We, the people, support responsible ownership of all dog breeds. We DO NOT support the introduction of Breed Specific Legislation. 

STOP BREED SPECIFIC LEGISLATION

Breed specific legislation unfairly targets dogs of specific breeds as aggressive or dangerous, regardless of their actual temperament. These laws are discriminatory and ineffective in preventing dog bites or attacks. There is no evidence to support that BSL makes communities safer or reduces dog bites.

In June of 2023 the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries released a Discussion Paper titled Stronger Dog Laws: Safer Communities which includes a proposal to introduce Breed Specific Legislation, banning the ownership of the following breeds:

• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Japanese Tosa
• American pit bull terrier or pit bull terrier
• Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario

On Sunday the 25th of June 2023 the ABC published a story stating the Queensland Government were proposing to ban the above breeds to reduce dog attacks on the following basis: "Three children suffered significant injuries in separate incidents, including a three-year-old girl who was bitten on the head and neck on the Gold Coast. Four dogs were destroyed soon after that attack — thought to involve German Shepherd and mastiff breeds. (Link 1)

IT DOESN'T EVEN MAKE SENSE!

ABC News also reported on dog attack statistics for the Brisbane Region "The top six breeds involved in those attacks were also in the 10 most common in the city, according to council registrations. They were Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, German Shepherds, Mastiffs, Rottweilers and cattle dogs." (Link 2)

Research has shown German Shepherds, Mastiffs and Rottweilers all have a stronger bite force than the American Pitbull Terrier and, as reported above, are more prolific offenders, yet the Queensland Government is not seeking to include them in the new legislation. We should all be asking why?

What does BSL mean for dogs:

1. Owners of restricted breeds will be able to keep their dogs until the end of their life, always living under the fear that if their dog looks sideways at another dog or person they could be seized and destroyed;
2. Once legislation is in place it is easier to add "dangerous" breeds to the list;
3. All puppies that even look remotely like a restricted breed will be destroyed; (Link 3)
4. Unqualified Council workers will be tasked with identifying "restricted" breeds leading to all dogs that look even remotely like a restricted breed being destroyed, regardless of their temperament.

The RSPCA DOES NOT support BSL! (Links 4)

The Australian Veterinary Association DOES NOT support BSL! (Link 5)

Kidsafe Australia DOES NOT support BSL! (Link 6)

The Australian Institute of Animal Management DOES NOT support BSL! (Link 7)

The World Animal Foundation DOES NOT support BSL! (Link 8)

Pets Australia DOES NOT support BSL! (Link 9)

Link 1

Link 2

Link 3

Link 4

Link 5

Link 6

Link 7

Link 8

Link 9

1. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-25/qld-dangerous-dog-consultation-new-laws-jail/102521068?utm_campaign=abc_news_web_vertical_share&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web
2. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-14/what-makes-dogs-dangerous-dog-attacks-queensland/102217624
3. https://www.rspca-act.org.au/node/329
4. https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-is-the-rspcas-view-on-breed-specific-legislation/#:~:text=BSL%20is%20based%20on%20assumptions,supported%20by%20evidence%20%5B1%5D
5. https://www.ava.com.au/policy-advocacy/policies/companion-animals-dog-behaviour/breed-specific-legislation/
6. https://kidsafeqld.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/dogattacks.pdf
7. https://aiam.org.au/resources/Documents/2003%20UAM/PUB_Pro03_67_74_Watson.pdf
8. https://worldanimalfoundation.org/advocate/breed-specific-legislation/
9. https://petsaustralia.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/12-BSL.pdf