In what ways can I fight BSL aka"dog racism" legally in my country?

Question

I am tired, so tired of all the ignorant people sentencing these dogs to death and discriminating against all the dogs based on the actions of a few. I dont care who you are, if you support breed specific legislation you are ignorant, misguided, cruel, heartless, narrowminded and the poorest examples of humanity I could ever find on this planet. I want to know if anyone has any information on how to really join the fight here in Canada against BSL, in a productive way... if you have any links to websites etc for Canada I would be grateful and any tips on how to maybe get things started in my community as well.

I dont have a pitty breed but I have known so many of them in my life and all of them were awesome dogs full of love and energy and humourous playfulness. I cant say I know a breed of dog that smiles as much as pitty breeds do.. or has so much character and sheer spirit. Also I have known so many Rotties, and I cant say enough good things about them.. they are great dogs too.. full of mischief and sweetness... and what motherly instincts, several female rotties I know have adopted everything from kittens to bunnies and even produced milk in false pregnancies to nurse little orphans.. bottom line not ALL dogs of a breed are vicious its how they are raised.

Answer 1

Nah the poorest examples of humanity on this planet are people who abuse animals and children..

But check out this site for the fight against breed banning in Canada
http://www.doglegislationcouncilcanada.org/

http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/breederinfo11.htm

http://www.advocatesfortheunderdog.com/

Answer 2

I am a former owner of a Rottie and a Pit Bull. I had both to a very old age. 14 for the Rottie and 17 for the Pit Bull.
Unfortunately, like Txharleygirl1, above my dogs developed
age related dementia. My sweet, loveable companions
turned into agressive monsters without warning. My vet said
that dementia is triggered by a chemical imbalance in the dogs brain. We tried some meds, but things got worse over time, to the point that I no longer felt safe around my pets.
I did the responsible thing and had them both put down
before they did some serious damage to someone.
I am sorry, but I don't agree with you about it all being
how the animal is raised.
My dogs were my life and were spolied rotten gentle babies.
Mental illness was to blame and according to my vet, there wasn't anything I did to cause it. My vet says that it just happens and that some breeds are more prone to it than others.
Thank you, txharleygirl1, for your well thought out answer to this question. I agree with you. Please send me some info on how I, too can get involved in researching dementia.

Answer 3

I think you can fight it in more direct ways, but an indirect way is great too. Does the Canadian Kennel Club have something like the AKC's Canine Good Citizen program? If you have a pit bull, Rottweiler, GSD, etc, take the time to train the dog to pass this and maybe even consider having the dog be a therapy dog. All three of mine have the AKC's CGC, including the Belgian Malinois/German shepherd cross and the husky/Rottweiler cross. Having your dogs be good breed ambassadors is really really valuable. Good luck!

Answer 4

I don't agree that "it's all how a dog is raised". Trust me, it isn't. My wife and I owned a Doberman, for many years.
Candy was the dog's name. She was very sweet and loving.
Then, for no reason, Candy attacked our neighbor's little girl
at our 4th of July bar b que. Candy was 15 years old at the time.
The vet said she had dementia, and that it was pretty common for Doberman's to get it when they got older.
Dementia is caused by a chemical imbalance in the dog's brain. It's symptoms are typically aggressive behavior, biting without provocation, barking for no reason incessantly, etc.
There is no cure, my vet said.
Drugs can control the symptoms, but usually for only a short time.
Once I found this out, we had Candy put to sleep.
Before we got another dog, I did a lot of research and chose
a breed that doesn't have such a high risk of age related dementia.
I.now, have a Basset Hound.
I agree with txharleygirl. If more people were educated about
the risks of dementia in older dogs and more research was done, the cause could be eliminated. Thus, breed specific legislation wouldn't be so apt to happen, in the first place.

Answer 5

I hear you! Here in Las Vegas it is heart breaking to see the amount of pit bulls and rottys in the local shelters. There were so many, the shelter ended up euthanising more than half of them. When my husband and I first moved to here we picked up a pit bull mix. She was the sweetest smartest animal and cared for my boxer puppy like her own. (unfortunately, we no longer have Molly since she kept running away) All dogs are animals and all animals act out. EVEN HUMANS! Animal cruelty and ignorance is a worldwide issue...I wish you the best of luck on your search.

