BREED SPECIFIC LEGISLATION
WARNING: If your Amstaff does not have pedigree papers then your dog is at risk under Victorian Breed Specific Legislation.
What is Breed Specific Legislation?
Since 2005, Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) has been in place in Victoria through the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act 1994. BSL places restrictions on certain breeds due to a perception that they are inherently dangerous. In Victoria (and indeed all Australian states), the following breeds are restricted under BSL –
The American Pitbull Terrier;
The Fila Brasiliairo;
The Dogo Arentino;
The Japanese Tosa;
And the Perro de Presa Canairo (Presa Canerio)
It is prohibited by Victorian law to buy, sell, trade, or dispose of restricted breeds and owners are forced to abide by special requirements to keep these breeds. If a restricted breed dog is not registered with the local council than under Victorian law it can be destroyed.
In September 2011 the Victorian Government made a major change to Breed Specific Legislation, with the introduction of the Standard for Restricted Breed Dogs in Victoria. This Standard was drafted to identify a list of physical characteristics that are common among restricted breed dogs. Regardless of an individual dog’s actual breed or mix of breeds, if the dog’s physical characteristics comply with the Standard for Restricted Breed Dogs in Victoria then that dog may be declared a restricted breed. The only exemption under the Standard for Restricted Breed Dogs in Victoria is for purebred American Staffordshire Terriers with pedigree papers or a signed certificate form a veterinarian stating the dog is an American Staffordshire Terrier.
For more information on Victoria’s laws visit the Department Of Primary Industry website at http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/pets/dogs/restricted-breed-dogs .
What is Breed Specific Legislation?
Since 2005, Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) has been in place in Victoria through the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act 1994. BSL places restrictions on certain breeds due to a perception that they are inherently dangerous. In Victoria (and indeed all Australian states), the following breeds are restricted under BSL –
The American Pitbull Terrier;
The Fila Brasiliairo;
The Dogo Arentino;
The Japanese Tosa;
And the Perro de Presa Canairo (Presa Canerio)
It is prohibited by Victorian law to buy, sell, trade, or dispose of restricted breeds and owners are forced to abide by special requirements to keep these breeds. If a restricted breed dog is not registered with the local council than under Victorian law it can be destroyed.
In September 2011 the Victorian Government made a major change to Breed Specific Legislation, with the introduction of the Standard for Restricted Breed Dogs in Victoria. This Standard was drafted to identify a list of physical characteristics that are common among restricted breed dogs. Regardless of an individual dog’s actual breed or mix of breeds, if the dog’s physical characteristics comply with the Standard for Restricted Breed Dogs in Victoria then that dog may be declared a restricted breed. The only exemption under the Standard for Restricted Breed Dogs in Victoria is for purebred American Staffordshire Terriers with pedigree papers or a signed certificate form a veterinarian stating the dog is an American Staffordshire Terrier.
For more information on Victoria’s laws visit the Department Of Primary Industry website at http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/pets/dogs/restricted-breed-dogs .
Why BSL is unjust and doesn’t work!
Breed Specific Legislation fails to take into account that any breed of dog can be dangerous when in the hands of an irresponsible owner. Founded on the notion that certain breeds of dogs present an immediate danger, BSL punishes responsible owners and their beloved pets simply due to their appearance and breed. Meanwhile ample evidence is available to show that BSL does nothing to reduce the rate of dog incidents in the community.
In their position paper Dangerous Dogs – A Sensible Solution, the Australian Veterinary Association notes:
“A number of studies have been undertaken in the past decade that clearly question the proposition that certain breeds are inherently more aggressive than others.”
The ACVA continues to provide a number of examples, including:
“Schalke et al (2000a, 2000b) examined 415 dogs in compulsory, standardised behaviour tests delivered by qualified and experienced veterinary behaviourists. 95% of the dogs’ tests showed no indication of disturbed aggressive communication or aggressive behaviour in inappropriate situations. No significant differences were found between American Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Pit Bull Terriers, Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers. In a comparison study with 70 Golden Retrievers, no significant difference was found between the Golden Retrievers and the restricted breeds.”
First being introduced in the United Kingdom with the UK Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, BSL spread to many parts of the world but soon proved ineffective in reducing dog attacks. Subsequently BSL has been repealed in a number of countries including Holland, Italy, Germany, and various municipalities in North America.
In Victoria, not only has BSL failed to reduce the number of dog-related incidents in the community, but it has also seen many innocent dogs and owners caught up in legal battles with local councils, often costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Sadly, a number of innocent dogs have been destroyed under BSL in Victoria.
Australia wide, BSL is opposed by many well regarded organisations such as the RSPCA, the Australian Veterinary Association and the Barrister’s Animal Welfare Panel. Together with these organisations, the ASTCV calls for a truly effective, just and non-breed specific solution to dog related incidents in the community such as the highly successful Calgary Model.
