Say NO to Ridgeland Breed Bans

A City of Ridgeland, Mississippi ordinance has been approved and will go into effect on April 17, 2009 limiting residents to one and banning all dogs and mixes for new residents that resemble these breeds: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.  Once the owners' one dog of these breeds dies, a new one cannot be obtained.  Breed-specific legislation has been proven not to work.  Owners should be held responsible for their own dogs' behavior and not because it is or appears to resemble a particular breed.  Owners of conformation and performance dogs, therapy dogs that visit hospitals and nursing homes and well-behaved pets will be punished because of the actions of criminals.  Support the rights of responsible dog owners.

Re: City of Ridgeland Breed Ban Ordinance



As residents of the City of Ridgeland, we oppose the ordinance to ban "any dog conforming, or substantially conforming, to the breed of American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier as defined by the United Kennel Club or American Kennel Club". We hereby ask our legislators to repeal the breed ban based on the following reasons:


* Our pets are considered family members. We feel that it is unfair to kill pets that have not caused harm to anyone and do not exhibit vicious behavior toward people or other animals.


* The root of the problem is irresponsible dog owners. Breed-specific laws are not the best way to protect communities. An owner intent on using his or her dogs for malicious purposes will simply be able to switch to another type of dog and continue to jeopardize public safety.  The list of regulated breeds or types could grow every year without ever addressing responsible dog ownership.  Properly enforced leash laws is the very best method in insuring that all breeds of dogs do not jeopardize public safety.  A properly written and enforced dangerous dog law applying to all breeds can also be a useful tool.


* Breed-specific laws are extremely difficult to enforce.  Breed identification requires expert knowledge of the individual breeds, placing great burden on local officials. An incorrect identification could very well result in expensive litigation that would adversely impact every taxpayer in the city.


* Breed-specific laws increase costs for the community.  Shelter costs for the community will rise as citizens abandon targeted breeds, and adoptable dogs of the targeted breeds will be euthanized at the shelter. 


* Strongly enforced animal control laws (such as leash laws), generic guidelines on dealing with dangerous dogs and increased public education efforts to promote responsible dog ownership are all better ways to protect communities from dangerous animals.


* Owners of one or more of the banned breeds who participate in conformation dog shows and other performance events will be unable to enjoy these events with their dogs.  Under this ordinance, show champions, certified therapy dogs and search-and-rescue canines will be euthanized alongside dogs that were bred and trained by criminals for illegal dog fights.


* Breed-specific legislation is opposed by the AKC, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the National Animal Control Association, the ASPCA, the UKC and a host of national animal welfare organizations that have studied the issue and recognize that targeting breeds simply does not work.

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