Breed Specific Legislation (BSL)

[Howard Gaines III]

Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) is aimed to target "select" breeds of dogs and label them as dangerous. The problem, as I see it, isn't with the breed but the owner/s. Too often town or city leaders wish to jump on a band wagon and attempt knee jerk fixes. They have little working knowledge about working , herding, or sporting dogs. Working lines animals come with higher drives than do many show lines dogs. Most city leaders own low energy levels dogs that are happy sofa critters.

Just because someone saw a Bouvier thirty years ago in Holland and it was protective, doesn't make all Bouviers protective or reckless in disposition. I have seen the paperwork for some who wish to target the Pit Bull Terrier, Doberman, German Shepherd, and any mix with targeted breeds. These are now called "dangerous dogs." Large dogs can do more damage than smaller ones. A .22 round can kill just as fast as a .50 round. The .50 caliber has more knockdown power. Both will hurt!

As far as BSL goes, all Bouvier owners should be on guard to keep the "well meaning" lot from messing with this breed. Be active in your community to educate and control the breed that you enjoy owning today. If you fail to be active today, you can only blame yourself if the laws hit your neighborhood!