This debate drew much discussion from community members on the pros and cons of banning a specific breed from the community. Breed-specific legislation refers to government regulations pertaining to a specific breed — most often being American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier and Staffordshire bull terrier. Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) What (Not) to Say. Here, we take a look at the pros and cons of breed-specific legislation, explain Fort Wayne’s breed-neutral laws and discuss what you should do if you or a loved one suffers a dog bite. Dog Aggression. BSL is a complicated issue that riles emotions pretty easily, and talking about it can be tricky. The term is most commonly used to refer to legal restrictions or prohibitions on the breeding and ownership of certain breeds. A dog is a companion, but under certain circumstances, a dog can also be a tool for self-defense. Breed-specific legislation may ban own-ership of targeted breeds all together, or dogs suggested as being a certain breed, or a mix of specific breeds. Breed-specific legislation is not about dogs at all. It is discrimination against people. CA Pit Bull Rescue. Of course a dog doesn't constitute "arms" under the 2nd amendment, but It may be instructive to think of certain dog breeds as tools of self-defense when discussing the pros and cons of a ban. 16 Section VI, Paragraph I of the ordinance makes it unlawful “to own or possess in the Village any dog of the breed known Breed-specific legislation (BSL), is any law, ordinance or policy which pertains to a specific dog breed or breeds, but does not affect any others. Breed-specific legislation in the form of a ban is a ban on pit bulls and other breeds.15 In 1984, the Village of Tijeras, New Mexico passed such an ordinance. Learn more about fighting BSL in our advocate toolkit. Temperament. Recently the Rochester Hills City Council and administration discussed the need for a breed specific pit bull ban following a few occurrences of pit bulls attacking other dogs. Yet their impact on dogs, families and animal shelters is heartbreakingly real. A: Breed-specific legislation (BSL), also referred to as breed-discriminatory legislation (BDL), is a law or ordinance that prohibits or restricts the keeping of dogs of specific breeds, dogs presumed to be specific breeds, mixes of specific breeds, and/or dogs presumed to be mixes of one or more of those breeds. Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) Pros & Cons. Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is a law or ordinance that regulates or completely bans the keeping of dogs of or presumed to be specific breeds, dogs presumed to be specific breeds and/or dogs which are or presumed to be mixes of one or more of those breeds. Please donate today to help a Pit Bull. Experts agree that breed-specific legislation (BSL) and similar policies that restrict dogs based on appearance do not reduce dog bites in communities or enhance public safety.. BSL may also mandate specific restrictions for breeds or mixes, such as requir-ing owners to spay or neuter their dogs, muzzle their dogs in public and/or carry extra liability insurance. How you can Help. The talk of breed-specific legislation is sure to come up after a 4-year-old boy was fatally attacked by a pitbull in Detroit, Michigan. Potential Benefits of Laws that Target Specific Dog Breeds. Breed-based policies aren't founded on science or credible data, but on myths and misinformation surrounding different breeds. Sitemap. DC Pit Bull Rescue. Across the country, entire communities ban or restrict dogs because of their breed or perceived breed. Many people who support breed-specific legislation rely on numbers. 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