Since 1989, an antiquated breed ban has been in effect in Miami-Dade County, prohibiting residents from owning “pit bull” dogs (a vague and discriminatory classification). This nonsense legislation has not led to any reduction in dog bites or fatalities, and has effectively led to a death sentence for any lost or homeless “pit bulls” in the region. (Not to mention, the county can’t even identify what a “pit bull” is.)
The irony is, current Florida state law actually prohibits municipalities from implementing new breed bans, but unfortunately allows those to stand that have been in place since before October 1, 1990.
Finally, after years of animal lovers struggling to strike down this ridiculous law, there are two bills in the Florida legislature looking to do just that. The Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation (MCABSL) is asking for Florida residents to show their support for these bills: SB1322 and HB997. They would serve to remove the grandfather clause that allows Miami’s ban to stand.
HB997 has been assigned to the Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee, although no hearing date has yet been scheduled. Please email the following committee members, and urge them to pass this important bill:
Steve.Crisafulli@myfloridahouse.gov; Rachel.Burgin@myfloridahouse.gov; Michelle.Rehwinkel@myfloridahouse.gov; jim.boyd@myfloridahouse.gov; jason.brodeur@myfloridahouse.gov; dwight.bullard@myfloridahouse.gov; matt.caldwell@myfloridahouse.gov; luis.garcia@myfloridahouse.gov; richard.glorioso@myfloridahouse.gov; tom.goodson@myfloridahouse.gov; steve.perman@myfloridahouse.gov; ray.pilon@myfloridahouse.gov; elizabeth.porter@myfloridahouse.gov; franklin.sands@myfloridahouse.gov; jimmie.smith@myfloridahouse.gov
In addition, please contact your Florida state representatives and show your support for this lifesaving legislation.
MCABSL is also asking that we write to the bill sponsors and thank them for filing this measure:
HB 997 was filed by Rep Carlos Trujillo: carlos.trujillo@myfloridahouse.gov.
SB 1322 was filed by Senator Jim Norman: norman.jim.web@flsenate.gov.
Together, we can help drag Miami-Dade out of the distant past and save the lives of thousands of deserving dogs.
I’ve sent my please to all of the above. This law has been on the books way too long.
http://capwiz.com/bestfriends/issues/alert/?alertid=59245501
Here is the link to contact your own legislator asking them to support the above bills.
Also please contact the following Committee Chairmen asking them to schedule the bills for a hearing.
HB997
steve.crisafulli@myfloridahouse.gov
ritch.workman@myfloridahouse.gov
seth,mckeel@myfloridahouse.gov
SB1322
bennett.mike.web@flasenate.gov
thanks!
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