BREED SPECIFIC LEGISLATION

The Canadian Cane Corso Association takes the fight against Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) very seriously. The lawmakers in Canada need to make educated and informed decisions about the Cane Corso. We believe that education will be one of our strongest defenses against BSL.

What is BSL?

Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) bans or restricts certain types of dogs based on their appearance because they are perceived as "dangerous" breeds or types of dogs. A breed ban usually requires that all dogs of a certain appearance ("targeted breed") be removed from the area wherein the BSL has been implemented.

Depending on how the law is written, breed specific restrictions may require an owner of a targeted breed do any of the following or more:

• Muzzle the dog in public
• Spay or neuter the dog
• Contain the dog in a kennel with specific requirements
• Keep the dog on a leash of specific length or material
• Purchase liability insurance of a predetermined amount
• Place "vicious dog" signs on the outside of the dog's residence
• Make the dog wear a "vicious dog" tag or other identifying marker

Breed-specific legislation applies only to dogs of a certain appearance, not to any and all dogs. It does not take into account how the owner has raised, trained, or managed the dog. It does not take into account the dog's actual behavior.
Why is BSL Wrong?

• Does not improve public safety or prevent dog bites.
• Ignores the plight of victims and potential victims of non-targeted breeds.
• It is costly.
• Requires each and every dog to be identified as a breed-something that has proven impossible to do accurately and objectively.
• Makes targeted breeds more desirable to irresponsible and criminal owners.
• Does nothing to make irresponsible dog owners accountable.
• Punishes responsible dog owners.
• Not a single canine welfare organization supports BSL.

How Does BSL Affect You?

Breed Specific Legislation is a very real threat to the ownership and enjoyment of our breed of choice. While BSL typically targets the 'pit bull', the Cane Corso is often being targeted within proposed legislation as BSL is continually being drafted in many different states. The BSL affecting our breed comes in many different forms from restrictions and requirements, to full bans against the breed. This means if your area is affected by BSL your dogs may or may not be grandfathered due to their presence prior to the ban. It's entirely possible your dog may have to wear a muzzle in public for the rest of its life. Your Corso may be subject to seizure and euthanasia due to BSL. It's time we are proactive and not reactive! We have to realize that a ban on the Cane Corso doesn't only mean restrictions on you and your dog. BSL may also limit the breed(s) you may own as future companions.

How Do We Educate the Public?

The CCCA is currently looking for Cane Corso owners and breeders that are willing to to join the fight against BSL. In order to educate people about our wonderful breed we are working on a ready made package that we can send out that will include breed information, a showcase collage of pictures of our Cane Corso companions, as well as having Cane Corso Profiles that we can include. The Profiles will include a picture of the dog and their specific accomplishments; anything that will be useful in showcasing our breed in a positive way.

Profiles
Example Profiles available here

If you would like to help we need pictures of Cane Corsos with children, other animals, at work, at performance events, at home or with elderly people. We also would love to see Profiles including Cane Corsos with temperament tests, therapy dog certifications and/or any title they may have achieved.

We are also in need of owner/volunteers we can count on to write letters, make phone calls, attend meetings about BSL in their area and to sign petitions.

NOTE: Any photos or Profiles submitted will be used for purposes of combating BSL only.

Write a Letter

For tips on letter writing as well as an example, visit here.