Answer 6

Having a trained dog isn’t the same as having a balanced dog, but if your dog knows a few basic commands, it can be helpful when tackling problem behaviors — existing ones or those that may develop in the future. Learn here https://tr.im/gPKax

So where do you start with dog obedience training? You could take a class, but it’s not necessary; you can do it yourself. In fact, with the right attitude, it can be fun for both you and your dog!
Step 1 : Sit
This is one of the easiest dog obedience commands to teach, so it’s a good one to start with.
• Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose.
• Move your hand up, allowing his head to follow the treat and causing his bottom to lower.
• Once he’s in sitting position, say “Sit,” give him the treat, and share affection.
Repeat this sequence a few times every day until your dog has it mastered. Then ask your dog to sit before mealtime, when leaving for walks, and during other situations where you’d like him calm and seated.
Step 2 : Come
This command can help keep a dog out of trouble, bringing him back to you if you lose grip on the leash or accidentally leave the front door open.
• Put a leash and collar on your dog.
• Go down to his level and say, “Come,” while gently pulling on the leash.
• When he gets to you, reward him with affection and a treat.
Once he’s mastered it with the leash, remove it — and practice the command in a safe, enclosed area.
Step 3 : Down
This can be one of the more difficult commands in dog obedience training. Why? Because the position is a submissive posture. You can help by keeping training positive and relaxed, particularly with fearful or anxious dogs.
• Find a particularly good smelling treat, and hold it in your closed fist.
• Hold your hand up to your dog’s snout. When he sniffs it, move your hand to the floor, so he follows.
• Then slide your hand along the ground in front of him to encourage his body to follow his head.
• Once he’s in the down position, say “Down,” give him the treat, and share affection.
Repeat it every day. If your dog tries to sit up or lunges toward your hand, say “No” and take your hand away. Don’t push him into a down position, and encourage every step your dog takes toward the right position. After all, he’s working hard to figure it out!

Answer 7

Yes...
I don't know what kind of dog you have, but go to a website called PitBullLovers.com and talk to the owner there, Jason Mann. This guy is VERY knowledgeable about these things since he owns a few Pits, as do I.

You can tell him KainsDad sent you. He knows me, not very well, but he knows who I am.

His e-mail address is on the site, if you cant find it, let me know, and I'll give it to you!

Good luck,
David

BSL SUX!!!

Answer 8

My family has owned Rotties, for years. However, 4 of our dogs developed dementia when they got old. The vet tried
some drugs that cost a lot. They helped for awhile, but the dogs kept getting worse. 1 of them even bit my mom and she had to have a lot of stitches.
Eventually, we just decided, as a family to have them put to sleep.
I don't think it has anything to do with how a dog is raised.
Our weren't abused. They were our best friends.
Some breeds just get mental illness when they get older.
That's when they get dangerous.
Nobody likes to think it can happen to their pet, but I've been there. I know.
Txharleygirl is right. We need to cure the mental illness that
cause the dogs to act like that. Then we wouldn't need those
laws to protect people.

Answer 9

Hi. I know this may not be what you want to hear, but
I don't agree with you about a dog being vicious because it was raised that way. In most cases, that is simply not true.
We had a pit bull when I was little. She was pretty old.
12, I think. My parents got her while I was a baby.
She was a great dog. Then one day, for no reason,
she bit my brother. He was only 4 years old.
He was hurt really bad. He had to stay in the hospital
a long time. He's ok, now, but still has scars on his face.
The vet said our dog Kelly was sick with that dementia thing, too. He said there wasn't anything that would cure it.
Mom and Dad had her put to sleep.
I think txharleygirl has the best answer to this question.
People need to be aware and educated about the real
problem. Somebody needs to find a cure for it.

Answer 10

This site promotes pro-dog legislation in the us and canada http://www.mydogvotes.com/

education is the key so you may want to try these sites that promote understanding of bully breeds
http://www.forpitssake.org/frame.html
http://www.freewebs.com/bslworkshop/index.htm
http://www.badrap.org/rescue/

Also, wear your support and spread the word. This is my favorite shirt although cafe press has many. just do a search on 'bsl'
http://www.cafepress.com/buy/bsl/-/pv_design_details/pg_1/id_11253808/opt_/fpt_/c_360/