Advocacy

DOG AND CAT BREEDER BILL - PLEASE TAKE ACTION

SPEAK UP for Minnesota Dogs and Cats!

We have great news! The Dog and Cat Breeder Regulation bill has been introduced at the Minnesota State Legislature.

The bill number in the Minnesota Senate is S.F. 462, introduced by Senator Barb Goodwin. The bill number in the House of Representatives is H.F. 702, introduced by Representative John Lesch.

Please contact your State Senator and State Representative to urge their support of this important legislation. Be sure to mention the bill numbers (S.F. 462/H.F. 702) and names of the chief authors (Senator Goodwin / Representative Lesch).

Dog and Cats don't have a voice, so please be a voice for them!

Click here for additional information about what to tell your legislators and how to find out who represents you.

Breed Specific Legislation

Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) is a statute or regulation that is directed toward one or more specific breeds of dogs. The majority of BSL is focused on breeds traditionally known as "dangerous," or those that have demonstrated particular propensities for aggression and violent behavior.

In June, 2007, Representative Lesch (DFL- St. Paul) announced he would introduce BSL to the February 2008 legislative session. His bill will propose targeting akitas, chows, rottweilers, pitbulls and wolf-hybrids.

To view the WCCO press release on Lesch’s press conference click http://wcco.com/local/dog.attack.breeds.2.368167.html.

Pet Haven’s Stop BSL in Minnesota Task Force kicked off in July, 2007. The objective of the task force is:

  • to EDUCATE people about breed specific legislation (BSL), better effective alternatives to BSL, the causes of dog aggression, and prevention of dog bites to humans
  • to PROMOTE responsible dog ownership and safer communities
  • to ADVOCATE on behalf of dog breeds affected by BSL

Why does BSL not work?

  • BSL targets a specific breed and fails to adequately address the dog-bite epidemic. It disregards both past behavior and conduct of the dog, and owner
  • BSL ignores 3 basic facts:
    • All dogs can and do inflict injury, regardless of breed
    • Breed alone is not a dispositive of human aggression, even in historically dog-aggressive breeds
    • Any dog can be trained and any breed can be bred to be aggressive
  • BSL creates a false sense of public security through oversimplification of the problem and under-inclusiveness in the solution
  • BSL, though designed to decrease the threat to public safety, may have the perverse effect of increasing the risk of serious attack
  • BSL is an inefficient allocation of limited financial and human resources
  • BSL does not differentiate between vicious and docile members of the target breed

Source: “Attacking the Dog-Bite Epidemic: What Breed Specific Legislation won’t solve the dangerous dog dilemma”, Fordham Law Review, April 2006

If you would like to join the task force or would like more information, please email advocacy@PetHavenMN.org.

Resources:

Downloads:

  • Petition
  • Anti BSL Poster

    • Duncan

    Duncan, a pit bull puppy rescued by Pet Haven, would be targeted if BSL is passed

    Missy

    BSL being proposed would also target mixed breeds. Missy, a 3 yr old lab/pit mix, would be on the list too!

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