Saturday, March 5, 2011

News about Breed Specific Legislation in Texas

The Texas legislature is considering Breed Specific legislation. Specifically, Texas Senator Kevin Eltife and Representative Chuck Hopson are supporting a proposal to change the current state law which prohibits municipalities from passing breed-specific laws.

Senator Eltife is supporting a proposal that would eliminate the protection that Texas currently provides to pitbulls, pitbull mixes, or any dogs that have pitbull-like characteristics. There is concern that laws like this punish innocent dogs for what is done by the uneducated few owners of the breed. Not too long ago, Michael Vick’s dog ring was broken up and many of his dogs rescued from a horrible fate; however, their futures were uncertain because of the public’s misunderstanding of the breed. The rescues were taken to a number of different shelters, sanctuaries and foster care to help with their rehabilitation and to give them a second chance. As a result, at least two-thirds of the dogs that were rescued were rehabilitated, many adopted and a couple even work as therapy dogs. This indicates that is not the breed but the dog's training and environment that cause problems.

You can read more about Vick's dogs in the book “The Lost Dogs” by Jim Gorant. Also, please take time to learn more about breed specific legislation from the ASPCA. Once you have learned more, please contact your Texas legislators.

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