Why bsl is ineffective

It is very difficult to find reliable literature in field of animal behavior that supports the idea that aggression is highly dependent on breed and that BSL properly addresses violent dog-human interactions.

Not only is supporting research for BSL questionable, but evaluations of BSL almost exclusively reveal a lack of efficacy in actually preventing violent dog-human interactions. Similarly, the study by Dr.

Ott et al in Lower Saxony revealed that temperament tests of legislated breeds and golden retrievers showed no significant difference. This finding actually resulted in the repeal of the legislation in question.

Media relations Press releases Leadership bios Media guide Media contacts. Contact Contact us Media contacts. Site search. Why Breed-specific Legislation Is not the Answer. The AVMA is opposed to breed-specific legislation. Any dog can bite According to the U. The problem with breed-specific legislation AVMA's Policy on Dangerous Animal Legislation states: "The AVMA supports dangerous animal legislation by state, county, or municipal governments provided that legislation does not refer to specific breeds or classes of animals.

This is because: The breed of a biting dog is often not known or is reported inaccurately. The actual number of bites that occur in a community is not known, especially if they don't result in serious injury. The number of dogs of a particular breed or combination of breeds in a community is not known because it is rare for all dogs in a community to be licensed. Statistics often do not consider multiple incidents caused by a single animal.

Breed popularity changes over time, making comparison of breed-specific bite rates unreliable. However a review of the research that attempts to quantify the relation between breed and bite risk finds the connection to be weak or absent, while responsible ownership variables such as socialization, neutering and proper containment of dogs are much more strongly indicated as important risk factors.

A better solution to dog bite prevention Animal control and legislative approaches to protecting a community from dangerous dogs should not be based on breed, but instead on promoting responsible pet ownership and developing methods to rapidly identify and respond to owners whose dogs present an actual risk.

The AVMA recommends the following strategies for dog bite prevention: Enforcement of generic, non-breed-specific dangerous dog laws, with an emphasis on chronically irresponsible owners Enforcement of animal control ordinances such as leash laws, by trained animal care and control officers Prohibition of dog fighting Encouraging neutering for dogs not intended for breeding School-based and adult education programs that teach pet selection strategies , pet care and responsibility, and bite prevention AVMA's report A Community Approach to Dog Bite Prevention PDF highlights tangible steps that veterinarians can take alongside state and local leaders to implement effective dog bite prevention programs in their community.

Missing the mark by targeting pit bull terriers Effective public lawyers counsel their clients to make decisions based on research and valid statistics, not emotion. The results are telling: On Aug.

Police officers arrived at the scene, and the dog was shot after charging the officers. This incident was reported in one article and only in the local paper On Aug. This attack was reported two times by the local paper. On Aug. This attack was reported in one article and only in the local paper. She was hospitalized with severe injuries. Her dog was not injured.

Back to top 3. According to Delise, now with the National Canine Research Council , the fatal dog attacks that occurred in the United States in had these commonalities: 97 percent of the owners did not neuter or spay their dogs. In lieu of drafting costly breed discriminatory laws, public lawyers must decide if legislation targeting the aforementioned factors would be more effective.

Back to top 4. Restrict reckless owners from harboring dogs It makes sense to restrict or even ban reckless owners from owning a dog — any breed of dog — because any dog can bite.

Back to top 5. Encourage a community-policing approach to animal control Since Calgary, Alberta, enacted and enforced a new aggressive-dog ordinance, the city has experienced a 56 percent decline in aggressive-dog incidents and a 21 percent decline in biting incidents in just two years. Eliminate chaining dogs, an attractive nuisance According to Delise, 25 percent of all fatal attacks since the s have been inflicted by chained dogs.

Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter , prohibits dogs from being tied up, chained or tethered under any of the following conditions: Between the hours of 10 p. Within feet of school property. When the temperature is below 32 degrees.

When a heat advisory or ozone alert has been issued When a pinch, choke or improperly fitting nylon collar is used. New survey data released by the ASPCA underscores the importance of planning for pets ahead of disasters such as flooding, winter storms, tornadoes, and wildfires.

Close Close. You are exploring. Are Breed-Specific Laws Effective? More Sharing Options. Dealing with Reckless Owners and Dangerous Dogs in Your Community Dogs permitted by their owners to run loose, and dogs who attack people or other animals, are real and often serious problems in communities across the country; but how to best address dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs can be a confusing and touchy issue.

What's Wrong with Breed-Specific Laws? Such actions have implications both for public safety and the health of these dogs.