Rejoice, Pit Bulls! Because as of January 1, Utah authorities are no longer able to enforce “BSL” laws, or Breed Specific Legislation thanks to House Bill 97. Utah is the 19th state to do away with BSL. These types of laws discriminate against specific dog breeds such as pit bulls, Rottweilers and other varieties labeled as “bullies” by singling them out based solely on breed. If BSL is active, owning these types of dogs is restricted or in some cases, illegal.
Captain Cowpants on duty
What’s sad is that so many therapy dogs are pit bulls, such as Captain Cowpants. After the HB 97 ruling was handed down in Utah, the Captain’s owner, Melissa Lipani, shared her thoughts.”HB 97 is great for Utah because it finally means that dangerous dog laws can focus on behavior — both of the owner and the dog — rather than breed or appearance. It means that taxpayer money will no longer be spent rounding up and killing innocent family dogs and housing and destroying healthy dogs that could be placed for adoption.”
Even President Obama has voiced his opinion on the issue, and he was not in favor of BSL. He maintained that BSL was “largely ineffective and often a waste of public resources.” And Best Friends Animal Society, an amazing animal advocacy group based in Utah, lobbied for this law to be passed. Captain Cowpants even went before the hearing committee, no doubt rubbing paws and winning them over with his gentle demeanor.
As a proud mom of a pit bull mix, I can honestly say that my girl has brought us so much love, and is so nurturing and sweet with my daughter. And discrimination should not be placed upon humans, nor animals. Do you think dogs should be punished because of their breed?
