BSL: Our thoughts
In light of recent events I feel it’s important to be transparent and open with my opinions on Breed Specific Legislation.
Many of my opinions align with the likes of the Dog Control Coalition
(Dogs trust | End BSL, Coalition responds to ban on XL Bullies) and Trevor Cooper ("Breed Specific Segislation has not worked", DogLaw: Dangerous Dogs Act), leading experts and advocates of animal welfare in the UK.
As a rescue worker, I have more experience with Breed Specific Legislation than most: whilst I do not see much of the human aspect, I do see those that are the most affected- the dogs.
Not having a breed, but a type that is determined by measurements is incredibly frustrating and upsetting. Even with some knowledge of what the criteria of a type is, this still does not soothe the hurt when you're looking at multiple 'Pit Bulls' and they look nothing alike.
Worse still, a majority of these dogs, deemed dangerous, have had the loveliest temperaments. A bitter pill to swallow when this counts for nothing (although with owned dogs a good temperament may see them through the exemption process).
Whilst I do agree that it is imperitive something is done regarding dog attacks and safeguarding the public and other animals, I am not in agreement that Breed Specific Legislation is that action. This is a short term, temporary, 'fix' to a long term problem.
There needs to be more done regarding poor breeding and ownership. Enforceable legislation that holds breeders accountable for their breeding practices; limits on breeding for profit, restrictions on in-breeding, investigations into lineages and selectively breeding for temperament and health. This needs to be taken seriously to ensure public safety; we already have breeding licenses, but how many breeders are actually audited and held accountable when they are breeding without one?
Education/assessments and licenses for dog owners, including how to accurately read dog body language, foundations for basic training, how to find a responsible breeder, and the needs and requirements for specific breeds of dog. If you are looking for companionship and a laid back, family pet, you do not need a working line malinois. Raising awareness and nurturing responsible ownership is going to be key. Irresponsible ownership combined with poor breeding practices is always bound to create behavioural problems in any dog.
Without these things in place, there is nothing to stop the cycle. Irresponsible owners will put their dogs into situations that result in bites, poor breeders will continue their practices and move on to create another breed. The XL Bully was the next Pit Bull, and more will follow whilst thousands of innocent dogs are put to sleep; all while not ensuring public safety.
The next few months are full of uncertainty. How many dogs, regardless of breed, will get categorised within the measurements of a type? Will the exemption process, and subsequent restrictions, be the same as the current legislation? What happens to all the dogs in rescue, fully assessed, ready to go home, that no one wants to take because of the changes? Are they doomed to wait until the implementation of the ban, to then be typed, and put to sleep? Only time will tell, but I hope we get some clarification soon.
In the coming weeks I will be posting some resources to help support muzzle training and understanding our dogs better in order to help people the best I can.
