Breed-specific legislation
In law, breed-specific legislation is a type of law that prohibits or restricts particular breeds or types of dog. Such laws range from outright bans on the possession of these dogs, to restrictions and conditions on ownership, and often establishes a legal presumption that such dogs are dangerous or vicious to prevent dog attacks. Some jurisdictions have enacted breed-specific legislation in response to a number of fatalities or maulings involving pit bull–type dogs or other dog breeds commonly used in dog fighting, and some government organizations such as the United States Army and Marine Corps have taken administrative action as well. Due to opposition to such laws in the United States, anti-BSL laws have been passed in 21 of the 50 state-level governments, prohibiting or restricting the ability of jurisdictions within those states to enact or enforce breed-specific legislation.
Background
It is generally settled in case law that jurisdictions in the United States and Canada have the legal authority to enact breed-specific legislation. The effectiveness of such legislation in preventing dog bite fatalities and injuries remains controversial. Advocates such as the Animal Legal Defense Fund and the National Canine Research Council argue that breed-specific laws are ineffective and discriminatory, while some trauma surgeons and public health researchers contend that such laws may reduce the frequency and severity of serious attacks. One point of view is that certain dog breeds are a public safety issue that merits actions such as banning ownership, mandatory spaying/neutering for all dogs of these breeds, mandatory microchip implants and liability insurance, or prohibiting people convicted of a felony from owning them. Another point of view is that comprehensive "dog bite" legislation, coupled with better consumer education and legally mandating responsible pet keeping practices, is a better solution than breed-specific legislation to the problem of dangerous dogs.A third point of view is that breed-specific legislation should not ban breeds entirely, but should strictly regulate the conditions under which specific breeds could be owned, e.g., forbidding certain classes of individuals from owning them, specifying public areas in which they would be prohibited, and establishing conditions, such as requiring a dog to wear a muzzle, for taking dogs from specific breeds into public places. Finally, some governments, such as that of Australia, have forbidden the import of specific breeds and require all existing dogs of these breeds to be spayed/neutered in an attempt to eliminate the population slowly through natural attrition.
Approximately 550 jurisdictions in the United States have enacted breed-specific legislation in response to a number of well-publicized incidents involving pit bull–type dogs, and some government organizations such as the U.S. Army and Marine Corps have taken administrative action as well. These actions range from outright bans on the possession of pit bull–type dogs, to restrictions and conditions on pit bull ownership. They often establish a legal presumption that a pit bull–type dog is prima facie a legally "dangerous" or "vicious" dog. In response, 16 states in the U.S. prohibited or restricted the ability of municipal governments within those states to enact BSL, though these restrictions do not affect military installations located within the states.
Studies
A study by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2000 concluded that fatal attacks on humans appeared to be a breed-specific problem. However, they also concluded that fatal attacks represent a small proportion of dog bite injuries to humans and suggested that there may be better alternatives for prevention of dog bites than breed-specific ordinances. Given that many media sources reported that this study suggested that pit bull–type dogs and Rottweilers are disproportionately more dangerous than other dog breeds, the American Veterinary Medical Association, whose journal published the original article, released a statement detailing that the study "cannot be used to infer any breed specific risk for dog bite fatalities".A 2018 literature review determined that "injuries from Pitbull's and mixed breed dogs were both more frequent and more severe." In a 2019 study of patient records, among several breed categories, "pit bull terriers inflicted more complex wounds, were often unprovoked, and went off property to attack. Other top-biting breeds resulting in more unprovoked and complex wounds included German shepherds, Rottweilers, and huskies."
In a 2012 literature review, the American Veterinary Medical Association reported while some large breeds appear often in bite reports, certain breeds - notably large hounds and retrievers such as Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers - are under-represented in bite statistics relative to their population size. The AVMA review emphasized that identifying the breed involved in a bite incident is often unreliable. It noted that visual breed identification can be inaccurate and that witnesses may be predisposed to assume that a dog involved in a severe attack is a pit bull-type dog. The term “pit bull” itself encompasses a range of pedigree breeds, mixed breeds, and informal classifications, further complicating breed-based comparisons. It further stated that if breed-focused prevention strategies were considered, a cluster of large breeds - including German Shepherds and shepherd crosses - would be implicated, with variation by geographic location.
In 2012, the American Bar Association passed a resolution urging the repeal of breed-specific legislation, stating that it is "ineffective at improving public safety". In 2008, the Dutch government repealed a 15 year ban on pit bulls, concluding the law was ineffective.
