The Dangers of Breed-Specific Legislation

The American Kennel Club has over 150 breeds of dogs registered but these are not all the breeds that exist. There is often a misconception that there are only certain breeds of dogs that attack: Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Chow Chows. But there is no such thing as an aggressive or safe breed of dog – even the smallest of breeds will attack and dog bite-related injuries will occur. This is especially true of mixed breeds, which are not always registered in the American Kennel Club. According to the Humane Society, over 25 different breeds of dogs have contributed to over 238 dog bite-related fatalities in the United States.

Since the number of dog bite related injuries and fatalities across the United States is increasing, communities and advocates have produced dog breed-specific legislation. With dog breed-specific legislation in place, communities hope to lower the number of dog bite-related injuries and fatalities. The purpose of dog breed-specific legislation is to ban the breeding of dogs that tend to show dangerous and violent behavior.

Typical “Dangerous” Dog Breeds:

  • Pit Bulls
  • Chow Chows
  • Rottweilers
  • Boxers
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • Huskies

However, according to the American Humane Society, any dog breed can bite, but legislation that targets a specific dog breed does not necessarily assure neighborhoods, families, and the community’s protection against dog bite-related fatalities and injuries. Why? Because not every dog owner responsibly breeds and owns a dog. Dog owners in Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa or elsewhere in Maricopa County are still legally responsible for the actions of their dogs, despite the breed. The owner is liable for your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You should contact an experienced Arizona dog bite attorney to represent you if any breed of dog has bitten you.

History of Breed-Specific Legislation-Related Facts

  • Breed-Specific Legislation has focused on breeds such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Chow Chows
  • A number of fatalities and dog bite-related injuries occurred in 1908s caused by breeds, including pit bull dogs started strict laws governing restraint of dogs.
  • Pit bull is a type dog bred for fighting in 1999 Broward County was the site of 115 pit bull dog bites. A committee then passed a bill that would allow a ban on specific breeds.
  • In 1980, Florida’s City Commission passed an ordinance that required persons who owned dangerous” breeds like the pit bull “complete special registration forms and prove the possession of $25,000 of public liability insurance.”

Contact an Arizona Dog Bite Attorney

If any dog related injuries in Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa or elsewhere in Maricopa County have occurred, fatal or not, the owner should be held responsible and an Arizona dog bite injury lawyer can help. Even with prevention, dog bites and attacks occur. If you are unable to prevent a dog-bite related injury and as a result, you or a loved one have been the victim of an attack, our Arizona dog-bite injury lawyer can help get the compensation you deserve. For more information see www.azdogbitefirm.com