Breed Specific Legislation
comparative Essay
1107 words
Breed-specific legislation is a broad term that includes laws that ban or restrict the type of dog a person can own. Bree- specific legislation, or BSL for short, is often described as something that protects people or makes the world a safer place. In reality, there are many issues with this type of legislation. The whole premise of BSL is based off of misconceptions, it punishes innocent people and animals, and it does not ultimately lower the amount of people bitten each year where it is implemented. These laws are discriminatory, unjust, and unproductive.
One of the biggest issues with BSL is breed identification. A law that bans a “vicious” being is too broad and can encompass many individuals as it is a personality trait rather than a breed. These laws would then be dependent on what the legislators would define “vicious” to mean. Likewise, there is confusion on what breeds are dangerous. Dogsbite.org claims that breeds such as wolf-dog hybrids, dogo argentinos, presa breeds, cane corsos, and especially pit bulls are indeed dangerous animals and should be banned. However, there are discrepancies involved in even that statement. Of the listed breeds perhaps the most commonly targeted is the pit bull. But what exactly does anyone mean by pit bull? Merriam Webster defines “pit bull” as follows, “a dog (as an American Staffordshire Terrier) of any of several breeds or a real or apparent hybrid with one or more of these breeds that was developed for and is now often trained for fighting and is noted for strength and stamina”. On the contrary, the United Kennel Club has recognized the American Pit Bull Terrier, also called APBT, as a standalone breed since 1898 when UKC founder C.Z. Bennett registered her APBT Bennet’s Ring (Uk...
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...ww.foxnews.com/story/2008/06/09/netherlands-will-lift-ban-on-pit-bulls-saying-no-decrease-in-bites/>.
"Pit bull - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary." Merriam-webster.com, 2013. Web. 27 Nov 2013. .
National Canine Research Council. Investigative Report for Dog-Bite Related Fatalities 2009. National Canine Research Council, 2010. 6-48. Print.
National Canine Research Council. Investigative Report for Dog-Bite Related Fatalities 2010. National Canine Research Council, 2011. 6-49. Print.
National Canine Research Council. Investigative Report for Dog-Bite Related Fatalities 2011. National Canine Research Council, 2012. 6-50. Print.
"United Kennel Club: American Pit Bull Terrier." Ukcdogs.com, 2013. Web. 27 Nov 2013. .
In this essay, the author
- Explains that breed-specific legislation, or bsl, is often described as something that protects people or makes the world a safer place, but there are many issues with this type of legislation.
- Explains that a law that bans 'vicious' beings is too broad and encompasses many individuals as it is personality trait rather than breed. the united kennel club recognizes the american pit bull terrier.
- Explains that apbts and other dangerous breeds are often portrayed more aggressive than they actually are. false reports lead people to believe something that is dishonest.
- Explains that banning breeds of dogs does not cure bad behavior; each individual animal, like a person, has its own unique personality. spaying or neutering can significantly reduce the risk of aggression and other behavioral issues.
- Concludes that breed-specific legislation is a misguided concept.
- Explains that miami dade county dog bite numbers - kc dog blog. netherlands will lift ban on pit bulls, saying no decrease in bites.
Related
- analytical
- argumentative
- comparative
- opinionated
- explanatory
- An Argument Against Breed-Specific Legislationanalytical essayThe term “breed-specific legislation” is not one that comes up often in day-to-day discussion for most people. Breed-specific legislation refers to all laws that seek to restrict or eliminate ownership of certain animal breeds, most often dog breeds. It was first conceived as a method of controlling and reducing animal cruelty, as well as mitigating the occurrence of dog-related human injuries and the illegal activities of dog-fighting and related crimes. Breed-specific legislation is distinct from animal control laws that restrict ownership of wild or demonstrably dangerous (those with a past history of unacceptable, aggressive behavior) animals, because breed-specific legislation makes a blanket restriction on all animals of a certain breed regardless of individual history. This means that breed-specific legislation is often promulgated on the basis of breed reputation. In recent years it is the pit bull which has come under the scrutiny of legislative bodies, as their reputation becomes more and more sullied by street crime.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that breed-specific legislation is a method of controlling and reducing animal cruelty, as well as mitigating the occurrence of dog-related human injuries.
- Explains that pit bulls are separate breeds by registries like the american kennel club (akc). they have a slightly different breeding history.
- Illustrates the distortion of statistics by comparing a conventional family dog with an anxious stray of unknown origin.
