OUTPAWS is a full dog walking business servicing Dublin 4 only. Covering Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, Ringsend and Sandymount area.
09/02/2025
Focusing on breed-specific legislation (BSL) can be more dangerous for people because it oversimplifies the causes of dog aggression, diverts attention from effective solutions, & fosters a false sense of security.
1. BSL Ignores Individual Behaviour: BSL targets certain breeds (e.g., pit bulls) under the assumption they are inherently dangerous. However, aggression is not breed-specific & depends more on factors like training, early socialisation, health, & living environment. Dogs not covered by BSL can still pose a risk if poorly trained, neglected, or provoked, leading to incidents being overlooked.
2. Encourages Irresponsible Ownership: Owners of non-restricted breeds may feel less compelled to train or supervise their dogs, assuming their breed is "safe." This can result in preventable incidents when dogs of any breed act out due to fear, stress, or lack of control.
3. Diverts Resources from Proven Solutions: Resources are spent enforcing breed bans rather than addressing the actual causes of dog bites, such as poor breeding, irresponsible ownership, lack of education, or inadequate control of dangerous dogs. Evidence-based approaches like dog bite prevention programs, education, & proper socialisation have been shown to be far more effective.
4. Focus on Breed Distracts from Early Warning Signs: Aggressive behaviour often stems from warning signs like fear, resource guarding, or pain, which can occur in any dog regardless of breed. When people focus only on “dangerous breeds,” they may miss these signs in other dogs, leading to preventable attacks.
Studies have shown that BSL does not reduce dog bite incidents. Research from the American Veterinary Medical Association & a 2010 study in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science found no reduction in dog attacks in regions with breed bans compared to areas without them. Some countries have repealed BSL after realising it was ineffective, such as the Netherlands, which found no decrease in bites during its 15-year breed ban.
By focusing on the individual dog’s behaviour, ethical training, & environment instead of the breed, communities can create safer environments for both people & dogs.
