Save the Date! August 14, Repeal Miami’s BSL
What is Breed- Specific Legislation (BSL)?
BSL bans or restricts certain types of dogs based on their appearance because they are perceived as “dangerous” breeds of dog.
A breed ban usually requires that all dogs of a certain appearance (“targeted breed”) be removed from the municipality wherein the ban has been implemented. After the effective date of the ban, dogs in the municipality that are identified as targeted breeds are usually subject to being killed by animal control, though in some cases, such dogs may be saved if relocation is an option. Breed bans may have grandfather clauses that allow dogs of targeted breeds to stay in the ban area (provided they are registered with the municipality by a certain date, and likely subject to various breed-specific restrictions).
Breed-specific restrictions may require an owner of a targeted breed do any of the following or more, depending on how the law is written:
▪ Muzzle the dog in public
▪ Spay or neuter the dog
▪ Contain the dog in a kennel with specific requirements (6′ chain link walls, lid, concrete floors, etc.)
▪ Keep the dog on a leash of specific length or material
▪ Purchase liability insurance of a certain amount
▪ Place “vicious dog” signs on the outside of the residence where the dog lives
▪ Make the dog wear a “vicious dog” tag or other identifying marker
Breed-specific legislation applies only to dogs of a certain appearance, not to any and all dogs. It does not take into account how the owner has raised, trained, or managed the dog. It does not take into account the dog’s actual behavior.
Click here to find out more on why BSL is wrong, and why it must be appealed!
