• 🐶 Noel’s 1,263-day wait comes to an end

• 🥰 10 states home to breed-specific laws

• 🐾 How to get reimbursed for your vet bills

• 🦴 How to advocate for change against BSL

• ❤️ A special word from our pups

Did you know…

When did breed-specific legislation start?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

It’s probably a good thing that dogs can’t understand Breed Specific Legislation (BSL). If they knew they were labeled as 'dangerous,' it would break their big hearts. Especially when so many of these breeds are innocent and some of the most goofy, cuddly, and lovable dogs out there.

BSL unfairly targets specific breeds rather than holding all dogs and owners to the same standards. These laws can ban certain breeds from living in cities or require extra precautions like muzzles, insurance, or special fencing. Pit bulls are the most frequent target, but other commonly banned breeds include Rottweilers, Dobermans, and German Shepherds.

Thankfully, more cities are repealing BSL, but many states still have a surprising amount of towns enforcing these restrictions. Here’s a look at the states with the most breed bans or restrictions:

1. Iowa

Iowa has one of the highest numbers of breed-specific restrictions. Cities like Council Bluffs and Keystone enforce strict bans on pit bulls or any dogs with physical traits resembling pit bulls, like their distinct blocky heads (those heads are the cutest). In 2022, Keystone made headlines when 10 families were told by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office to get rid of their family dogs within 10 days. Des Moines, while allowing breeds like Staffordshire Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers, requires them to be registered as "dangerous dogs."

2. Kansas

Kansas municipalities have over 90 cities with breed restrictions, including bans on pit bulls and similar breeds. The restrictions vary, with some cities imposing bans, while others enforce specific containment or insurance requirements.

3. Ohio

Ohio used to be home to the only statewide breed discrimination in the United States. Thankfully, in 2012, this statewide ban was overturned/ended and changed the lives of banned breeds for the better. But many cities still implement them, 18 to be exact, including Amberley, Elmwood Place, Fairfield, and more.

4. Missouri

Missouri has a complex relationship with BSL. Some cities, like Independence and Springfield, have repealed decade-long bans, but over 70 towns still enforce restrictions. These laws primarily target pit bulls and Rottweilers.

5. Wisconsin

Wisconsin has over 60 municipalities with breed bans or restrictions, mostly focused on pit bulls, Staffordshire terrier mixes, and Rottweilers. Even the popular city of Milwaukee has a breed-specific ordinance that places special requirements on owners of certain dog breeds.

6. Colorado

Denver historically had one of the toughest breed bans in the nation. In 2005, animal control vans, accompanied by police, rounded up hundreds of pit bulls across the city, resulting in more than 1,900 dogs being impounded in the city’s animal shelter. By 2006, over 1,400 of them had been euthanized. Thankfully, pit bulls and other previously banned breeds are now allowed in Denver, CO, with the proper permitting.

Aurora remains a city with a specific ban on pit bulls. In 2021, the city council voted to repeal the ban; however, after a three-year legal battle, a district court judge reinstated Aurora’s pit bull ban. It’s unfortunate because, without the ban, Colorado would be 100% free of BSL. breed-specific legislation. There will be a vote on the ballot to address this issue in November, and we’re hopeful it will be in favor of all dogs.

7. Arkansas

As of 2023, Arkansas had 38 breed-specific bans, with cities like North Little Rock banning pit bulls entirely unless they are registered under specific conditions. In North Little Rock, pit bulls are banned, with exceptions for registered AKC show dogs and dogs that are grandfathered in, provided the owner keeps the dog properly confined, uses a leash, and displays a 'Beware of Dog' sign.

8. Kentucky

Kentucky has seen a trend of repealing breed-specific laws in cities like Maysville and Bellevue, but some areas, such as Covington and Newport, continue to have strict breed bans.

9. Tennessee

In Tennessee, breed-specific laws exist in cities like Henderson and Selmer, where pit bulls are banned. Other municipalities, such as Mt. Juliet, prohibit certain breeds from public spaces like dog parks. Imagine having to tell your pup they can’t go to the dog park just because of the way they look – I can already picture those sad puppy eyes.

10. New York

New York only has a little over five cities with breed-specific legislation (BSL) in place. However, New York City, the most populated city in the U.S., is worth noting. While the city itself doesn’t enforce any breed bans or restrictions, the New York City Housing Authority bans several breeds, including full-breed or mixed Doberman Pinschers, Pit Bulls, and Rottweilers. This policy prevents many dog parents of these loving breeds from living in public housing in the Big Apple.

Have you ever lived in a city with breed bans? We'd love to hear your experiences!

Now that we’ve covered what breed-specific legislation (BSL) is and how it impacts countless dogs and their families, let’s learn about how you can advocate for change. If you’re passionate about standing up for all dogs, here are some effective ways you can make a real difference.

Learn About the Issue

First things first: take the time to fully understand the breed-specific legislation you’re advocating against. Many of these laws are driven by fear, but they often lack factual or statistical support. Investigate and find out about the reasons behind your town's specific legislation—what events or concerns led to its enactment? Arm yourself with this knowledge so you’ll be better prepared to engage in thoughtful conversations, address common fears, and counter objections calmly and effectively.

Attend City Council Meetings Regularly

Showing up consistently at city council meetings is one of the most impactful ways to make your voice heard. The more visible you are, the more difficult it becomes for local leaders to ignore the issue. Attend meetings regularly and speak up for pups affected by these law – your voice is all they have to depend on. The goal is to bring the issue to the forefront of every meeting, pressuring officials to address the unfairness of BSL publicly.

Contact Your Local Officials

Letters, emails, and phone calls to local representatives can have a powerful effect. Reach out to your city council members, mayor, or any decision-makers involved with the legislation. When contacting officials, remember to keep your tone respectful and your arguments factual. It’s essential to meet people where they are, addressing their fears and misconceptions with empathy rather than frustration.

Use the Right Language

This is an emotional topic – there’s no denying that, especially for those of us with sweet fur babies at home who are being discriminated against. But as hard as it is to hear, emotions won’t get you far in this fight and can even weaken your message. The way you present your argument matters. Stick to the facts: breed-specific laws are ineffective, and they punish responsible dog owners as well as innocent dogs. Stay calm and composed. If emotions run high, consider using a script to keep your message clear and impactful.

Rally Support from Your Community

You don’t have to fight this battle alone, and quite frankly, you can’t. The more people who stand against breed-specific legislation, the stronger your case becomes. Organize community events, gather signatures, and encourage fellow dog lovers to attend council meetings with you. Veterinarians and humane societies can be particularly influential allies, as their expertise carries weight with decision-makers. A packed room full of advocates or a group of protestors marching together is hard to ignore.

Engage the Media

Local media is often receptive to community voices, making it a powerful tool for raising awareness. Write letters to the editors of local newspapers or reach out to television and radio stations to share your message. If you’re given the opportunity to be interviewed, make sure you're ready to explain the basics of breed-specific legislation, and come prepared with clear, concise talking points. The media can help bring attention and gather more support.

Thank you to all the dog lovers who are passionate about creating a world where pups are no longer judged by their appearance or breed. Everything you do does make a difference! Have any of you successfully advocated against breed-specific legislation or made strides in your community?

Daily Dig is inspired and brought to you by our wonderful dogs. Our dogs, and all the other pups out there, make the world a happier, brighter place. ❤️

With lots of love,

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnegan 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 Did You Know: BSL began in the 1980s in the United States following media attention surrounding pit bull attacks.

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