{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,22]],"date-time":"2026-09-22T15:05:55Z","timestamp":1790089555349,"version":"4.0.1"},"reference-count":25,"publisher":"University of Illinois Press","issue":"2","content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":[],"published-print":{"date-parts":[[2026,10,1]]},"abstract":"<jats:title>Abstract<\/jats:title>\n                  <jats:p>Breed-specific legislation (BSL) has been widely implemented as a policy measure aimed at reducing dog attacks by prohibiting or restricting guardianship of certain breeds deemed dangerous. However, this approach has been met with significant public criticism, with many arguing that banning specific breeds is ineffective in addressing the root causes of dog aggression. This article examines the stigma surrounding BSL, its impact on public perceptions of specific breeds, moral panics surrounding dog breeds, and the broader social and legal consequences of such policies. Research indicates that BSL disproportionately targets certain breeds, reinforcing negative stereotypes rather than addressing irresponsible guardianship and inadequate socialization and training. Moreover, studies suggest that dog behavior is influenced more by guardians\u2019 responsibility, training, and environment than by breed alone. The public response to BSL has been increasingly critical, with many advocating for alternative measures such as mandatory dog registration, guardian education programs, and stricter penalties for irresponsible guardians. These approaches emphasize responsibility rather than prohibition, shifting the focus to preventive measures that promote accountability and public safety. This article argues that BSL is a flawed and stigmatizing policy that fails to achieve its intended goals. Instead, a more effective and equitable approach would involve evidence-based strategies that emphasize responsible guardianship, education, and regulation over breed-based bans. The study concludes that policy reform is necessary to move away from breed discrimination and toward a more comprehensive, preventative framework.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.5406\/21601267.16.2.02","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,22]],"date-time":"2026-09-22T14:36:57Z","timestamp":1790087817000},"page":"121-135","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Breed Stigma and the Dangerous Dogs Act : A Critical Discussion"],"prefix":"10.5406","volume":"16","author":[{"given":"Lisa Suzanne","family":"Sparkes","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Bangor University, Wales"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"3673","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,10,1]]},"reference":[{"key":"2026092210365162200_jane21601267.16.2.02C1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Arhant, C.\n          , Bubna-Littitz, H., Bartels, A., Futschik, A., & Troxler, J. (2010). Aggressive behaviour in dogs: A review of the literature. Behaviour of smaller and larger dogs: Effects of training methods, inconsistency of owner behaviour and level of engagement in activities with the dog. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 123(3\u20134), 131\u2013142. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.applanim.2010.01.00","DOI":"10.1016\/j.applanim.2010.01.003"},{"key":"2026092210365162200_jane21601267.16.2.02C2","unstructured":"Birmingham City University. (2018, August1). Is the Dangerous Dogs Act dangerously out of control?http:\/\/www.bcu.ac.uk\/news-events\/news\/dangerous-dogs-act"},{"key":"2026092210365162200_jane21601267.16.2.02C3","unstructured":"British Veterinary Association. (2023). 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Understanding the XL Bully dog breed ban in the UK. https:\/\/fenrircanineleaders.com\/blogs\/articles\/understanding-the-xl-bully-dog-breed-ban-in-the-uk"},{"key":"2026092210365162200_jane21601267.16.2.02C13","volume-title":"Understanding animal abuse: A sociological analysis","author":"Flynn","year":"2012"},{"issue":"5","key":"2026092210365162200_jane21601267.16.2.02C14","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"391","DOI":"10.1007\/s10611-011-9293-6","article-title":"Then they came for the dogs!","volume":"55","author":"Hallsworth","year":"2011","journal-title":"Crime, Law and Social Change"},{"issue":"1\u20132","key":"2026092210365162200_jane21601267.16.2.02C15","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"47","DOI":"10.1016\/j.applanim.2008.12.011","article-title":"Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesired behaviors","volume":"117","author":"Herron","year":"2009","journal-title":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science"},{"key":"2026092210365162200_jane21601267.16.2.02C16","volume-title":"Research design: Quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, arts-based, and community-based participatory research approaches","author":"Leavy","year":"2017"},{"issue":"4","key":"2026092210365162200_jane21601267.16.2.02C17","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"329","DOI":"10.1017\/S0962728600021965","article-title":"Some practical solutions to welfare problems in dog breeding","volume":"8","author":"McGreevy","year":"1999","journal-title":"Animal Welfare"},{"key":"2026092210365162200_jane21601267.16.2.02C18","volume-title":"What dog has the strongest bite force?","author":"Morgan","year":"2023"},{"key":"2026092210365162200_jane21601267.16.2.02C19","volume-title":"Manual of clinical behavioral medicine for dogs and cats","author":"Overall","year":"2013"},{"key":"2026092210365162200_jane21601267.16.2.02C20","volume-title":"Public perceptions of dangerous dogs and dog risk","author":"Parkinson","year":"2023"},{"key":"2026092210365162200_jane21601267.16.2.02C21","unstructured":"People's Dispensary for Sick Animals. 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