Michigan Lawmakers Take Steps to End Breed-Specific Dog Bans
Recently, State lawmakers introduced three bills to prevent local municipalities from banning specific dog breeds. Some Michigan municipalities already have such bans in place. The first bill, House Bill 5039, aims to stop counties from enforcing breed-specific bans. The second bill, House Bill 5041, targets cities and villages, seeking to prohibit them from implementing such bans. The third bill, House Bill 5040, aims to prevent townships from enforcing or enacting bans on particular dog breeds.
Breed-specific Dog Bans
While none of these bills mention specific breeds, these types of bans often relate to breeds like pit bulls, American Bulldogs, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Dalmatians, Chow Chows, German Shepards, Doberman Pinschers, and mixes of these breeds, as outlined by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has weighed in on the matter, emphasizing that breed bans do not effectively address the broader issue of irresponsible pet ownership. They assert that the issue of dangerous dogs, dog bites, and public safety is complex and that any dog, regardless of its breed, has the potential to bite. On the other hand, the National Pit Bull Victim Awareness organization believes that breed-specific legislation (BSL) is a preferable strategy for addressing the potential risks associated with pit bull-type dogs.
In Grosse Pointe Shores, the city council recently voted to ban pit bulls following a 4-3 majority decision. The decision came after an incident in June where a pit bull attacked a small dog. It resulted in the smaller dog’s leg being amputated, according to reports. Under the newly approved ordinance, residents are now not allowed to own pit bulls of any kind. However, residents who already own licensed pit bulls are exempt from this restriction but must comply with updated regulations. These regulations include a 6-foot fence around their property, keeping pit bulls on a leash when in public, and obtaining a $100,000 liability insurance policy to cover potential injuries or property damage resulting from the dog’s actions.
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