A bill that prohibits local governments from enacting, maintaining, or enforcing regulations on certain dog breeds is one step closer to becoming law.
Senate Bill 75 makes it illegal for officials to ban certain dog breeds from their communities. Representative Peggy Gibson spoke in favor of the legislation. She says rather than banning specific breeds of dogs, officials should concentrate on prevention and education. She says laws should promote responsible dog ownership and hold reckless owners accountable, rather than target certain breeds.
“The moral problem in breed specific brands, be it pit bulls, rottweilers, dobermans, German shepherds, corgis, or whatever happens to be the vicious breed of the month smacks of canine racism,” Gibson says. “This in fact is literally true, since biologically breeds of dogs are races. Our pets are important to humans.”
But officials say the bill takes local control away from municipalities. They say local officials should be able to make the choice for themselves. Representatives passed Senate Bill 75 with a vote of 41 to 28. It now heads to the Governor’s desk.