Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Defending Dogs United in the Fight of our Dog's Lives ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.defendingdog.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Blog](https://www.defendingdog.com/blog/) ## Pages - [Home](https://www.defendingdog.com/) - Fight Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) Breed Specific Legislation or "BSL" is exactly what it sounds like...regulation of your right to own or, in many cases, not own, a dog based solely on the breed or "type" of dog - not your responsibility as an owner*. *BSL can also refer to regulations and/or requirements placed only - [The Calgary Model - A Successful Alternative to BSL](https://www.defendingdog.com/the-calgary-model/) - The animal control bylaw in Calgary, Alberta, Canada has been hailed by many as a HUGE success. While other cities and provinces in Canada are banning breeds, Calgary is choosing education programs and stronger enforcement. What's the end result? By all accounts, reports and statistics, the bylaw is working! Not only that, the bylaw works - [Defending Dogs By Fighting BSL](https://www.defendingdog.com/defending-dogs-fighting-bsl/) - We've combined some of our most popular and valuable resources on this page to provide you with the facts and evidence needed to effectively fight breed-specific legislation. If you don't see exactly what you're looking for below, be sure to visit our Defending Dogs homepage. The Calgary Model: A Proven Alternative to BSL The animal - [BSL Updates](https://www.defendingdog.com/bsl-updates/) - Current as of May 30, 2023 Pit Bull Awareness Day 2023 45 events across the country have been confirmed for Pit Bull Awareness Day 2023... Please join us in celebrating responsiBULL ownership! We CANNOT stress enough the importance of ALWAYS maintaining polite and respectful communication with officials. Our dogs are worth keeping our emotions in - [Alternatives To BSL](https://www.defendingdog.com/alternatives-to-bsl/) - EDUCATION Just one of the many things to learn from the model bylaw of Calgary, Canada is that education is the key to preventing dog attacks and promoting safer interactions between humans and dogs. Research shows that just 1 hour of dog safety training in grades 2 and 3 can reduce these attacks by 80%, - [The BSL Epidemic: A Growing Global Threat](https://www.defendingdog.com/the-bsl-epidemic-a-growing-global-threat/) - In light of the seemingly constant news of pit bull bans, including the extremely controversial and heartbreaking Denver and Ontario bans, it would seem to many of us that breed discrimination is a new horror. Unfortunately, it is and has been a worldwide epidemic for quite some time. Several countries enforce breed bans or other - [Promoting Responsible Dog Ownership From The Heart](https://www.defendingdog.com/promoting-responsible-dog-ownership/) - Is there anything that compares to the unconditional love, devotion and loyalty that our dogs bring to our lives? Think of that face in the window as you pull in the driveway or the butt wiggling out of control when you walk in the door after a long day at work.... Our dogs ease our - [Dog Fighting: Society's Dirty Little Secret](https://www.defendingdog.com/dog-fighting-societys-dirty-little-secret/) - Dog fighting is a cruel blood sport that persists despite being illegal in all 50 states. Understanding the legal status, recognizing the signs, and knowing how to report suspected dog fighting can help put an end to this brutal practice. This page provides essential information for those who want to help combat dog fighting in - [Helpful Facts and Statistics](https://www.defendingdog.com/helpful-facts-and-statistics/) - When experts in dog behavior, animal control, law enforcement, and community safety come together, they consistently reach the same conclusion: breed-specific legislation (BSL) is ineffective, costly, and fails to address the real issues behind dangerous dog incidents. This page compiles expert opinions, study conclusions, and essential quotes that highlight why BSL is the wrong approach - [Discounting the CDC Report](https://www.defendingdog.com/discounting-the-cdc-report/) - The CDC report on dog bite fatalities is frequently cited by BSL proponents as evidence for targeting specific breeds. However, there are significant problems with using this report to justify breed-specific legislation. This page outlines why the CDC report is not appropriate for policy-making decisions related to dog breeds. What is the CDC Report? The - [Identification Issues](https://www.defendingdog.com/identification-issues/) - The Identification Problem: Why BSL Fails Among the many problems associated with breed specific legislation and its enforcement against pit bulls are the issues associated with identification. "Pit bull" is not a breed, but rather a generic term used to describe the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. However, the - [Pit Bull 