Animal Guardians for a Prosperous Parma

Breed-discriminatory legislation is any ordinance or law that bans, or places special restrictions on, certain pets based solely upon their perceived breed or appearance. 

 

Parma's ban resulted from panic-policy making in 2006.  The trend today is to repeal these laws.  Not only are they difficult and expensive to enforce, but new studies, scientific advances (i.e., DNA testing), an increase in litigation, and the Americans with Disabilities Act have made them even costlier.  In fact, because of these issues, Ohio, the only state to have a breed-discriminatory law targeting pit bulls, repealed that provision and enacted a comprehensive generic dangerous dog / reckless guardian law in its place.

 

Proponents of breed-discriminatory legislation operate under the mistaken notion that regulating pets solely upon their breed will somehow make a community safer.  Despite the myths perpetuated by the media about dogs labeled by some as "pit bulls," there is no evidence that any breed of dog is more dangerous to the public than another.  Rather, reckless guardians pose a threat to public safety and to the animals themselves.

 

Public resources are scarce.  Governments, like Parma, that codify canine profiling have the burden of proving heritage of individuals' pets and providing constitutional due process protections before taking them away from their families.  As a result, the costs for enforcement go well beyond the traditional role of animal control services.  Including enforcement, DNA testing, court costs, and euthanasia, this ban can cost the citizens of Parma over $134,920 per year.  A far more efficient use of public funds would be to enact and enforce laws that penalize, prosecute, and fine negligent guardians who not only abuse man's best friend but who put their neighbors at risk.  Animal Guardians for a Prosperous Parma believes it is time for Parma to change its policies.