Pit Bull Bans: Utah Passes A ‘Ban’ On Pit Bull Bans For 2015, More ‘Bans’ On Bans Forthcoming?

Throughout 2014, the ordinances in place that put a ban on the pit bulls, seem to be slowly repealed or amended. The most far-reaching of all the legislation aimed at ending bans of pit bulls, throughout the country, has been a ban on pit bull bans.

As the Inquisitr reported last December, in Washington state, a state lawmaker is in the process of putting one such legislation up for a vote this year. However, the state of Utah, just beat Washington to the punch. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, a law that rolled in with the new year, ended “years of legal discrimination against some groups in Utah.” The new law that went into effect on January 1, 2015, ends pit bull bans throughout the state of Utah. The law also bans the formation of future laws that might be enacted to ban or restrict pit bull ownership.

According to the Spectrum, local animal control officers applaud the decision to pass the ban on pit bull bans. SGT. Ivor Fuller, who is in charge of the city of St. George’s animal shelter, said in the “90s it was Dobermans.” Now, he went on, “Pit bulls are the ones getting the media attention.”

His colleague Aggie Smith agreed saying “nobody cares if Chihuahuas are biting somebody,” as to why pit bull bites are heavily reported on. Animal control officers for the city of Hurricane concur with their colleagues in St. George. According to Gene Baierschmidt, executive director of the Humane Society of Utah, there is “no credible evidence that breed determines whether a dog is dangerous.”

Utah Democrat representative Brian King sponsored HB97, that bans pit bull bans, because he said a “variety of breeds have been unfairly targeted” because of “bad acts by a few dogs.”

“Some of you can remember the day when it wasn’t pit bulls. It was German Shepherds. They were associated with World War II and Germans and being attack dogs. That went out of style. Then it became Dobermans and Rottweilers. They were the stigmatized breed. Now it’s pit bulls.”

Unlike most issues in national politics, this bill had bipartisan support and passage. Republican representative John Mathis, who is a veterinarian by trade, joined Rep. King in the passage of the legislation. He shared his opinion on the law, which he said was “a good idea,” and pit bulls.

“‘It’s wrong to target a specific breed. There are aggressive pit bulls, but there are lots of dogs that are more aggressive than pit bulls.”

The only question remaining is whether or not Washington state will step up to the plate, or if other states will follow suit.

What are your thoughts? Do you feel this is a good idea? Should other states adopt this same law?

Leave your thoughts below.

[Image Via Creative Commons]