BSL

BSL, breed specific laws that is, is something that really irks me. If you do not know, BSL is a law that bans the ownership of certain breeds of dogs. It is not a federal law, but some states have implemented it. The breed that receives the blunt of this law is the Pitbull.

I disagree with the BSL for a few reasons. The people who pass this law are rather ignorant when it comes to dogs, namely pit bulls. They feel that pit bulls are an innately more vicious dog that is prone to attack human beings. This is flat out incorrect. Pit bulls have the ideal size, speed, and strength to kill a human being pretty easily, no doubt about that. But the problem is not within the dog's inherent nature, it's the owners who train the dogs to behave this way. Pit bulls do have a high level of aggression towards other animals, but this can be mitigated with proper training. On the contrary Pit bulls are one of the breeds that have the least amount of aggression towards humans, because of this are generally not the best type of guard dogs. There is an actual standard dog aggression test that proved this, unfortunately I cannot find the link.

I own a pit bull, and from experience I can say she is not vicious towards any person or animal. In fact my 10 pound Yorkshire terrier is more aggressive and has actually bitten people, although it doesn't hurt much. I really wish that the law passers would educate themselves on some of the laws they pass. Instead of banning the ownership of the breed, I think it would be more fair to require a certificate that establishes someone as a capable Pit bull or other large dog owner. The Pit bull is really a great breed of dog, and it's a shame they are being punished for their inept owners.