New MI Bill Would Stop Towns From Banning Pit Bulls - National Humane Education Society

Paws Up!

To Michigan State Sen. David Robertson, (R-Grand Blanc) for introducing SB 239 to stop communities in Michigan from passing anti-breed legislation.

Breed-specific legislation is a term used to describe a law, usually on a local level, that prohibits residents from owning certain breeds of dogs, such as pit bull-type dogs. Breed-specific legislation or “breed bans” do not address responsible pet care, safety requirements, or behavioral history of an animal or owner. Breed bans do not punish the owner of an aggressive Labrador retriever running at large, but they do penalize the responsible owners of well-behaved pit bulls, and possibly other breeds.

According to a recent news article, if passed, SB 239 would prohibit communities in Michigan from passing laws to exclude pit bulls and their owners from living in a Michigan town or county.

There are laws and ordinances that communities can pass that are effective at preventing dog bites while simultaneously improving the welfare of dogs. Leash laws, which stipulate dogs must be on an owner’s property or leashed are among those laws. Mandatory spay and neuter ordinances can reduce aggression associated with mate-seeking, reproduction, and guarding of young. Anti-chaining ordinances also curb the aggressive behaviors expressed by animals who are bored and un-socialized, as a result of extreme isolation. Other laws may allow law enforcement to remove a dog from a home based on the lack of care or a bite record, not because the dog was born a certain breed. However, breed bans are not among the local laws that can effectively keep pets and people safe.

The truth is, any dog of any breed can bite under the wrong circumstances. Breed bans serve only to punish dogs, perpetuate breed stigma, and shut the doors on potential homes that could welcome pit bulls and other large-breed dogs currently filling U.S. shelters.

Take action: This bill recently passed the Senate. Residents of Michigan, contact your representatives, and urge them to support SB 239 to stop breed bans!