1,000 signatures reached
To: State Legislators
Ban dog breed discrimination in housing
Imagine being forced to choose between the dog you love and the house you live in.
It’s hard to believe, but the archaic policy of banning certain dog breeds, also known as breed-specific legislation (BSL), is still in effect in some places. Under these laws, municipal governments base their decision on whether or not to ban a dog on its classification or appearance and based solely on the misconception that certain breeds are dangerous.
These standards are not science-based and have been proven wrong time and time again, yet the repercussions of such laws have serious consequences — both for pets and their owners. One of the most profound is housing. Insurance companies use the existence of BSL and its bad science to justify denying coverage to those who own certain breeds of dogs. Some state-subsidized housing programs also do the same thing. This is happening right now – and it needs to end now.
Sign the petition and tell your state legislators to stop breed-discriminatory homeowners insurance restrictions for pet dogs and to stop state-subsidized housing from banning pets based solely on their breed, weight or size.
It’s hard to believe, but the archaic policy of banning certain dog breeds, also known as breed-specific legislation (BSL), is still in effect in some places. Under these laws, municipal governments base their decision on whether or not to ban a dog on its classification or appearance and based solely on the misconception that certain breeds are dangerous.
These standards are not science-based and have been proven wrong time and time again, yet the repercussions of such laws have serious consequences — both for pets and their owners. One of the most profound is housing. Insurance companies use the existence of BSL and its bad science to justify denying coverage to those who own certain breeds of dogs. Some state-subsidized housing programs also do the same thing. This is happening right now – and it needs to end now.
Sign the petition and tell your state legislators to stop breed-discriminatory homeowners insurance restrictions for pet dogs and to stop state-subsidized housing from banning pets based solely on their breed, weight or size.
Why is this important?
Study after study has shown that there is no inherently dangerous breed, only reckless owners that encourage bad behavior.
To make matters worse, those living in ZIP codes commonly associated with people of color are more likely to bear the brunt of these wrong-headed policies. Dog owners in these areas are often forced to pay higher premiums, relocate or even give up their dog to a shelter.
Governments all over the world have tried to use BSL to decrease dog bite incidents and they have all failed miserably. In Spain, after the ban had been in effect for five years, investigators found that there was no change in the number of dog bites. And in the UK, statistics show that dog bites have even increased since a breed ban was imposed.
Yet, while these discriminatory bans were in place, owners were forced to give up their beloved pets and many dogs were killed, simply because of their breed. It’s time to stop acting like these policies are acceptable. They need to end. All dogs are individuals. The focus should be on the behavior of the dog and the behavior of the owner.
Sign the petition and demand that state legislators ban breed discriminatory housing and insurance practices now.
To make matters worse, those living in ZIP codes commonly associated with people of color are more likely to bear the brunt of these wrong-headed policies. Dog owners in these areas are often forced to pay higher premiums, relocate or even give up their dog to a shelter.
Governments all over the world have tried to use BSL to decrease dog bite incidents and they have all failed miserably. In Spain, after the ban had been in effect for five years, investigators found that there was no change in the number of dog bites. And in the UK, statistics show that dog bites have even increased since a breed ban was imposed.
Yet, while these discriminatory bans were in place, owners were forced to give up their beloved pets and many dogs were killed, simply because of their breed. It’s time to stop acting like these policies are acceptable. They need to end. All dogs are individuals. The focus should be on the behavior of the dog and the behavior of the owner.
Sign the petition and demand that state legislators ban breed discriminatory housing and insurance practices now.