A 2017 survey in Ireland collected 140 responses from people who had experienced dog bites by large dogs. The study found that no significant difference existed between legislated and non-legislated dog breeds for the type of bite inflicted, and the medical treatment needed after the bite. The authors found that non-legislated dog breeds were less likely to be reported to the authorities both before and after the bite compared to legislated dog breeds. The authors argue that breed specific legislation may distort perception of harm, and suggest both owners and dogs targeted by the legislation may experience harmful treatment by the public.
Legislation
Fifty-two countries have some form of breed-specific legislation, and 41 of those have BSL at the national level, as of December 2018.North America
Bermuda
In Bermuda, since July 21, 2003, importing or breeding of any "breed of dog that may be perceived as dangerous" is prohibited. Prohibited breeds include: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, American Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Boerboel, Fila Brasiliero, Cane Corso, Presa Canario, Neapolitan Mastiff, Tosa Inu, Wolf or Wolf hybrid, and crossbreeds thereof, as well as "any exotic or uncommon breed" at the government's discretion.Another category, restricted breeds, may be imported/kept once the conditions for keeping these dogs have been fulfilled, new acquisitions require pre-approval, and they may be bred only with a Breeder's permit. Restricted breeds include: Akita, Australian Cattle Dog, Belgian Malinois, Bouvier Des Flandres, Bull Terrier, Bullmastiff, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinscher, Dogue De Bordeaux, German Shepherd, English Mastiff, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and any cross of these.
Canada
The Canadian federal government does not regulate pit bull–type dogs, but two provincial governments and some municipal governments in Canada have enacted breed-specific legislation banning or restricting pit bull–type dogs. The following table discusses a sampling of the restrictions in force.| Province | Locality | Date | Type | Details |
| Manitoba | Winnipeg | July 17, 2013 | Ban | Dogs having the appearance and physical characteristics predominantly conforming to the standards of the Canadian Kennel Club or the United Kennel Club of:
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| Ontario | All | August 29, 2005 | Ban | No person shall own, breed, transfer, abandon or import a pit bull, nor allow one to stray, nor train a pit bull for fighting."Pit bull" includes a pit bull terrier, a Staffordshire bull terrier, an American Staffordshire terrier, an American pit bull terrier, or a dog that has an appearance and physical characteristics that are substantially similar to those. Pit bulls were grandfathered if they were owned by an Ontario resident on August 29, 2005, or born in Ontario within 90 days afterwards. Such dogs are subject to restrictions: they must be muzzled and kept on a leash no more than 1.8 meters long when in public or not on enclosed property, and they must be spayed or neutered unless a veterinarian certifies the dog is physically unfit to be anesthetized. If it is alleged in a proceeding that a dog is a pit bull, the onus of proving that the dog is not a pit bull lies on the owner of the dog. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, a veterinarian's certificate attesting that a dog is a pit bull is evidence of that fact. |
United States
As of 2018, there was some level of breed-specific legislation in 37 states and over 1,000 cities. Though the federal government of the United States has not enacted breed-specific legislation, four of the five branches of the United States Armed Forces have restricted certain breeds at almost 300 installations. Over 20 American Indian reservations have also enacted BSL.The following 17 states prohibit their municipalities from passing breed-specific laws: Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. California prohibits most breed-specific laws, but allows breed-specific spay/neuter.
As of 2021, there were only nine states that prohibited local governments from implementing or enforcing breed-specific legislation. They include: Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Washington DC
Below are summaries of some of the breed-specific legislation enacted in the United States. This is not an all-inclusive list of BSL throughout the USA.
