Anti BSL

Anti BSL

You made me what I am today, courage at its best.
You wanted me to know no fear, a cut above the rest.
Not only did I master that, I've thrown in loyalty, too.
Look past my eyes into my soul, you know I'd die for you.
I'll watch your kids, I'll watch your house.
Your praise will be my crown, ask what you will-I'll do my best.
I'll even be your clown.
But some of you don't like me, I'm sure I don't know why.
The only thing I'm guilty of is courage, love, and try.
But still they want to see me go, they want my breed to end.
Will I see you sitting idly by?
You, whom I call a friend?
You made me what I am today, you never saw me waiver.
I've done my best to keep you safe.
Wont you please return the favor.

©'Cheryl Crabb'

What is Breed-Specific Legislation
Breed-specific legislation is legislation that targets specific breeds of dogs on the premise that those breeds are 'inherently dangerous' to the general public. It doesn't matter where you live, BSL can affect you and your dog. It is important to be informed on how BSL could potentially affect you and your dog--and what you can do about it.

What can I do about breed-specific legislation?
The first thing to do is to find out what laws already exist in your community. It may be possible to help get better laws in place *before* an incident occurs in your community. Once there has been a damaging dog bite it is hard to put logic in front of the emotions that everyone will be dealing with.

As well, support legislative efforts in your dog clubs and through online communities like Dogwatch. Just being aware of what is coming is a great help. This is not a time to argue about the "american pit bull terrier" versus the other AKC registered bully breeds, nor is it time to get caught up in historic debates. This is the time to work together, because as a group we are strong, but as divided segments we are very weak. Also, remember that this is not just a "pit bull" issue. Breed specific legislation applies to many dog breeds, and you may find help in surprising quarters.

Finally, if you do find yourself opposing a breed specific law, get the facts and put together a *strategic* argument. Despite how you might feel, this is *not* the time to let your emotions interfere with your logic. Present a case that is designed to be persuasive. Remember that the politicians you are talking to may not even like dogs, and they surely won't care about your individual pet and personal anecdotes. There are some extremely effective arguments in opposition of BSL; be sure to use them!

Anti-BSL Groups
Please do all you can do to help these GREAT Groups.

ADOA - American Dog Owner's Association - The American Dog Owner's Association preserves the special relationship between dogs and mankind by protecting and defending the rights of responsible dog ownership.
ADOA's Pet Owner's Rights.

EBA (Endangered Breeds Association) & Lone Star State Pit Bull Club
The EBA is an organization founded in 1980 with the guidance and support of ADBA's President Ralph Greenwood. The EBA was created for the purpose of protecting breeds of animals who are under harassment, or victims of misunderstanding, false or negative criticism, or controversy.

The Chako Rescue Association for the American Pit Bull Terrier
The Chako Rescue Association helps place APBTs in need of good homes. The CRA also works against breed-discrimination. We strive to educate the public about the breed, using our dogs in animal-assisted therapy and traveling to elementary and high schools to give presentations. In addition, we act as a "Media Watchdog," standing vigilant against breed-discrimation.

Spindletop APBT & AST Refruge
Spindletop Refuge is committed to the successful rehabilitation and placement of abandoned, abused, stray and shelter euthanasia bound American Pit Bull and Staffordshire Terriers.

Anti-BSL

Write Your Senators and Representatives
U.S. Senators

U.S. House of Representatives

AKC Canine Legislation Page - (Free brochures for fighting BSL)

UKC's Scan - SCAN is a national network of dog owners and dog organizations dedicated to the fundamental right to own dogs. United Kennel Club believes that in a free society every responsible dog owner has certain inalienable rights, chief of which is the right to own the dog of his or her choosing, regardless of breed, without fear of discrimination or seizure by units of local, state or national government. SCAN's goal is to create an awareness within every dog owner of the ominous threat to dog ownership existing in the animal rights movement.

Animalrights.net - Animal rights advocates regularly mislead the public and misrepresent the facts about the use of animals. This web site debunks many of their claims, as well as links to other individuals and groups engaged in challenging animal rights activists.

RDOWS - Responsible Dog Owners of the Western States - We actively fight legislation that undermines the right to own, show, hunt with our breed dogs, including breeding bans, mandatory spay/neuter, & breed specific codes or ordinances.

WLFA - The Wildlife Legislative Fund of America provides direct lobbying and grassroots coalition support to protect and advance the rights of hunters, fishermen, trappers and scientific wildlife management professionals.
If you use your dogs to hunt, these people are worth checking out!

I've spent many nights at
Peace with myself...
Alone With my dogs.

It is at these times when I
Remember who and what is
Important to me.
When Thoughts come most clear...
And memories are made.
Don't Let BSL Make These Great Dogs Extinct!