JACKSON, Miss. — A proposed law in Mississippi defines pit bulls as ‘dangerous dogs’ and could put restrictions on owners.
House Bill 1261 defines a dangerous dog as, “Any pit bull dog in a class of dogs that specifically includes the breeds of American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American bulldog, and any other pure bred or mixed breed dog that is a combination of these dog breeds.”
Those dogs would need to be muzzled and on a leash when not on the owner’s property.
Owners would need to post signs warning people of a dangerous dog. It also says people convicted of a felony could not own one of the dogs listed as dangerous.
A law enforcement officer could shoot one of the dogs on the list if it’s not restrained and not wearing proper tags.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has voiced opposition to the proposed law, saying, “Dogs permitted by their owners to run loose, and dogs who attack people or other animals, pose a serious problem to public safety. But breed-specific dangerous dog laws are ineffective, inhumane and costly.”
While some people are convinced pit bulls are predisposed to being more dangerous, lovers of the breed are upset over the proposed labeling that all pit bulls are “dangerous.”
“Any breed of dog can bite. And any breed of dog can be loving. It just strictly depends on the owner,” Fran Jendras said.
Jendras, who lives in Desoto County, has three dogs that would be considered “dangerous” under House Bill 1261: a 4-year old American Staffordshire Terrier named Sonny Faith, a 3-year old Boxer mix named Zoey, and Trucker.
“Looking at him, we’re not exactly sure what he is. But from his appearance, he could be deemed a pit bull. And he’s scarred of his own shadow, so he wouldn’t hurt anybody,” Jendras said.
She added her dogs are just like family.
“They’re great with children, they’re great with other dogs. It’s the very, very few that have given all of them a bad rap,” Jendras said.
She argues HB 1261 doesn’t go after people who abuse pit bulls or fight them.
“It’s absolutely unconstitutional,” Terri Esther with the Southern Friends Animal Society said.
Esther believes one part of HB 1261 is especially disturbing.
“Say, ‘Oh, well, you’ve got a certain type of dog. He looks a certain way. Let’s shoot him.’ That bill is basically giving him the right to do that, with no questions asked,” she said.
One of the four backers of the bill said it was prompted by recent attacks and maulings.
The bill’s chief sponsor is State Representative Larry Byrd.