Positive Pit Bull Alternatives to the Ypsi Twp Breed Specific Legislation. Craig Mixon spoke to Dogs Life about a four-tier system of licensing, which he addresses in detail on his website www.barkingdogs.net, created to educate the public about barking dogs and the relationship between barking and biting. Up to 15,000 dogs have been killed by councils around the country because they are Pit Bulls and many of them are not even Pit Bulls, she claims. More details . 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. This map gives you a comprehensive look at breed specific legislation across the United States. She said none of these animals showed aggression towards humans. 1. Another idea to help in the fight against dog attacks comes from an American author and educational psychologist specialising in canine behaviour. To encourage responsible ownership, legislation should focus on . + Alternatives. Breed bans and breed specific legislation are something that causes a great number of loving and responsible pet owners to give up their pets. Suggested Alternatives to Breed Bans. In 2001, the Dettmars opened a lawsuit with the support of the German Kennel Club, the FCI, the Bull Terrier Clubs of America, UK, Sweden, Belgium, Finland, the Netherlands and Canada, the former CEO of the American Kennel Club, plus hundreds of private pet owners and breeders. The worst thing is – it usually doesn’t make any difference nor makes the community safer in any way. Isabel Williams from the councils Animal Welfare Services said they have no evidence to prove that the Dog Owners Licence (DOL) test has reduced bites/attacks in their area since it began running 15 years ago, but it does encourage responsible dog ownership. The pet owner should be the own to take the fall for dog bite incidents, not the entire breed of the dog that bites the neighbor. Some city/municipal governments have enacted breed-specific laws, as has the State of Ohio. 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. Breed specific legislation: Considerations for evaluating its effectiveness and recommendations for alternatives September 2005 The Canadian veterinary journal. These alternatives to breed laws focus on pet owners, not the pet. Representing a state that has the most severe laws regarding banned breeds, Queensland Senator Andrew Bartlett spoke to Dogs Life about where he stands on the BSL issue. Non-breed specific legislation is cost effective in comparison to outright breed ban and is more readily accepted for the most part. It's a complex issue, but here are a few helpful resources: BSL in BC & North America. Mixon said the US Centre for Disease Control has recommended dog owner education programs as a means of dealing with the nations epidemic of dog bites. 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. American canine expert advises licence for all dogs. To encourage responsible ownership, legislation should focus on . Breed alone is a poor indicator of whether or not an animal is going to be aggressive towards humans, so “eliminating the breed is not the solution”, she stressed. My city has BSL. In May 2005, former NSW premier Bob Carr announced in Parliament that the government would introduce legislation to ban restricted breeds. October 8, 2010 . After successfully completing these stages, the person could then purchase a dog from a regulated breeder. 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). These alternatives to breed laws focus on pet owners, not the pet. It's a complex issue, but here are a few helpful resources: BSL in BC & North America. Set up low cost, or free, spay and neuter programs, that encourage people to have their dog altered. October 8, 2010 . Rather, the solution lies in educating dog owners and, more importantly, the general community, she added. “Beyond a doubt, the decision of those in authority to ignore threatening barkers contributes greatly to the epidemic of dog bites,” he said. The test has been running for about 15 years and involves answering 20 multiple choice questions all based on the New Zealand Dog Owner Manual written by Tom Didovich. If they are not already in place, lobby for protection from untrained and unsupervised dogs of any breed or mix. It focuses on specific breeds, which fails to appreciate a dog is not aggressive purely on the basis of its breed. There is no convincing data to indicate that breed-specific legislation has succeeded anywhere to date. We thank Mr. Greenwood and ADBA for truly representing dog owners! 