Readers Divided On Breed-Specific Municipal Bans
The results of the most recent non-scientific Sunday Poll were nearly tied:
Q: Agree or disagree: Municipal bans on ‘pit bull’ dog breeds should remain in force.
- Strongly agree 19 [36.54%]
- Agree 1 [1.92%]
- Somewhat agree 5 [9.62%]
- Neither agree or disagree 1 [1.92%]
- Somewhat disagree 4 [7.69%]
- Disagree 6 [11.54%]
- Strongly disagree 16 [30.77%]
- Unsure/No Answer 0 [0%]
The North County suburb of Florissant repealed it’s pit bull ban earlier this month, but requires owners to spay or neuter. From December:
Florissant’s ordinance has been in effect since 2010. It formally applies to three breeds of dogs generally considered “pit bulls” — the American Staffordshire terrier, the Staffordshire bull terrier or the American pit bull terrier — as well as any mixed breed dog with any of the three as “an element of its breeding.” It also applies to any dog with “the appearance and characteristics” of a pit bull — and unless the owner pays for a DNA test, Florissant Animal Control generally relies on the opinion of whoever reports a dog as problematic.
Not all of those owners who’ve found themselves on the city’s radar can find a new home for their dogs in a week. While Florissant recently started allowing shelters to pick up the dogs they confiscate, the city has euthanized 201 dogs since its ban went into law. (Riverfront Times)
Part of my motivation for dong this poll is to force myself to look at the issue and those on each side. You might assume the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is opposed to such bans, but they’re pro-ban. See What’s the Kindest Thing We Can Do for Pit Bulls? Like any controversial topic, there are plenty of opposing views. See Dear PETA: Dogs Respond To PETA Joining Terrible Anti-Pit Bull Coalition.
A 2014 national poll reflects the divided views. I’m not a huge dog person, we have a cat. Still, in my experience visiting my brother-in-law’s house his two pit bulls are very sweet — my only fear is they may knock me down trying to get hugs and kisses.
— Steve Patterson