Pit Bull Rescue Central, longtime well-respected online community advocates, claim when breeds are singled out, the responsibility is removed from the dog owner which is where it belongs. Historically, these offenders escape punishment and simply switch to another breed.
Sound solutions to outright bans are listed on the Stop BSL site such as containment laws. A leashed or crated dog doesn't break the law. This site is chock full of safety education tips with a reference to the Australian Cornwall/Chapman study controlled trial to prevent dog bites in children.
Imagine sitting at the dinner table when a knock sounds on the door. A representative from the local animal care and control asks to see your dog. Maybe your hound is a mixed breed with that telltale wedge head or a white blaze across his chest. He's never committed a more serious felony than drooling while you try to eat. The animal control officer apologizes and informs you he must confiscate your pet. Why? Because he resembles a pit bull and a ban has just been passed in your town.
Sound crazy? Maybe so, but this happened to over 3400 dogs in Denver, Colorado. These dogs were all taken from their homes and died alone at the hands of strangers.
Congress, breed specific legislators, dog owners and pit bull advocates all agree about one thing....something needs to be done. However, that something should not be enforcing a pit bull ban which only hurts the innocent. Communities should come together on a common ground and promote education and training, spay/neuter programs and breeding regulation of all animals.
Texas is one of the few states in which BSL is not legal. We have an opportunity as citizens and as a nation to work together and effect change rather than react impulsively and out of fear.
Merry Christmas everybody....and their dogs!
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