BREED SPECIFIC LAWS

Breed specific laws are for the narrow minded. It is for people who don’t want to take time to acknowledge that every animal in a certain breed is not the same. These breed specific laws are most generally centered on five different breeds. These breeds are Rottweiler, Pit bull, Doberman, Chow Chows, and German Shepards.

These dogs are said to be mean or have the tendency to be mean according to legislators. This is brought on by the fact that these are the breeds of dogs that are most commonly chosen to do jobs that require them to be that way. For example these dogs are used for guard dogs, security work and police work. The shadier side also uses them. Drug dealers favor these dogs because of their intimidating look.

Because of this, these dogs have been named as the bad apples of canines. These people don’t look at these dogs as being able to be anything but used for those things I have names above. These breeds can’t be considered a family dog by any means, according to these people.

What the narrow minded and the legislators need to do is find a dog from all the breeds that are on the list and do their own research on the breed and compare it to what has been said and written about the breed and see which one is closer to the truth. Yes, admittedly there are bad dogs and not just in certain breeds like these people would have you believe.

I own 4 beautiful Rottweilers, they are the friendliest dogs could meet. But because of the breed, the town I live in is discriminating against them. I have received many citations for my dogs allegedly running at large, but other residents of this town that have dogs that run at large don’t receive any due to the fact they are not Rottweilers.

The city of Waterloo, Iowa requires that when a person moves to town and owns a breed of dog on their list as being vicious to register them as such or receive a fine. They also have a different set of rules for those dogs on that list. If a dog on that list bites or scratches someone, the dog is to be put down within forty-eight hours, the owner cited and ordered to pay all medical bills for the victim. On the other hand if a dog not on the list does the same thing, the owner is cited and is warned that if the animal does it again, they will have to be put down or removed from the city limits.

That is discrimination against the owner and the dog. If a dog from any breed, whether it is a Rottweiler or a poodle is cornered and feeling threatened it is going to attack to save itself, no matter what.

We need to look at each dog individually and evaluate it as an individual dog. We don’t look at all humans as being bad just because one guy went and robbed a bank or killed someone. We look at everyone for whom they are as an individual. So why cant we look at dogs as individuals?

I have added a story about a Rottweiler that was a stray to show that not all of these breeds are bad or mean like they are made out to be.

Rottweilers can be friends, therapy dogs, too

Wednesday, February 17, 1999

By Linda Wilson Fuoco

When Judy Gates saw a big black and tan dog wandering in a North Hills shopping center parking lot on a cold, January night, she was sad. The dog had no collar, its head was hanging down and it had that scared, lost look that tugs at the heartstrings of dog lovers.

Gates hesitated for only a second. Then, in a giant leap of faith, she opened the back door of her car and invited the dog in.

Gates briefly had second thoughts as she was driving to her Cranberry home, for she knew what the dog was. The nearly-100-pound canine was a Rottweiler - a breed sharp of tooth and strong of jaw, a breed that is feared and even hated in many quarters.

"I looked in the rearview mirror and the dog was sitting quietly in the back seat, looking relieved and happy," Gates says one year later.

Gates never found the owner, though she contacted police departments and pursued every avenue she could think of. But that was OK because, Gates relates, "I fell in love with her right away."

So did her two Labrador retrievers, Brittany, 6, and Gypsy, 14.

She named her Carlee, in honor of Carl, the gentle, baby-sitting male Rottweiler featured in the wonderful children's books by Alexandra Day. Gates' veterinarian thinks Carlee is about 3 years old.

I met Carlee recently as she visited patients at UPMC Passavant hospital in McCandless. She calmly walked up to patients in wheelchairs, gazed into their eyes and wagged her stumpy tail when petted. She quietly approached patients in hospital beds, bringing smiles to faces that had been furrowed with anxiety and pain.

One elderly woman tentatively put her hand out to Carlee and said, "Shake!" She crowed with delight when the command was obeyed.

I stooped down to pet her, and Carlee licked my face. I didn't see her lick any patients, but she seemed to know that I welcome this kind of attention. This is one of the nicest dogs I've ever met. It breaks my heart to know that many, many people - including elected officials - think that all Rottweilers should be banned.

Carlee is not an aberration. Rottweilers regularly rack up high scores in obedience trials. They are often used as service dogs for people in wheelchairs. They do stellar work for police departments; the same dogs that attack "bad guys" gently meet and greet schoolchildren in "Officer Friendly" programs. And they are loving, devoted pets for many, many families.

