Pit Bull Legislation

Good news!  Ohio recently passed House Bill 14 into law, ending the only statewide breed discrimination in the United States.  The breed?  Pit-bull-type dogs.

Prior to the new law, Ohio dog wardens were obliged to kill every pit bull entering a shelter as they were deemed legally vicious.  This and the law banning the adoption of pit bulls to the public have been changed. 

Pit Bulls are known by a number of different names:  Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Pit Bull, Pit Terrier, Yankee Terrier, Rebel Terrier.  They are good natured, affectionate, obediant and loyal family pets.  These highly intelligent dogs can have issues with dominance and must be socialized starting at a very young age and exercised daily.  They have gained a bad rap over time as some humans have bred and trained them to be aggressive and fight other dogs.  Pit Bulls are very strong dogs that were originally bred as cattle and hog farm working dogs.

Depending on where you live, there may be a number of requirements for obtaining a dog license for a pit bull or pit bull mix.  In Boston, according to the City of Boston website, residents are required to provide:

• Proof of ownership of home or letter of permission from landlord stating that they are allowed to have a pit bull or pit bull mix
  
• Recent photo of the dog no older than 30 days
  
• Recent photo of the owner no older than 30 days
  
• Proof of rabies vaccination
  
• Proof of spay/neuter
  

Be sure to check your city's ordinances as well as local and state laws.
Interested in adopting a Pit Bull?  Review Pit Bulls waiting for homes on Petfinder.com national database.

---