Are Pit Bulls Illegal in Miami Due to Breed-Specific Bans

In Miami, there's been a lot of debate about whether Pit Bulls are allowed or not. Miami-Dade County has a breed-specific ban in place, which makes it difficult for Pit Bull owners to keep their pets.

The ban was implemented in 1989 after a series of dog attacks. Since then, there have been some exceptions made, but overall, the ban remains in place.

In Miami, Pit Bulls are considered a high-risk breed, and owners must meet specific requirements to keep them. These requirements include liability insurance and microchipping.

Miami-Dade County's ban has been in place for over three decades, and it's clear that it's had a significant impact on the local dog population.

Consider reading: Largest Breed of Pit Bulls

In Miami-Dade, Pit Bulls are banned, making them the only Florida county to do so. This ban was put in place in the 80s and reaffirmed by voters in 2012.

The ordinance classifies both pure and mixed-breed Pit Bulls as dangerous dogs. To be considered a Pit Bull, the dog must conform to the American Kennel Club's standards.

Acquiring a new Pit Bull in Miami-Dade is illegal, as stated in Chapter 5, Sec. 5-17 of the county ordinance. This means pet owners who want to bring a new Pit Bull into the county must look elsewhere.

Pet owners in Miami-Dade who already have Pit Bulls born or bred in the county before the ordinance must follow strict regulations to avoid a hefty penalty. This includes securing their Pit Bull indoors or in an enclosed pen at all times.

Here are the specific regulations pet owners with Pit Bulls in Miami-Dade must follow:

Miami-Dade residents are allowed to anonymously report a Pit Bull to local authorities or animal control services.

Florida has laws in place to hold dog owners accountable for their pets' actions. According to Florida state law, dog owners are responsible for all damage and injuries caused by their dogs.

If your dog injures an animal or human unprovoked, it will be sent to a dog pound, and you may be guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor. This law applies to all breeds, not just Pit Bulls.

For more insights, see: Female Pitbull Dog

To be considered a "dangerous dog", your Pit Bull must meet certain criteria. Here are the specifications:

Even if your Pit Bull doesn't meet these criteria, you're still responsible for its actions. If your dog bites someone, you must provide proof of the incident.

In Miami-Dade, acquiring a new Pit Bull is illegal. This applies to all new Pit Bulls, whether purebred or mixed-breed.

The local government made acquiring a new Pit Bull in Miami-Dade illegal on January 1st, 1990. Pet owners who fail to register, insure, confine, and muzzle their Pit Bull would be violating the law and may receive a severe penalty.

To own a Pit Bull in Miami-Dade, you must follow strict regulations. This includes keeping your Pit Bull strictly indoors or in an enclosed pen at all times.

Outdoor enclosures must have 6-foot-high walls or a top closure with a sign stating the presence of a dangerous dog.

Pet owners with Pit Bulls born or bred in Miami-Dade before the ordinance must also follow these regulations.

Recommended read: Pit Bulls Maryland

In Miami-Dade, owning a Pit Bull is flat out illegal, with a ban in place since the 80s and upheld by voters in 2012. This ban is outlined in Chapter 5, Sec. 5-17 of the county ordinance.

The Miami-Dade ordinance requires Pit Bulls to conform to the American Kennel Club's standards to be considered a Pit Bull, and classifies both pure and mixed-breed Pit Bulls as dangerous. Pet owners who fail to register, insure, confine, and muzzle their Pit Bull will face severe penalties.

On the other hand, in Broward County, while it's not illegal to own a Pit Bull, there are strict regulations in place that require owners to register and license their Pit Bulls, implant a division-approved electronic animal identification microchip, and sterilize the dog unless it could harm its health.

Discover more: Pitbull Dog Illegal

In Miami-Dade, owning a Pit Bull is banned, but in Broward, there are strict regulations. The county's ordinance focuses on a broader set of dangerous dogs, not just Pit Bulls.

To own a Pit Bull in Broward, you'll need to register and license it. The ordinance requires owners to implant an electronic animal identification microchip in their dog and sterilize it, unless it could harm its health.

You'll also need to keep your Pit Bull in a secure enclosure with signs stating that a dangerous dog is present. This sign must be visible from a public highway or street.

Here are the specific regulations you'll need to follow:

You'll need to keep your Pit Bull on a leash, muzzle, or in confinement when it's outdoors.

The cost of enforcing Miami-Dade's pit bull ordinance has been a major concern. The likelihood of losing is so high that pit bull advocates have tried to run up the cost of enforcement to the point where the county legislature may give in and repeal the ordinance, regardless of the cost in human and animal lives and security.

Miami-Dade Animal Services chief of shelter operations and enforcement Kathleen Labrada quit enforcing the ordinance to the letter, instead finding ways to exempt dogs under common names for pit bull variants, which made enforcement even more challenging.

The cost of enforcement has been a major issue, and it's not just about the money. Pit bull advocates have thrown money and noise into the repeal campaign, but they lost to sanity and public safety even though they faced no organized opposition.