New Laws for Dangerous Dogs

September 2006

In 2006, more state laws and local ordinances were put in place that penalize owners of dogs that cause serious harm. Ohio even went as far as to declare all pit bulls as vicious animals. According to the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), twenty-seven states have rules for declaring dogs dangerous and vicious.

Here are examples of dangerous dog laws that have been passed this year:

• In Kansas City, MO, the city council passed a law that requires all pit bulls to be spayed or neutered. Breeders will also have to install fencing and keep records about anyone who buys a puppy. Fourteen more animal control officers will be hired.
• Overland Park, Kansas banned pit bulls in July. Current owners were allowed to keep the dogs they had, and a July 27, 2006 deadline to register their pit bulls.
• Owners in Illinois who allow dangerous dogs to run loose or who do not enclose, spay, or neuter an animal that injures or kills someone will face prison time. Felons are also not allowed to own dangerous dogs.

Some lawmakers and animal rights activists are troubled by laws that are breed specific, but even the ASPCA is in favor of generic dangerous dog laws because they are in the best interest of the public.

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