The BSLWorkshop

We collect and analyze data and information to explore causes and potential solutions to the conflicts and challenges created by dog ownership in modern society. We examine ways in which a community can balance the increasing focus on public safety with reasonable expectations and practical decisions. We promote dog bite prevention education, dog training and socialization, considerate animal husbandry practices, strict liability for failure to comply with leash and containment and adequate funding for the enforcement of non breed biased animal control policies. We celebrate the unique bond between our two species and encourage a sense of pride in ownership.

We are quickly losing our rights to responsibly own and care for our dogs because of increasingly restrictive and prohibitive legislation without ever addressing the real issues.

Progress cannot be made without taking into consideration the following:

1.  Non breed specific dog laws that hold owners accountable and diligent enforcement of those laws.

2. Free and/or low cost voluntary spay and neuter programs made available for all dogs.

3. The reasons behind the changing demographic of animal control shelter populations.

We are seeing an increasing number of large breed and bully type dogs in the shelters. Issues such as breed profiling and stereotypes, no standardized and medically recognized protocol for determining temperament suitable for adoption, little or no support material or post adoption follow-up, pandering to small fashionable dogs to increase shelter revenue, and cost prohibitive adoption fees must be addressed.

4. The development of training courses for law enforcement regarding appropriate reactions to typical dog behavior.

5. Education/Dog/Child Safety Program information SafeKids/SafeDogs

6. The most cost effective use of Animal Control resources

7. Prosecution of actual Animal Welfare Act Violations with regard to due process, legal search and seizure and equal treatment under the law.

Progressively higher fines for repeat offenses of off-leash/dog at large violations that are independent of pet reclaimation fees would be a deterrent. Reduced registration fees for dogs which are altered combined with responsible owner discounts for unaltered pets that achieve titles in show/field trial/obedience and related sanctioned competitions, obtain a Canine Good Citizen title, certification as a therapy dog or other approved activity would provide incentive for compliance and encourage positive human/canine interaction. Preemptive fees, restrictions and penalties have not been effective in promoting participation in animal control programs and there is no reason to believe that higher fees and penalties or greater restrictions will be more effective.

We have sought out reliable and current information in order to offer it as a resource for public officials seeking answers or for those individuals/organizations who wish to provide a packet to their local officials. The information we have gathered on the Workshop offers effective and proactive alternatives to breed specific prohibitions and restrictions.