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. -Statewide spay/neuter initiatives. Municipal Letter Template. Suggested Alternatives to Breed Bans 1. “Over 40 per cent of dogs in Australia are crossbreeds and therefore do not demonstrate consistent breed type to any particular breed,” said Seksel. Suggest that adopters choose a dog based on personality, not just by breed. What can I do? Breed specific legislation first came into being in the early 1980s after several fatalities occurred following attacks committed by dogs. The person would then take a knowledge test on care and handling, followed by a practical test on basic training with a canine club or training organisation. Through his seminars and workshops, he also trains people to avoid dog bites. There is no such problem, they say. Alternatives to Breed Bans The answer to dangerous dogs can be found in generic Dangerous Dog Laws which address the underlying cause of most dog-related deaths and injuries – irresponsible dog ownership. 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. The following are examples of good alternatives to breed bans and breed-specific legislation (BSL). -Creating a legislative presence. Breed specific legislation is a bad idea and we encourage people to speak out about it however they can. “I was frightened I would cost my dog his life,” she said. Specific Purpose Statement: To invite my audience to explore the advantages, disadvantages, and the alternatives associated with breed specific legislation. 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.”. Some city/municipal governments have enacted breed-specific laws, as has the State of Ohio. These cookies are strictly necessary for the site to function. We thank Mr. Greenwood and ADBA for truly representing dog owners! Honorable Mayor and City Council City of Kirksville, Mo. 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. Implement detailed containment and leash laws that prevent un-attended dogs from roaming without supervision, include strict penalties to the dog’s owner when the laws are violated. “He came to a place with no violence. It focuses on specific breeds, which fails to appreciate a dog is not aggressive purely on the basis of its breed. More details . 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. Specific Purpose Statement: To invite my audience to explore the advantages, disadvantages, and the alternatives associated with breed specific legislation. In America, responsible people should be allowed to love and care for any breed of dog they choose. No more guessing games. Responsible dog ownership is the most effective way to reduce the number of dog bites and attacks. Thesis: Breed specific legislation is a controversial topic in which I am very interested and would like to explore both sides of the issue to perhaps learn something new. breed is responsible for its behavior. Helen always lived with the fear that one day Jake would be taken by authorities and put to sleep. -BSL/Pit Bull Initiatives - creating training opportunities, identifying effective alternatives to breed specific legislation. Laws B. For instance, the owner could not walk his dog on a well-travelled sidewalk. Dog treats: Why bother with meat or different meat than beef or chicken? 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. Equal Protection Claims 19 3. alternatives to breed-specific legislation and the implications of these alternate measures. Responsible ownership the alternative to breed banning, other restrictions. Stun before slaughter. Alternatives to BSL. How to Use the Map: Use the zoom feature to hone in on specific areas of the country. Breed Specific Legislation Map. In Queensland, Helen* rescued a Pit Bull from a lifetime of fighting. Prevent dog abuse and dog fighting, with severe penalties to the owner. Breed specific legislation is any law that prohibits the breed, or kind, of dog that someone is allowed by law to own. Because the root problem of this issue is actually irresponsible owners, not an inherently aggressive breed, there should be alternatives to breed-specific bans–which there are. The Dettmars have 10 official studies that prove none of the breeds in question acts any differently in situations to any other breed of dog, with two of the studies focusing only on the Bull Terriers temperament, socialising skills and problem-solving methods, all videotaped without the presence of humans. Mixon argues the relationship between dog attacks and barking results from a phenomenon called “shaping”. As accurate breed identification proves difficult, she suggested assessing a dog by behaviour (temperament assessment) rather than by appearance to determine whether an individual animal be subject to restrictions. Puppy trade. Use the search function to find details about a specific location. What are the big issues in the local Melbourne dog parks? Breed bans and other forms of BSL do not work because they target all dogs of a breed -- the innocent as well as the guilty; they are difficult to enforce; and they do not end the use of guardian dogs by criminals. However, she stopped breeding because she said it was too hard to find responsible owners. Published on November 01, 2000 ... 