Rottweilers are so good at these things because they are smart, versatile, highly trainable, loyal, loving, brave and oh-so-willing to please the people they love. But in the hands of the wrong people, a Rottweiler or a big, powerful dog of any breed is an absolute menace. Don't blame or ban an entire breed.

Perhaps you've heard that Rottweilers are vicious toward other dogs. You should see Carlee with her therapy co-workers - Oliver, a Newfoundland owned by Mary O'Day of Franklin Park and Cali, a Labrador retriever owned by Meg Yates of Cranberry. Oliver and Cali are just as wonderful as Carlee, but people usually aren't surprised to meet a "nice" Newf or a lovable Lab.

Gates, a lifelong Lab owner, says she has always admired therapy dogs. She always thought her own pets were a bit too exuberant for therapy work. Until she rescued Carlee.

Blessed with the perfect therapy dog temperament, Carlee functions as an ambassador for her bedeviled breed.

"My mission is to defend this breed," Gates said. "By taking Carlee to hospitals and nursing homes, I can show everyone that this is a really good breed."

As a little extra insurance, Gates took Carlee to the Paws-Itive Academy training facility in Crafton. On her very first try, Carlee passed the therapy dog certification test. It includes greeting strangers - human and canine - with no show of fear, aggression or boisterous affection.

"I gave a speech about Carlee and Rottweilers in Toastmasters. People said they had no idea that some breeds are so threatened."

So kudos to UPMC for inviting Carlee and other therapy dogs into medical facilities. And kudos to owners like Gates, O'Day and Yates for finding time in their busy schedules to share their wonderful dogs with patients who need a morale boost. Gates works at Passavant as a clinical dietitian by day, and a volunteer by night.

As for Carlee,with a nod to Alexandra Day who always ends her books with: "Good dog, Carl!",I'll end this column with "Good dog, Carlee!"

I got some of my information off of a site http://www.pbrc.net/breedspecific.html This way I don’t get it for plagiarism. But it is an excellent site to check out for the US and different countries to find out what dogs they say are bad and which ones r good.

Alabama

Pit bulls are banned Irondale (click for codes) 

Pit Bull Restrictions in Midfield - Must be muzzled and restrained when off owners property.

Arizona

Luke Airforce Base - Pit Bull restrictions.

Arkansas

Pit Bulls are banned in Maumell (Code), Jonesboro (also German Shepard's) Sherwood and Mt. Home (Ord. 530)

Restrictions on pit bulls in Siloam Springs (see codes -Chapter 10 Article III)

BSL reported but unconfirmed in  Gosnell, North Little Rock and Piggot. 

California

The state of California has a comprehensive Dangerous Dog Law and legislation prohibiting breed specific restrictions.

Restrictions on pit bulls in Santa Monica and Naval Base Ventura Count:Point Mugu/Hueneme

Colorado

Pit Bulls are banned in Denver (Section 8.55), Castle Rock, Fort Lupton and Commerce City.

BSL reported but unconfirmed in Wellington.

Connecticut

Pit Bulls are banned in Wethersfield (Code Detail).

Delaware

Heavy Restrictions in Wilmington (Municipal Code 3.16).

Florida

The state of California has a comprehensive Dangerous Dog Law and legislation prohibiting breed specific restrictions. Section 767.14

Pit Bulls are banned in North Miami/Dade County (click for Dade codes) - Both pure and mixed breed Pit Bull dogs are classified as dangerous. It has been illegal to acquire a new Pit Bull dog since January 1, 1990. Failure to register, muzzle, confine, and insure a Pit Bull is a violation of the law subject to severe penalty. Section 5-17.1, Miami-Dade Code. 

Restrictions in Cape Coral, Sunrise, and Tamarac (click here).

Georgia

Pit Bulls are banned in Dekalb County, no new pit bulls will be registered after May 2000.  Owners with registered pit bulls/mixes will be grand-fathered.  Owners who can't prove ownership of their pit bull/mix prior to May 2000 will be fined and their dog seized and destroyed. This is unconfirmed, from email reports only - if anyone can help verify, please send documentation.

Restrictions on Pit Bulls in Lawrenceville (Code Details)

Hawaii

Marine Corp. Base - Restrictions on Pit Bulls

Idaho

BSL reported but unconfirmed in Kellog and Payette

Indiana

Pit Bulls are banned in Fowler.

