Why Is Pitbull Dog Banned in Some Countries and Cities

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Posted Oct 9, 2024

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Pitbull Playing in Snow with Tennis Ball
Credit: pexels.com, Pitbull Playing in Snow with Tennis Ball

In some countries and cities, Pitbulls are banned due to their reputation as aggressive dogs. The breed's history of being used in dog fighting has contributed to this negative image.

Their powerful build and strong jaws make them a formidable opponent in the ring. This has led to a widespread perception that Pitbulls are inherently violent.

However, it's essential to note that not all Pitbulls are aggressive, and many are loving family pets. In fact, some countries have implemented breed-specific legislation, which prohibits the ownership of Pitbulls.

This legislation is often based on the idea that the breed's characteristics make them a public safety risk.

For more insights, see: Pitbull Breed Ban

Pitbulls and Bans

Pitbulls are banned in many countries, including Singapore, where they were outlawed in 1991 after a series of attacks.

In the UK, three other dog breeds were banned along with the pit bull terrier: Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.

The UK government also plans to add the XL bully to the list of banned breeds by the end of 2023.

Some countries with restrictions on pit bull ownership include Australia, New Zealand, France, Denmark, Norway, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Malta, Spain, Switzerland, and Cyprus.

Here are some countries where pitbulls are banned:

  • Singapore
  • UK (with restrictions on other breeds)
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • France
  • Demark
  • Norway
  • Hong Kong
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Malta
  • Spain
  • Switzerland
  • Cyprus

Pitbull

Credit: youtube.com, Pit Bulls Unleashed: Should They Be Banned? - The Fifth Estate

Pitbulls have a long history of being used for fighting and bull baiting, which is why they have a strong bite force.

The breeds of dogs banned in Singapore include Pitbulls, specifically American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Bulldog.

Pitbulls were once popular in Singapore, but a series of attacks led to their ban in 1991.

Their aggression and fighting nature led to the government prioritizing public safety over allowing Pitbulls to remain in the country.

In some parts of the world, Pitbulls are still used in illegal fighting rings today.

A different take: Pitbull Dog Illegal

Pit Bulls and Breed Bans

Pit bulls were banned in Singapore in 1991 after a series of attacks.

The UK banned pit bull terriers, along with three other breeds: Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.

In the UK, cross-breeding these four breeds is also banned, and the XL bully is set to be added to the list by the end of 2023.

Explore further: Pitbull Terrier Banned

Credit: youtube.com, Pit bull ban debate heats up

If a dog matches many of the characteristics of a pit bull terrier, it may be considered a banned type.

However, it's up to a court to determine whether a specific dog should be prohibited.

In Maryland, pit bulls were considered inherently dangerous by the court in 2012.

The Maryland Insurance Administration received complaints from people who were denied coverage because of their dog's breed.

The Maryland Legislature passed a law in 2013 forcing insurance companies to disclose any breed-specific discrimination in their policies.

Insurance companies in Maryland still charge higher premiums for homeowners with "blacklisted" breeds, even if the dog is friendly.

In Maryland, the doggie blacklist includes mixed-breeds of any of the listed dogs, so even a dog that's 99% lab and 1% German Shepherd could be considered a blacklisted breed.

Pit bulls are banned in many countries, including Australia, New Zealand, France, Denmark, Norway, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Malta, Spain, Switzerland, and Cyprus.

They are also banned in many US states and in many towns and cities in Canada.

Here are some countries where pit bulls are banned:

  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • France
  • Demark
  • Norway
  • Hong Kong
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Malta
  • Spain
  • Switzerland
  • Cyprus

Breed Specific Issues

Credit: youtube.com, "It's not the breed it's the owner" - Owners attacked by their own Pit Bulls

In 2012, the Maryland Court of Appeals ruled that Pit Bulls were inherently dangerous, leading some insurance companies to exclude them from coverage. This decision sparked controversy among dog owners, particularly those with Pit Bulls.

The list of "blacklisted" breeds, as determined by Nationwide insurance company, was extensive and included many popular breeds such as German Shepherds and Rottweilers.

Insurance companies that refused to cover homeowners with these breeds included three others that simply didn't offer coverage, and one that required further review before offering coverage.

Canarian Guard Dog

The Perro de Presa Canario is a large mastiff-type dog originating from the Canary Islands. They were originally used as catch dogs for cattle herding and dog fighting.

Their history of potential aggression has led to a ban in Singapore. This highlights the importance of considering a breed's temperament before bringing one home.

These dogs have a muscular build and coarse coat that comes in various colors. They require a lot of attention, exercise, and care to thrive.

