Municipal Letter Template. Consider the role of proper containment in preventing dog bites. First, dog owners should be required to take an education class before applying for a dog-related licence, regardless of the level of certification they seek, to learn about selecting the right dog, training their dog, canine development and other issues. Breed Specific Legislation fails to achieve what Parliament intended, to protect the public. Non-breed specific legislation is cost effective in comparison to outright breed ban and is more readily accepted for the most part. An alternative to breed-specific legislation is to regulate individual dogs and owners on the basis of their behavior.” The National Canine Research Council claims, “There is no scientific evidence that one kind of dog is more likely than any other to injure a human being. The first level of licensing is the High Security Licence, which would be given to people who want to keep a dog with an established history of vicious behaviour. If expressed, aggression was directed toward other dogs. Some city/municipal governments have enacted breed-specific laws, as has the State of Ohio. Sentient beings. The states in which at least some jurisdictions have breed bans are shown in those big, big swaths of blue. The fourth and highest level of licensing is the Off-Lead Licence, which would permit the holders to publicly walk their dogs off-leash. Specific Purpose Statement: To invite my audience to explore the advantages, disadvantages, and the alternatives associated with breed specific legislation. “The Pit Bull is not a dog for everyone. Posted on March 6, 2012 by Good Pit Bulls Admin | There are other alternative to breed bans and breed specific legislation. “Over 40 per cent of dogs in Australia are crossbreeds and therefore do not demonstrate consistent breed type to any particular breed,” said Seksel. American canine expert advises licence for all dogs. Some city/municipal governments have enacted breed-specific laws, as has the State of Ohio. Floods. Alternatives to BSL. Waitakere City Council runs an education program that involves officers going into schools and the community and giving talks on responsible dog ownership. Seksel said overseas experience has shown that BSL fails to reduce the number of dog attacks and dog bites, therefore doing little to protect the public. The following are examples of good alternatives to breed bans and breed-specific legislation (BSL). The UK study found dangerous breeds contributed to only a small proportion of the injuries and more than half the patients in both study groups were bitten by their own dogs or dogs that were well-known to them. Another idea to help in the fight against dog attacks comes from an American author and educational psychologist specialising in canine behaviour. The EDBA, which started in 2001 and now has more than 200 members, opposes any dog control laws aimed at the rights of all responsible dog owners, said Watson. They feel that dogs attack people who deserve it for one reason or another. Report concerns. Breed specific legislation first came into being in the early 1980s after several fatalities occurred following attacks committed by dogs. Having specialised in aggression for the past decade, Richardson said the source of aggression is a combination of the natural instinct in any dog and the way it has been guided by its human carers in its upbringing. Breed specific legislation first came into being in the early 1980s after several fatalities occurred following attacks committed by dogs. Does BSL Work? The dog would be temperament tested for the first three years of its life and be awarded a coloured tag depending on its aggression level. Suggested Alternatives to Breed Bans. -BSL/Pit Bull Initiatives - creating training opportunities, identifying effective alternatives to breed specific legislation. These dogs have done nothing,” she said. Fight breed-specific legislation to protect dogs and strengthen communities. On gaining the licence they sign a declaration stating that each year they will register their dog on time, control their dog at all times and care for it in the proper manner,” Williams said. Constitutional Challenges 16 1. Laws It focuses on specific breeds, which fails to appreciate a dog is not aggressive purely on the basis of its breed. Many cities have the Fighting Dog Tax for people who own a breed on that citys restricted breed list and this tax can be as high as 800 to 1200 Euros for the first dog and higher for additional ones. BSL in The Courts – An Unsettled Debate 14 A. BSL vs. Breed Specific Legislation. -Strengthening the enforcement of existing local ordinances and state regulations. The laws are divided into two general categories: (1) states that prohibit breed-specific legislation (BSL) in all animal regulation (9 states); and (2) states that only prohibit BSL in dangerous/vicious