6 Unintended Consequences of Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL)
Whatever your opinion of "pit bulls" no one can deny their image has been tarnished, especially in recent years. From unscrupulous owners, to poorly researched media, the dogs that we call pit bulls have received less than fair treatment. Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL) is an attempt to ban specific breeds deemed likely to be dangerous or harmful. However, time and time again it's been proven to be less than accurate, expensive to enforce and unfair to responsible owners.
Two Dogs Test Positive For Lead Poisoning in Flint, MI
Two dogs have now tested positive for lead poisoning in Flint, Michigan, where a water crisis is still raging full force. The discovery of these newest four-legged victims highlights a hidden danger Service Dogs may face.
Top Service Dog News in 2015
2015 was an eventful year in the Service Dog world. Here are some of the top news stories and developments in the Service Dog and working dog community from this year:
Military Working Dog Team Supports Pope’s Visit
A military working dog team from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort supported Pope Francis’ visit to United States Sept. 28- Oct. 1.
Quanto’s Law: Providing Stricter Sentences for Harming Service Animals
On July 22nd Quanto’s Law, a new federal law passed in Canada, offers stricter sentences to anyone found guilty of purposely killing Police Animals, Service Animals and Military Animals.
Photography Exhibit Showcases PTSD Service Dogs
This summer the Bokeh Gallery in Phoenix, Arizona showcased a touching exhibit titled Stories of Their Sacrifices: PTSD which featured the photography work of Christopher O'Shana and Scott Johnson.
The Ragen McGowan Study and Your Service Dog
This summer, a university research team led by Ragen McGowan decided to find out if dogs enjoyed working, or if they only enjoyed the reward/payment for working. The finding? Dogs love to work! Read on to find out what the McGowan study means for you and your Service Dog.
Announcing the 7th annual ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam Event
he 7th annual ACVO National Service Dog Eye Exam event will provide a free eye exam to active program-trained and certified working dogs! This includes Service Dogs which are task-trained to help disabled individuals as well as other working dogs such as Police Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Detection Dogs and Military Working Dogs.
Cardiac Alert Dog saves handler from stroke
When people think of Service Dogs, most people think about Guide Dogs. But Service Dogs can be trained to assist with a wide range of invisible disabilities and conditions. Cardiac Alert/Response Dogs are a specialized type of Medical Alert Dog. And they save lives.
HUD updates housing guidelines for Service Dogs, landlords, and Emotional Support Dogs
On April 25th, 2013 HUD issued new guidelines for housing Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals in an effort to clarify the law for landlords, Service Dog handlers and Emotional Support Animal owners. The new wording brings it closer in-line with the ADA. You may view the original PDF or review the text below.