We have tried to show politicians that there are things they can try besides targeting specific breeds to solve the problem of dangerous dogs and pet overpopulation.

The following NON Breed Specific draft model ordinance could be implemented under California's existing state NO BSL law. It does NOT burden good breeders and puts a hefty burden (if properly enforced) on unethical, backyard breeders. It also mandates enforcement within the ordinance itself. This model ordinance is just a guide to show that there are options communities can utilize to target the problem of unethical backyard breeders and bad owners rather than discriminating against breeds. Breed specific legislation never targets the problem of bad breeders and owners and has been proven ineffective virtually every place it has been enacted.

Of course, any NON BSL breeding law would have to go through the legislative process and be subject to public commentary, etc.

Model NON-Breed Specific Law

Breeder Permit Requirement (per dog):

1) Nominal ($10-25) fee for 1 litter per year WITH proof of one of the following:

a) dog is being shown (show catalogue) or dog has obtained its championship

b) dog is being worked (entry fees, club dues, etc.) or dog has obtained working titles

c) dog has been given relevant health tests (such as hip, cardiac, eye, etc.)

(Procedure for re attempt if litter lost)

2) Larger fee for more than 1 litter per year (example: $500 for 2 litters, $1000 for 3 litters, etc.) WITH proof of two or more of the following:

a) dog has obtained championship status (show dog)

b) dog has obtained working titles (CD, CDX, Herding, Agility, Schutzhund, etc.)

c) dog has been given relevant health tests (such as hip, cardiac, eye, etc.)

3) All advertisements for dogs must clearly display breeder permit number

(Suggested: newspapers must require breeder permit display in all ads run for litters)

4) Enforcement: 100% of fees generated from breeder permits go toward enforcement. Equal and Effective Enforcement is Key. AC officials scan paper and internet ads daily. Hefty fines for violators (minimum $2000 fine for first violation, second violation minimum of $3000 fine and all violator's dogs spayed/neutered). One-time reduction of fee for first offense (to $300 per litter) if breeder permit not obtained or displayed on advertisement but breeder can furnish proof that dog is being shown (or has obtained championship), worked (or obtained working title), or has been given relevant health tests.

NON BSL VICIOUS DOG LAWS:

1) Not specific to breed

2) Strict penalties for loose dogs off owners property

3) 800 number for reporting dog bites or aggressive, loose dogs.

4) Criminal liability for person wilfully harboring a vicious dog that causes serious bodily injury to a person

5) If dog impounded or owner cited for dog being off owner's property in violation of county leash laws on two or more occasions, dog must be sterilized (if intact) and owner fined unless dog has not caused injury to any person or animal AND owner pays $800 fine (in addition to any other fines).