Restrictions on Pit Bulls in South Bend (Chapter 5, article 4.5) on American Pit Bull Terriers (see definitions) does not apply to Am Staffs or Staffy Bulls.  Mishawaka (code details) and Walkerton

BSL reported but unconfirmed in Gary, Williamsport and Winchester

Ilinois - 8/19/03 HB184 signed into law. BSL can no longer be passed.

Pit Bulls are banned:   Addison, Greenville, Gillespie, Lombard (click for code), Northlake (also Rotties /Rottie Mixes)  Westfield (also Dobermans), Wheeling (Code Details) and Wilsonville. Banned in Cicero (per Article II sec 18-47). 

Restrictions:  Mullberry Grove ( Pit Bull owners must carry $100,000 insurance per dog), Buffalo Grove, Bourbonnais, Hoffmann Estates and Streater and Salem (per chapter 5, article II, Div. 2).

BSL reported but unconfirmed in Central City, Chester, Dixon, Effingham, Elmwood, Johnson City, Oden, Peru, Rock Falls, Sadorous and Silvis,

Iowa

Pit Bulls are banned in: Anamosa (code details)Benton County, Coutier, Lake Mills (plus Rottweilers & mixes), Lockridge (plus Rottweilers), Muscataine( no new pit bulls), Ottumwa (note, ACF has filed a lawsuit challenging this ban), Sigourney, Wapello (banned American Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire Bull terriers, BUT its ok to own an American Pit Bull Terrier)  Conrad, banned Rotties.

Restrictions: Des Moines: Pit Bulls are defined as vicious dogs and have special license requirements per Section 18-44(e) of the municipal code. has banned Pit Bulls

BSL Reported but unconfirmed: Pocahontas, Rockwell, Wilton and Winterset.

Kansas - UPDATE

Pit Bulls are banned in Arkansas City, Banner Springs, Cheney, El Dorado, Ellinwood, Fredonia, Fort Scott, Garnet, Inman (plus rottweilers), Kansas City, Kingman, Liberal, Marion, Maize, Marysville, Nickerson, Parks, Park City, Preston, St. John (plus Rotties), Sterling, Topeka (click here), Ulysses (also banned Akitas) and Westwood. Pit Bulls are banned from all municipalities in the following counties: Cherokee County, Jackson County, Shawnee County (Code Details), Wyandotte County. Also banned in most of Johnson County (except Olathe, Mission, Lenexa, and Merriam).

Heavy requirements in Iola (click here) and Junction City Code Details.  Pit Bulls are considered dangerous dogs in Manhattan (click here) and Overland Park (Click Here) and have special requirements. . Pit Bulls are restricted in Garden City, Junction City, . 

BSL reported but unconfirmed in Leawood

Wichita has voted against BSL in favor of Non Breed Specific dangerous law!  This was due to the emails and phone calls recevied from dog owners opposed to the BSL!

Kentucky -  Updated 10/13/03

Heavy Restrictions in Covington (Code Details), Pit Bulls and Wolf Hybrids delcared Vicious. Heavy Restrictions [Registered with 2 photos, Microchipped, spayed/nuetered, muzzled, etc

Louisiana

Pit Bulls banned in Welsh a new town law approved Tuesday, April 16th 2002, gives owners of pit bull dogs 90 days to remove the dogs from the town's limits.  Mayor Jimmy Cormier said pit pull dog owners have until Aug. 1 to find a place for their dogs.  The measure provides for a maximum penalty of $500 and 60 days in jail , or both, for violators.

Morgan City has restricted Pit Bulls and Rottweilers (Chapter 18, Article II, Sec. 18-64). 

BSL reported but unconfirmed in St. Parish and Luling

Maryland

Pit Bulls are banned in Prince George County (Cities:  Accokeek, Adelphia, Aquasco, Beltsville, Berwyn Heights, Bladensburg, Bowie, Brentwood, Calverton, Camp Springs, Capital Heights, Cheverly,Clinton, Colmar Manor, Cottage City, District Heights, Eagle Harbor, Edmonston, Fairmount Height, Forest Heights, Forestville, Glenarden, Glenn Dale, Hyattsville, Indian Head, Landrover, Landover Hills, Langley Park, Lanham, Largo, Laurel, Mitchellville, Morningside, Mount Rainer, New Carrollton, North Brentwood, Riverdale Park, Seat Pleasant, Sprindale, University Park, Upper Marlboro, Woodmore.)

