Stop BSL in Sikeston

The Breed Specific Legislation of Sikeston affects "Pit Bull Type" dogs based on appearance only. It has nothing to do with temperament.

We understand the purpose of BSL is to increase public safety, but it cannot do that because it completely overlooks temperament. Breed Specific Legislation is ruinously expensive to implement and enforce. Determining a dog's breed or mix is extremely difficult, often resulting in mistaken identities and ensuing lawsuits.

BSL does not stop dog attacks or bites. It increases the financial burden on our taxpayers, the Sikeston Area Humane Society, and our animal control. It doesn't stop irresponsible owners or dissuade criminals. It doesn't educate anyone about proper dog care. In the end, the punishment is doled out solely on responsible owners and good dogs. Good dogs are confined to their homes, unable to gain valuable social skills and training opportunities. Law-abiding owners are the only ones who end up shelling out money to pay for special insurance or fences.

BSL exists because we are looking for an easy way out. It's easy to point fingers at a group of voiceless dogs and call them "dangerous". It saves us from having to address the core problems - irresponsible/ignorant dog owners, bad breeders, criminals, and an uneducated public.

Some mistakenly believe we do not care about public safety because we object so strongly to BSL. On the contrary, we are acutely aware of the need for strong non-breed-specific dangerous/vicious dog laws, and fully support efforts to strengthen and enforce those laws. However, we also realize that the problem of dog bites and dog attacks does not lie within a single breed or group of breeds.

The problem ultimately lies with the individual owner, and that is where the focus of dangerous dog laws should be.