Pit Bulls in Louisiana: The Truth Behind Breed-Specific Legislation

In Louisiana, pit bulls are often misunderstood and unfairly targeted by breed-specific legislation.

The American Temperament Test Society has evaluated pit bulls and found they have a passing rate of 86.8%, which is higher than many other popular breeds.

Despite their reputation, pit bulls are not inherently aggressive. In fact, a study by the University of Pennsylvania found that the breed's aggression is often a result of human factors, such as irresponsible ownership and lack of socialization.

The Louisiana state government has implemented strict regulations on pit bulls, including mandatory spaying/neutering and liability insurance.

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Pit bulls in Louisiana have been subject to a decades-old ordinance in Lake Arthur that banned them from being kept in the town's limits. This ordinance was originally passed due to concerns about the breed's reputation for being aggressive and violent.

The town's leaders struggled with enforcing the ordinance, as it would have required costly tests to determine if an animal was a pit bull. Many dog owners would have had to prove their dog's breed, which would have been a burden.

Here's an interesting read: What Is the Largest Breed of Pit Bulls

Pit bull breeders had successfully cross-bred their dogs with other breeds, resulting in mixed-breed dogs with a less aggressive disposition. These mixed-breed dogs were not technically pit bulls and therefore would not have fallen under the Lake Arthur ordinance jurisdiction.

The town's current leash laws and vicious dog ordinances are now relied upon to regulate pit bulls, making enforcement much easier and less costly.

A unique perspective: Pit Bulls Are Not Dangerous

In Lake Arthur, Louisiana, the Town Council made a unanimous decision to rescind the decades-old pit bull ban, effectively immediately. This decision was made after considering the difficulty and expense of enforcing the ordinance, which required testing to determine if a dog was a pit bull.

The town's current leash laws and vicious dog ordinances will now be relied upon to regulate dogs. These laws are easier and less costly to enforce.

In Moreauville, Louisiana, a ban on Rottweilers and Pit Bulls was repealed just one day after it went into effect. The ban was enacted due to a law in another Parish, but was met with international backlash and a petition signed by over 348,000 people.

Take a look at this: Laws on Pit Bulls in Texas

The village of Moreauville will now issue citations to dog owners if there are problems with their dogs, rather than enforcing a ban. This decision was made after the mayor received a threat from PETA that they would shut down the village if the ordinance was not repealed.

Breed-specific legislation, including bans like these, is legal in some states, including Louisiana, but is opposed by President Obama and major animal welfare organizations due to its unfairness and ineffectiveness.