Wondering if Breed Specific Legislation (also known as the “pit bull ban”) exists in your area? Tragically, breed-biased laws have caused the deaths of countless dogs whose only crime was to resemble a certain breed. Through canine genetic testing, studies have found that even people in animal-related professions can’t accurately identify the breeds in a mixed-breed dog’s genealogy. Shelters in neighboring cities and counties often end up taking in the dogs.Ĭomplicating the issue of breed bans and restrictions is the fact that about half the estimated 80 million American pet dogs are mixed breeds. Many animal shelters are flooded with dogs who, because of breed bans, can’t be adopted to the people in their communities. Some banned breeds, like German shepherds and pit bull-types, are among the most popular dogs in the U.S., reflecting just how out of touch these policies are. Battles erupt between dog owners and local agencies-and often continue to the courts-costing the community resources that could have been spent on effective, breed-neutral dog laws and enforcement. Underfunded animal control agencies bear the burden of enforcing the laws and are often called on to decide, based on looks alone, whether a dog belongs to a certain breed. Learn the truth about breed bans and help your community become a place where dogs aren’t judged by their looks, but by their behavior.ĭownload Our Free Advocate Toolkit Bad laws have high costsīreed bans and restrictions force dogs out of homes and into shelters, taking up kennel space and resources that could be used for animals who are truly homeless. Their impact on dogs, families and animal shelters, however, is heartbreakingly real. There is no evidence that breed-specific laws reduce dog bites or attacks on people and they divert resources from more effective animal control and public safety initiatives.īreed-based policies are based on myths and misinformation, rather than science or credible data. The HSUS opposes such public policies as inhumane and ineffective. Across the country, entire communities ban or restrict dogs because of their breed or perceived breed.
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