According to a survey commissioned by Best Friends Animal Society, 84% of Americans believe people should be allowed to own any breed of dog they choose.
This overwhelming majority shows that most people understand dogs are companions defined by their personalities, not by their appearance or breed.
Dogs Are Individuals, Not Stereotypes
Every dog has its own unique temperament and behavior, shaped by upbringing, training, and environment—not physical traits like size, shape, or breed.
Stereotyping entire breeds ignores the individuality of dogs and unfairly punishes responsible owners who provide safe, loving homes.
Breed-Specific Laws Don’t Make Communities Safer
Studies and real-world evidence show that breed-specific legislation (BSL) is ineffective in reducing dog-bite incidents. Dangerous or aggressive behavior is not breed-dependent but is influenced by factors such as neglect, abuse, or lack of proper training and socialization.
The Cost of Ineffective Laws
Breed bans are not only unjust but also costly to enforce. Cities and municipalities spend taxpayer money identifying, seizing, and housing dogs based on appearance alone.
Meanwhile, these efforts fail to address the root causes of aggressive behavior, diverting resources away from effective public safety measures.
Protecting Basic Rights
BSL infringes upon people’s rights to choose their pets and undermines the human-animal bond. Families may be forced to give up beloved pets simply because of how they look, regardless of the dogs’ behavior or training.
A Better Approach
Instead of targeting breeds, legislation should focus on responsible ownership, including:
- Enforcing leash laws
- Promoting spay/neuter programs
- Educating owners on training and socialization
- Holding negligent owners accountable
These approaches are proven to create safer communities without discriminating against dogs or their owners.
