Missouri Legislator Proposes to Eliminate Breed-Specific Bans Across T

Lori Ennis
by Lori Ennis
More states are banning breed-specific legislation as they realize the ‘science’ behind them simply does not support the efforts.


In Missouri, a bill that would eliminate breed-specific legislation in the entire state has been introduced, and animal activists are hoping it’s passed and will continue to protect dogs often discriminated against simply because of their look or breed.


Related: Montreal Mayor Works To Fulfill Campaign Promise to Repeal Pit Bull Ban


The bill, House Bill 1398, is sponsored by Missouri State Representative Bruce DeGroot, and if passed, will allow Missourians to own dogs of any breed they choose, despite current restrictions that are currently the case in 43 villages, towns and cities.


Most breed-specific legislation is aimed at ‘Pit Bulls’ but this is an umbrella name that includes American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Bulldogs, or even mixed-breeds that look like that breed. As well, often Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers and German Shepherds fall in breed-sprecific legislation because of the misconception that those are ‘dangerous’ dogs.


According to the American Humane Society, there is little to no evidence that should support breed-specific registration and more and more states are swinging the pendulum back toward protecting all dogs from discrimination.


Related: Why Did This UPS Driver Adopt a Giant Pit Bull?


The bill is new, and still has to go through a lengthy process before it progresses, but if you live in Missouri, and support equality for dogs based on their behaviors and not their looks or breeds, you can contact your local legislators and ask them to support HB 1398.

Lori Ennis
Lori Ennis

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