Why This Site Exists
Breed-specific legislation continues to affect thousands of families and their dogs across the United States and around the world. Despite overwhelming scientific evidence that breed bans do not reduce dog bites, over 1,000 jurisdictions still enforce these laws. Dogs are seized, families are separated, and communities waste millions of dollars on enforcement that produces zero measurable improvement in public safety.
Stop BSL was created to provide clear, evidence-based information about breed-specific legislation so that dog owners, advocates, and policymakers can make informed decisions. We believe that effective dangerous dog policies should target irresponsible ownership and individual behavior rather than singling out breeds based on appearance.
Meet Brian Kowalski
Brian Kowalski
Lead Volunteer, Midwest Working Dog Rescue | Columbus, Ohio
After 10 years rescuing and rehabilitating German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, I have seen firsthand how BSL destroys families and condemns dogs based on how they look, not how they behave. I have coordinated the placement of over 275 working breed rescues and fostered more than 40 dogs personally.
This site exists because I watched a family lose their beloved dog to a breed ban based on a visual identification that turned out to be completely wrong. That should never happen to anyone. The science is on our side. We just need to make sure lawmakers hear it.
Our Approach
Everything on this site is grounded in peer-reviewed research, government reports, and real-world case studies. We do not rely on emotion or anecdote alone. We present the data because it speaks for itself.
- Science-based advocacy: We compile and present research from veterinary journals, public health studies, and government reports that demonstrate the ineffectiveness of breed bans.
- Community empowerment: We provide actionable guides for dog owners facing breed-specific legislation in their communities, including legal resources, advocacy strategies, and documentation best practices.
- Policy education: We highlight successful alternatives to BSL, such as Calgary's responsible ownership model, which achieved a 56% reduction in dog bites without banning a single breed.
- Breed awareness: We raise awareness about how BSL affects not only pit bull type dogs, but also German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Belgian Malinois, and other working and herding breeds.
What We Stand For
We believe in breed-neutral, behavior-based dangerous dog laws that hold owners accountable for their dogs' actions. We believe visual breed identification is unreliable and should not form the basis of any law. We believe that every dog deserves to be evaluated as an individual.
Our Position
The American Veterinary Medical Association, the CDC, the American Kennel Club, the ASPCA, and the National Canine Research Council all oppose breed-specific legislation. We stand with the scientific and veterinary community.
Related Resources
Stop BSL is part of a network of educational resources dedicated to responsible dog ownership and breed-specific health information:
- MDR1 Gene Guide — Understanding the MDR1 gene mutation and medication sensitivity in herding breeds.
- Hip Dysplasia in Shepherds — Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hip dysplasia in German Shepherds and related breeds.
Get Involved
The most important thing you can do is educate yourself and share what you learn. Talk to your neighbors, attend city council meetings, and speak up when breed bans are proposed. Science-based advocacy works, and communities across the country are proving it every day.