August 26 is National Dog Day - Time to Move Away from BSL
August 26 is National Dog Day -- a reminder that ALL dogs deserve adequate food, water, shelter, exercise, basic vet care, socialization, and humane treatment by guardians, regardless of breed, purpose, or location.
As our understanding of canine behavior has evolved, so have the laws that govern responsible dog ownership. Reflecting this shift, communities across the country are moving away from breed-specific legislation (BSL) toward breed-neutral laws that hold all owners accountable for the humane care, custody, and control of their dogs (National Canine Research Council).
In regard to dog bite prevention, BSL for pit bulls is on the decline because studies have consistently shown that dog breed alone is not a reliable predictor of behavior or aggression, and methods of identifying a dog's breed are often unreliable. Further, research has shown that dog bite rates do not generally decline after BSL is enacted.
The Georgia Pet Coalition, along with multiple veterinary and animal welfare organizations, supports the enactment of breed-neutral dangerous dog laws and opposes laws that mandate restrictions based solely on breed.
Georgia’s dangerous dog law, O.C.G.A. 4-8-20 through 4-8-33, is breed neutral.
Why BSL is an ineffective policy for public safety and dog bite prevention:
Placing restrictions on an entire breed affects many well-behaved dogs because of their appearance while overlooking dangerous behavior of other breeds.
BSL often targets pit bulls, a broad label that includes multiple breeds and mixes and is frequently misidentified by animal control and news media.
In contrast to breed-neutral dangerous dog laws, BSL overlooks dog behavior which is the real indicator of risk.
Breed bans ignore owner responsibility. Abuse, neglect, poor socialization, and lack of supervision by owners are key contributors to aggressive behavior. Lack of sterilization is also a co-occurring factor in many dog bites.
Public safety is better served by addressing behavior, enforcing containment and leash laws, preventing dogs from roaming, educating owners, and holding owners accountable for their pets.
BSL wastes limited enforcement resources on breed identification instead of addressing actual threats to public safety. Strong dangerous dog laws provide more effective tools for protecting communities.
Additional policies supported by the GA Pet Coalition:
Expand access to affordable spay/neuter services to prevent mate-seeking and roaming behaviors;
Require spay/neuter for dogs involved in repeated ordinance or dangerous dog violations;
Educate owners on responsible dog ownership and the laws;
Prohibit ownership, possession, or cohabitation for repeat offenders; and
Adequately fund and empower animal control agencies at a level that reflects their critical role in public safety and prevention of harm to people and animals.
Judge the deed, not the breed!
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