Naval District - Dogs (no pit breeds)

*Hagerstown is proposing a BAN (click here for article)

Alert - Possible BSL at the State Level.  Delegate Charles Boutin has written a bill that he intends to pursue during the upcoming legislative session.  This bill would label Pit Bulls as vicous and require a muzzle while in public.    For details and a list of the email addresses for the Maryland State Legislators please visit  this website.

Massachusetts

Breed restrictions reported in Amesbury, Rockport, and but are unconfirmed. New Bedford and Holyoke require a permit ($50.00) to own.  Fall River requires insurance. Haverhill has breed restrictions for Pit Bulls. The state of MA just passed a non breed specific dangerous dog law (click here)

Michigan - Updated 10/13/03

Pit Bulls banned in Alma (Code Details), Crystal Falls, Grosse Pointe Woods (Code Details), Hudsonville, Waterford and Redford

Restrictions in Detroit (click here), Ramsey, Westland (code details)  and Dearborn Heights, Muskegon (click here)

BSL reported but unconfirmed in Muskegon Heights

Pontiac - **Ban has been repealed! in favor of a Dangerous Dog Law (click here for article).  Proposal to ban pit bulls in the state of Michigan is in process.

Minnesota

Section: 347.51, Subd. 8. Local ordinances. A statutory or home rule charter city, or a county, may not adopt an ordinance regulating dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs based solely on the specific breed of the dog. Ordinances inconsistent with this subdivision are void.   

Mississippi

BSL reported but unconfirmed in Greenville.

Missouri

Pit Bulls banned in Ashland, Belton (click for codes), Black Jack (click for codes), Booneville, Camdenton, Carl Junction (plus Rottweilers), Drexel, Ferguson (click for codes), Liberty, New Franklin and Pagedale.  In Salisbury, no new pit bulls allowed, existing pit bulls must be registered with city.

Restrictions in Butler (Code Details) Clayton (Details),   In Hallsville and Wentzville. Persons owning Pit bulls must have reinforced windows and doors, $50,000 of liability insurance on home owners policy, if outside, dogs must be kept in a kennel with a top and concrete floor and walked on a leash longer than 4' and muzzled at all times. Pit bulls must be registered with the city for $35.00 each. 

BSL reported but unconfirmed in Cameron, Fenton, Grandby, Greenwood, Macon, Springfield, University City and Wooden Terrace.

Montana

BSL reported but unconfirmed in Libby and Ekalaka

Nebraska

BSL reported but unconfirmed in Friend

New Jersey 

Restrictions on pit bulls in Millville (Code Details) Englewood and Bergan County.

BSL reported but unconfirmed in Atlantic City, Highland Park and West New York.

The NJ "vicious dog law" is found at N.J.S.A. 4:19-17 et seq., it defines vicious and aggressive dogs, includes ample due process before a dog may be adjudicated vicious or aggressive, allows for the settlement of pending cases, and specifically supercedes any local laws. See specifically, N.J.S.A. 4:19-36:  "Act to supersede inconsistent local laws.  The provisions of this act shall supersede any law, ordinance, or regulation concerning vicious or potentially dangerous dogs, any specific breed of dog, or any other type of dog inconsistent with this act enacted by any municipality, county, or county or local board of health." 

NEW JERSEY STATE LEGISLATURE (bill NJ-S2381) Please take a moment to read the proposed bill (click here) and pass this information along to those people and organizations whom you feel may be interested in this information.  This bill is almost identical to Bill NJ-2906 which was defeated - It will severely restrict Pit Bulls and Rottweilers.  Please contact your legislators!

New Mexico

BSL Reported but not confirmed in Tijeras

Kirtland Air Force Base - Pit Bulls, American Staffordshire Bull Terriers, English Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Rottweilers (full or mixed breed), wolf hybrids, or any canine breed with dominant traits geared towards aggression are not permitted in MFH.

New York

Pit Bulls banned in Larchmont.

Restrictions in Yonkers requires proof of insurance coverage of $100,000 in order to obtain a license for a pit bull or pit bull mix.  

BSL reported but unconfirmed in Jamestown, Maybrook, Mount Vernon, North Hempstead, New Rochelle, Newburgh, Sand Point, Village of Hempstead and Villiage of Haverstraw.

New York is now the 12th state to prohibit passage of breed-specific legislation; dogs are judged on the deeds, not breeds.

