What is Breed-Specific
Legislation?
Breed-specific legislation, or BSL, includes laws that target certain dog
breeds for supposedly being dangerous. Pit bulls and pit bull types are usually
the breeds affected by BLS, which can comprise of laws either banning or
regulating breeds.
Bans on pit bulls make it illegal to breed, house, train, own,
harbor or import individuals of the breed in any specific area. Owners may be
permitted to keep an existing animal as long as they adhere to strict
laws. These laws may include, but are not limited to, mandatory
spaying/neutering, the obligatory use of a muzzle and/or leash in public,
keeping dogs in kennels or even expensive liability insurance.
Regulation laws make owning a specific breed extremely difficult. This type of law may prohibit people of certain ages from owning a breed. It may also require owners to comply with the same restrictions as stated previously with ban laws.
Regulation laws make owning a specific breed extremely difficult. This type of law may prohibit people of certain ages from owning a breed. It may also require owners to comply with the same restrictions as stated previously with ban laws.
Has
BLS ever existed in the United States?
In 1989, Denver passed ban legislation on pit bulls within the city limits. Any
dogs resembling a pit bull were carted away from owners as well as off the
streets and put in shelters to await euthanasia. Owners across the city
experienced panic, and many attempted to send their beloved pets to relatives in
other states via a system similar to the Underground Railroad. Since the ban, an estimated 6,000 dogs have been
destroyed. Although the ban has been challenged with severe backlash, it still
exists to this day.
 |
| GRAPHIC- Pit bulls destroyed by Denver's breed ban |
Residents of Manly, Iowa received
a letter in November 2012 informing them that they had ten days to remove their “dangerous”
animals from the city limits. Owners were faced with the heartbreaking decision
whether or not to remove a beloved family member.
Other states, such as Texas and
Oregon, have attempted to ban pit bulls or regulate ownership and failed.
Why is BLS wrong?
In my opinion, BLS is wrong because it persecutes and discriminates against
the bully breeds and violates amendments under the Bill of Rights.
BLS reflects the fears of people uneducated about the breeds because both
the legislation and people against bully breeds unfairly characterize all bully
breeds as violent, aggressive fighting dogs. This is incredibly unfair because
bad owners make bad dogs, no matter what the breed of animal. A Golden
Retriever that is trained to fight and kill from birth will do so, as will a
Boxer or a pit bull. BLS does not recognize this and instead chooses to punish
a type of animal based on its looks and breed history as a fighter.
The 8th amendment of the U.S. Bill of Rights states:
“Excessive
bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual
punishments inflicted.”
BLS violates this amendment by punishing innocent dog owners for owning a
pit bull or pit bull look-a-like. The seizure and destruction of personal
property, particularly when no wrong has been committed, may be defined as cruel
and unusual punishment.
The 14th amendment of the U.S. Bill of Rights states:
“[N]or shall
any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property.”
BLS also violates this amendment by
removing property possessed by law-abiding citizens.
Pit bull owners should be punished for the deed of dog-fighting, but pit bulls should not be killed based on looks and stereotypes!
Where can I learn more?
Stop BSL provides up-to-date
information on BLS and direction about how to stop it.
The ASPCA and The Humane Society of the United States also provide great information about BLS.
"Overcoming the Reputation - Photos of Pit Bulls and Children." Photograph. dogguide.net, 9 May 2008. Web. 12 Sept. 2014.
"Punish the Deed NOT the Breed." Photograph. examiner.com, 25 Oct. 2011. Web. 12 Sept. 2014.
No comments:
Post a Comment