“Breed-specific” legislation (BSL) is, essentially, canine bigotry. More specifically, the term refers to regional laws that ban or regulate certain breeds of dog in the hopes of reducing attacks on humans.
Not only is BSL unjust, it just doesn’t work. Anywhere. And the stats prove it.
Because of this, many cities (and states and countries) have repealed their antiquated BSL laws over the years, but far too many cities and municipalities (including Denver and Miami) have them intact.
Legalized discrimination, much? These laws are based on nothing more than misconceptions, misinformation and fear.
So, here are ten facts about BSL, and what you can do to take action:
1. BSL Kills.
Because of these BSL (and widespread misinformation), pit bulls have almost no chance of survival in public shelters. In many regions, they’re killed immediately upon shelter admission, with no opportunity to find a new home. Their euthanasia rate, overall, hovers around a staggering 93 percent.
2. Dog Bite Fatalities are Extremely Rare.
Between 1999 and 2006, an average of 27 Americans died each year as a result of a dog attack, according to a Journal of the American Medical Association report. Meanwhile, estimates suggest an average of 40 to 50 Americans die each year from lightning strikes.
3. There’s No Evidence That Banning Breeds has Any Impact on Dog Bites.
Period.
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