What is Continental Kennel Club's position on Breed Specific Legislation (BSL)?
Continental Kennel Club does not support ‘breed specific legislation’, BSL, or breed banning. Breed specific legislation is legislation based on the notion that some domestic canine breeds are more dangerous to society than others. While CKC acknowledges that fearful or aggressive dogs can be dangerous, there is no consensus that certain domestic breeds, as a whole, are more dangerous to society than other domestic breeds. As an all-breed international registration organization, Continental Kennel Club recognizes, registers, and supports all of the known breeds of purebred dogs. CKC is dedicated to improving all breeds by promoting better breeding, establishing performance trials, and educating the public about proper canine care.
Instead of labeling breeds as “dangerous”, local law enforcement should work with local animal control organizations to identify owners with dogs that show signs of aggression toward people. Owners with dogs that show signs of aggression should be the target of legislation which requires them to prove their animals are not dangerous to society. In addition, enforcing existing leash/restraint laws and animal abuse laws would go a long way in reducing dog-related incidents in the community. If necessary, communities could require mandatory temperament testing for dogs which have access to public streets and parks. There are numerous dog clubs and canine organizations that would be happy to assist communities with temperament testing and canine awareness issues.
Man has created most of the breeds of dogs we see today and along with our love for dogs, comes the responsibility to properly care for them and socialize them. All breeds of canines have served mankind, in some way, as faithful companions throughout our history. They have helped us with hunting, retrieval, search & rescue, drafting, guarding, protection, and many times just as companions. They have been universally proclaimed as ‘Man’s Best Friend,’ and rightly so. The have earned a place in our culture and in our hearts and they should be defended from misguided legislation which targets them instead of the abusive and irresponsible owners who exploit them.
Continental Kennel Club supports the use of canines for service work, performance competitions, and as companion animals. CKC does not support the irresponsible breeding of any canine breed to produce dogs with unstable temperaments toward people or other dogs. Continental Kennel Club recommends that dogs of all breeds be socialized and obedience trained to maintain control at home, and away from home. If a dog owner notices signs of fear or aggression in his dog, he should immediately consult a reputable trainer or behaviorist and work toward resolving the problem before it becomes worse. For more information about CKC training opportunities or temperament testing, call the CKC Training Center at 1-877-CKC-DOGS.
For additional reference information please check the following resources:
International Association of Canine Professionals - www.dogpro.org
American Temperament Testing Society – www.atts.org
Dog Watch - www.dogwatch.net
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