Since 1997 Prince George's County, MD has enforced a ban on "pit bull" type dogs. 

Per the county code, "no person shall own, keep, or harbor a Pit Bull Terrier within the County". This includes Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed of dogs, American Staffordshire Terrier breed of dogs, American Pit Bull Terrier breed of dogs, dogs which have the appearance of being predominantly any of the above breeds. 

Breed "evaluations" are visual, inconsistent, and can not be overturned using DNA or other evidence. There is no tool for these evaluations, even within the animal control system, results are disparate. 

Breed Specific Legislation is a waste of taxpayer money, distracts animal control resources from actual problems and overwhelms shelter resources.

Prince George's County is the largest jurisdiction in the US to uphold this archaic and ineffective law, and the only county in Maryland with such legislation. We are one of the counties that annually sees a greater increase in dog bites. 

Additionally, BSL and similar laws are discriminatory towards the humans owning the dogs. Initially put in place all over the world, these laws target the perceived "thug" owners of the dogs, often Black people and POC.

In light of these realizations, the vast majority of jurisdictions have removed breed bans and replaced them with breed neutral laws that judge a dog on behavior, rather than appearance. This approach increases safety, reduces dog bites and supports responsible pet ownership. 

We are asking the leaders of this county to remove this law, reform the "dangerous dog laws" to be breed neutral, enforce illegal breeding and licensing regulations, and to strengthen penalties for misuse of animals in Prince George’s County. 

28 years is long enough to prove BSL does not work. Encourage the sitting council leave a legacy of responsibility, safety and humanity.

Sign our petition to show that the world is paying attention to the inhumane and discriminatory practices in Prince George's County, MD.