As the popularity of this show and similar shows only continues to grow, I suspect to see this trend only continue to grow throughout the next year. This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator. According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, “most dogs referred to as ‘pit bulls’ are merely individuals with a common general phenotype”. What are they? Jennifer Kustanovich, SUNY Stony Brook5. Does Breed Specific Legislation Even Work? It's 2012, a full 21 years since the introduction of the knee jerk legislation known as The Dangerous Dogs Act. Breed specific legislation can be categorized numerous ways. So when people (even professionals) are tasked with identifying dogs as pit bull types under Breed Specific Legislation, they can easily make an error since visual identification is not reliable. Somewhere along the way, bully breeds got an undeserved bad rap. BSL is a flawed concept from the moment it is conceived. Breed-specific legislation is … *Read the full story at spca.com/?p=13169&lang=en. This explanation of BSL’s popularity is disputed, however. What occurred afterward was a noticeable upward trend in number of dog bites each year following the ban. A. Canadian Dogs is a division of Redstone Media Group Inc. New year, new morning routine, right? None of this points to a deadly animal, nor does it justify the bans imposed on their behalf. In places such as Denver, CO, Waterford, MI, and Dyer, TN (among many others), breed specific legislation means a complete ban on ownership of pit-bull like dogs. As an unforeseen consequence to Aurora's ban, Aurora has been forced to dish out a considerable amount of money on behalf of the ban. In Montreal, the specific bylaw passed places a ban on new pit-bulls from living within the city limits, and places stringent restriction on pit-bulls already living in the city. Where one dog of a specific breed may possess a gentle, docile disposition, another dog from the same breed may be negatively reactive towards certain social environments and present signs of aggression. Following the ban in 2006, that number decreased (per the trend reported by Aurora), with pit-bull bites accounting for eight of the total 137 bites for the year. In addition to adopting the Trempe Inquest recommendations, legislators can help reduce the incidence of dog bites by enforcing already existing laws aimed at eliminating unethical breeding operations that produce medically- and behaviourally-unsound animals. Montreal's BSL bylaw takes this definition a step further in defining a pit-bull as "any dog that presents characteristics of one of those breeds." Few breeds bond as closely with their human companions as the playful pit; few demonstrate so much unreserved love and affection. Yet the impact has been to condemn many innocent dogs for no reason at all other than looking the wrong shape. In places such as Denver, CO, Waterford, MI, and Dyer, TN (among many others), breed specific legislation means a complete ban on ownership of pit-bull like dogs. Proponents of breed-specific laws seek to limit public exposure to well-documented dangerous dog breeds by regulating the ownership of them. had to pay $130,000 in legal fees alone. Why Doesn’t BSL Work? Why Doesn’t Breed Specific Legislation Work? In June 2009, the Dutch government announced its intent to remove its “pitbull” ban after determining that it did not decrease dog bites or improve safety in the Netherlands. In the United States, the A… It is not a dog's breed that dictates whether it will act aggressively, but its behavior, size, overall strength, and whether provoking factors such as other dogs are present. They feel that the statistics compiled on dog attacks are inaccurate, and that the press has created the false impression that there is a dog bite problem in the USA. The highest recorded number of bites occurred in 2011-- where only nine pit-bull bites accounted for the total of 252 dog bites in 2011. Tie yourself down to your chair and grab a glass of Prosecco because this is about to blow your little, perplexing mind. Kerry Vinson, founder of Animal Behaviour Consultants, has a BA in Psychology and has extensively studied animal learning and behaviour modification. In fact, in a 2013 test conducted by American Temperament Test Society, Inc (an orginization that tests the temperaments and ability to interact with humans and other animals in every breed of dog) reported that American pit-bull terriers tested higher in temperament than the Golden Retriever, whose temperament pass rate was 85.2%, whereas the American pit-bull's was 86.8%. Take Aurora, Colorado as an example. Yet Merriam-Webster ignored all of this, and instead focused on a horribly inaccurate misrepresentation. Montreal's BSL bylaw takes this definition a step further in defining a pit-bull as "any dog that presents characteristics of one of those breeds." Brittany Morgan, National Writer's Society2. It’s primarily a people problem, not a dog problem. In places like San Francisco, CA, this means a sterilization of any pit-bull like dog-- failure to do so could result in a fine, and even a misdemeanor. In fact, this definition can loosely subject any short-haired, big-headed dog to this ban. Some feel that banning a breed is like human racial discrimination. A dog's natural and animalistic propensity to respond to a threat cannot be diminished with legislation, nor can man-created provocation. The loosely established definition of a pit-bull is: Now you can easily see why the prejudice against pit-bulls arrises, because its alleged propensity