Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is a law that bans OR restricts certain types of dogs based on their appearance, usually because they are perceived as “dangerous” breeds or types of dogs.

A breed ban usually requires that all dogs of a certain appearance (“targeted breed”) be removed from the municipality wherein the ban has been implemented. After the effective date of the ban, dogs in the municipality that are identified as targeted breeds are usually subject to death by animal control, though in some cases, such dogs may be saved if relocation is an option. 

“Breed specific” is something of a misnomer. Some breed specific laws don’t target specific breeds, but rather, a loosely defined class of dogs (e.g. “pit bull” or “shepherd”). Almost all BSL also includes a “substantially similar” clause: “or any dog with an appearance or physical characteristics that are substantially similar to the aforementioned breeds.” In other words, targeted dogs are often subject to BSL not because they are in fact a specific breed, but because they simply look similar to a particular breed or have a general physical appearance that someone might consider “targeted breed-like.”

WHY IS BSL WRONG?
BSL does not improve public safety or prevent dog bites.
BSL is costly.
BSL requires each and every dog to be identified as a breed—something that has proven impossible to do accurately and objectively.
BSL makes targeted breeds more desirable to irresponsible and criminal owners.
BSL does nothing to make irresponsible dog owners accountable.
BSL punishes responsible dog owners.
Not a single canine welfare organization supports BSL.

 It is unlawful to keep, or harbor, own or in any way possess a pit bull dog within the city of Yakima however a Pit bull is the common name for a type of dog not a specific breed. Formal breeds often considered in North America to be of the pit bull type include the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. 

Despite this archaic and ignorant ban the UKC describes Pit Bull Terrier a having "strength, confidence, and zest for life. This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. APBTs make excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of children. Because most APBTs exhibit some level of dog aggression and because of its powerful physique, the APBT requires an owner who will carefully socialize and obedience train the dog. The breed’s natural agility makes it one of the most capable canine climbers so good fencing is a must for this breed. The APBT is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers. Aggressive behavior toward humans is uncharacteristic of the breed and highly undesirable. This breed does very well in performance events because of its high level of intelligence and its willingness to work"

This breed specific legislation does more harm than good and it costs tax payers money. All facts on dogs classified as pitbulls indicated that unless trained otherwise they are loyal and loving dogs even less prone to violence than dachshunds, Yorkshire terriers, or chihuahuas. Please sign to show your support to end such a hateful and ineffective practice.