Florida legislators are considering a bill to regulate "dangerous dogs."
According to Bay News 9, the controversial bill advancing to the Florida Senate could implement stricter laws on pit bull owners and other "dangerous breeds," and the idea has many dog owners protesting the legislation.
The legislation already passed the Community Affairs Committee by a 9-2 vote.
The bill would take the place of the already established 1990 Florida law banning regulations on breed-specific dogs, meaning it would stop short of an outright ban on specific breeds.
Ultimately, however, the proposed law could make it more expensive to own a pit bull.
Cities and counties could require owners to carry extra insurance to pay for attacks, keep certain breeds constrained by a muzzle in public or sign up for ownership training classes.
Warren Cox, who works for the SPCA in Polk County,FL stated that the breed-specific laws don't work.
"If you look at this little dog beside me, a Chihuahua, they do a lot of biting too," Cox stated. "But they're not considered necessarily a dangerous dog."
Cox stated at the SPCA each dog's safety is judged by his or her own demeanor.
"We've got to have responsible pet owners taking care of their pets at all times, so we don't have to come up with this type of legislation," Cox stated.
This bill isn't the first time a ban has been considered. Similar bills were proposed in the past two legislative sessions, but didn't pass.
Nationwide, only Ohio enforces a statewide ban on any pit bull breed. However, several hundred local governments around the country have breed restrictions in place.
The only county in Florida, who has breed restrictions, is Miami-Dade County.
People all over the State of Florida have made, signed, and submitted petitions to Florida legislators for them to not pass the new bill. Citizens right here in the Tampa Bay area participating in various awareness walks such as the Pit Bulls Pounding the Pavement awareness walk to get the word out about this potential bill. Local residents are concerned about Florida legislators lifting the ban on local breed laws, while other residents are protesting that the current Florida law should remain.
Attorney Tania L. Rivas is a personal injury attorney whose office is located in Winter Haven, FL. Attorney Rivas handles dog bite incidents for residents in Polk County, FL. If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, please contact Attorney Rivas immediately at (877)299-5539 to schedule your free consultation.
