The Pitfalls of BSL
The problem with breed specific legislation is that it is based on the idea that dogs can actively choose who their owners are, how they are trained and so forth. It punishes the people who love these dogs and DON’T abuse them, train them for violence or in other ways promote the belief that these animals are in need of eradication.
Laws aimed at any specific race, breed or whatever you want to call it are never a good idea. As soon as we begin to discriminate against any specific creature the doors are blown wide open for further degradation of our legal system. We have an aversion towards racism, how is it any different to discriminate against a breed of animal? Stereotyping human beings is considered politically incorrect, well we stereotype animals all the time.
There are several key differences between humans and dogs. Human beings have a higher capacity for reason, we can actively choose each day to behave in an honorable way or not. Dogs are incapable of speech, higher reasoning and they lack the power to actively change their lives or circumstances.
Environment plays an important part in the development of all living creatures. We should work harder on upping the ante in regards to the laws and penalties dealing with animal abuse and neglect instead of punishing an animal for behaving in less than “human” ways. Increasing the number of animal law enforcement officials, passing stricter laws regarding the way humans treat their animals and making the consequences more difficult to bear would definitely lower the cases of animals attacking humans.
Taking a united stand on the need for better laws, stronger penalties and an overall strengthening of protection for our four legged companions is the best way to end the needless loss of life. The only thing that breed specific legislation is going to do is cause misery and heartache for those who own these beautiful companions. Besides what will happen when every dog over fifty pounds is obsolete? Which breed will take the spotlight then?
As long as there are irresponsible, ignorant owners there are going to be dogs that bite. Size doesn’t matter, ALL dogs will bite when they feel that it is their only option.
Banning breeds based on inconclusive research is only the first step down this path of genocide. It’s time for us to stop allowing the media to feed our fear and hatred. The irresponsibility of the media in portraying Pitt Bulls, Rottweilers and so forth is pathetic. They don’t tell you about the hero’s representing these breeds that wouldn’t fit their MO.
Fear and hatred sell, the media relies on this to make the large amount of money they need to live their lifestyle. Remember our parents telling us to take everything with a grain of salt? The news regarding dog attacks is one of those things that can never be taken at face value. Most of the dogs responsible aren’t even actually Pitt Bulls. There are a large number of breeds who are usually described as being a pitt bull and the media never takes the time to clarify that fact.
It’s time that Americans stop allowing the people, who stand to profit from our negative emotions, to lead us blindly into the night. We the people need to make a stand, even if we don’t like these breeds we need to educate ourselves about them. Education is the best defense against being the sheep led to slaughter.
Stand up for those who can’t stand for themselves. Encourage your legislator to vote against BSL. Lobby for harsher penalties regarding animal abuse/neglect. Let’s try to make life better for everyone instead of convincing ourselves that since it doesn’t directly affect us it’s not our problem. Punish the deed not the breed.
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