by "No Dog Breed Is Inherently Dangerous"
Reject Maryland's Shocking New Breed Bias
Dear Maryland Advocates,
Youve probably heard the news that the Maryland Court of Appeals
issued an outrageous, out-of-the-blue decision last week regarding
dogs who are, could be, or just look like Pit Bulls. The Court
declared Pit Bulls and dogs resembling Pit Bulls to be inherently
dangerous and imposed strict liability on dog owners, as well as
landlords who knowingly allow these dogs on their property.
This breed-specific rule is a massive shift in Maryland law and is
based on fear and ignorance. It is terrible public policy that may
have already led to dogs and people being evicted from their homes,
and well soon see more stray dogs on the streets, resulting in
devastating impacts on animal shelters, rescues, veterinary clinics,
groomers, homeowners associations and others.
After more than 20 years of labeling all Pit Bulls vicious, Ohio
repealed its breed-discrimination law in February. Other communities
have figured out that these laws dont reduce dog attacks or reap any
benefits for public health and safetyso why is Maryland going the
other way?
What You Can Do
Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center online to quickly email and call your
state legislators requesting that immediate action is taken to
overturn this devastating and irrational ruling by the Court of
Appeals. Urge your lawmakers to act decisively during next weeks
special legislative session to make sure Marylands Pit Bulls and Pit
Bull-type dogs, most of whom are sweet as they can be, are not branded
inherently dangerous.
Thank you for your help, Maryland.
The Governor meets with the Legislature this week - please follow link
below:
http://capwiz.com/aspca/issues/alert/?alertid=61310446
Thank you,
Greg Smith
Olney, MD.