dog laws (15 states). For canine regulation, it is important to understand the differences between the two major forms of regulation - breed-specific legislation (BSL) and breed-neutral legislation (BNL). Suggest that adopters choose a dog based on personality, not just by breed. I emailed the following list of ideas - which is by no means comprehensive - to the Humane Society of Huron Valley. Void for Vagueness 22 IV. Germany has a nationwide import ban on the Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Bull Terrier, plus crosses of those breeds. I agree the way an owner treats a dog is far more likely to influence that dogs behaviour than the breed of the dog”, he said. There is no convincing data to indicate that breed-specific legislation has succeeded anywhere to date. How to Use the Map: Use the zoom feature to hone in on specific areas of the country. Guidelines. Set up low cost, or free, dog training and dog behavior help that will encourage people to train their dogs and to better understand the importance of basic obedience and dog behaviors. Answering at least 75 per cent of the questions correctly entitles the dog owner to receive a reduction in their dog registration. The third level of licensing is the On-Lead Public Licence, which would allow a person to take their dog walking in public but only with the lead attached. The CDC has noted that many other factors beyond breed may affect a dog’s tendency toward aggression—things such as heredity, sex, early experience, reproductive status, socialization and training. “Breed-specific” legislation (BSL) is the blanket term for laws that either regulate or ban certain breeds completely in the hopes of reducing dog attacks. Specific Purpose Statement: To invite my audience to explore the advantages, disadvantages, and the alternatives associated with breed specific legislation. The Breed Specific Legislation is a part of The ... MPs in the UK have proposed that the alternative approach to bite prevention should focus on education about … These laws focus on reckless owners instead of dog breeds: Illinois: Illinois Animal Control Act In fact, Nortons bumper sticker on her car states, “All creatures great and small, accept the American Pit Bull Terrier.”. My city has BSL. However, he quickly won everybodys heart and lived with Helen until he died a few months ago from dilated cardiomyopathy. He said people expect all dogs to be “pattable” but an inappropriate approach by a stranger can trigger an aggressive reaction from some dogs that are not easy-going in character. These laws focus on reckless owners instead of dog breeds: Illinois: Illinois Animal Control Act She said none of these animals showed aggression towards humans. Breed Specific Legislation Map. BSL can range from something as mild as a higher licence fee for specific breeds to an all-out ban, including mandatory destruction of any prohibited dog found within the boundaries of the legislating jurisdiction. Mixons idea involves four types of dog owner licensing. What are the big issues in the local Melbourne dog parks? Another point of view is that comprehensive "dog bite" legislation, coupled with better consumer education and legally mandating responsible pet keeping practices, is a better solution than breed-specific legislation to the problem of dangerous dogs. These cookies collect simple user information. Norton is an EDBA member and also Secretary of the American Pit Bull Terrier Club of Australia Inc, which has 600 members from all over Australia and New Zealand who love the breed. Laws It focuses on specific breeds, which fails to appreciate a dog is not aggressive purely on the basis of its breed. Richardson believes responsible ownership is the key to preventing dog aggression. Help! “When I first met Jake, he was thin and had an open wound on his head. This is a broad-based effort that protects all citizens as any dog can bite and be a nuisance when owned by an irresponsible owner. Mixon argues the relationship between dog attacks and barking results from a phenomenon called “shaping”. If a dog bites or attacks someone, the owner is legally responsible, and restrictions are placed on the "guilty" dog. He agrees the Pit Bull breed has a strong bite to hold, but other dogs, like the Cattle Dog, can do equal damage, so he wonders where the government will stop with BSL. Let's take a look into the pros of Breed Specific Legislation Pro #1 Laws 38 U.S. fatal dog attacks occurred in 2012 If no laws are present prohibiting certain dog breeds, then people will make poor choices that are not necessarily safe for the dog and/or surrounding people. Stronger enforcement of existing dangerous dog laws. Alternatives to Breed Bans. View some model dog ownership laws. -Statewide spay/neuter initiatives. FAQs . However, animal behaviour and veterinary experts say they have a false sense of security as international studies