After a Maryland incident where a pit bull dog attacked a young boy causing life-threatening injuries and a lawsuit brought forth by the parents of the boy, the Court of Appeals ruled that because of the “aggressive and vicious nature and its capability to inflect serious and sometimes fatal injuries,” Pit Bull dogs and cross-bred pit bulls are now categorized as “inherently dangerous.” A ruling on a motion to reconsider limited the decision only to pit bulls, and not mixes. But this ruling still means increased liability for landlords and owners of such dogs even in cases where the dog has no known history of aggression, resulting in landlords not being able to allow tenants to have these dogs and forcing pit bull owners to have many fewer options for rental housing in Maryland. It also could mean home owners insurance companies dropping customers who have Pit Bulls, and possibly Pit Bull mixes and other types of dogs. Finally, it also poses great barriers to anyone else owning or serving dogs that even resemble Pit Bulls, due to the significant liability that comes with the breed now. Because a dog is a Pit Bull he is now labeled “inherently dangerous”. It is quite simply, outright breed discrimination.
Thanks to animal advocates, progress has been made on this ruling but the issue is not resolved. Input from Maryland residents is still very much needed to prevent this outright discrimination against the Pit Bull breed. Please visit the below links to learn more about the case and what easy steps you can take to voice your opinion!
While in the process of adopting Bella (formerly Kinsey), I found out she might be a Pit Bull mix. It made me hesitate. We have a puggle at home and the thought of a potentially aggressive dog coming into our home was a little frightening. Since then, Bella has taught me so much about dogs and dog breeds. She is the sweetest dog I have ever met. All she wants to do is sit on the couch and get love all day.
She completely changed my perception of Pit Bulls. I have learned that Pit Bulls are the worst guard dogs; they will lick any stranger’s face. She and her puggle sister, Meg, get along famously. We could not have asked for or trained a better dog! We are now adamant about teaching others about Pit Bull breeds and are advocates for responsible Pit Bull ownership.
Martin-Davis Family, Alexandria, VA
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It’s been just over a year since we adopted Nahla and it has been quite an adventure with our happy girl — one that my husband and I wouldn’t trade for anything. Upon adoption, we learned that Nahla had been thrown from a moving vehicle shortly after giving birth to puppies. A good Samaritan found her and nursed her back to health but was unable to keep her as she had many of her own dogs to care for. After bouncing back from injuries related to her car toss — alopecia and mange, just to name a few — we knew our Nahla was a trooper. And, if those health problems weren’t enough, Nahla also tested positive for heartworm.
From the moment we saw Nahla’s picture on Homeward Trail’s website, we knew she was meant to be with our family. We have a seven year-old Husky who she absolutely adores! Nahla has even picked up on some of the classic Husky traits and we often find both dogs standing on the steps “talking” (howling) to us. I feel like Nahla’s rough beginning is an example of how dogs can truly endure some of the worst conditions possible and remain so full of love.
Today, Nahla is doing wonderfully. Like many Pits, she needs to be the center of attention at all times. Nahla thinks that she’s a lap dog and shows no signs of hesitation as she backs her behind into the lap of anyone happening to sit nearby, showering them with wet kisses. Sunbathing in our deck is one of her favorite things. She’ll bask in the sun for hours. Nahla is so loving and affectionate and has become a favorite among the dogs in our extended family. My husband and I can’t picture life without our happy girl.
Thank you, Homeward Trails, for the work you do.
Joanna and Matt
Columbia, MD
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