Position Statement on Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL)

Animal Humane New Mexico opposes all Breed-Specific Legislation because it has been statistically proven to be ineffective; it is costly to taxpayers; and it is inconsiderate of multiple factors attributed to causing dog bite incidents. Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL) is an encompassing term for laws pertaining to the restriction or banning of specific dog breeds in an attempt to reduce dog attacks. 

Statistical data has continually proven that BSL fails to reduce dog attacks.

  • Any dog, regardless of breed, can be dangerous when there is a lack of responsible ownership.
  • Dogs that are isolated in yards or houses and not socialized to interact with new people are likely to be dangerous, no matter the breed.
  • Pit Bull is not a breed of dog, but is a generalization of three breeds: American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
  • There are 25+ dog breeds that have similar appearances and are commonly categorized as Pit Bulls.
  • The most recent (2009/2010) breed temperament statistics of the American Temperament Test Society show that 86% of American Pit Bull Terriers tested passed their evaluations, placing the breed ahead of Golden Retrievers (84.6%), Jack Russell Terriers (84.1%), Beagles (80%), Chihuahuas (71.1%), Standard Dachschunds (68.8%) and many other breeds.
  • Organizations that oppose BSL include:
    • United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
    • American Medical Veterinary Association
    • Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
    • American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
    • Best Friends Animal Society
    • American Kennel Club (AKC)

BSL is extremely costly to taxpayers. Enactment of such laws in New Mexico have been estimated to cost around $2,948,900 with a high likelihood they will fail to accomplish their intended outcome. Because of proven inefficacy, the passing of any BSL in New Mexico will waste valuable taxpayer dollars. In 2001, Baltimore, Maryland estimated it cost their city $750,000 to enforce their BSL and they repealed it in a favor of a non-breed specific law. 

Laws posing restrictions on specific dog breeds fail to consider pet abuse, the practice of dog aggression training and fighting and irresponsible pet ownership--all key contributing factors to dog attack occurrences. Animal Humane | New Mexico works proactively to solve and prevent these issues in our community through multiple programs facilitating education on responsible pet ownership.

In order to achieve the goal of enhancing public safety by reducing the incidents of dog bites in New Mexico, state legislation should support responsible pet ownership by requiring pet owners to provide adequate, humane and responsible care and control of their pets coupled with stricter anti-cruelty laws; current pet ownership laws in New Mexico do not satisfactorily detail these requirements.  

Further information on this topic can be retrieved from our sources:
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Breed Specific Legislation, Dealing with Reckless Owners and Dangerous Dogs in Your Community
American Veterinary Medical Association, Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association, Task Force on Canince Aggression and Human-Canine Interactions, A Community Approach to Dog Bite Prevention, JAVMA, Vol 218, No. 11, June, 2001
Best Friends Animal Society, BDL Fiscal Impact
Humane Society of the United States, Dangerous Dogs and Breed-Specific Legislation
Animal Legal & Historical Center, New Mexico Animal Laws, Dangerous Dog Laws. NM 77-1A-1-6.; Chapter 3. Municipailities. Article 18. Powers of Municipalities. 3-18-3. Animals.
National Canine Research Center, Breed-Specific Legislation