Utilitarianism Regarding Breed Specific Legislation

Do We Need Breed Specific Legislation?

Do we need breed specific legislation (BSL)? This is a very controversial issue no matter what one’s opinion is; no matter if a person is a dog lover or not. This legislation was presented due to several dog attacks by pit bull type dogs. In terms from the ASPCA, BSL is the blanket term for laws that either regulate or ban certain breeds completely in the hopes of reducing dog attacks. BSL targets dogs that are specific to a breed or type of breed that is deemed dangerous. These dogs are also known as bully breed dogs.

What is a bully breed dog? According to Animal Planet, the most common bully breed dogs are the American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Boxer, Boston terrier, Bulldog, Bullmastiff, and Staffordshire bull terrier. Many of these dogs are larger size dogs. The size of a dog does not make a bully breed dog. This is very obvious. The pit bull terrier is currently the most recognized bully breed dog, not only in the United States but around the world. This is due to the sensational media coverage any time that there is a bite or injury by a pit bull dog.

There are many documented reports that show where people, young and old, have been bitten, severely injured, or have been killed by a dog. Some of those dogs have been pit bull dogs. Other dogs include the Rottweiler, Chow-Chows, Chihuahuas, Doberman pinschers, and the German shepherd. While these other dogs are clearly distinguishable by their looks, there have been many examples of mistaken identity of a pit bull dog. Many people make the assumption that a large, strong dog with a block shaped head is a pit bull. Many veterinarians make the same assumption. In fact, a pit bull dog is not an actual breed but a type of bull terrier dog.

Breed specific legislation puts many restrictions on a dog, as well as an owner. A responsible owner is, in effect, punished for having a friendly, well-behaved, bully breed dog....