Best Practices

As you can find throughout this site, the findings discrediting BSL as a means of reducing violent dog-human interactions far outweigh those supporting it. However, now the question of what does work inevitably comes to mind. 

Some of the most renowned organizations in the field of animal behavior and medicine have created policy and/or program suggestions for how to reduce violent dog-human interactions effectively.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) put together “A Community Approach to Dog Bite Prevention” which outlines some effective measures (Beaver et al, 2001). The publication itself goes into extensive detail addressing different professional areas and disciplines, but the overarching idea is that in order to effectively prevent biting incidents, a multidisciplinary approach involving the entire community should be adopted (Beaver et al, 2001). These include:

  • Education on appropriate dog behavior,
  • Open communication between relevant agencies/communities
  • Improved data collection and analysis
  • Better reporting.

On the legal side, the American Bar Association recommends legislation targeting aggressive dogs, not aggressive breeds as well as laws punishing “negligent or reckless owners” (Aliment, 2012). They cite a number of policies implemented in different places, including Calgary, Illinois, St. Paul (MN), and Tacoma (WA) that have shown policies that target specific situations, such as individual dogs who are dangerous and poor ownership practices, rather than using unfounded generalizations to mandate unconstitutional policies.

Additionally, Both the American Kennel Club (AKC) and American Veterineary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) recommend breed-neutral legislation that addresses responsible ownership, public education on dog interaction, and animal control measures as ways to reduce violent dog-human interactions. The AVSAB also cites a study in Calgary (Alberta, Canada) where these methods have reduced these incidents significantly. However, it is necessary to note that although these policies have shown encouraging results, more research and testing of these policies must be done to determine best practices.