Ending Breed-Specific Laws One at a Time
Yes, you read that correctly! A couple of weeks ago, the City of Montreal had passed a ban on Pit Bulls and Pit Bull-type breeds, which the Montreal SPCA challenged. During the first appeal hearing last week, the judge temporarily suspended the ruling and ultimately overturned the Pit Bull breed ban. While this is fantastic news, breed-specific legislation (BSL) is still happening around the world. It’s our job to stop BSL laws from discriminating against dogs.
Breed-Specific Legislation Still Exists
As of 2016, a large chunk of breed-specific legislation has been overturned. The main reason BSL legislation is being overturned is because of new dog bite incident data and organizations challenging these laws. However, as we saw with Montreal a couple of weeks ago, breed-specific legislation can still rear its ugly head in towns and cities everywhere.
For the most up-to-date information, check out this US map showing current and overturned breed-specific legislation. Zoom in as certain cities have breed-specific laws and others do not.
How to Stop BSL Today
When we band together, anything is possible. Silence is the enemy. Dog lovers must stick together and voice their opinions for voiceless dogs everywhere. We’ve just witnessed what voicing our opinions can do in Montreal!
Attend City Councils
If breed-specific laws are proposed in your area, attend city council meetings and voice your opinion. Unfortunately, many pet owners are unaware of proposed laws or regulations until they’re passed. Proposing and passing laws, regulations and ordinances vary by state and county, so contact your local city council for meeting dates to stay informed. You can also find city council meeting dates online.
Read the Anti-BSL Community Kit
Now, it can be intimidating to speak in front of city council members, especially if it’s your first time. You’ll need to prepare first, so I recommend reading this anti-BSL community kit. This kit provides valuable information and tips on presenting to your city council. If you feel overwhelmed, you can certainly reach out to your local SPCA or national anti-BSL organization.
Join Anti-BSL Organizations
If breed-specific legislation doesn’t exist or has been overturned in your area, you’re lucky! However, breed-specific laws continue to pop up everywhere, so your assistance is certainly needed. Join national and state anti-BSL organizations. They rely on volunteers and can certainly use your help.
Educate Others
When breed stereotypes worm their way into your conversation with someone, politely explain that all dogs can bite. Most pet owners know breed-specific legislation is wrong, but many non-pet owners believe certain dog breeds are dangerous.
It’s so important that our dogs have a voice, so speak up for them and point those who are misinformed to real dog bite data. Also, send them the position statement by the Center of Disease Control (CDC) and President Obama’s statement against BSL. Explain that certain dog breeds are banned solely because of their appearance. Yet, data proves breed-specific legislation won’t decrease dog bite occurrences. The more we know, the better we’ll do.
Please speak for our voiceless dogs. They need you! Montreal was a victory, so let’s continue to give our dogs a voice!