Any legislation that targets specific breeds of dogs is ineffective, costly to the community, and a poor alternative to a generic dangerous dog ordinance which encompasses all breeds and places irresponsible dog owners accountable for the actions of their dogs.

Restricting breeds of dogs does little, if anything, to protect citizens in the community. Moreover, breed bans perpetuate the myth that certain breeds are inherently bad. It also indemnifies all of the unnamed breeds as being safe by exclusion. In doing so, breed specific legisiation promotes a false send of security for the public.

The lack of enforcement of existing laws is the primary contributing factor to dog bites – not specific breeds of dogs. Every area should have strictly enforced leash laws since dogs at large are the primary source of the problem.

It has been found that breed restrictions are by far and large, unenforceable, and unfairly penalize responsible dog owners who properly train, socialize, care for and supervise their dogs.

An effective solution is not to make more laws that punish responsible owners and entire breeds, but to enforce existing leash laws and enact generic dangerous dog laws that are not breed specific and punish the irresponsible owners.

I trust that you will take into consideration the position of many well known, major organizations such as the American Kennel Club, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the National Animal Control Association, and the National Canine Research Council who do not support legislation that targets any specific breed of dog.

I ask that you oppose this proposal because any such law that is specific to breed does not address the real problem, which is that of irresponsible owners.