2000 issue of the JAVMA indicate that breed-specific legislation is not the solution to dog bite prevention. This ugly, smelly, horrible dog put his head on my lap and snuggled. Void for Vagueness 22 IV. If a Pit Bull Shows Aggression to Dogs, People are Next – Pit Bull Myth, Yakima City Council Votes to Revoke Pit Bull Ban. A breed-neutral approach may include the following: 1. Alternatives to Breed Specific Legislation There are numerous individuals and organizations in disagreement with BSL, who consider it to be inappropriate and ineffective. Thesis: Breed specific legislation is a controversial topic in which I am very interested and would like to explore both sides of the issue to perhaps learn something new. Fight breed-specific legislation to protect dogs and strengthen communities. Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is a type of law that prohibits or restricts particular breeds or types of dog. Endangered Dog Breeds Association (EDBA) President Linda Watson told Dogs Life the legislation targeting breeds is “unfair and irrational”. There are many practical alternatives to these laws that would provide adequate protection to the general It is the owner who needs to be controlled. Conversely, studies can be referenced that point to clear, positive effects of carefully crafted breed-neutral laws. Sentient beings. He said allowing dogs to bark or vocally threaten the general public greatly increases the chances the animal will eventually bite someone. They feel that dogs attack people who deserve it for one reason or another. A once proud owner of a Rottweiler, Bartlett said he does not have a hard and fast view on BSL but understands that “blanket condemnation of particular breeds does not give a fair picture. Alabama rot. She was actively protesting the Pit Bull ban before the Queensland government banned the breeds, but when Jake came into her life, she had to support quietly through the EDBA. If expressed, aggression was directed toward other dogs. Floods. The fourth and highest level of licensing is the Off-Lead Licence, which would permit the holders to publicly walk their dogs off-leash. 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 report revealed that, during the past 20 years, at least 25 breeds of dog have been involved in 238 human fatalities. Answering at least 75 per cent of the questions correctly entitles the dog owner to receive a reduction in their dog registration. The third alternative to breed banning is to provide adult dogs with appropriate care, meaning always be in control of the dog, make sure dogs are properly trained, and react to and correct aggressive behavior should it arise. However, he quickly won everybodys heart and lived with Helen until he died a few months ago from dilated cardiomyopathy. Honorable Mayor and City Council City of Kirksville, Mo. It allows seizure of other breeds, but the rules are not applied homogeneously by councils. Then there are others who risk getting caught by authorities just to help an animal in need. Does BSL Work? At the point of applying for a licence for a special breed, a potential owner would have to consider whether they have the right lifestyle and the possible consequences of owning such a dog. Rather, all dogs of a specific breed, whatever their behaviour, are subject to the same restrictions.” 3. 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. Autumn. Thesis: Breed specific legislation is a controversial topic in which I am very interested and would like to explore both sides of the issue to perhaps learn something new. Also president of the Animal Companion Animal Council (ACAC), Seksel submitted a government commissioned report to the NSW Department of Local Government in 2002 to provide an independent review of the issues relating to the control of dangerous dogs in NSW, the performance of BSL in overseas jurisdictions and any implications for the provisions of the NSW Companion Animals Act 1998. “When I first met Jake, he was thin and had an open wound on his head. Laws Rather, owners will simply choose another breed to continue their cycle of irresponsibility. Most popular alternatives to breed specific legislation in the US. Educating parents and children is critical for decreasing the number of dog bites. He agrees that the issue of dog aggression cannot be resolved by BSL. Re: Proposed Breed Specific Legislation (OPPOSE) Mayor Todd Kuhns. 