BSL is one of the greatest evils affecting dogs and their owners in many places worldwide. Basically it is the introduction of legislation which bans the ownership or breeding of certain specified breeds, or the imposition of draconian restrictions on their owners, if outright ownership is not banned. It is usually introduced by politicians as a knee-jerk reaction when dog bites or attacks have received prominence in the press, to whom accuracy of fact is not of primary importance in many occasions. Unfortunately a Stafford is often claimed, usually erroneously, to be involved. This is because the press, the victims of bites and even the authorities dealing with dogs involved, are, more often than not, very poor at specific breed recognition.

The facts are:

1 BSL does not work! This is the experience of those trying to administer such laws where they have been misguidedly introduced.

2 There is no evidence to suggest that one breed is more likely to bite than another. Any studies purporting to claim this are invariably flawed scientifically on several points. Responsible dog owners have no objection to, and indeed support, laws that are aimed at irresponsible owners or at those who abuse dogs by training for aggression or other illegal objectives. The approach must be ‘Punish the deed and not the breed’.

3 The Stafford is frequently grossly maligned by those promoting BSL. They suggest it is a variant of the pitbull despite there being no significant relationship with it or other dogs developed in America .

To ensure justice for all dog owners, Club members, and anyone else who has kindly visited this site, are encouraged to do all they can to counter BSL. This may be done by stressing the points above to those who try to introduce it, irrespective of the fact that many law abiding citizens might be affected. It must also be emphasized to such politicians that the Stafford is the finest of family dogs and is especially good with children.

To get full information, please visit www.staffords.co.uk and there you will get up to date information on the current situation and where your help is required, usually by links to the Breed Council and various Club sites. And you can help by responding to appeals for action by all the Stafford fraternity! These may be calls to e-mail certain bodies with your protests as appropriate. Even a short piece will do. Remember when the call comes do not be found wanting! Not only will you let yourself down – you will be letting the Stafford down as well.