| State | Locality | Date | Type | Details |
| Colorado | Denver | July 31, 1989 suspended from April 21, 2004 to May 8, 2005 | Restriction | Previous ban repealed in 2020 by popular vote. Pit bulls subject to "breed-restricted permit". |
| Florida | Miami-Dade County | 1989 | Restriction | Previous ban repealed by state legislation eliminating grandfather clause since 2023, contrary to popular vote. "It was illegal in Miami-Dade County to own any dog which substantially conforms to a Pit Bull breed dog, unless it was specially registered with Miami-Dade County prior to 1989. Acquisition or keeping of a Pit Bull dog: $500.00 fine and County Court action to force the removal of the animal from Miami-Dade County. The ban had previously been preserved after 63% of voters chose to uphold it in the 2012 election." |
| Iowa | Council Bluffs | 2004 | Ban | Pit bulls prohibited in city limits. "Any dog that is an American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one or more of the above breeds, or any dog exhibiting those distinguishing characteristics which substantially conform to the standards established by the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club for any of the above breeds." Owners may keep pit bulls they had when the ordinance was passed, but they must be muzzled or in a secure temporary enclosure when off property. |
| Kentucky | Union County | 2008 | Restriction | Pit bulls are considered vicious dogs and must be registered annually with the county for $50, listing identifying information, proof of rabies shots, proof of neutered status, and proof of $100,000 in liability insurance to cover injuries, death, or property damage caused by a pit bull. |
| Maryland | Prince George's County | 1997 | Restriction | Previous ban repealed by popular vote since 2025. Pit Bull Terriers were prohibited within the county. A Pit Bull Terrier may temporary be in the county for a contest or show, with permissions and assurances of protective measures to prevent escape or injuring the public, and must be transported in a secure temporary enclosure. Dogs employed by the county or licensed security services and trained to perform official police, correctional, security, fire and/or search and rescue service are permitted. Pit Bull Terrier means Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, dogs having the appearance of being predominantly of the three breeds of dog, and dogs having been registered at any time as a Pit Bull Terrier. ) |
| Michigan | Melvindale | 1990 | Ban | Bans possession of pit bulls which substantially conforms to the AKC breed standards for American Staffordshire Terriers or Staffordshire Bull Terriers or the UKC breed standards for American Pit Bull Terriers. |
| Missouri | Independence | 2006 | Restriction | Previous ban repealed by popular vote since 2023. Pit bulls were prohibited in the city except for those registered before the ordinance. Owners of pit bulls in the city prior to the ordinance must license their dog annually, show proof of neutering, rabies vaccination, and $300,000 liability insurance. The dog must be confined at all times and signage placed on the property. Dogs off property must be on a short leash handled by a competent adult and muzzled with a steel cage type muzzle, or in a secure temporary enclosure. Pit bulls may temporarily visit the city for competitions and exhibits with permissions and precautions. A pit bull is considered an American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of the three breeds, or any dog exhibiting those distinguishing characteristics which substantially conform to those breeds standards of the AKC or UKC. |
| Missouri | Kearney | 2007 | Restriction | Previous ban repealed by popular vote since 2024. Pit bull ownership was prohibited in the city. Dogs already residing in the city prior to the ordinance date in 2007 may remain but are restricted: confined, leashed, muzzled, signage on property, owner to carry public liability insurance of $300,000, and any offspring must be removed from city. A pit bull is considered "any dog which has the appearance and characteristics of being predominantly of the breeds of bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier; any other breed commonly known as pit bulls, pit bull dogs or pit bull terriers or a combination of any of these breeds." |
| Missouri | Springfield | 2006 | Restriction | Previous ban repealed by popular vote since 2018. Restrictions: Register your pit bull or pit mix annually. Keep pit bull or pit mix safe at all times. Post a sign on your property. Keep the dog in a secured, six-sided enclosure while on your property. Keep your pit bull or pit mix leashed and muzzled while not on your property. Notify Animal Control within 5 days if the pit bull is lost, stolen, dies or has puppies. |
| Tennessee | Sparta | 2005 | Ban | Pit bulls prohibited in the city, meaning bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, dogs of mixed breed which includes these breeds, any dog known as a pit bull, pit bull dog or pit bull terrier, any dog having the appearance and characteristics of being predominantly of those breeds, any dog registered within the city as a pit bull dog. Exceptions: Dogs owned prior to the ordinance must be registered, leashed and muzzled, confined, signage posted, public liability insurance of $50,000, identifying photos, reporting requirements, offspring removed from city. |
| Washington | Enumclaw | 1990 | Restriction | Pit Bull Terrier dogs prohibited, meaning any Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier, or any mixed breed of dog which contains any of these breeds, or a dog identifiable as partially of these breeds. Exceptions: Dogs in town for a show or competition, with permission and safety precautions; a service or assistance animal that performs tasks for its handler; a dog that has passed the AKC Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Test or a reasonable equivalent. |
| Washington | Royal City | January 12, 2007 | Ban | Section 6.04.020: A "dangerous dog" also includes:
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| West Virginia | Wheeling | 2006 | Restriction | Three types of dog are designated as vicious: American Bulldog or old country bulldog, canary dog or Perro de Presa Canario, and Pit Bull Terrier. This includes mix breeds of any of these. Proof of pedigree excluding these breeds will exempt a dog. Vicious-designated dogs must be neutered, confined, leashed and muzzled off property, be permitted annually, and wear a tag. Owners must place signage and obtain liability insurance of $100,000. |