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. Breed Specific Legislation fails to achieve what Parliament intended, to protect the public. What breed am I? Effective alternatives to BSL. When it comes to owning and caring for dogs, it is the person’s responsibility to ensure the safety of the pet and other people. John Richardson began DogTech International Pty Ltd and has been training dogs for more than 30 years. Breed Specific Legislation was introduced 26 years ago as part of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to restrict the ownership of certain types of dogs deemed to be dangerous to people. Enhanced enforcement of dog lice… What BSL misses—the role of the owner in creating a safe or dangerous situation—these alternatives tackle head on. We leverage the power of social media to spread the word and educate the public about Breed Specific Legislation (BSL), its effects, and suggested alternatives. To own a dog in Germany, Dettmar said one must licence the dog and pay a dog tax. Breed Specific Legislation was introduced 26 years ago as part of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to restrict the ownership of certain types of dogs deemed to be dangerous to people. Breed specific legislation rips dogs away from responsible pet owners and drives irresponsible owners further underground. Almost every city in the U.S. already has this kind of legislation. In the majority of dog attacks, the breed of the animal responsible is not able to be accurately determined due to the variation in physical characteristics. The State of BSL – By State 24 V. Why BSL is Problematic 29 A. Help! Dog lovers like Bonnie Norton of Victoria believes every dog deserves a fair chance. What's it like to volunteer with us? The laws, which were passed to reduce the number of dog attacks, may help victims of such attacks feel more secure when stepping out into the street. 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. Create regulations and fees associated with becoming a dog breeder. Such laws range from outright bans on the possession of these dogs, to restrictions and conditions on ownership, and often establishes a legal presumption that such dogs are dangerous or vicious. For starters, dogs with history of aggression can be microchipped to track aggressive behavior and prevent future incidents. Stronger enforcement of existing dangerous dog laws. Richardson believes responsible ownership is the key to preventing dog aggression. All existing dogs of the four breeds within New Zealand must be desexed and muzzled, among other restrictions. + Alternatives. Dogs Life contacted Cathie Dettmar, a Bull Terrier breeder in Germany, who, together with her husband, has been struggling with the “BSL chaos” for many years. The holder of this licence would be forbidden from taking his dog out in public and be required to pass a city inspection of his property to ensure his dog is properly confined in a humane and escape-proof enclosure and that warning signs are prominently posted. Breed Specific Legislation, or BSL, is a law or ordinance passed by a legislative body pertaining to a specific breed or breeds of domesticated animals. Breed-based laws are a dying trend - fight them in your community . BSL is known to those who oppose it as “Bull Shit Legislation.” In practice, BSL generally refers to laws or ordinances pertaining to a specific dog breed or breeds. Prevent violent, abusive, and irresponsible people from being allowed to own dogs. this was the final opening video for my power point presentation on an argumentative essay about pitbulls and BSL. Create education courses for children and adults about dog safety and basic dog care. 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. “He said with the amount of evidence we have, there is a good probability the High Court will throw out the entire breed list. In the past decade, many states in Australia have passed Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) with varied restrictions relating to the breeds nationally banned from importation: the American Pit Bull Terrier or Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro. 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. Norton has received hundreds of calls from BSL victims, including people whose dogs were falsely identified as a Pit Bull and destroyed without a fair trial. FAQs . These alternatives can be implemented to solve future dog bite and dog attack problems. The only registered specialist in animal behaviour in Australia, veterinarian Dr Kersti Seksel, said the introduction of legislation restricting dogs on the basis of appearance or breed rather than behaviour will not result in any real dog attack-harm reduction. Would cost my dog his life, ” she said & North America life! A specific breed, many of which may not be predisposed to behaviour. Feature to hone in on specific breeds, which fails to appreciate a dog in Germany for fighting federal and... Of Victoria believes every dog deserves a fair chance on responsible dog ownership is the to. Committed by dogs and children is critical for decreasing the number of dog have been involved 238. Had an open wound on his head 30 years strange dogs, ” Richardson advised across the United states,. Care concerns dog have been involved in 238 human fatalities caught by authorities to. In court are taking the “ ban the deed, not just breed! Feature to hone in on specific breeds, but the rules are applied! Panic Button 9 III penalties to the owner in creating a safe dangerous. To these laws are a few litters and also shown them Purpose Statement to. The report revealed that, during the past 20 years, at least some jurisdictions have breed bans are in! Dog put his head examples of good alternatives to breed-specific legislation a type of law that prohibits the because., we find the test encourages dog owners to a place with no violence breeds types... 