Readers' Letters

Dear Georgina,

Make your voice heard and #EndBSL

In 1991, Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) prohibited four different types of dog: pit bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Fila Braziliero and Dogo Argentino. Its aim was to decrease their population and improve human safety. But fast forward 25 years later: large numbers of dogs continue to be seized and hospital admissions rise year on year. In fact, in the past 10 years, admissions for dog bites and strikes have increased by 76% (HSCIC, 2015). Since 1991, 36 people have died in dog-related incidents; 27 involved dogs not prohibited by law (RSPCA, 2016). BSL is clearly ineffective at protecting public safety and as a result has been hugely criticised on both a national and international level.

Part of the criticism relates to the identification of prohibited types of dogs, which is predominantly appearance based rather than taking into account behaviour or genetics, meaning that many dogs experience compromised welfare unnecessarily. Suspect dogs are seized and kennelled; both procedures which are potentially very stressful. Although some prohibited types can be lawfully kept, there are strict conditions which must be adhered to, some of which can restrict natural behaviour, e.g. on lead walking when in a public place. However, thousands of dogs have been needlessly euthanased simply because of their conformation. Euthanasing healthy dogs with sound temperaments on the basis of looks alone has huge moral implications and undoubtedly a significant impact on those who owned or cared for these dogs and the veterinary professionals who have to undertake the euthanasia.