Breed Specific Legislation fails to take into account that any breed of dog can be dangerous when in the hands of an irresponsible owner. Founded on the notion that certain breeds of dogs present an immediate danger, BSL punishes responsible owners and their beloved pets simply due to their appearance and breed. Meanwhile ample evidence is available to show that BSL does nothing to reduce the rate of dog incidents in the community.
In their position paper Dangerous Dogs – A Sensible Solution, the Australian Veterinary Association notes:
“A number of studies have been undertaken in the past decade that clearly question the proposition that certain breeds are inherently more aggressive than others.”
The ACVA continues to provide a number of examples, including:
“Schalke et al (2000a, 2000b) examined 415 dogs in compulsory, standardised behaviour tests delivered by qualified and experienced veterinary behaviourists. 95% of the dogs’ tests showed no indication of disturbed aggressive communication or aggressive behaviour in inappropriate situations. No significant differences were found between American Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Pit Bull Terriers, Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers. In a comparison study with 70 Golden Retrievers, no significant difference was found between the Golden Retrievers and the restricted breeds.”
First being introduced in the United Kingdom with the UK Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, BSL spread to many parts of the world but soon proved ineffective in reducing dog attacks. Subsequently BSL has been repealed in a number of countries including Holland, Italy, Germany, and various municipalities in North America.
In Victoria, not only has BSL failed to reduce the number of dog-related incidents in the community, but it has also seen many innocent dogs and owners caught up in legal battles with local councils, often costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Sadly, a number of innocent dogs have been destroyed under BSL in Victoria.
Australia wide, BSL is opposed by many well regarded organisations such as the RSPCA, the Australian Veterinary Association and the Barrister’s Animal Welfare Panel. Together with these organisations, the ASTCV calls for a truly effective, just and non-breed specific solution to dog related incidents in the community such as the highly successful Calgary Model.
BSL and the American Staffordshire Terrier
In Australia the Amstaff has never been classified as a restricted breed. Rather it is known as a people loving, humour-filled dog that is becoming increasingly popular due to its great temperament and robust structure.
However experiences from other parts of the world remind us to be vigilant against the threat of BSL. In some countries in Europe, notably the UK and Norway, and some jurisdictions in the USA, the Amstaff has fallen under the hammer of BSL. This is due to the breeds close resemblance and ancestry to other restricted breeds, despite there being no scientific evidence to support any notion that the American Staffordshire Terrier poses a threat to the community.
In fact evidence from the American Temperament Test Societyshows that the Amstaff has an average temperament test pass rate above that of the Society’s all breeds average and much higher then many other popular breeds.
In Victoria, the Standard for Restricted Breed Dogs in Victoria provides an exemption for pedigree American Staffordshire Terriers. Under this exemption contained in Part 1 of the Standard, pedigree papers issued by the Australian National Kennel Council or any of its recognized bodies (such as DOGS Victoria), or a certificate signed by a veterinarian stating that the dog is a purebred American Staffordshire Terrier, are considered proof that the dog is not of a restricted breed. A dog with these papers cannot be declared restricted, irrespective of how close the individual dog complies with the other sections of the Standard. However an Amstaff without these papers is in danger and may be seized by a local council and declared restricted. One potential outcome of this is that the dog could be destroyed.
In Australia the Amstaff has never been classified as a restricted breed. Rather it is known as a people loving, humour-filled dog that is becoming increasingly popular due to its great temperament and robust structure.
However experiences from other parts of the world remind us to be vigilant against the threat of BSL. In some countries in Europe, notably the UK and Norway, and some jurisdictions in the USA, the Amstaff has fallen under the hammer of BSL. This is due to the breeds close resemblance and ancestry to other restricted breeds, despite there being no scientific evidence to support any notion that the American Staffordshire Terrier poses a threat to the community.
In fact evidence from the American Temperament Test Societyshows that the Amstaff has an average temperament test pass rate above that of the Society’s all breeds average and much higher then many other popular breeds.
In Victoria, the Standard for Restricted Breed Dogs in Victoria provides an exemption for pedigree American Staffordshire Terriers. Under this exemption contained in Part 1 of the Standard, pedigree papers issued by the Australian National Kennel Council or any of its recognized bodies (such as DOGS Victoria), or a certificate signed by a veterinarian stating that the dog is a purebred American Staffordshire Terrier, are considered proof that the dog is not of a restricted breed. A dog with these papers cannot be declared restricted, irrespective of how close the individual dog complies with the other sections of the Standard. However an Amstaff without these papers is in danger and may be seized by a local council and declared restricted. One potential outcome of this is that the dog could be destroyed.
What is the ASTCV doing about BSL?
