fighters
turn to those breeds to exploit.
Is your State hard enough on animal abusers?
Hand in hand with dog fighting abuse often leads to animal aggression. Dogs that are tied up, or even
just left outside with only basic needs met are more likely to become aggressive. Write to your State
legislator and strengthen your animal abuse laws. Make sure they are enforced.
Does your State track dog incidents by breed?
Police professionals, or even animal control officers are usually not qualified to identify dogs involved in
dog incidents, crimes or even bite calls. Most States do not specifically track what breed in the Uniform
Crime Reporting required by most States.
Increase funding for shelters and add more officers.
Most animal control officers are overloaded with calls for dogs. Stray dogs often are not picked up and
are more likely to pose a threat to someone rather than a house dog.
Educate
Become involved in teaching about your breed. You can do this at dog shows, "meet the breed" type
gatherings. You can arrange with your local school district to present your breed to the school.
Encourage responsible dog ownership. After all part of our premise of being against breed specific
legislation is stressing that the OWNER is responsible for the dog and not the other way around.
Let your voice be heard
Contact your local County Commissioner's. Your City government and your State government and write to
them. It is our strong suggestion that you keep your letters short, state your side clearly. Letters that offer
suggestions and letters that are in a professional educated tone get heard. Letters that are pointed and
aggressive tend to go unheard.
Get your club involved!
Education also starts with classes. Have your dog club offer classes for responsible dog owners that
would like to socialize their dogs. Bring in guest speakers and trainers that specialize in certain areas.
This is a really fun way to stay in the positive side of fence on this issue. Obedience training if you can get
it is a must for any dog; it makes for a safer much happier dog in the long run.
alternatives to BSL?
This is just a start...
Enact Leash Laws and Enforce Leash Laws
Many laws are passed to appease an event that happens and after that the law is not enforced. Be
responsible with your own dog and politely remind, and report offenders.
Does your State have a dog fighting law?
While dog fighting exposure increased in the US this year the numbers are alarming on how much of this
that goes on. One BIG problem with BSL is if they ban all Pit Bulls and allow other breeds the fighters
turn to those breeds to exploit.
Is your State hard enough on animal abusers?
Hand in hand with dog fighting abuse often leads to animal aggression. Dogs that are tied up, or even
just left outside with only basic needs met are more likely to become aggressive. Write to your State
legislator and strengthen your animal abuse laws. Make sure they are enforced.
Does your State track dog incidents by breed?
Police professionals, or even animal control officers are usually not qualified to identify dogs involved in
dog incidents, crimes or even bite calls. Most States do not specifically track what breed in the Uniform
Crime Reporting required by most States.
Increase funding for shelters and add more officers.
Most animal control officers are overloaded with calls for dogs. Stray dogs often are not picked up and
are more likely to pose a threat to someone rather than a house dog.
Educate
Become involved in teaching about your breed. You can do this at dog shows, "meet the breed" type
gatherings. You can arrange with your local school district to present your breed to the school.
Encourage responsible dog ownership. After all part of our premise of being against breed specific
legislation is stressing that the OWNER is responsible for the dog and not the other way around.
Let your voice be heard
Contact your local County Commissioner's. Your City government and your State government and write to
them. It is our strong suggestion that you keep your letters short, state your side clearly. Letters that offer
suggestions and letters that are in a professional educated tone get heard. Letters that are pointed and
aggressive tend to go unheard.
Get your club involved!
Education also starts with classes. Have your dog club offer classes for responsible dog owners that
would like to socialize their dogs. Bring in guest speakers and trainers that specialize in certain areas.
This is a really fun way to stay in the positive side of fence on this issue. Obedience training if you can get
it is a must for any dog; it makes for a safer much happier dog in the long run.
| This page represents the opinion of Joe Morweiser and not necessarily the entire group conscience of the SFBTRL As a whole. Each member is entitled to his or her opinion and may represent it here at any time. |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| SFBTRL |
| BARNEY |