Breed Specific Legislation targeting dogs based on appearance rather than individual behaviour has welfare implications for dogs and is increasingly questioned on evidence grounds.
Breed Specific Legislation causes significant welfare harm to individual dogs who are seized, kennelled for extended periods during legal proceedings, and in some cases destroyed based on appearance rather than demonstrated dangerous behaviour. The evidence that BSL reduces bite incidents is consistently weak, while the welfare cost to affected dogs is substantial. Extended kennelling in legal limbo causes severe psychological suffering. Behaviour-based assessment approaches that evaluate individual dogs' behaviour are more welfare-positive and evidence-based alternatives. Supporting BSL reform protects both dog welfare and public safety through more targeted interventions.