- Analyzes how the resurgence of dog-fighting has caused damage to the pit bull reputation, making it a bad representative of the breed.
- Describes the american pit bull terrier, united kennel club, ukc, 1 nov. 2008.
- States that dog bite: fact sheet. centers for disease control and prevention.
- Explains the dogfighting fact sheet from the humane society of the united states.
- Argues that pit bull-type restrictive legislation is ultimately futile and should not be pursued as a serious method of ensuring public safety.
- Explains that the media has a love-affair with sensational stories, but the effect of availability heuristics is not to be underestimated.
- Argues that pit bulls were bred selectively to be loyal to humans and have a solid, stable, and persevering personality.
2742 wordsRead More - The Misrepresentation of Pit Bulls in the Mediaanalytical essay...d-Specific Legislation (BSL) FAQ." The National Canine Research Council. National Canine Research Council, LLC., 2013. Web. 17 Mar. 2014.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the misrepresentation of pit bull breeds in the media has been reflected in american culture.
- Explains that the term ‘pit bull’ is derived from the bulldog, which was originally bred as a hunting dog for large game.
- Explains that journalists use similar tactics when approaching stories about pit bull disturbances. scare tactic journalism is used to report distressing news in a way that attracts and maintains audience attention or readership.
- Explains the common misuse of the term "pit bull" referring to the american staffordshire terrier, american pit bull, or similar breeds.
- Analyzes how the use of the umbrella term, "pit bull," has changed the perception of these, once family friendly, all-american dog breeds.
- Analyzes how a disproportionate number of dog attacks reported in the media creates the illusion that there are more people attacked by pit bulls than other dogs.
- Explains that breed-specific legislation has become a common occurrence in many states over the past few decades. the american humane association lists eight alternatives that are more likely to reduce dog attacks.
- Analyzes twining, hillary, arluke, and patronek's "managing the stigma of outlaw breeds: a case study of pit bull owners." society & animals, 2000.
- Analyzes gladwell, malcom, "troublemakers: what pit bulls can teach us about profiling." the new yorker, 6 feb 2006.
- Explains delise, karen, the pit bull placebo: the media, myths and politics of canine aggression.
- Describes the life after the world's first face transplant, isabelle dinoire.
- Describes may's tribute to pete from "our gang" and the "little rascals" from squidoo.
- Opines that kaminski, robin, "lynn teacher mauled by pit bull." the daily item.
- States that the national canine research council's "breed-specific legislation (bsl) faq."
- Explains that denver's breed-specific legislation: brutal, costly, and ineffective. national canine research council.
- Describes the facts of the american humane association's "breed-specific legislation."
- Analyzes how lutz, jaime, and his family choose homelessness over abandoning pit bull. abc news.
- Explains that deborah l. duffy, yuying hsu, james a. serpell, applied animal behavior science - 1 december 2008.
- Analyzes draper, bill, "attitudes and laws against pit bulls soften." boston.com, the new york times, 11 mar. 2014.
- Explains that many acts of pit bull violence are reported out of context, which is referred to as bias by omission. omissions include social isolation, neglect, behavior enforcement strategies of owners, and previous training.
1520 wordsRead More - Breed Specific Legislationargumentative essayIntroduction and Background As more people bring dogs into their homes, the rate of dog attacks continue to increase. In an attempt to reduce violent dog attacks on citizens, many U.S. States are turning to a tactic known as Breed Specific Legislation. Breed-specific legislation (also known as BSL), also referred to as breed-discriminatory legislation (also known as BDL), is a law or ordinance that prohibits or restricts the ownership of specific breeds of dogs, and/or dogs presumed to be mixes of one or more of those breeds (Breed-specific legislation (BSL) FAQ, n.d.). The harshest of the BSL laws is a complete ban, which prohibits breeds of dogs to be kept within state borders. Breed specific legislation also includes less absurd limits that include mandatory spay and neutering, muzzling, property posting requirements, special insurance requirements, breed-specific limitations, and various other rules.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that breed-specific laws are becoming more and more controversial in today’s population. there are both positive and negative aspects to bsl, and people continue to have mixed views and opinions.
- Explains that breed-specific legislation (bsl) is a law or ordinance that prohibits or restricts the ownership of specific breeds of dogs, and/or dogs presumed to be mixes of one or more of them.
