Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Breed Specific Legislation

I know I said this blog would cover health and fitness, but if you know me, you know my love for dogs. I practically like them better then I like people. I'm the type to stop you on the street and ask to pet your dog, or come to your house and get right to the floor to play. So if you have heard about this insanely idiotic Breed Specific Legislation in Montreal, you can assume my frustration, and utter sadness for this decision.


So, you may ask, what is Breed Specific Legislation (BSL)?
"Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is a law that bans OR restricts certain types of dogs based on their appearance, usually because they are perceived as “dangerous” breeds or types of dogs. **It is a common misconception that BSL refers only to breed bans."


Research has shown that BSL does not limit the amount of attacks by dogs and does not improve safety to people from dogs. I can list of article after article of this evidence, but I won't, because this post isn't about trying to convince people that BSL is wrong, inhumane, and DOES.NOT.WORK!


To me, the solution won't be simple, but can stop the deaths of thousands of dogs, which to me, is the ultimate win. I used this analogy with a friend earlier today; cars are dangerous hunks of steel that you drive really fast next to other cars and people. You have to go through stages of getting your licence, ensuring you understand the rules and laws of the road. After you get your G1 you're allowed to drive, but with another experienced driver with you. Over the next 8 months you learn how to properly drive. After that, you get your G2, yay! You can now drive on your own with your licence and registration, but have to continuously follow laws and rules set out to ensure no one gets hurt or injured. The more you drive, the more you know and the smarter you are of the rules of the road (this can be argued for some dumb drivers, but you get my point.)


So, when handling something potentially dangerous, that law ensures you are licenced, registered and have been prepared for driving. So, why can't we have a system in place to ensure all animals owners are licenced, registered and have been prepared for owning this dog.


I know it is complicated but if we had people in power who fought for this type of thing, it could happen. My dog is a terrier mix, hyper, fast and very energetic. But I love her so much that I do everything in my absolute power to ensure she is safe, people that come into contact with her are safe and that she is a friendly and behaved dog.


It is utterly heartbreaking to see this happening and I can't put into words how sad this makes me. I would own 20 dogs if I could, but my current situation does not allow for that. I donate to the human society all the time and am an advocate for adoption (DON'T BUY FROM BREEDERS!!!), and animal welfare.


I may be a bit biased, but I seriously don't understand how anyone could make this decision and have it be a law, basically putting to death thousands of deserving and loving dogs that just need a little TLC.


In conclusion, here's my nut job of a dog; Rae. She is a Boston-Terrier Bulldog that will lick your face off if you come too close to her. A lot of people cross the street when they see her. They have no idea what breed she is an automatically see her face and get nervous. I let anyone that stops to pet her, but warn them she's a kisser. She is like all other terrier breeds, big lovers who just want a warm bed and an owner that will protect them.






Please help reverse this BSL by signing this petition https://www.change.org/p/denis-coderre-stop-a-bsl-bill-pit-bull-ban-in-montr%C3%A9al, tweeting, donating, supporting and getting the word out. You could also go to Montreal and adopt one of these poor babies in shelters that may not be around too much long.

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