DeVere 1
Lenna DeVere
Professor Fabrizi
English 1010
25 April 2025
Understanding Dog Breeds and Public Safety
The issue of dog ownership and public safety often brings up heated
debates, especially regarding specific breeds like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers.
Many cities in the United States have passed breed specific legislation (BSL)
that bans or restricts these dogs, believing that these measures will reduce
attacks and improve safety. However, several studies and expert opinions
suggest that banning certain breeds is not the most e ective way to ensure
public safety. Instead, society should focus on responsible dog ownership,
training, and education.
Breed specific legislation refers to laws that target specific breeds
deemed dangerous or aggressive. Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are commonly
included in these laws due to their physical strength and associated attacks
reported in the media. According to ASPCA, “Many states, including New York,
Texas and Illinois, favor laws that identify, track and regulate dangerous dogs
, DeVere 2
individually—regardless of breed—and prohibit BSL. However, more than 700
U.S. cities have enacted breed-specific laws”. One might believe that these
breeds are more prone to aggression and pose a greater threat to public
safety.
Breed-specific laws (BSL) are often seen as cruel and harsh to dogs.
These laws can lead to unnecessary punishment simply because of their
breed, rather than their behavior. It is more important to focus on responsible
pet ownership and training than to punish certain dogs without reason.
“Breed-specific restrictions often require the owners of certain dog breeds to
do things like muzzle the dog in public, contain their pets within a kennel that
is built to given specifications (e.g., chain link walls and concrete floors),
purchase a minimum dollar amount of liability insurance, make the dog wear
a “vicious dog” identifier, etc.” (Foundation for Economic Education)
A crucial aspect of dog behavior is how the owner raises and treats their
pet. Research shows that responsible ownership, such as proper training,
socializing, and caring for a dog is vital in determining a dog's obedience and
temperament. According to the Wounded Paw Project, “Proper socialization
and training are crucial for responsible dog ownership, contributing to a well-
Lenna DeVere
Professor Fabrizi
English 1010
25 April 2025
Understanding Dog Breeds and Public Safety
The issue of dog ownership and public safety often brings up heated
debates, especially regarding specific breeds like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers.
Many cities in the United States have passed breed specific legislation (BSL)
that bans or restricts these dogs, believing that these measures will reduce
attacks and improve safety. However, several studies and expert opinions
suggest that banning certain breeds is not the most e ective way to ensure
public safety. Instead, society should focus on responsible dog ownership,
training, and education.
Breed specific legislation refers to laws that target specific breeds
deemed dangerous or aggressive. Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are commonly
included in these laws due to their physical strength and associated attacks
reported in the media. According to ASPCA, “Many states, including New York,
Texas and Illinois, favor laws that identify, track and regulate dangerous dogs
, DeVere 2
individually—regardless of breed—and prohibit BSL. However, more than 700
U.S. cities have enacted breed-specific laws”. One might believe that these
breeds are more prone to aggression and pose a greater threat to public
safety.
Breed-specific laws (BSL) are often seen as cruel and harsh to dogs.
These laws can lead to unnecessary punishment simply because of their
breed, rather than their behavior. It is more important to focus on responsible
pet ownership and training than to punish certain dogs without reason.
“Breed-specific restrictions often require the owners of certain dog breeds to
do things like muzzle the dog in public, contain their pets within a kennel that
is built to given specifications (e.g., chain link walls and concrete floors),
purchase a minimum dollar amount of liability insurance, make the dog wear
a “vicious dog” identifier, etc.” (Foundation for Economic Education)
A crucial aspect of dog behavior is how the owner raises and treats their
pet. Research shows that responsible ownership, such as proper training,
socializing, and caring for a dog is vital in determining a dog's obedience and
temperament. According to the Wounded Paw Project, “Proper socialization
and training are crucial for responsible dog ownership, contributing to a well-
