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:
- American Kennel Club
- Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- American Humane
- National Animal Control Association
- National Animal Interest Alliance
- Association of Pet Dog Trainers
- National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors
- American Animal Hospital Association
- American Temperament Test Society
- American Dog Owner’s Association
- American Canine Federation
- International Association of Canine Professionals
- American Dog Breeders Association Inc.
- California Veterinary Medical Association
- Colorado Veterinary Medical Association
- Texas Veterinary Medical Association
- Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association
- Chicago Veterinary Medical Association
- Maryland Veterinary Medical Association
- New York State Veterinary Medical Association
- Canadian Kennel Club
- Humane Association of Georgia
- Humane Association of Wisconsin
- Humane Association of Ottawa
- Humane Association of Idaho
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
- SPCA Los Angeles
If you know of an organization that should be added to this list, please contact us.
Why These Organizations Oppose BSL
These respected organizations oppose breed-specific legislation for several important reasons:
- It doesn’t address the real problem – BSL fails to address irresponsible ownership, which is the root cause of dangerous dog behavior regardless of breed.
- It’s ineffective – Studies have consistently shown that BSL does not reduce dog bites or attacks in communities where it has been implemented.
- It’s expensive – Enforcement of BSL requires significant resources for breed identification, housing of seized animals, and legal proceedings.
- It punishes responsible owners – BSL penalizes all owners of certain breeds, even those who are responsible and whose dogs have never shown aggression.
- It’s difficult to enforce – Visual breed identification is notoriously unreliable, even for animal care professionals.
- It gives a false sense of security – By focusing on certain breeds, BSL implies that other breeds are safe, which is not true – any dog can bite under certain circumstances.
The widespread opposition to BSL from these credible animal welfare, veterinary, and training organizations demonstrates that the professional consensus does not support breed-specific approaches to dog bite prevention and public safety.