- Explains that breed-specific laws were put in place with the expectation of helping prevent dog bites and attacks. the government acted with good character by enacting these laws.
- Argues that breed-specific legislation does not have any benefit for dogs or people. the government has no credible facts, and no reasonable justification for bsl laws.
- Disagrees with breed specific legislation, stating that the likely-hood of dog violence does not depend on the breed, but rather the attitudes of the dog.
- Explains that 75 dog breeds banned/restricted due to bsl in the united states of america.
- Explains how breed-specific legislation (bsl) doesn't work. chapter 9 of division 14 of the food and agricultural code of california.
1588 wordsRead More - Obeying Their Master : Dogs That Bitecomparative essayLynn Media Group, L.M.G. "The Truth About Dogs That Bite." The Truth About Dogs That Bite. DogsBite.org, n/a. Web. 10 Dec. 2013. .
In this essay, the author
- Estimates that 4.7 million dog bites occur to children, adults and other animals in the u.s. each year. dogs are often put down for biting because people think the dogs are now dangerous.
- Explains that when dogs bite humans or other animals, the main cause is that they are just using self defense. most dogs will also attack if they feel you are invading property.
- Explains that when dogs bite or are aggressive, it is sometimes what their owners teach them. dogs that are trained for dog fights have been shown to cause 58% of dog bite fatalities due to ignorance.
- Opines that training aggressive dogs is a better alternative than putting them down. it is estimated that nearly 72% of dogs that have bitten, were trained at least 7 months after they attacked.
- Concludes that the death of innocent dogs is unneeded. many people have tried speaking out against putting dogs down, due to the fact that it is unfair and cruel.
- Explains leslie garrett's "do biting dogs deserve a second chance." lynn media group, l.m.g.
535 wordsRead More - Dangers Of Breed-Specific Legislationanalytical essayBreed-Specific Legislation is the reproduction of the exploitation of the media, unaware danger factors of parents, children and even strangers, ignored bios that are given during adoption and the in-depth personalities revolving morality. These factors are what ultimately could lead into BSL and being able to help dogs in training to become good pets for society is a way to good way to slow down, prevent and maybe even stop BSL from continuing. Just like their human companions, society expects acceptance and equality. All dogs have the ability to bite a person and focusing onto a main breed group doesn’t prevent any type of bite happening again. Many people today still lose their dog or has to restrict it while the other ‘family’ ones are able to roam free when in reality their teeth are also more than likely to take a nip at someone as well. It isn’t fair to some owners that they are required to have an actual license to carry a certain breed as well as have an expensive amount of liability insurance in case the dog bites while others
In this essay, the author
- Argues that breed-specific legislation is the reproduction of the exploitation of media, unaware danger factors of parents, children and strangers, ignored bios that are given during adoption, and in-depth personalities revolving morality.
235 wordsRead More - Breed-Neutral Legislation Should Be Bannedanalytical essayBSL banns and restricts specific breeds that are deemed as aggressive, however the legislation does not consider that there are several factors, beyond breed, that determines a dog’s aggressive behavior. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define these factors as heredity, sex, early experience, reproductive status, socialization, and training. It is not correct nor fair to label a certain breed as aggressive when there are certainly more factors that contribute to a dog’s aggression. Due to this, I believe the BLS should banned and, instead Breed-Neutral Legislation should be enacted. The proposed legislation was sketched by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Now, this legislation does not compromises public safety
In this essay, the author
- Argues that the bls should ban aggressive breeds and enact breed-neutral legislation, based on the centers for disease control and prevention's sketch.
256 wordsRead More - Informative Speech: Breed Specific Legislationopinionated essay[Reveal topic & relate to audience] Now, you may think that situation is a bit farfetched, especially in this day & age, but it's happening to dogs around the world. What I'm talking about is breed specific legislation (or BSL) which targets certain dog breeds considered dangerous and makes ownership of these dogs illegal. As more and more people share their lives with dogs, we need to be knowledgeable about the effects dogs can have on our communities.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how a stranger decides that one can't live in certain neighborhoods or go to certain places because they look dangerous.
- Explains that breed specific legislation (bsl) targets certain dog breeds considered dangerous and makes ownership of these dogs illegal. we need to be knowledgeable about the effects dogs can have on our communities.
- Explains that as a life-long dog lover, they have run into bsl many times, from apartments with dog size limitations to cities that outright ban certain breeds.
- Opines that it was this speech that inspired them to do more in-depth research and learn the facts behind both sides.
