Support Compromise Legislation for Dogs in Maryland

As you know, a recent Maryland Court of Appeals ruling that defines pit bulls and similar dogs as "inherently dangerous" has forced dog owners to choose between their homes and their pets as landlords adopt policies to ban the breed.

In response, Senator Brian Frosh and Delegate Luiz Simmons have introduced compromise legislation that would relieve pit-bull owners without endangering the public. They propose a breed-neutral approach that modifies standards that were in place before the court decision and gives victims of dog bites a better chance of winning a civil suit. Under the compromise, landlords and other third parties would not be held responsible for damages unless they knew the dog was dangerous. Only the owner would be assumed responsible for his or her dog's actions.

Animal shelters are already overpopulated with pit bulls, and it is unfair to punish the breed further when many make fine pets. Compromise legislation would allow dog owners to keep their pets while keeping them accountable for their dogs' actions. We respectfully urge you to support compromise legislation for dogs in Maryland. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.