http://www.youtube.com/SavingBruce

First, they came for the Pit Bulls,
     but you didn't speak out because you don't have a Pit Bull.

Then they came for the German Shepherds,
     but you didn't speak out because you don't have a German Shepherd.

A poem inspired by the story of Bruce

'BSL MUST END'

I'm reading about Bruce the pit bull mix

Banned from his family because of what he is.

I'm wiping my tears, I'm hurt inside

Thousands of signatures, a petition - no crime.

Dogs like Bruce are pushed out of sight

They are dragged away, they have no rights

They are banished with no bail, they mourn, become frail...

In the darkness of ignorance there are no wagging tails.

These dogs are removed from where they grew up

With teddy bears and play toys and arms that hugged

With people that smiled, with families that loved

There is no forgiveness? When is love not enough?

I'm upset once again and I quietly cry

I've read so many stories of the bully breeds plight

So many are taken by Breed Specific Legislation

An unworkable law for any dog loving nation.

Discriminating, cruel, hurtful, unfair

An act of horror on paper written by those who don't care

Used by those in high places who think they are clever

Think of the hearts they have broken forever...

BSL is destructive, it will never be humane

It's a horrible trick of name and shame

It's a bad deed unto dog lovers and the dogs that they love

Responsible owners are given the shove

While real villains and abusers who hang around on street corners

Are beating the system 'above' law and order

They continue to fight their dogs and deal drugs

And good people that care are treated like thugs

People who take their dogs to the vets, who microchip, neuter

Hope for the best...

Good dogs are forgotten when BSL strikes

It cuts rough and deep, regardless of 'bite'

I could call 'you' a pit bull Mr politician

Would you be dragged away? Would you need a petition?

This poem is a way to express my sorrow 

As I wipe my tears and worry about tomorrow

 BSL is a nightmare, a political farce

It might even be funny if it didn't cost lives

Your neighbour could say your dog is 'a risk'

And then you could find his name on a list

Your beautiful pup, your elderly mix

Where will you stand if he's seized by police?

So speak up LOUD and speak up NOW!

For the rights of families to protect their hounds

Speak up and speak out before it's too late

BSL is a law based purely on hate!

When the knock comes to the door and your dog starts barking

How will you stop this law from working?

What will you say when they muzzle your friend?

When they drag him away and tell you he's banned?

When he's labelled a 'problem' because his face fits a 'look'

And they tell you he is dangerous, when you know he is not.

Who will be there for you if politicians don't care?

When your dog is destroyed just because he is there...

Who will protect the over bred pups

Whose lives are cut short in a game called luck?

Who will you look to when your dog makes the list?

When he's banned and brutalised, no parole, no release…

He's your pet; he's your brother, your sister, your friend

 She's your family member, the one you defend

Who will you turn to when BSL strikes?

Speak up one and all - because justice is right.

I'm a lawful good citizen; I do good deeds if I can

But BSL stinks and I raise my hand

I will never uphold a law such as this!

It's an almighty mistake and your dog could be next...

It's inherently cruel, unbearably bad

When the law is an ass good people get mad!

Write letters, get marching, the time surely has come

We must kick the backside of the BSL bum!

They will tell you it's only 'for your protection' - oh yes!

They will spew lies for England, for they do it best!

But this lie isn't working, it won't pass the test

For your Staffies, your Mastiffs, your bully breed friend

You have every chance to bring BSL to an end

Take the bull by the horns and never give in

Say NO to this rubbish, send BSL to the bin!

Maria Daines

2009