Point 12 of the Aims & Objectives of the ASTCV reads – To oppose by legal means any introduction or further extension of any breed specific or breed referencing legislation relating to the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Members of the ASTCV work to protect our breed from BSL in many ways. On the individual level this starts with being responsible owners and ambassadors for our breed. As an organised body, the ASTCV has been involved in the campaign against BSL for many years.
A primary focus of the ASTCV is to attend Pet & Animal Expo’s wherever possible, where our colourful breed displays introduce the Amstaff to thousands of members of the general public. The volunteers who staff these stalls, along with their wonderful Amstaffs, work to explain the pitfalls of BSL to the general public and to showcase the great attributes of this magnificent breed in a positive manner.
In addition to this the ASTCV works with DOGS Victoria to identify any breed specific threats and to provide positive solutions to the issue of dog management in our communities. We have been involved in an alliance with other breed clubs known as the Bull Breed Under Threat Working Committee and we have a permanent representative on the DOGS Victoria Canine Welfare Committee. In this capacity we have met face to face with representatives of the Department of Primary Industries to express our concerns with BSL. Together with this DOGS Victoria Management Committee we were successful in having exemptions for American Staffordshire Terriers inserted into the Standard for Restricted Breed Dogs in Victoria.
You will often see the ASTCV and its members at various anti-BSL campaign events and we are always happy to discuss BSL related issues with dog owners.
Point 12 of the Aims & Objectives of the ASTCV reads – To oppose by legal means any introduction or further extension of any breed specific or breed referencing legislation relating to the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Members of the ASTCV work to protect our breed from BSL in many ways. On the individual level this starts with being responsible owners and ambassadors for our breed. As an organised body, the ASTCV has been involved in the campaign against BSL for many years.
A primary focus of the ASTCV is to attend Pet & Animal Expo’s wherever possible, where our colourful breed displays introduce the Amstaff to thousands of members of the general public. The volunteers who staff these stalls, along with their wonderful Amstaffs, work to explain the pitfalls of BSL to the general public and to showcase the great attributes of this magnificent breed in a positive manner.
In addition to this the ASTCV works with DOGS Victoria to identify any breed specific threats and to provide positive solutions to the issue of dog management in our communities. We have been involved in an alliance with other breed clubs known as the Bull Breed Under Threat Working Committee and we have a permanent representative on the DOGS Victoria Canine Welfare Committee. In this capacity we have met face to face with representatives of the Department of Primary Industries to express our concerns with BSL. Together with this DOGS Victoria Management Committee we were successful in having exemptions for American Staffordshire Terriers inserted into the Standard for Restricted Breed Dogs in Victoria.
You will often see the ASTCV and its members at various anti-BSL campaign events and we are always happy to discuss BSL related issues with dog owners.
What can you do about BSL?
The first blow any Amstaff lover can deal against BSL is to be a responsible and outstanding dog owner!
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a fantastic dog, one that will bring you lots of joy throughout your time with the breed. However due to it’s close resemblance and ancestry to some restricted breeds, and its natural feisty terrier nature, the Amstaff requires an owner who is conscious of the current legislative climate and is willing to go the extra mile to ensure their Amstaff is an outstanding canine citizen. This means having your Amstaff under effective control at all times and never allowing it to roam at large. Treat your dog and all others with the respect they deserve. Keeping your Amstaff free from any trouble is the first step to protecting this breed for generations to come.
To protect yourself, never buy an American Staffordshire Terrier that does not have pedigree papers issued by the Australian National Kennel Council or one of its member bodies such as DOGS Victoria.
Remember that the American Staffordshire Terrier belongs to all of us and we all have a responsibility to ensure this breed is kept safe for many generations to come.
If you have any further questions about BSL and your Amstaff, please contact the ASTCV today.
The first blow any Amstaff lover can deal against BSL is to be a responsible and outstanding dog owner!
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a fantastic dog, one that will bring you lots of joy throughout your time with the breed. However due to it’s close resemblance and ancestry to some restricted breeds, and its natural feisty terrier nature, the Amstaff requires an owner who is conscious of the current legislative climate and is willing to go the extra mile to ensure their Amstaff is an outstanding canine citizen. This means having your Amstaff under effective control at all times and never allowing it to roam at large. Treat your dog and all others with the respect they deserve. Keeping your Amstaff free from any trouble is the first step to protecting this breed for generations to come.
To protect yourself, never buy an American Staffordshire Terrier that does not have pedigree papers issued by the Australian National Kennel Council or one of its member bodies such as DOGS Victoria.
Remember that the American Staffordshire Terrier belongs to all of us and we all have a responsibility to ensure this breed is kept safe for many generations to come.
If you have any further questions about BSL and your Amstaff, please contact the ASTCV today.
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