BSL stands for Breed-Specific Legislation, which is a type of law that either regulates or bans certain dog breeds in an effort to decrease dog attacks on humans and other animals. BSL laws range from outright bans on the possession of these dogs to restrictions on ownership, such as licensing, muzzling, and insurance. Regulated breeds typically comprise the "pit bull" class of dogs, including American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and English Bull Terriers, as well as other breeds that resemble them.

BSL has been highly controversial since its enactment, with proponents on both sides remaining divided. Supporters of BSL argue that it is rationally related to the goal of protecting the public from allegedly dangerous breeds. However, opponents argue that BSL is based on misinformation and does little to protect citizens. Furthermore, there is no evidence that breed-specific laws make communities safer for people or companion animals.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is opposed to breed-specific legislation, stating that BSL targets specific breeds of dogs that are wrongly thought to all be dangerous and places stricter regulations on these dogs or even makes ownership of them illegal. BSL can lead to the euthanasia of innocent dogs that fit a certain "look," and to responsible pet owners being forced to move or give up dogs that have never bitten or threatened to bite.

In summary, BSL is a type of law that either regulates or bans certain dog breeds in an effort to decrease dog attacks on humans and other animals. However, there is no evidence that breed-specific laws make communities safer, and BSL has been highly controversial since its enactment. The AVMA is opposed to breed-specific legislation, stating that it is not a reliable or effective solution for dog bite prevention.