According to the American Humane Association, “Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is the banning or restriction of specific breeds of dogs considered ‘dangerous’ breeds, such as pit bull breeds, Rottweilers and German shepherds. Many states, counties and municipal governments are turning to legislation that targets specific breeds as an answer to dog attacks.”
Johnson has always had a talent and passion for painting, and she is channeling that into dogs. “I wanted to do some type of project or event that would bring awareness to the amazing work shelters and rescues do every day,” Johnson shared.
Now Johnson is spreading the message of stopping breed-specific legislation through her artwork and is encouraging folks everywhere to share the special poster she has created for the movement. Johnson hopes to help educate and raise awareness for the issues of BSL and how it affects families and their pet companions across our country and beyond.
Artist Missy Johnson turned her artistic skills into a nationwide movement to celebrate rescue animals. This project, Dogs for the PAWS, started as a collection of 80 paintings of rescue dogs from all around the country. Her work celebrates these dogs, their spirits and their touching stories of rescue and rehabilitation.
After bringing light to these special dogs, Johnson knew she couldn't stop there. The overwhelming response to the Dogs for the Paws art has opened the doors to work on special projects. Johnson is proud to say that her work has helped raise thousands of dollars for animals in need from coast to coast!
For more information, visit Dogs for the Paws at http://dogs4thepaws.com.
Oh oh oh dat BSL make me SOOOO mad! I am still fuming over how Belfast abused poor Lennox.
ReplyDelete"Fatal attacks represent a small proportion of dog bite injuries to humans and, therefore, should not be the primary factor driving public policy concerning dangerous dogs. Many practical alternatives to breed-specific ordinances exist and hold promise for prevention of dog bites. (J Am VetMed Assoc2000;217:836–840)
The Centers for Disease Control, Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998"
http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/images/dogbreeds-a.pdf
A few simple rules that will help reduce the overall number of dog bites:
Train and socialize your dog.
Keep your dog on a leash or inside a fence.
Teach your children how to behave around dogs.
Fight BSL as it may force bad dog owners underground.