PubMedMost DBRFs were characterized by coincident, preventable factors; breed was not one of these. Study results supported previous recommendations for multifactorial approaches, instead of single-factor solutions such as breed-specific legislation, for dog bite prevention.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24299544/
Conclusion:
- Factors associated with irresponsible ownership are the primary cause of dog bite-related fatalities and breed is not a factor (breed does not determine risk).
- Media reports are a poor source for breed information as there are a high percentage of discrepancies (over 40%) between the breed reported in the media and the subsequent breed identification by animal control; additionally, valid breed determination was only possible in 18% of all incidents.
- The study rejects breed-specific legislation (BSL).
This is an Irish study, and it concludes:
- There is no difference (in the medical treatment required following a bite or in the type of bite inflicted) between dog bites by breeds stereotyped as "dangerous" (legislated breeds such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and "pitbull-type" dogs) and other breeds of similar sizes and strengths that are not stereotyped as "dangerous" (non-legislated breeds such as Boxers, Labrador Retrievers, and Bulldogs).
- Dog bites by breeds not perceived as "dangerous" (non-legislated breeds) are less likely to be reported.
There were no significant differences in aggression between the legislated breed group and the Golden Retriever control group.
Specifically, this study concludes: "Comparing the results of golden retrievers and breeds affected by the legislation, no significant difference was found. A scientific basis for breed specific lists does not exist."
Also Breed-Specific Legislation has been enforced in other countries with little to no effect.
plosAs dog bite injuries are a considerable problem in modern society, in order to reduce such injuries, breed-specific legislation has been introduced in a number of countries. Whilst many studies have shown a lack of effect with such legislation, the commonly used methodology is known to be flawed. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the Danish breed-specific legislation on the number of dog bite injuries using more credible methods. A time series intervention method was used on a detailed dataset from Odense University Hospital, Denmark, regarding dog bite injuries presented to the emergency department. The results indicate that banning certain breeds has a highly limited effect on the overall levels of dog bite injuries, and that an enforcement of the usage of muzzle and leash in public places for these breeds also has a limited effect. Despite using more credible and sound methods, this study supports previous studies showing that breed-specific legislation seems to have no effect on dog bite injuries. In order to minimise dog bite injuries in the future, it would seem that other interventions or non-breed-specific legislation should be considered as the primary option.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0208393
For a bunch of people who get mad at the media's sensationalizing of politics, you guys sure jump on the Pitbull train