I have known several Pit Bulls who were sweet, smart family dogs, yet one of my own dogs was a victim of a Pit Bull attack. I have played ball and kissed many a Jack Russell Terrier, yet, as I type this, my thumb is numb from being bitten by one just a few months ago. I am a firm-believer in judging a specific dog and owner, not a breed.
Best Friends Animal Society notified me that Senator Steve Smith in my home state of Arizona has introduced S 1292, which would prohibit local government in cities and towns from over-regulating our pets by passing laws that would restrict the type of dog a responsible dog owner can keep. They state:
The ability of responsible pet owners to care for any breed of dog they want is a right that should never be infringed upon by the government. Public safety ordinances should focus on the behavior of individual dogs and their owners, not the breed. Arbitrarily singling out dogs based on breed not only fails to address the public safety concerns at issue, but it is hugely expensive and violates our individual property rights.
If S 1292 passes, Arizona will be the 20th state to say no to breed-specific legislation.
Join me in asking our state senator and representative to support S 1292. Best Friends Animal Society has created an easy-to-submit online form that you can access and edit by clicking here.
Thank you for joining the fight against breed-specific legislation.
Dog photo source: nylabone.com