Dangerous Dog Laws: Keeping People and Pets Safe

We all want safe and humane communities for people and pets alike. Protecting people from dangerous dogs will always be our number one priority, which is why our public safety laws should focus on the behavior of the individual dog and owner, not on outdated misconceptions about certain dog breeds. This formula has proven effective by emphasizing public safety, personal responsibility and individual accountability. The simple truth is that breed is not a factor in bites.

But reckless owners are a factor. Bad owners lead to bad dogs, and that puts everyone at risk. The best laws address the behavior of both dog owners and dogs, and put regulations in place to restrain and restrict any dangerous dog. All problem or nuisance dogs should be sterilized because studies have shown that the majority of bite cases come from unneutered male dogs.

Breed restriction

Studies done in countries with breed-specific laws, such as the United Kingdom, Spain and Germany, found that these laws didn’t reduce the number of dog bites or improve public safety. Based on these studies and concerns about property rights infringement, the American Bar Association, the National Animal Control Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association don’t support breed restrictions. Instead, they support laws that go after the real problem: the behavior of the individual dog and the behavior of the reckless or negligent owner.

Nearly 2 out of 3 US shelters are now no-kill graphic

See how your community is doing

We've seen tremendous momentum and success so far, and we are so close to achieving no-kill around the entire country. Knowing where each shelter and community stands not only helps determine the best way to move forward, but it also helps track the progress we’re making together.

Another problem with breed-specific laws: They interfere with citizens’ basic property rights. In America, every citizen who follows the safety rules as a responsible dog owner should be allowed to own whatever breed of dog he or she chooses. Twenty-one states now prohibit breed restrictions, and one reason is that it violates property rights.

Scientific studies have proven that pit bull terriers are just as safe and gentle as any other dog. In fact, they have ranked better than golden retrievers or border collies on temperament tests, according to the American Temperament Test Society. Given a loving home and caring people, pit bull terriers can be man’s best friend. There’s a reason they used to be called “America’s dog.” Instead of punishing innocent dogs, let’s hold owners accountable and responsible for animals who are actually dangerous.

Safe communities

By working together, we can ensure that every pet receives a loving home. This humane goal is being achieved in many communities throughout the United States. Your community can achieve it, too, and Best Friends is there to help. For more information please contact Lee Greenwood, Esq., at leeg@bestfriends.org or Ledy VanKavage, Esq., at ledyv@bestfriends.org.

Breed-specific legislation fails because:

  • It violates basic property rights.
  • It focuses on the wrong thing.
  • It’s arbitrary.
  • It’s expensive.
  • It’s ineffective.
  • It’s not practical.

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About Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends is working to end the killing of dogs and cats in U.S. shelters in part by getting more pets out of shelters and into loving homes.

We’ve come a long way since the first known city reached no-kill in 1994, and now we’re closer than ever to making the entire country no-kill. Today, roughly 2,500 shelters are no-kill throughout the U.S. — and 700 more are just 100 pets or fewer away from reaching that milestone.

Best Friends is committed to working with passionate people like you to save homeless pets through adoption, volunteering, fostering, and advocacy. In addition to our lifesaving centers around the U.S, we also founded and run the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals.

Working together, we can save homeless pets in our communities and secure a better future for our best friends. Together, we will bring the whole country to no-kill.