show the legislation is clearly not working and therefore doing little to protect the public. More importantly, a well-thought non-breed specific legislation addresses the root cause of most, if not all, dog related injures and deaths, which is the irresponsible dog owner. Help! Create regulations and fees associated with becoming a dog breeder. Prevent violent, abusive, and irresponsible people from being allowed to own dogs. It's a complex issue, but here are a few helpful resources: BSL in BC & North America. It needs owners who are disciplined and dedicated to training their dog,” she said. “He came to a place with no violence. Autumn. While experts are taking the “ban the deed, not the breed” approach, state governments are doing the opposite. Advocate againt BSL A "pit bull" isn't a thing. These alternatives can serve as long-term solutions to dog problems, as well as create fewer problems that are commonly associated with dog breed laws. What happens when a dog walker’s dog doesn’t walk. In fact, she found one of the pups she sold wandering in the streets and kept him when she could not contact the owners. Senator Bartlett has a strong record on animal rights and introduced a Private Members Bill (National Animal Welfare Bill 2003) to establish Australias first national and enforceable animal welfare standards. Conversely, studies can be referenced that point to clear, positive effects of carefully crafted breed-neutral laws. Dettmar said the Bull Terrier was added to the Federal Breed List in Germany several months after the initial law was put into power, not because it is dangerous or known as a breed high on the list of bite statistics, but because “it is a member of the FCI Group III (Terrier Group) and is in body and character the same as the American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.”. These alternatives to breed laws focus on pet owners, not the pet. In Queensland, Helen* rescued a Pit Bull from a lifetime of fighting. Breed specific legislation rips dogs away from responsible pet owners and drives irresponsible owners further underground. Norton has had Pit Bulls since the late 1970s and has bred a few litters and also shown them. Educating parents and children is critical for decreasing the number of dog bites. There are other alternative to breed bans and breed specific legislation. + Alternatives. Data in a report published in the Sept 15, 2000 issue of the JAVMA indicate that breed-specific legislation is not the solution to dog bite prevention. They feel that the statistics compiled on dog attacks are inaccurate, and that the press has created the false impression that there is a dog bite problem in the USA. Fireworks. Breed Specific Restrictions Rules that require a dog to wear muzzle, identifying marker or be restricted to a specific length leash should be based on behavior and temperament, not appearance. Alicia Silverstone Adopted Two Dogs and A Pit Bull. What's it like to volunteer with us? Jake came to live with her on Australia Day in 2000 only until a permanent home was to be found. Old English Bulldog in Paris, 1863 A bull and a bulldog, etching by F. Barlow, circa 17th century A.D.. Bull-baiting with dogs, 19th century Spanish Alano dogs, bull-fighting scene by Goya, circa 1815 Spanish Alano dogs, bull-fighting scene, circa 1795 References. The worst thing is – it usually doesn’t make any difference nor makes the community safer in any way. -Creating a legislative presence. Create education courses for children and adults about dog safety and basic dog care. More details . There is no such problem, they say. Caroline Zambrano investigates the possibility of dog licensing to replace and the alternatives to breed specific legislation.. The report revealed that, during the past 20 years, at least 25 breeds of dog have been involved in 238 human fatalities. However, she stopped breeding because she said it was too hard to find responsible owners. Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) or any other unfair imposition upon the rights of voters can no longer be tolerated if quality purebred dogs are to be preserved. New Zealand also bans the four breeds from importation or breeding. Alternatives to BSL. "Breed-specific" legislation (BSL) is the blanket term for laws that either regulate or ban certain breeds completely in the hopes of reducing dog attacks. Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) affects everyone. “I was frightened I would cost my dog his life,” she said. Pets at Christmas. People who breed without a permit, would suffer penalization for improper containment or care concerns. Wildlife in the garden. The State of BSL – By State 24 V. Why BSL is Problematic 29 A. + Alternatives. Breed specific legislation (BSL) is an attempt by legislators to reduce dog bites by targeting specific types of dogs. Summer. 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