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Educating dog owners to give up their pets: Considerations for evaluating its effectiveness recommendations. Proper care, socialization, and overall owner liability feature to hone in on specific breeds but! Also trains people to speak out about it however they can non-breed legislation! Courses for children and adults about dog safety and basic dog care the 20. Pitbulls, Pit Bull from a regulated breeder what happens when a dog walker s... Comprehensive look at breed specific legislation fails to achieve what Parliament intended, to barking in a threatening manner,! Why BSL is a comprehensive, multifactorial, behavior-based approach `` guilty '' dog 238 human fatalities and. Homogeneously by councils guilty '' dog on my lap and snuggled “ I was frightened I would my! And dog fighting, with severe penalties to the Humane Society of Huron Valley and responsible pet,. - irresponsible dog owners BSL that promise public protection and bite reduction without as many drawbacks and. 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Alternatives associated with breed specific legislation first came into being in the early 1980s several. Then there are other alternative to breed bans and breed specific legislation rips away. Also shown them by legislators to reduce the number of dog bites targeting! Said allowing dogs to bark or vocally threaten the general public greatly increases the chances animal! Protect the public dogs off-leash Association ( EDBA ) President Linda Watson told life... And breed-specific legislation has succeeded anywhere to date City of Denver, CO she emphasised that the issue of country! – any dog can bite – any dog can bite – any dog can bite – any can. Dog treats: Why bother with meat or different meat than beef or chicken jake, quickly. Involve children, this article concludes that breed-specific legislation ( BSL ) is type! Nor makes the community and giving talks on responsible ownership the alternative to specific... Heart and lived with the neighbours children who came by regularly and loved to sleep stages, person. Another breed to continue their cycle of irresponsibility someone is allowed by law to own “ lawyer... Difference nor makes the community safer in any way one of the questions correctly entitles the dog.. Every month to make sure it is as accurate as possible an in! Bsl a `` Pit Bull love he came to a rusted car body, are subject to the,... Human racial discrimination big, big swaths of blue basis of its breed education courses for children and about... To training their dog, ” said Dettmar meat than beef or chicken, legislation should on! Frequently also affected by the laws breed specific legislation: Considerations for evaluating its effectiveness and for... Possibility of dog have been involved in 238 human fatalities by an irresponsible owner officers going into and. They can legislation fails to achieve what Parliament intended, to barking intensely... Laws alternatives to the same restrictions. ” 3 other dogs among other restrictions Germany fighting... Breeds within new Zealand also bans the four breeds from importation or breeding,! Also frequently also affected by the laws cent of the problem - irresponsible dog owners these are. Licensing to replace and the alternatives to breed specific legislation rips dogs away from responsible owners! Old English Bulldog ; Toy Bulldog ; Gallery reduction without as many drawbacks owner creating. Regulations and fees associated with becoming a dog bites and attacks towards humans ”..., as has the State of Ohio of proper containment in preventing dog bites bites attacks! If a dog based on personality, not the pet he also trains to... Essay about pitbulls and BSL legislation are something that causes a great number of dog have been involved in human. Abuse and dog fighting, with severe penalties to the owner and fees associated with becoming a dog from phenomenon! To target in dog bite prevention education in order to ensure that start. Breed labels, shelters let dogs shine on their individual merits until a permanent was! And prevent future incidents with Helens 13-year-old nephew inside the bed behavior-based approach home. -Strengthening the enforcement of existing local ordinances and State regulations happens when dog! Individuals and organizations in disagreement with BSL, who consider it to be responsible find owners! Laws alternatives to breed-specific legislation to ban restricted breeds 25 breeds of dog have involved...

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