Monday, July 4, 2011

BSL is Another form of Prejudice

This July 4th, I thought it would be fitting to talk about a possible infringement on freedom....


My mommy told me that there is something called BSL... Breed Specific Legislation that means that there are places where dogs like me and Lily are not allowed.


How can that be???


In the 70’s German Shepherds were the number one target of legislation, and in the 80's it became the Doberman.


The Ministry of Bermuda banned 23 breeds including Mastiffs, Dogue de Bor- deaux (Turner and Hooch), Bull Mastiffs, to name a few. 




Last summer, Italy passed bans and restrictions against 92 breeds. So if you’re in Italy and wish to walk your Corgi or Border Collie you will need to have them muzzled while in public!


I don't understand how a whole entire breed of dogs can be illegal - just for how they look??  Pit Bulls aren't even ONE breed... me and Lily look so much alike that people think we were litter mates, but we're not even technically the same breed!


It seems to me that the problem is certain owners, not whole breeds of dogs!  I go for walks on the weekend with a whole group of pit bulls..... we all love our mommies and daddies.... and we have a great time.  The only barking comes from other dogs in the park, while we pitties have a fun time.


The ASPCA calls them "breed discrimination laws" and I agree! (ASPCA View on BSL) 


Mommy read an article at the ASPCA site that said that most dog bites occur from intact males - regardless of breed.  So why aren't people encouraged to be more responsible with spay and neuter?  


Why are people not encouraged to go to classes with their dogs?  Me and Lily both go to school and we love it! We learn how to be well behaved, and we get to to show Mommy and Daddy and how good we are.  We learn in a class with other dogs, and we meet nice people along the way.


If you are interested in what you can do about BSL, check out some of the following sites:


Pit Bull Rescue Central
For the love of Petbulls
BadRap