North Carolina 

BSL reported but unconfirmed in Transylvania County

North Dakota

Pit Bulls banned in, Minot.  Velva has banned Rottweilers

BSL Reported but unconfirmed in Kildear and Bismark.

Ohio

Statewide "vicious dog" law which includes "Pit Bulls." Statewide requirement of $100,000 liability insurance coverage per dog ($50,000 in Cleveland and some other cities), and have 6-foot, padlocked fences or kennel with enclosed top.

Pit Bulls banned in Bexley, Cincinnati, Defiance Code Details, Fairfield Code Details, Gold Manor, Mansfield (Code Details), Mayfield Code Details, Mentor on the Lake Code Details,, Reynoldsburg (city ord. #505.35) and Silver Lake (Code Details). 

Additional restrictions in Akron, Bay Village (Code Details), Bellvue (Code Details), Celina (Code Details), Cleveland, East Cleveland, Findlay ( Code Details), Highland Heights( Code Details), Louisville (Code Details), Middlefield (Code Details), Mt. Vernon (Code Details), Napolean (Code Details), New Albany (Code Details), Oxford (Code Details), Perrysburg (Code Details), Powel (Code Details), Richmond Heights, Springboro, St. Mary's, Toledo, Wickliffe (Code Details), Wooster (Code Details) and Yellow Springs (Code Details).

BSL reported but unconfirmed in Cambridge, Franklin County, Girard, Heath, Lucas County, Ludlow Falls, Miami County, Newark, North Perry, Parma, S. Euclid, Shaker Heights, Silverlake, South Point, Warrensville Heights and Washington Court House.

Oklahoma

Pit Bulls banned in Del City and Midwest City (suburb of Oklahoma City).

BSL Reported but unconfirmed in Eufaula and Quenton .

Pennsylvania

The state of Pennsylvania has a law prohibiting BSL. However, Philadelphia is currently trying to get it overturned in the city for their own "special" situation - be sure to stay on the look out.

Restrictions in Reading.

BSL reported but unconfirmed in Elizabeth

Puerto Rico

The US Territory of Puerto Rico has a ban on Pit Bull ownership

Rhode Island *new*

Pawtucket bans new pit bulls effective January 1, 2004.  Current owners need to register there pit bulls.  Providence requires a $20 license fee, registration forms, and proof of 25,000 insurance. East Greenwich also has a mandatory insurance requirement for Pit Bulls. Bristol requires insurance on Pits, Am. Staffs & Bull Terriers.

Newport has banned Rotties, Chows and Dobermans

South Carolina

Travelers Rest has banned Rotties, Chows and Dobermans

BSL reported but unconfirmed in Columbia.

South Dakota

Sisseton has banned Dobermans

Tennesse

Lynville it's Illegal to own, keep, train or possess a Rottie, pit bull, chow, doberman or GSD.

BSL reported but unconfirmed in Jackson, Smyrma and Waterton

Texas

The state of Texas has a law prohibiting BSL.  Section 822.047

Pit Bulls banned in Neisville,  existing pit bulls have been restricted in the city.

Kyle has an ordinance on new pit bull ownership

BSL reported but unconfirmed in Terrel

Utah

Rotties and Shar-Pei's are banned in N. South Lake City and Smithfield.

Virginia

Prohibits passage of breed-specific legislation; dogs are judged on the deeds, not their breeds.

Washington

Pit Bulls banned in Algona, (click for ordinance), Enumclaw (Code Detail), Issaquah Highland Subdivision (Click here).

Restrictions in Buckly, Everett (code details), Inland, Kennewick (code detail) ($250 license fee for dangerous dog permit and $50,000 bond and other requirements -see chapter 8), Kirkland (code detail), Moxee, Oak Harbor (click for Oak Harbor municipal code), Prosser, Quincy, Sea tac (code details), Sunnyside, Toppenosh, Yakima (click for codes).

BSL reported but uncomfirmed in Neah Bay, King County,

Wisconsin 

Pit Bulls and are banned in Fox Lake, Randolph, South Milwaukee and East Troy.  Neisville has banned all new pit bulls and restricted existing pit bulls.

BSL reported but unconfirmed in Oconto.

You be the judge of this issue. The next time you see one of the breeds of dogs that I have mentioned above with his/her owner. Ask to speak with them about their dog. You might be surprised at what you hear.

Becky Babcock

Rottweiler companion and advocate

Luvsrotts4@yahoo.com