Animal Groups Seek New Pit Bull Legislation

Maryland Court of Appeals ruled pit bulls a dangerous breed

A group of animal lovers are asking Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley to introduce new legislation regarding pit bulls at an upcoming special session, the Baltimore Sun reports.

Maryland's Court of Appeals recently ruled that pit bulls are an "inherently dangerous" breed, but Maryland Votes for Animals and other groups are calling on the governor to override the decision.

The new ruling makes it easier for anyone attacked by a pit bull or pit bull mix in Maryland to take legal action against the dog's owner. Those attacked by pit pulls no longer have to prove the animal's prior violent behavior, and pit bull owners are now strictly liable for damages.

Landlords are also liable if the attack happens on their property.

The SPCA said earlier this month that it's concerned it may be harder to find adoptive homes for pit bulls, and that families may abandon their pit bulls.

"We believe that an animal’s behavior should be the determining factor in whether or not the animal is considered dangerous,” said Cheryl Bernard Smith, of SPCA. “We don't believe that a particular breed should be pinpointed for that."
 
The Maryland Special Session begins Monday.

However, the Sun reports that the upcoming session will not include the pit bull situation:

...[R]esponse from the governor and the General Assembly was cool. O'Malley won't introduce such a bill at the budget-focused session, said spokeswoman Raquel Guillory, and the House won't take up the legislation then, either, said Alexandra M. Hughes, spokeswoman for House Speaker Michael E. Busch.

"We're only doing budget," Hughes said.

Contact Us