- Opines that they are against bsl but will strive to present both sides as objectively as possible.
- Describes the pros and cons of bsl.
- Opines that by sharing this information and hearing your opinions on the topic, we will see new perspectives and gain new insight on this topic.
- Hopes that by the end of this discussion you will be able to make a more informed decision whenever dogs cross your path.
- Explains that breed-specific legislation prohibits or restricts the keeping of dogs of specific breeds, and/or dogs presumed to be mixes of one or more of them.
- Explains the extreme case of bsl is a complete ban, but it can also be any laws that impose separate requirements such as: mandatory spay/neuter, mandatory muzzling, special liability insurance, and special licensing.
- Describes the breeds targeted by , including american bulldog, american staffordshire terrier, bull terriers, cane corso, doberman pinscher, dogo argentina, german shepherd dog,
- Explains that many organizations are against bsl, including the aspca, american humane association and american kennel club.
- Argues that there's no reliable evidence to say a certain breed of dog is more violent than another.
- Explains that animal control units with already tight budgets often have to pay extra officers, kenneling dogs while waiting on processing, court time, and veterinary fees.
- Explains that one county in maryland spent more than $560,000 maintaining pit bulls, with only $35,000 generated in fees.
- States that a study conducted by the county on the ban’s effectiveness noted that public safety is not improved — there is no transgression committed by owner or animal that isn’t covered by another, non-breed specific portion of the animal control code.
- Explains that out of 73 million pet dogs, 31 million are classified as "mutts".
- Explains that many people unfamiliar with dogs cannot accurately identify the main breed of a mutt and will incorrectly identify it as "pit bull" type.
- Explains that there is no such breed as a "pit bull". "pit bull" applies to mainly 3 breeds, but is very often used to describe any medium-sized short-haired dog.
- Opines that they would like to explore the advantages, disadvantages, and alternatives associated with breed specific legislation.
- Explains bsl and the arguments of those who support it.
743 wordsRead More - Nida Intarapanich's Argument Analysisexplanatory essayThere has been a lot of abuse to animals over the years where dogs have been brought into the clinic and are reported to be hit by a car but weren’t at all they were hit or tortured. Veterinarians generally rely on their instinct to identify abuse and an accident to a animal. Any suspected abuse or neglect could help an animal get out of a bad household and to make sure the abuser is prosecuted. Nida Intarapanich is a third year veterinary student at Cummings School who took up the cause of animal cruelty and decided to get into more detailed with cases that seem to not be fulling looked at on animal abuse. She developed a statistical modeling tool that looks at injury patterns to help veterinarians distinguish between an accident and intent.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that there has been a lot of abuse to animals over the years. veterinarians generally rely on their instinct to identify abuse and an accident to an animal.
135 wordsRead More - Logan Durant's Response To A Dog Biteexplanatory essayUpon my arrival, I spoke with Logan Durant (Victim) who stated that he just returned from REX hospital and was treated for a injury that was caused from being chased by a large brown dog (unknown breed). Ms. Durant stated that he was walking from his home located a 403 Conover Street, when his neighbors dog broke his chain that was ties to a tree and begin to chase him. Mr. Durant stated that he ran approximately 100ft before the dog caught up with him and he trip into a ditch and landed on his right wrist, causing a distal radius fracture.
In this essay, the author
- Describes how they were dispatched to 114 north main street (fuquay-varina police department) for a dog bite. they spoke with logan durant, who was injured after being chased by the dog.
- Explains that mr. durant did not wish to press charges, he just would like for it to be on record.
- Narrates how they made contact with the suspect, ms. judd, who said she didn't notice her dog was off the chain until she heard yelling and immediately went to help.
265 wordsRead More - Breed Discrimination Essayopinionated essayThesis: “Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) is the banning or restriction of specific breeds of dogs considered “dangerous”, such as pit bull breeds, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, and German shepherds amongst many others” according to the American Humane Association (2013). It is an inaccurate and unfair attempt at regulating dog attacks by restricting ownership of certain breeds categorized as aggressive.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the purpose of breed selective legislation (bsl) to bring attention to the issue of dog breed discrimination and inform the audience how to change it.
- Recommends raising your hand if you own or have ever owned a dog.
- Urges readers to raise their hand if they come to mind when they hear the word "discrimination".
- Explains that human social interaction is often considered while a whole system for structured discrimination amongst dogs exists.
