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The New Year Brings Hope for Dogs Labeled “Dangerous” Due to Breed Bans/Restrictions in Washington State - National Humane Education Society

Paws Up!
January 8, 2020

To Washington Governor Jay Inslee for signing House Bill 1026 that would give dogs deemed “dangerous” due to their breeds a chance at an exemption to breed bans or restrictions based on their behaviors.


There are two different types of pet owners—the responsible ones and the irresponsible ones. Unfortunately, due to many careless actions of owners of pit bulls, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Cane Corsos, to name a few, legislators throughout the U.S. have had to pass laws banning or restricting these breeds in some cities, counties, or states.

Pet owners of pit bulls and other breeds considered “dangerous” in Washington state are rejoicing in 2020 due to the enforcement of House Bill 1026. This bill was introduced at the beginning of 2019 by Representatives Appleton, Fitzgibbon, and Stanford in the hopes to give responsible pet owners a chance to have their canine companions exempted from breed-specific legislation. In order to receive this exemption, their canines need to pass the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Good Canine Citizen test. If passed, the AKC certificate would be valid for two years. Cities and counties with breed bans or restrictions will need to honor this certificate. Some may argue for breed ban or restriction repeals while others support the enforcement of such laws. Whatever side you may be on, HB 1026 is a middle ground where owners can let their canines’ behavior speak for themselves rather than their looks.


Take Action: Other residents support local or state legislation to overturn breed bans or restrictions to help put an end to breed discrimination. 

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5 responses to “The New Year Brings Hope for Dogs Labeled “Dangerous” Due to Breed Bans/Restrictions in Washington State”

  1. Shirley Minich says:

    Every dog on this list is highly intelligent and very people friendly and no different than any other dog when raised the same way as competing Labs and Golden Retrievers. It’s about time they are able to show their true worth.

  2. Jill Newhagen says:

    I’ve been a Pit Bull “mom” for 40 years. All of my dogs have been extremely people friendly.

  3. MadProf says:

    But then there was the Cane Corso in San Francisco that attacked and killed his owner’s neighbor.

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