What You Can Do               

Monitor Legislation
To watch for potential BSL, you can monitor:

• your local newspapers
• your city council agendas-these are usually posted several days before the council meeting, and all but the smallest towns now post their agendas online
• your state legislature's introduced bills-go online to your legislature's website and see if they have a bill tracking service; for instance, you can enter keyword 'dog' and it will e-mail you whenever a bill with that keyword is introduced. Alternatively, you can do a bill keyword search by hand periodically throughout the legislative session.

Contact Your Lawmakers

I used to offer sample letters for people to use when writing to their legislators. Not anymore. And I strongly urge you to avoid using a sample letter or form letter to contact your elected officials. Why?

• A recent Gallup Poll found that over 70% of all lawmakers said they pay a great deal of attention to personally written letters, while only 19% pay great attention to form letters.
• Elected officials believe that similar-sounding letters come from lobby groups engaging in pressure campaigns. If your letter sounds like it's been copied, you get lumped in with the 'radicals.'
• Form letters are quick and easy-and elected officials know it. They aren't going to believe that you are genuinely concerned about the issue if you don't take the time to write your own letter

How Else To Help

Many people want to know how they can help stop the spread of breed-specific legislation. Here are some ideas.

• Educate yourself on BSL and the breeds and types of dogs affected by it.
• Educate friends and family about BSL and the breeds and types of dogs affected by it.
• Teach kids about safety around dogs.
• Write to your legislators. Let them know, in a polite, civil way, that you do not support any form of BSL.
• Join a local anti-BSL dog group, or create one.
• Write a letter to the editor of your local paper voicing your opinion on breed bans or biased dog-attack articles in a rational and courteous manner.
• Train and socialize your dog. Well-behaved canines, particularly breeds or types that are discriminated against, are always a great antidote to BSL.
• Hold a booth at a fair to educate the public about BSL and the breeds and types of dogs affected by it.
• Post flyers at pet stores, dog parks, groomers, and vets explaining what BSL is and why it is a problem; if BSL is being considered in your area, post information about how to speak against it.