- Explains that breed specific legislation (bsl) is an inaccurate and unfair attempt at regulating dog attacks by restricting ownership of certain breeds categorized as aggressive.
- Explains that pit bulls are popular in chico, but most apartments don't allow them, making it difficult to find housing. apartment hunting is stressful for everyone and owning a certain breed can make it nearly impossible.
- Explains that there are several factors that should be considered when analyzing bsl and its effects.
- Explains the history of aggressive stigmas in certain breeds and how people are responsible.
- Opines that it is difficult to correctly identify each dog by breed- some are mixed and tests are expensive.
- Explains that people are responsible for creating the problem with certain breeds as well as the social stigmas placed against them.
- Explains that the pit bull's ancestors, bred from the bulldog, were used as gripping dogs for hunting.
- Explains that they were later used for controlling large livestock such as cattle, and were further bred for an inhumane blood sport known as baiting.
- Describes the event of tying up a large animal and having one or more pit bulls attack it until it bleeds to death.
- Explains that the ban on baiting led to the birth of dog fighting, when two dogs are put into a ring or pit to fight until one cannot continue or die.
- Explains that no dog is simply born aggressive, they are bred and learned to behave this way by people, mainly for entertainment and protection.
- Explains that bulldogs and terriers are bred to be muscular, but light and agile. they are forced to run on treadmills, swim excessively, and tug on hanging tires to continually increase strength.
- Explains that the dog family's history dates back to english settlement in america, and several similar types have been selectively bred together for physical enhancement to this day.
- Explains that the american pit bull terrier is a medium-sized, solidly built, short-coated dog with smooth, well-defined musculature. the head is of medium length, with broad, flat skull, and wide, deep muzzle.
- Explains that because these features are common among different breeds of dogs, legislation cannot specify on a particular breed. it instead targets the general population that possess these physical characteristics.
- Explains that the term "pit bull" is so widely applicable to breeds that a single test cannot always accurately determine relation.
- Explains that the process of dog breed identification is advanced and expensive through the use of genetic analysis.
- Explains that determining a dog's breed is complicated because indicators are not genes themselves, but repeating sequences of dna. they form unique signatures to each breed.
- Analyzes how st. john addresses an important issue in forbes' 2013 article, "there aren’t that many purebred pit bulls out there.
- Explains that laws that target any one breed of dog are undoubtedly ineffective and unjustly discriminatory.
- Opines that first we must address if there is an issue present significant enough to pass legislation.
- Explains that dog bites aren't a serious public health issue. dog bite-related hospitalizations constitute less than 0.5% of unintentional injuries in the us.
- Opines that dog attacks aren't a pressing national issue, but communities should feel safe from domesticated neighborhood pets.
- Argues that eliminating these breeds will not solve the issue because any breed of dog may be raised aggressively; pit bulls had the right body for its athletic history associated with aggression.
- Explains that policies banning specific breeds increase negative owner behavior and endanger communities where they are implemented.
- Explains that when a dog breed is outlawed, that owner is now considered criminal. this prompts them to avoid proper exercise, medical attention, and social interaction necessary for healthy life and development.
- Explains that responsible dog owners of affected areas are punished and must now comply with strict regulatory laws that will not prevent any undesired behavior in that animal.
- Opines that bsl must be analyzed from every aspect to fully understand its goals and implications.
- Opines that we must recognize we have created this stigma and we are now practicing it. we must be the change, not the dog.
- Explains that one specific breed of dog is not responsible because breeds are often unidentifiable and too commonly generalized.
- Opines that existing bsl doesn't work because there aren’t any less dog bites in communities than before and government funds are wasted on ineffective animal control attempts.
- Concludes that it is too easy to find a scapegoat for our own social issues. a loyal, gentle, and compassionate breed falls victim to relentless discrimination.
- Describes some alternatives to bsl, such as leash laws, breed neutral dog ordinances, mandatory spay/neuter regulations, and increasing funding for animal abuse organizations.
- Opines that the injustice of breed specific legislation is still misunderstood by states and counties in america.
- Explains that people's aggressive behavior causes an inaccurate generalization of a group of breeds.
- Explains that the primary method of objectively identifying a dog's breed is subjective to each individual. dog breeds are difficult to identify and shouldn't matter.
- Explains that dogs are loyal companions, adapting to the actions of their owners, and are direct reflections of how they are treated. constant opposition to bsl has increased awareness of dog breed discrimination.
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