Breed-specific legislation targets certain dog breeds for restrictions or bans. Evidence consistently shows it is ineffective at reducing bites and causes welfare harm to affected dogs.
Breed-specific legislation causes welfare harm without achieving its public safety objectives. Dogs are euthanized or surrendered based on appearance rather than individual behavior, while the actual risk factors for dog bites including inadequate socialization, owner irresponsibility, and chaining remain unaddressed. Evidence-based bite prevention programs that target these factors are more effective and more humane.