The SPCAs view on BSL

Even though, because of the law, they have to comply its at least good to know that the SPCAs don't agree with BSL.

RSPCA
Q4. Do you think that breed-specific legislation, in its current form, is effective in protecting the
public from dangerous dogs? Why?
• In short no.
• Breed specific legislation (BSL) is unfair and unjustifiable and government should adopt an
approach that recognises that any individual dog, irrespective of breed or type, can display
aggression towards people, and that responsibility for this lies with the owners.
• Acknowledge that the Government has a real challenge in taking forward and implementing any
measures relating to such a sensitive high profile subject.
• The initial and main purpose of section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (DDA) was to control
the number of Pit Bull Terriers (PBTs) in circulation, public protection.
• In the UK the DDA bans four types of dogs traditionally bred for fighting. Fighting types have
been selected for specific physical and temperamental attributes which means that the
consequences are more severe if they do show aggression.
• Yet there is no specific evidence to demonstrate that breeds with a fighting past are more
aggressive towards people than other dogs.
• A dog bite of the same force, administered by the same jaw configuration, could be more
injurious when delivered to a victim’s head and neck than when delivered to the torso or
extremities.
• There are a number of different factors which impact on the extent of injury aside from size and
power.
• A PBT in a responsible owner’s hands poses little or no risk. whereas a PBT in an irresponsible
owner’s hands could pose significant risk to public safety (and also that of other animals’
welfare).
• BSL does not and cannot effectively protect the public from ‘dangerous dogs’ - i.e. dogs that
pose a risk to the public and this is especially the case when the current law has been poorly
enforced many police forces to date.
• An approach that bans specific breeds or types completely overlooks the critical developmental
and environmental influences upon individual dog behaviour.
• BSL does not take into account that any dog, irrespective of breed or type, could display
aggression towards people.


ASPCA

Pretty much how I see things.

Totally agree!!