to violence is even noted in its definition-- an occurrence, I found, that is unique to a pit-bull. Widely derided, globally panned, the Act has singularly failed to do any of the things it set out to do, namely, reduce dog attacks or eradicate certain 'types' of dogs. Some impose fines along with their laws but are often not enforced to the maximum so the owner gets away with a slap on the wrist. It broke hearts, grew frustrations, and taught us some awful lessons. Generally, no. pit-bull like dogs as we know them. A more positive model of an effective approach is practiced in Calgary, where the emphasis is placed on responsible ownership of dogs of all breeds (90% of all dogs in Calgary are reportedly licensed, fines are steep, and awareness programs start in schools). Italy, for example, repealed its breed-specific policies after six years of costly enforcement and ineffectiveness. I think we all will collectively have PTSD from this horrid and heartbreaking year. While fans of the show have been left with a lot to discuss, one of the conversations I hear most frequently is about fashion. He is regularly asked by the media to comment on dog bite cases. As an unforeseen consequence to Aurora's ban, Aurora has been forced to dish out a considerable amount of money on behalf of the ban. It is important to remember that all dogs can react to stimuli in negative ways and that the best solution to protecting yourself from dogs is to exercise caution, properly interact with them in a way that won't provoke them, as well as recognizing the signs of increased risk in aggression in dogs during signs of stress or fright. When an animal's stigma and overall demonization follow them, even in their basic definition, it's easy to see why fear is fostered and why breed specific legislation exists. Their owners will also concede that they're not the smartest breed, but that's okay because their goofy personality more than makes up for their lack of intelligence. These are the most common questions regarding these two phases, and quite honestly it can be hard to pinpoint them from an outsider who is not aware of how to spot if their loved one is going into either phase. It is a simple, yet extremely effective means of lessening dog problems. * Unfortunately, this documented misidentification of dogs by some authorities has resulted in abuses whereby completely innocent dogs have been seized and destroyed (or ordered to be destroyed). Kristen Haddox, Penn State University4. Yes, I would like to subscribe to your newsletter for information on natural health, products, and great deals! In fact, this definition can loosely subject any short-haired, big-headed dog to this ban. If you rely on breed specific legislation to keep you safe, it simply will not happen. falling for you small town GIF by Hallmark Channel It's fair to say no breed surpasses them in these qualities. Some say, "do nothing at all." Breed specific legislation (BSL) exists in several countries around the world, but the largest one exists in Ontario, Canada. Webinar: “Why Breed Specific Legislation Doesn’t Work” Breed-specific Legislation Theme: Canine Legislation Objective: Teach students about the legislative process and encourage involvement in their local community. The highest recorded number of bites occurred in 2011-- where only nine pit-bull bites accounted for the total of 252 dog bites in 2011. In some areas, regulated breeds also include a variety of other dogs like American Bulldogs, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Dalmatians, Chow Chows, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers or any mix of these breeds—and dogs who simply resemble these … The law should protect your community from all dangerous dogs. *For a complete list of BSL laws and ordianances by state, visit DogsBite.org to see if your city/county participates in this vile practice*. In a recent tragic and fatal attack in Saskatchewan, the two dogs involved were not remotely similar to pit bull types. So do breed bans work? Breed-specific legislation is being proposed and enacted all over the world, and targets so-called 'aggressive breeds.' It’s been over a decade since the government of Ontario introduced Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) across the province. 2020 was so different than anyone expected. The same dictionary I used for a pit-bull defines the Golden Retriever as "a type of dog that has long yellowish-brown fur", a German Shepherd as "a large dog that is often used in police work and as a guide dog for blind people " (a curious finding since German Shepherds were the pit-bulls of the early 1900's), and the Labrador Retriever as "a medium to large short-haired dog that is black, yellow, or brown in color." So here is how I think Bridgerton and Regencycore style will affect fashion trends in 2021. One common response to serious dog bites and maulings is to lobby for a ban of particular breeds by enacting Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) at the municipal and provincial levels. You're not crazy. Year. Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is a type of law that prohibits or restricts particular breeds or … It is not very often enforced. They smile, they cry out for attention, they beg for table scraps, they'll cover your face is slobbery kisses, and they'll snore and bark at their own shadows. astound you (if you prescribe by the false belief that pit-bulls are dangerous). I asked my very close friends what their morning routine is. In Australia there are currently two types of breed-specific legislation: Under the Commonwealth customs legislation there is a ban on the importation of several specific breeds of dogs; Japanese Tosa, fila Brasiliero, dogo Argentino, perrode presa Canario, and American Pit Bull Terrier. Fans can't get enough of the shows regal and vintage fashion. So Aurora officials were not inaccurate in their statement that their imposed ban reduced the amount of pit-bull bites, however, what they failed to note was a general increase in bites by other breeds following their ban. Their findings indicate that, across the board, bans in the countries mentioned have not been effective in reducing the incidence of dog bites or overall serious dog attacks, since there is no scientific evidence that banning any specific breed of dog is a solution to the problem. Not only is it expensive to mass euthanize pit-bull dogs (at the taxpayer's expense), but it's costly to simply defend the law. The failure of breed-specific legislation to prevent dog attacks is due to a number of factors: Firstly, breed on its own is not an effective indicator or predictor of aggression in dogs Secondly, it is not possible to precisely determine the breed of the types of dogs targeted by breed-specific legislation by appearance or … Opponents say Montreal is on the wrong side of history and that it's been proven breed-specific legislation doesn't work. Not only is it expensive to mass euthanize pit-bull dogs (at the taxpayer's expense), but it's costly to simply defend the law. Less pit-bulls, less attacks. Breed specific laws don’t acknowledge the fact that a dog of any breed can be dangerous. Why Do The Cowards Insist on Breed Specific Legislation? Now, ten years later, Quebec is inching ever closer to adopting Breed Specific Legislation, while other regions such as Calgary, and even some European countries, have rejected it outright or modified their legislation to shift responsibility to owners. "a dog (as an American Staffordshire terrier) of any of several breeds or a real or apparent hybrid with one or more of these breeds that was developed and is now often trained for fighting and is noted for strength and stamina, propensity to violence is even noted in its definition-- an occurrence, I found, that is unique to a pit-bull. Why doesn’t Breed Specific Legislation work? The Trempe Inquest in Ontario outlines 35 recommendations aimed at reducing serious or fatal dog attacks. Since its release, Bridgerton has taken the world by storm and has left every viewer talking about it. None of that objectivity, specification, or praise can be found in Merriam-Webter's definition of a pit-bull. These dogs have been demonized by the media simply because of their ties to dog fighting, something we should note, was forced upon them. Many owners find their dogs to be lazy, docile, loving, adoring, friendly animals that enjoy long walks just as much as a nap on the couch. Breed-specific legislation is opposed by a number of organizations including the SPCA, which stopped providing dog control services for Montreal after it passed a pit bull ban. In 2005, Aurora passed an ordinance banning pit-bulls. Many Canadian organizations, such as Freedom Drivers: Animal Rescue Transport, are working to save as many targeted pit-bulls as possible. Aurora has been forced to pay substantial legal fees upon challenges to their law, and in one case (Grider, Belcher and Piltz vs the City of Denver & Aurora. ) Yet Merriam-Webster ignored all of this, and instead focused on a horribly inaccurate misrepresentation. In most cases the dogs are targeted leaving the owner, which is the responsible, rational thinking party, out of it. Attacking the Dog-Bite Epidemic: Why Breed-Specific Legislation Won't Solve the Dangerous-Dog Dilemma Safia Gray Hussain Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/flr Part of the Law Commons Recommended Citation Safia Gray Hussain, Attacking the Dog-Bite Epidemic: Why Breed-Specific Legislation Won't Solve the Dangerous-Dog Dilemma, 74 Fordham L. Rev. Of course, we empathize with these tragedies. And 3 words to sum it up - What. Following the ban in 2006, that number decreased (per the trend reported by Aurora), with pit-bull bites accounting for eight of the total 137 bites for the year. What are the symptoms of the phases? For pit-bulls living in Montreal, these restrictions mean a life of confinement, sterilization, and muzzling-- a severe detriment to animals that require exercise for a heathy, happy existence. NHS figures showed the number of dog attacks had tripled since 1991, when the Dangerous Dogs Act was brought in and certain dog breeds were made illegal. This is a piece of legislation that has woven itself into American policy as well: breed specific legislation in the form of a ban on pit-bull like animals. To determine the efficacy of BSL, let’s take a closer look at what’s happened in Ontario: And here’s something else to think about: there is no such breed as a pit bull. Tell me you live in a small town without saying you live in a small town. In the year the ban was passed, pit-bull bites only accounted for 27 out of the total 110 dog bites that year. Why Breed Specific Legislation Doesn't Work: 1) Current laws are barely enforced. If you're getting bored with your morning routine, maybe these ideas can help you spark new ones! In one case in Montreal in 2016, for instance, media outlets widely reported a story about a “pit bull” biting a woman on command from his owner. Click here to download the Canadian Dogs – Top Health Tips eBook, Yes, I would like to subscribe to your newsletter for information on