101](https://www.defendingdog.com/pit-bull-101/) - Pit Bulls are not the stereotypical devil dog put forth in media myths. They are companion animals who have enhanced the lives of many through their devoted people-loving natures, positively channeled physical prowess, bravery, and intelligence. Pit Bulls have served key roles in search-and-rescue efforts, excel in agility training, and work nationwide as therapy and - [A Message to the Media](https://www.defendingdog.com/a-message-to-the-media/) - The Message to the Media was created to give responsible pit bull owners the opportunity to show the American Pit Bull Terrier in its true form - as loving family companions and devoted service and therapy dogs. Many people have requested a copy of Message to the Media to take to city council meetings where - [What Pit Bulls Can Teach Us About Profiling](https://www.defendingdog.com/what-pit-bulls-can-teach-us-about-profiling/) - By Malcolm Gladwell Published in The New Yorker Magazine January 30, 2006 Below are key excerpts from Malcolm Gladwell's thought-provoking article examining the parallels between racial profiling and breed-specific legislation. These insights help illustrate why targeting specific breeds is problematic from both logical and ethical perspectives. If you would like to read the entire New - [Organizations Against BSL](https://www.defendingdog.com/organizations-against-bsl/) - Several animal welfare organizations have issued formal position statements AGAINST breed specific legislation. These organizations realize that BSL does not target the true problem of irresponsible dog ownership and, therefore, it is an ineffective method of discriminatory animal control. Below are just a few of these organizations: National Animal Organizations American Kennel Club Society for - [Debunking Pit Bull Myths](https://www.defendingdog.com/debunking-pit-bull-myths/) - The pit bull myths... we've all heard them. Unfortunately, anyone dedicated to fighting BSL will be forced to deal with officials and others who believe some or all of the below false beliefs about pit bulls. This page was created to help you combat those myths with the best ammunition...facts! MYTH: Pit bulls are "inherently - [Pet Guardianship vs. Pet Ownership](https://www.defendingdog.com/guardianship-vs-ownership/) - Perhaps you've heard the word "guardian" used a lot lately with respect to pet ownership. There are many groups pushing "pet guardian" legislation either in lieu of or to replace the traditional term "pet owner." Upon first glance, it appears there is little difference between the two. However, there are very distinct differences between these - [Writing Effective Letters to Officials - Fight BSL](https://www.defendingdog.com/writing-effective-letters-to-officials/) - One of the most difficult things for those new to fighting BSL is expressing your feelings to the legislators and/or other officials who have proposed it. There are some very important things to remember when communicating with officials: First and foremost, ALWAYS BE POLITE AND RESPECTFUL in all your communications with officials. Don't be combative - [Preparing For BSL Meetings](https://www.defendingdog.com/preparing-for-bsl-meetings/) - The manner in which we present ourselves (and, in effect, our dogs) as well as the issues we discuss, are extremely important. So, in gathering tips for preparing for city council and/or other meetings with officials, I went straight to the experts for their advice and input... LeeAnn O'Reilly President, Dog Legislation Council of Canada - [BSL Studies](https://www.defendingdog.com/bsl-studies/) - EDUCATION Just one of the many things to learn from the model bylaw of Calgary, Canada is that education is the key to preventing dog attacks and promoting safer interactions between humans and dogs. Research shows that just 1 hour of dog safety training in grades 2 and 3 can reduce these attacks by 80%, - [Sitemap](https://www.defendingdog.com/sitemap/) - Browse our site map to find what you need: - [Contact Us](https://www.defendingdog.com/contact-us/) - If you have any questions or concerns then please contact us. Defending Dog 1942 E Downington Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 - [About](https://www.defendingdog.com/about/) - Bull dogs are one of the most common pet breeds you will find in the US. These are pretty low maintenance dogs and you can have them in almost any environment. They are suitable for homes or apartments as long as you can take them for a couple of walks per day. Bull dogs aren't - [Privacy Policy](https://www.defendingdog.com/privacy-policy/) - INTRODUCTION 1.1. PURPOSE OF POLICY. Defending Dog (“us”, “we,” “Company”) is committed to respecting the privacy rights of visitors and other users of https://www.defendingdog.com (the “Site”). We created this Privacy Policy (this “Policy”) to give you confidence as you visit and use the Site, and to demonstrate our commitment to fair information practices. This Policy is only