On October 5, 2016, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to hold a first reading on an ordinance to end the community’s “pit bull” ban. If the ordinance passes on this first reading, it will be assigned to a committee and a date will be set for a public hearing.
Concerned dog owners in Miami-Dade County are encouraged to contact their county commissioners prior to Wednesday’s meeting and respectfully state support for repealing the pit bull ban.
Like racial profiling for dogs, breed-specific legislation—such as a pit bull ban—unfairly penalizes responsible dog owners without holding owners of truly dangerous dogs accountable. This is why the American Kennel Club, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the National Animal Control Association, the American Bar Association, and other respected national organizations oppose breed-specific laws.
The AKC supports reasonable, enforceable, non-discriminatory laws that establish a fair process by which specific dogs are identified as “dangerous” based on stated, measurable actions; impose appropriate penalties on irresponsible owners; and establish a well-defined method for dealing with dogs proved to be dangerous. The AKC strongly opposes any legislation that determines a dog to be “dangerous” based on specific breeds or phenotypic classes of dogs.
Persons who wish to speak at the meeting on 10/5 should arrive early to fill out a speaker card. Please contact your commissioner or call 305-375-5833 for more information.
Click here to read the proposed ordinance.
Click here and scroll down for contact information for Miami-Dade Commissioners.
Meeting information:
Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners
Wednesday, October 05, 2016
9:30 a.m.
Commission Chambers, Second Floor
111 NW 1st Street
Miami, FL 32128
Resources:
Why Breed-Specific Legislation Doesn't Work – Issue Analysis
“Dangerous Dog” Control Legislation – AKC’s Canine Legislation Position Statement
The Deed…Not the Breed – Flyer
For more information, please contact AKC Government Relations at 919-816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.
On October 5, 2016, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to hold a first reading on an ordinance to end the communitys pit bull ban. If the ordinance passes on this first reading, it will be assigned to a committee and a date will be set for a public hearing.