National Black Caucus of State Legislators Passes Best Friends Animal Society Resolution on Dog Breed Restriction
Kanab, UT – Best Friends Animal Society is excited to announce the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) have officially passed a resolution to stop government restriction on dog breed ownership. This passage by the NBCSL, denounces breed specific legislation, including breed specific policies and calls for all states, local governments, and government agencies to repeal any and all breed specific legislation or policies. The resolution also calls for all states to enact laws preempting local governments and government agencies from enacting breed specific legislation.
“Thank you to Leader Camper and all members of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators for passing this critical resolution. We have seen that breed specific legislation is not based on science or data but based on outdated stereotypes that ultimately force families to choose between housing and keeping their beloved pet,” said Julie Castle, Best Friends Animal Society CEO. “Resolutions like this one are an important step needed in order to save more lives and keep families and pets together.”
Breed specific legislation refers to laws and/or policies that selectively apply to one or more dog breeds or dog breed mixes, often based on their appearance. Cities, counties, and other government or quasi-government entities and/or agencies across the United States have enacted and enforce breed specific legislation which ranges in impact and can include requirements such as mandatory sterilization, increased liability insurance, mandatory muzzling, registration requirements, or outright bans on the ownership or possession of the specific breed/breed mix.
Pit bull terrier-type dogs are the most frequent subject of breed specific legislation and are often associated with people of color, specifically young, black men, therefore negatively and disproportionately affecting people and communities of color.
Learn more about ending dog breed bans against Pit Bull terriers and other dogs at https://bestfriends.org/advocacy/ending-breed-specific-legislation.
About Best Friends Animal Society
Best Friends Animal Society is a national nonprofit organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters by 2025. Founded in 1984, Best Friends is a pioneer in the no-kill movement and has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters from an estimated 17 million per year to around 347,000. Best Friends runs lifesaving programs all across the country, as well as the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary. Working collaboratively with a network of more than 3,500 animal welfare and shelter partners, and
community members nationwide, Best Friends is working to Save Them All®. For more information, visit bestfriends.org.