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BSL...Breed Specific Legislation necessary or are we looking at the wrong part of a dog

I have spoken many times and written on my personal beliefs that dogs have been breed for specific purposes and always encourage people to choose dogs that suite their lifestyle and breed selection is very important for this, then as owners I advise people utilise the instincts of a dog to maximise his skill set and enjoyment in life. I often get attacked for my position on advising the average dog seeking family not to purchase a Live Stock Guardian Dog or a Dog bred to Fight.

I think with good skill and good socialisation and training most dogs can be handled by just about anyone, however as a large number of people in our society disregard or just don't know science based training methods and socialisation and desentisation techniques, large dogs can end up doing harm to unintended victims. So for me its avoid large dogs such as Mareemas and Bull Arabs, unless you are skilled and willing to invest in training and socialisation.

Recently the Victorian Government has increased its Breed Specific Legislation and the NSW Government has formed a taskforce to look at what can be improved in the Companion Animals Act. Whilst I think it's a good thing that certain breeds have been excluded from Australia, I think it's almost impossible to impose further BSL in Australia and I think it's time that we looked at a multifaceted approach to canines in our community.

After all BSL does have the issues of what is a certain breed and even if it is eliminated other dogs cab be crossed to achieve a similar acting dog, so it is the behaviours that need to be legislated for not the breed.

Below is the 4 foundations of the successful Calgary Governments approach to minimising bites in their community

1. Provide a license and permanent ID on your pet.
2. Spay and neuter (unless you are a qualified breeder)
3. Provide the proper training, socialization, medical care, diet, exercise and grooming to keep your companion happy and comfortable.
4. Don’t let your pet become a threat or a nuisance in the community.

I think that the above is pretty self explanatory and with a well focused Government approach using a Carrot and Stick policies such as incentives to attend training and socialisation as well increased costs when dogs become a nuisance which are removed when the owner attends rehab and training.

If you disagree with BSL but still believe in improved animal safety in our community then check out the latest action on behalf of dog owners and interested parties who believe that BSL is not something that Australia should be doing.

We’re holding a rally – against BSL, and for improved community safety and Companion Animal Practices in Australia.

Recent media attention regarding canine aggression and dog bite incidents in the community has once again brought issues such as Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) and companion animal management practices to the forefront. Rallies addressing these issues and the continuing failure of government to adequately address community safety and canine welfare are being held in Sydney and Melbourne on Saturday October 22.

Who is this rally for?

Anyone, not just dog owners, who is interested in the issues regarding dogs in the community. In particular, matters of:

• Community Safety – The current measures taken by government categorically fail to make the community safer, continuing to put the general public at risk, despite proven solutions being available.
• Breed Specific Legislation – All available scientific literature proves BSL ineffective, and academics and Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) universally acknowledge that BSL does not make communities safer from dog bite incidents.
• Animal Welfare – World class, science-driven animal management strategies are in use in many areas of the world. These areas enjoy not only extremely low incidences of dog bites, but animal destruction rates that are considered ‘No Kill’ (<10%).
• Social Progress – Policies such as BSL are 25 years behind other countries in terms of providing a solution that most advantages the community.
• Responsible Guardianship – How do we encourage and ensure responsible dog guardianship?
• Tax Payers – Citizens who want their taxes spent efficiently and effectively, in the best interests of their communities, ought to be alarmed at the current state of affairs. Proven self-funded models are available to make the public safer while simultaneously improving animal welfare.

Our keynote speakers will address these topics in detail from various perspectives.

Can I bring my dog to the rally?

Dogs who serve the community, such as assistance dogs and police dogs, undergo extensive training in order to be behaviourally reliable in crowded situations. A rally is an unfamiliar, potentially challenging/stressful environment for many dogs, which could lead to unexpected behaviours. Therefore, whilst we all love our dogs and would like them to attend, ONLY dogs who have been invited by the organisers prior to the event are to attend. These dogs will act as representatives of all dogs in the community.

Your support of, and compliance with, this decision is sincerely appreciated by all who will attend the rally.

This is a Peaceful Rally!

It is important that the majority of Australians are given the opportunity to identify with our messages as non-threatening and in the best interests of Australian society. This rally is based on peaceful protest and intelligent debate. It is an alcohol-free event and the organisers ask all participants to refrain from disruptive behaviour and abusive language.

We understand why some owners of particular breeds/types of dogs that are being targeted by the media feel frustration and anger, however, we also understand that the general public – who have been fed a diet of misinformation, media hysteria and political rhetoric – cannot be expected to join us in a call for change unless we engage with them in a positive and productive fashion.

To read more about how you can participate in this rally, please visit: http://communityk9.com.au/

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