Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) FAQ's
What is Breed-Specific Legislation?
What can I do about breed-specific legislation?
Are there any Anti-BSL Groups?
What about Anti-BSL Links?
Breed-specific legislation is legislation that targets specific breeds of
dogs on the premise that those breeds are 'inherently dangerous' to the
general public. It doesn't matter where you live, BSL can affect you and
your dog. It is important to be informed on how BSL could potentially
affect you and your dog--and what you can do about it.
The first thing to do is to find out what laws already exist in your
community. It may be possible to help get better laws in place *before* an
incident occurs in your community. Once there has been a damaging dog bite
it is hard to put logic in front of the emotions that everyone will be
dealing with.
As well, support legislative efforts in your dog clubs and through online
communities like Dogwatch.
Just being aware of what is coming is a great help. This is not a time to
argue about the "american pit bull terrier" versus the other AKC
registered bully breeds, nor is it time to get caught up in historic
debates. This is the time to work together, because as a group we are
strong, but as divided segments we are very weak. Also, remember that this
is not just a "pit bull" issue. Breed specific legislation
applies to many dog breeds, and you may find help in surprising quarters.
Finally, if you do find yourself opposing a breed specific law, get the
facts and put together a *strategic* argument. Despite how you might feel,
this is *not* the time to let your emotions interfere with your logic.
Present a case that is designed to be persuasive. Remember that the
politicians you are talking to may not even like dogs, and they surely
won't care about your individual pet and personal anecdotes. There are
some extremely effective arguments in opposition of BSL; be sure to use
them!
Please do all you can do to help these GREAT Groups.
- ADOA
- American Dog Owner's Association - The American Dog Owner's
Association preserves the special relationship between dogs and
mankind by protecting and defending the rights of responsible dog
ownership.
ADOA's Pet
Owner's Rights.
- EBA
(Endangered Breeds Association) & the Lone Star State Pit Bull
Club
The EBA is an organization founded in 1980 with the guidance and
support of ADBA's President Ralph Greenwood. The EBA was created for
the purpose of protecting breeds of animals who are under harassment,
or victims of misunderstanding, false or negative criticism, or
controversy.
- The
Chako Rescue Association for the American Pit Bull Terrier
The Chako Rescue Association helps place APBTs in need of good homes.
The CRA also works against breed-discrimination. We strive to educate
the public about the breed, using our dogs in animal-assisted therapy
and traveling to elementary and high schools to give presentations. In
addition, we act as a "Media Watchdog," standing vigilant
against breed-discrimation.
- Spindletop
APBT & AST Refuge
Spindletop Refuge is committed to the successful rehabilitation and
placement of abandoned, abused, stray and shelter euthanasia bound
American Pit Bull and Staffordshire Terriers.
- Write Your Senators and Representatives
U.S.
Senators
U.S.
House of Representatives
- AKC Canine Legislation Page - (Free
brochures for fighting BSL)
- UKC's SCAN - SCAN is a national network of dog
owners and dog organizations dedicated to the fundamental right to own
dogs. United Kennel Club believes that in a free society every
responsible dog owner has certain inalienable rights, chief of which
is the right to own the dog of his or her choosing, regardless of
breed, without fear of discrimination or seizure by units of local,
state or national government. SCAN's goal is to create an awareness
within every dog owner of the ominous threat to dog ownership existing
in the animal rights movement.
- Animal Rights.Net - Animal rights advocates
regularly mislead the public and misrepresent the facts about the use
of animals. This web site debunks many of their claims, as well as
links to other individuals and groups engaged in challenging animal
rights activists.
- RDOWS - Responsible Dog Owners of the Western
States - We actively fight legislation that undermines the right to
own, show, hunt with our breed dogs, including breeding bans,
mandatory spay/neuter, & breed specific codes or ordinances.
- WLFA - The Wildlife Legislative Fund of
America provides direct lobbying and grassroots coalition support to
protect and advance the rights of hunters, fishermen, trappers and
scientific wildlife management professionals.
If you use your dogs to hunt, these people are worth checking out!
You made me what I am today, courage at its best.
You wanted me to know no fear, a cut above the rest.
Not only did I master that, I've thrown in loyalty, too.
Look past my eyes into my soul, you know I'd die for you.
I'll watch your kids, I'll watch your house.
Your praise will be my crown, ask what you will-I'll do my best.
I'll even be your clown.
But some of you don't like me, I'm sure I don't know why.
The only thing I'm guilty of is courage, love, and try.
But still they want to see me go, they want my breed to end.
Will I see you sitting idly by?
You, whom I call a friend?
You made me what I am today, you never saw me waiver.
I've done my best to keep you safe.
Wont you please return the favor.
'Cheryl Crabb'
I've spent many nights at
Peace with myself...
Alone With my dogs.
It is at these times when I
Remember who and what is
Important to me.
When Thoughts come most clear...
And memories are made.
Don't Let BSL Make These Great Dogs Extinct!
