Where dog bite laws are enforced
I’ve always been a dog person. I love all kinds of dogs, but I’ve always had a big soft spot for English Bulldogs. Maybe it’s their round faces and giant tongues that get me, or maybe it’s their short, stocky little bodies covered in skin rolls. Whatever it may be about these dogs, I love them, especially my own little guy. And when I think of my English Bulldog, Duncan, the last adjective that comes to mind is dangerous.
Yet, the CDC sites some of my favorite breeds as the most dangerous. At the very top of the list are Pit Bulls, a distant relative of the English Bulldog.
At first, I was rather offended at the thought of my dog being labeled as “dangerous.” Duncan is great with children, always friendly to everyone he meets, and is very gentle. I’ve trained and socialized him well, and I couldn’t ask for a more obedient dog; however, I have to remember (and so do you) that he’s still a dog.
He still has animal instincts and natural impulses that at times can be labeled as dangerous, and for good reason. After all, bulldogs were used to bait and kill actual bulls for sport centuries ago in Europe. While they’ve come a long way since then, they, like all dogs and animals in general, have a tendency to become aggressive when they feel threatened.
For these reasons, some cities and states have started to crack down on certain dog breeds using what’s called Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL). BSL “seeks to limit public exposure to dangerous dogs by regulating ownership of these breeds. The objective of BSL is to prevent future attacks before an occurrence,” since many of the dogs labeled as dangerous can inflict potentially fatal injuries on their first attack.
Some feel that BSL unfairly stereotypes and discriminates against these dog breeds and the many responsible people that own them; yet, it’s ultimately meant to ensure public safety.
This remains to be a heated topic and dog owners, prominent canine organizations like the AKC, and public officials have all brought various and valid arguments to the table. As a dog owner, especially one who may have a breed labeled as dangerous, it is absolutely crucial to know the rules and regulations within your neighborhood, city, and state.
It is also equally crucial to recognize that even if your dog doesn’t make the vicious list, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take necessary actions to protect you, your dog, and your community. Although Duncan didn’t make the list, I still know it’s best to insure him. This way he and I can rest easy, and so can you.
Click here for more information and to obtain an online dog bite insurance policy quote.
Authored by Rick J. Lindsey, President, Chairman, and CEO of XINSURANCE
Rick J. Lindsey hails from Salt Lake City, Utah. He began working in the mailroom of his father’s Salt Lake City insurance firm, getting his introduction to the business that became his lifelong career. Rick J. Lindsey quickly rose through the ranks while working in nearly every imaginable insurance industry job. As an entrepreneur, specialty lines underwriter, claims specialist, risk manager, and a licensed surplus lines broker, Rick J. Lindsey is highly skilled in all levels of leadership and execution. As he progressed on his career path, Rick J. Lindsey discovered an urgent need for insurers willing to write policies for high-risk individuals and businesses. He was frequently frustrated that he could not provide the liability protection these entities desperately needed to safeguard their assets. He also formed the belief that insurance companies acted too quickly to settle frivolous claims. Rick J. Lindsey decided to try a different approach. He started an insurance company and became the newly formed entity’s CEO. This opportunity has enabled Rick J. Lindsey to fill a void in the market and provide a valuable service to businesses, individuals, and insurance agents who write high-risk business. XINSURANCE also specializes in helping individuals and businesses who live a lifestyle or participate in activities that make them difficult for traditional carriers to insure. If you’ve been denied, non-renewed, or canceled coverage, don’t give up quite yet. Chances are XINSURANCE can help.
