Ban Dog Breed Restrictions in Chicago Rentals
The Issue
As a volunteer at Chicago Animal Care & Control (CACC), I meet countless Pitbulls who, despite their playful and loving nature, face a grim fate. While dogs identified by CACC staff as Pitbulls/pitbull types made up just 43% of animals surrendered to CACC in June 2026, they made up a staggering 76.8% of those euthanized due to the constant influx of new animals/lack of space (source: CACC data via FOIA request).
This heartbreaking reality is due at least partly to breed restrictions enforced by private rentals and public housing policies in Chicago, which target pitbulls and other breeds stereotyped as "aggressive". In the first quarter of 2026, the leading reason people surrendered an animal to CACC was housing (28% of surrenders, according to PAWS Chicago's 2026 report). These rules prevent responsible dog owners from providing loving homes to Pitties and other restricted breeds.
Pitbulls can be sweet, goofy dogs, just like any other breed. They are not the menace they are made out to be and this is supported by research evidence. Breed restrictions do not protect communities but instead separate lovable pets from families who want them.
The UK went so far as to ban "bully type dogs" entirely, but research finds bites from banned breeds/types make up only a small proportion of dog bite injuries (source). Multiple other research studies demonstrate that breed specific legislation is ineffective (one such study and a list of many more such studies on this and related topics).
Sign this petition **and please post your name and zip code so your Chicago Alderperson knows you are their constituents** to show your support to:
- Ban breed restrictions in private rentals and public housing, and
- Cap pet deposits (15% of rent) and pet rent (1% of rent)
How else can you support this mission to end breed restrictions?
Contact your Alderperson via email urging them to sponsor legislation on this topic (sample email text here).
Share this petition on social media
Follow @verygooddogfriendly on instagram - you can share your story of housing struggles with a pitbull here, tag us with adorable pet pics of #pitbullswelove, and find resources and updates daily.
Together, we can make Chicago a place where families find housing with their beloved pet, and no pet faces homelessness or euthanasia due to stereotypes about their breed.
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The Issue
As a volunteer at Chicago Animal Care & Control (CACC), I meet countless Pitbulls who, despite their playful and loving nature, face a grim fate. While dogs identified by CACC staff as Pitbulls/pitbull types made up just 43% of animals surrendered to CACC in June 2026, they made up a staggering 76.8% of those euthanized due to the constant influx of new animals/lack of space (source: CACC data via FOIA request).
This heartbreaking reality is due at least partly to breed restrictions enforced by private rentals and public housing policies in Chicago, which target pitbulls and other breeds stereotyped as "aggressive". In the first quarter of 2026, the leading reason people surrendered an animal to CACC was housing (28% of surrenders, according to PAWS Chicago's 2026 report). These rules prevent responsible dog owners from providing loving homes to Pitties and other restricted breeds.
Pitbulls can be sweet, goofy dogs, just like any other breed. They are not the menace they are made out to be and this is supported by research evidence. Breed restrictions do not protect communities but instead separate lovable pets from families who want them.
The UK went so far as to ban "bully type dogs" entirely, but research finds bites from banned breeds/types make up only a small proportion of dog bite injuries (source). Multiple other research studies demonstrate that breed specific legislation is ineffective (one such study and a list of many more such studies on this and related topics).
Sign this petition **and please post your name and zip code so your Chicago Alderperson knows you are their constituents** to show your support to:
- Ban breed restrictions in private rentals and public housing, and
- Cap pet deposits (15% of rent) and pet rent (1% of rent)
How else can you support this mission to end breed restrictions?
Contact your Alderperson via email urging them to sponsor legislation on this topic (sample email text here).
Share this petition on social media
Follow @verygooddogfriendly on instagram - you can share your story of housing struggles with a pitbull here, tag us with adorable pet pics of #pitbullswelove, and find resources and updates daily.
Together, we can make Chicago a place where families find housing with their beloved pet, and no pet faces homelessness or euthanasia due to stereotypes about their breed.
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Petition created on October 28, 2026