Iowa Legislators Are Speaking Up Against Breed Bans - National Humane Education Society

February 20, 2021

To Iowa Senator Chris Cournoyer (R-District 49) for introducing a bill to keep cities and counties from passing breed-specific laws.

In many animal shelters throughout the United States, an abundance of pit bulls are waiting for their forever homes. Sadly, these canine companions are born at a disadvantage because of the stigma surrounding their breed. Unscrupulous individuals who use pit bulls for cruel dog fighting activities have majorly contributed to this stigma, and, often, people view pit bulls as “dangerous or aggressive.” Sadly, when an individual, or another companion animal, is tragically attacked and a pit bull is involved, many cities and counties have chosen to enact breed bans or restrictions, feeling that is the answer to keep their communities safe. These laws affect the fate of many homeless dogs whose breeds are included in these bans or restrictions.

Many dog owners, animal shelters, humane societies, breed-specific rescues, and lawmakers are continually advocating for dogs discriminated against because of their breeds, especially pit bulls. To help individuals see the error in labeling dogs based on their appearance, the National Canine Research Council has compiled data from several visual breed identification studies. The three dogs pictured below are from one study focusing on pit bulls. The DNA tests revealed the following results: (1) the dog on the left is 25%-49% Chinese Shar-Pei & 12.5%-25% Rottweiler, (2) the dog in the middle is 12.5%-24% Beagle, Boxer, Bulldog, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Dalmatian, Mastiff, and Whippet; and (3) the dog on the right is 50% or more American Staffordshire Terrier and 12.5%-24% Boxer.

(Source: Images used with permission from www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com)

Thankfully, many lawmakers are starting to realize the ineffectiveness of breed bans or restrictions and have started passing new laws based on a dog’s behavior. In Denver, Colorado, pit bulls were banned from living in the city until the law was overturned by residents who voted favorably to pass J2 in November 2020. The new law comes with restrictions to keep owners of pit bulls accountable. It states that individuals are only allowed to have two pit bulls per household. Owners are required to register their dogs with the Denver Animal Protection to receive a special license with their name, address, two contact numbers, proof of spay or neuter surgery, microchipping, current vaccination records, and current pictures of each dog. After three years of good behavior, owners can apply for a general license.

According to a recent news article, lowa Senator Cournoyer has introduced Senate File 143 to amend the current law and restrict cities and counties from passing breed bans and restrictions. Iowa residents, YOU can make a difference for pit bulls and other dogs who are not allowed to live in specific cities or counties because of their breeds. Please contact your legislator today to show your support for Senate File 143 and stop breed-specific legislation in your state!