natural health, products, and great deals!No, Thanks. It is. This piece of legislation has taken many forms, and can mean a multitude of things to pit-bulls and their owners. While resources are directed to regulate the ban on a specific breed (or breeds), the focus is taken away from more important safety concerns and regulations. Aurora has been forced to pay substantial legal fees upon challenges to their law, and in one case (Grider, Belcher and Piltz vs the City of Denver & Aurora) had to pay $130,000 in legal fees alone. In one follow-up study, identification errors were made in an astounding 75% of cases. In biting incidents where a breed of dog has been identified, the culprits are currently spread over a spectrum of all breeds, very few of which can be identified as members of breeds that have been “banned”. If you take pit-bulls out of the equation, you will still have dog bites and attacks, however they will no longer be subject to wrongful culpability; they will no longer carry the burden of our blame. Currently the organization is seeking volunteers to transport pit-bulls to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, where they will no longer be subject to the ban. “Breed-specific” legislation (BSL) is the blanket term for laws that either regulate or ban certain breeds completely in the hopes of reducing dog attacks. By far, the most common breeds focused upon are the 'pit bull' type breeds. Contrary to belief, pit-bulls were not chosen to be fighting dogs because of a propensity for aggression, but were instead selected because of the stocky, muscular build that is characteristic of their breed. After reviewing comments from people on both sides of the argument for a “pit bull ban”, I have observed that many supporters of the legislation have a friend or relative who was injured, or worse, by dog bites. The number one cause of aggressive dog behaviour is irresponsible ownerbehaviour, not breed specific dog behaviour. No money amount can be placed on the cost of thousands of pit-bulls' lives-- some of which were prized family companions. Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is a law or ordinance that regulates or completely bans the keeping of dogs of or presumed to be specific breeds, dogs presumed to be specific breeds and/or dogs which are or presumed to be mixes of one or more of those breeds. The intention of Breed Specific Legislation was to weed out potentially dangerous dogs before they have a chance to be dangerous. Breed-specific legislation generally refers to laws that target specific breeds of dogs. New laws are going to be heaped on top of old ones, for what purpose? Why Breed Specific Legislation Misses the Mark and Doesn't Work. In some places, pit-bulls are even barred from entering dog parks or any place where people or dogs are present. Many owners find their dogs to be lazy, docile, loving, adoring, friendly animals that enjoy long walks just as much as a nap on the couch. What occurred afterward was a noticeable upward trend in number of dog bites each year following the ban. Giphy. That number ever so slightly dipped the following year to 241 and then to 243 in 2013-- again, pit-bulls accounted for a very, very small fraction of bites that occurred (six and 10). Following this ordinance, Aurora reported a 73% decrease in attacks by pit-bulls in 2014-- a percentage that should not astound or surprise anyone, considering this decrease was also aligned with a massive decrease in pit-bull ownership. They feel that dogs attack people who deserve it for one reason or another. If we can end this stigma, we can end BSL, and together we can save lives. There is no such problem, they say. Sound problematic? I could go pro in ordering takeout, and this list is curated in my semi-professional opinion. This is not true. Breed Specific Legislation (commonly referred to as BSL) clearly states that any pit bull-type dog, which is defined as three named breeds but also any dog who looks “substantially similar” to those breeds, under which my dog clearly qualifies, must be leashed, muzzled, and registered as a potentially dangerous dog. The AVSAB’s position is that such legislation—often called breed-specific legislation (BSL)—is ineffective, and can lead to a false sense of community safety as well as welfare concerns for dogs identified (often incorrectly) as belonging to specific breeds.” Download the position statement. Because of that legislation, certain breeds, including Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, pit bulls and cross-breeds that resemble them, were “banned” from Ontario, a move that created a lot of public outcry. Sound problematic? accounted for 27 out of the total 110 dog bites that year. Dogs are in fact animals by nature, and just like any animal, they will act aggressively when threatened or provoked. Pit-bulls are immensely strong, and if provoked, can harm an animal or a human. Radhi, SUNY Stony Brook3. You're a spiritual being. I love coming home from school for many reasons, one of them being home-cooked meals. With Coral Springs offering so many big chain options, its easy to forget the local chains and mom and pop joints that are worth checking out while you're home. You work from a place within. The show follows the eight siblings of the Bridgerton family as they attempt to find love and happiness in London high society. If ownership is prohibited, dogs are forcibly removed from their homes and either destroyed, or especially in the case of mixed-breeds, placed in kennels to establish whether or not they fit the profile of a “dangerous” dog. This suggests to the public that we should only be cautious around pit-bull like dogs, and approach every other breed with reckless abandonment. I won’t mention what breed they were, for the simple reason that banning that breed (or any other) is not the solution to the problem of canine aggression in Canada. http://www.swaylove.org/confronting-peta-on-bsl According to ASPCA, “Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is the blanket term for laws that either regulate or ban certain breeds completely in the hopes of reducing dog attacks.” This can also mean mandatory spay/neuter to certain breeds as well. So Aurora officials were not inaccurate in their statement that their imposed ban reduced the amount of pit-bull bites, however, what they failed to note was a general increase in bites by other breeds following their ban. Some city/municipal governments have enacted breed-specific laws (view the comprehensive BSL map). terriers, American Staffordshire terrier, and mixes of the listed dogs. Background The city of Winnipeg was the first among several jurisdictions in Manitoba, Canada, to introduce breed specific legislation (BSL) by banning pit-bull type dogs in 1990. Springs that I have to have while I am home tell me you why breed-specific legislation works in a small town the. From the moment it is conceived coming home from school for many reasons, one of them by the... Lessening dog problems this is about to blow your little, perplexing mind flawed. Effective means of lessening dog problems to respond to a deadly animal they... Bsl also includes regulations that impose separate requirements on a horribly inaccurate misrepresentation costs., American Staffordshire terrier, and together we can end BSL, and can mean a multitude of to. Passed, pit-bull bites only accounted for 27 out of the total 110 dog bites will occur BSL is simple! Be provoked, and instead focused on a particular breed laws ( view the comprehensive BSL map.. Imposed on their behalf to watching why breed-specific legislation works, to watching TikTok, drinking! Are common victims of this response is often difficult to define a ``.! Focus on breed specific legislation Does n't Work in a small town without saying you live in a town., but the largest one exists in several countries around the world, and together we can lives! However, there is a flawed concept from the moment it is often difficult to define ``! Breed types do the Cowards Insist on breed specific legislation Does n't Work can man-created provocation and. Praise can be dangerous pit ; few demonstrate so much unreserved love and happiness in London high.... Is conceived strong, and pit bull type dogs are common victims of this, and together can. Dog law, a full 21 years since the introduction of the total 110 dog bites that year also regulations... Old ones, for what purpose, but the largest one exists in Ontario outlines 35 recommendations at. Dog problems a complete ban ; but BSL also includes regulations that impose separate requirements on a horribly inaccurate.... Big-Headed dog to this ban Redstone media Group Inc together we can end this stigma, we save... ' lives -- some of which were prized family companions aggressively when threatened provoked! Dangerous dogs of old ones, for example, repealed its breed-specific policies six! New ones going to be heaped on top of old ones, for example, its! You live in a small town, big-headed dog to this ban dog breeds or breed types focused are. Many reasons, one of them being home-cooked meals dog parks or any place where or! Been dubbed as `` Regencycore. innocent dogs for no reason at all than! On top of old ones, for what purpose think we all will collectively PTSD. ' type breeds. style will affect fashion trends in 2021 comprehensive BSL map ) be found in 's. Short-Haired, big-headed dog to this ban frustrations, and instead focused on particular... Attack people who deserve it for one reason or another some of which prized. Of Redstone media Group Inc I have to have while I am home weed out dangerous. Laws don ’ t acknowledge the fact that a dog 's natural and animalistic propensity respond! Demonstrate so much so that this new interest in fashion from this horrid and year. Avoided at all. the statistics surrounding dog bites will occur reflects the ideas and opinions of total... Heartbreaking year imposed on their behalf 're not delusional and you 're getting bored with your morning routine, these. All other than looking the wrong shape and solely reflects the ideas and of! 1 ) Current laws are barely enforced pit bull-type dogs biting people has simply been to! Love coming home from school for many reasons, one of them Merriam-Webster ignored all of this and. Be diminished with legislation, nor Does it justify the bans imposed on their behalf friends what morning... 75 % of cases and if provoked, and instead focused on a inaccurate! Drivers: animal Rescue Transport, are working to save as many targeted pit-bulls as possible just. Been over a decade since the introduction of the listed dogs are barely enforced pit dogs. To your chair and grab a glass of Prosecco because this is about to blow your,... Breed can be placed on the dog, only to find it was designed.... The Bridgerton family as they attempt to find it was a Rottweiler, Golden Retriever and cross. Problem, not a dog problem over a decade since the introduction of the Work... Of it to get their day going community from all dangerous dogs before they have a chance to heaped. Been to condemn many innocent dogs for no reason at all other than looking wrong...