“Breed-specific” legislation (BSL) is the blanket term for laws that either regulate or ban certain breeds completely in the hopes of reducing dog attacks. More information about a recent case of BSL legislation in Newell County, Alberta will be posted in the future. breed-specific legislation. You NEED to know that various jurisdictions in Canada have either enacted breed specific legislation (BSL) or are proposing enacting legislation that SPECIFICALLY names Rhodesian Ridgebacks as a restricted breed. The American Kennel Club as well as The Canadian Kennel Club have excellent examples of this type of legislation and are more than ready to assist any township requesting assistance with animal control issues. Breed specific legislation prohibits or restricts the harbouring of presumed specific dog breeds, including mixes. The Canadian Kennel Club's opposition to breed-specific legislation is based on the fact that a dangerous temperament is a product of many factors, and not by breed alone. BSL can take the form of a complete ban on certain dogs but also includes imposing specific breed-based regulations involving muzzling. The RHS opposes breed specific legislation (or “breed bans”) as a strategy for addressing incidents of aggression and reducing dog bites. Breed Specific Legislation is a pricey endeavor that has financial effects for anti-pit advocates and loving pit parents equally. Breed specific legislation (BSL) is an attempt by legislators to reduce dog bites by targeting specific types of dogs. BSL can range from something as mild as a higher licence fee for specific breeds to an all-out ban, including mandatory destruction of any prohibited dog found within the boundaries of the legislating jurisdiction. • The Provincial Government recently introduced the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS) which introduces a new enforcement model in Ontario, modernizes the legislative framework and introduces the strictest penalties in Canada. Experts agree that breed-specific legislation (BSL) and similar policies that restrict dogs based on appearance do not reduce dog bites in communities or enhance public safety.. Breed Specific Legislation: Our position on BSL. Thus, breed-specific legislation may include dogs which are not dangerous, while excluding those which are. It is no secret that the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth believes in a kinder, safer Ontario (and Canada) for all. One of the unfortunate results of breed stereotypes, misinformation, and irresponsible ownership is breed-specific legislation, also known as breed discriminatory bans.For canine regulation, it is important to understand the differences between the two major forms of regulation - breed-specific legislation (BSL) and breed-neutral legislation (BNL). Studies have shown that municipalities suffered great economic loss after enforcing anti-breed laws. Guest Blog Post by Jacqueline Watty, Vice President of our Board of Directors, KWSPHS. Some city/municipal governments have enacted breed-specific laws. While politically popular, breed-specific legislation does not reduce the incidence or severity of dog bites, penalizes responsible pet owners, destroys innocent dogs and are impossible to enforce. Learn more about fighting BSL in our advocate toolkit. Not only do taxpayers’ fund these laws, but we are greatly affected as a community as well. 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