Objective of the petition
We wish to encourage local councils and the New Zealand Government to abolish breed specific legislation, which has recently resulted in a loving, healthy 'pitbull' being put to sleep in Auckland after numerous attempts from fellow rescues to save him. 

Please sign this petition so we can look to put a stop to archaic breed specific legislation, and ultimately protect beautiful, loving dogs who are labelled by their look. As humans we have been taught not to judge a book by its cover, it should be the same for dogs, particularly when life and death is at stake. The effectiveness of BSL has been vehemently disproven in Academia from the early 2000's.

What is Breed Specific Legislation?
Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is a type of law that prohibits or restricts particular breeds or types of dog. Such laws range from outright bans on the possession of these dogs, to restrictions and conditions on ownership, and often establishes a legal presumption that such dogs are dangerous or vicious. This can result in Animal Control being able to deny rehoming a dog because of it's 'classified' breed. Ultimately the unregulated determination of the breed can result in the animal being euthanised. New Zealand still exhibits aspects of BSL in the Dog Control Act 2003 which governs the conduct of Animal Control/Pounds. 

The Dog Control Act automatically classifies dogs that are wholly or predominantly of these breeds as menacing, no matter how they behave individually.

American Pit Bull Terrier
Brazilian Fila
Japanese Tosa
Dogo Argentino
Perro de Presa Canario.

33A 1 b (ii)  Menacing dogs
A classification of menacing dog was created under the Act. A council may declare a dog menacing if it considers the dog may pose a threat to any person, stock, poultry, domestic animal, or protected wildlife because of:

(i) any observed or reported behaviour of the dog; or

(ii) any characteristics typically associated with the dog's breed or type.

If a council believes on reasonable grounds that a dog is wholly or predominantly one or more of the banned breeds or types it must classify it as menacing. 

Can a dog be a true menace to society just because of its breed?
"Dangerous dogs are a product of our society and environment. Dangerous dogs may injure or kill people and animals we care about and a dangerous dog can be any breed of dog.

Several countries like the USA state that previously implemented BSL legislation has been found to be ineffective. As a result, BSL legislation has been repealed and instead they are opting to enact and more rigorously enforce laws that focus on the people part of the issue. It is the human end of the leash that we believe needs to be at the centre of the debate, not breed.

It is acknowledged that all dogs have the potential to bite but that most don’t. While some may be trained to be violent this does not mean that they are inherently violent by nature but may be victims of circumstance and/or neglect. We need to focus on the right issues to address.

Of the breeds currently identified as “high risk” Pit Bulls are the most often seen. Most kiwis have countless personal experiences of Pit Bulls making great family pets and wonderful therapy dogs. We see them attend puppy and obedience classes, participating just like any other dog in the class learning about life with humans. It’s not the breed that is the problem…it’s the dog behaviour that is problematic, it’s not the dog that is to blame…it’s more likely the people that have failed it." - Association of Professional Dog Trainers NZ

How do they determine the breed of the dog?
There is no legally defined process for determining the breed, leaving room for error and guesswork. More often than not it is based on 'sight'... Imagine being put down because of the way you looked... 

If the industry leaders in anthrozoology and the incredible rescue organisations are aware BSL is outdated, why does the legislation continue to exist in such a dog loving and accepting country? Let's change that!

Woody's death will not be in vain.

#Justiceforwoody

Useful Links:
SPCA stance on BSL
Are Breed Specific Laws Effective?
ASPCA Position Statement on Breed Specific Laws
APDTNZ Position Statement on Breed Specific Laws
Dangerous Dogs And The Construction Of Risk

Breed-specific legislation and the pit bull terrier: Are the laws justified?
Is there a difference? Comparison of golden retrievers and dogs affected by breed-specific legislation regarding aggressive behavior