Working to End BSL

In recent years I have found myself taking a side on a variety of polarizing topics, Pit Bulls and Breed Specific Legislation being two of those.  When Gus joined our family we didn't really know what a "Pit Bull" was, and really had no idea about the contention existing over the breed.  The rescue that he came from had him listed under another breed, a much less controversial one.  We hope that wouldn't have mattered.  Since gaining a better idea of who Gus really is we worry sometimes about what might happen if we should have to move some place that has BSL, or if BSL should come to our home.  We aren't going to give him up, no one has the right to enter our home and take a member of our family based only on what he looks like.
 
We understand the fear some people may have, but we know better.  The media has messed up on a lot of things and problems with alleged "pit bulls" are at the very least over reported in comparison to problems with other breeds.  We know that pit bulls are working in law enforcement, and as therapy dogs, and that many of them live out their lives quite peacefully in families with children young and old.  We know pit bulls with dog friends and cat friends.  We know that even among the Vick dogs, who were horribly mistreated and used for fighting other dogs there are many living happily with families including other dogs, and several are even certified therapy dogs.
 
I don't enjoy being in conflict with others, I am sorry for anyone who's had a negative experience with dogs, pit bulls or not, but I'm not willing to sit idly by and watch while such incredible violations are committed against innocent dogs and people, especially while nothing is done to address the real bad guys.  Dogs are social animals and have needs above food, shelter, and water, just like we do.  Dogs need socialization early in life to help them learn that other dogs and people are safe, they need training to learn how to behave in our society, they need social contact.  People, especially children, need to know how to interact safely with dogs.  Breed bans do nothing to address these issues.  They do nothing to make owners responsible, they do nothing to protect dogs or people, they include many dogs that pose no threat to anyone, and fail to include dogs that do.
 
Most dog related professional organizations in the United States oppose breed bans.  You can find more information here:
 
BSL Position Statements

Another great source of information is:

Best Friends Animal Society - How to Prevent Breed Discrimination in Your Community

and

Best Friends Animal Society - Pit Bulls: Saving America's Dog - Tools to Use
 This site has a wide variety of resources, including cost calculators for what it would cost your community to enact BSL, articles detailing where and why BSL has been ineffective in protecting people, and options  that do work.

To take just a small step toward doing my part I've created this postcard in support of ohmydogblog.com Campaign to End BSL: Operation Denver.  If you feel how we do, please take time to do the same.

The fact is and will remain that until we have individuals taking responsibility for things that individuals are responsible for dangerous dogs are not the only problem that we're going to continue to fail to address in this country.