Experienced dog owners who can provide the necessary attention and care can find the Perro de Presa Canario to be a great companion.

Expand your knowledge: What Dogs Get along with Pitbulls?

Breed Specific Discrimination

Credit: youtube.com, Why Breed Specific Legislation Is Wrong

Breed Specific Discrimination is a real issue that affects dog owners in Maryland. In 2012, the Maryland Court of Appeals ruled that Pit Bulls are inherently dangerous, leading to breed-specific discrimination in insurance policies.

Some insurance companies excluded dog bites from coverage if they came from specific breeds. The list of "blacklisted" breeds was extensive, including Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds, as well as mixed-breeds of these dogs.

Insurance companies would often refuse to insure homeowners with these breeds, or require them to go through a "further review" before offering coverage. This led to complaints from dog owners, including Pit Bull owners, who were denied coverage due to their dog's breed.

The Maryland Insurance Administration received complaints from people who were denied coverage because of their dog's breed. This prompted the General Assembly to pass a law forcing insurance companies to let potential and current policyholders know about any "specific breed" discrimination in their policies.

Credit: youtube.com, Breed Specific Discrimination

The law made a big difference, with fewer companies refusing to insure homeowners with "blacklisted" dogs. However, even with this law in place, insurance companies can still charge higher premiums for dog owners with "blacklisted" breeds.

Here's a list of some of the breeds that were initially excluded from coverage:

  • Alaskan Malamute;
  • American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier (“Pit Bull breeds);
  • Akita;
  • Boerbel;
  • Chow Chow;
  • Doberman Pinscher;
  • English Bull Terrier;
  • German Shepherd;
  • Kyiapso;
  • Mastiff, American Bondogge Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff;
  • Presa Canario (Dogo Canario, Canary Dog, Peroo Basto, Verdino);
  • Rottweiler;
  • Siberian Husky;
  • Wolf Hybrid;
  • any dog that is a mix of an ineligible dog breed

Breed Bans Linked to Dog Bites

In Toronto, Canada, breed discriminatory legislation was enacted in 2005, requiring pit bulls to be muzzled and banning new pit bulls from entering the city.

This law was touted as a way to reduce dog bites, but the opposite happened. The total number of dog bites increased significantly, with more reported bites than ever in 2014, according to Global News.

The focus of breed bans can give a flawed sense of safety to policymakers, distracting from the real issue: each individual dog's behavior and the behavior of its owner.

The number of attacks by pit bulls did decline in Toronto, but this is expected, given that the number of pit bulls in the city also went down.

Maryland Dog Laws

Credit: youtube.com, Maryland Animal Law Center to file injunction on pit bull ban

Maryland Dog Laws are a bit more complex than you'd think. There are no dogs that are illegal under Maryland law, so you won't find any banned dog breeds statewide.

However, some counties in Maryland do place restrictions on the type of dog you can have. For example, Prince George's County has an ordinance limiting pit bull ownership. This ruling was even challenged in federal court, with the lawsuit pointing out that the process of determining whether a dog is a 'pit bull' is based on an unscientific system.

Some counties in Maryland have their own laws about dog ownership, so it's essential to check the specific laws in your area. You can find more information on Maryland county-specific laws about the ownership of dogs in the article.

Expand your knowledge: Pitbull Dog Laws

Breed Bans and Legislation

Breed bans and legislation have been a contentious issue in the United States, with some states and cities implementing restrictions on the ownership of pit bulls. In Maryland, for instance, the Maryland Court of Appeals ruled in 2012 that Pit Bulls were inherently dangerous, leading to breed-specific discrimination by some insurance companies.

Credit: youtube.com, Pitbull Legal Status: Breed Bans and Restrictions Worldwide

The list of "blacklisted" breeds, which included Pit Bulls, Akita, and Rottweiler, among others, was used by some insurance companies to deny coverage or charge higher premiums. However, this practice has been relaxed in recent years, with fewer companies refusing to insure homeowners with "blacklisted" dogs.

Maryland has since done away with breed-specific liability, and the state has canvassed other states with similar laws to gauge the impact of breed-neutral liability on homeowners' insurance. Only one state, however, expressly prohibits insurance companies from blacklisting certain breeds.

Some cities and counties across the United States have also implemented breed bans, including Waterford Township, which restricts the keeping of Pit Bull terriers. However, studies have shown that breed discriminatory legislation is ineffective in protecting the public and does not serve its intended purpose.

Here's a list of some countries where Pit Bulls are banned or restricted:

  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • France
  • Denmark
  • Norway
  • Hong Kong
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Malta
  • Spain
  • Switzerland
  • Cyprus
  • Many US states and towns and cities in Canada

UK Banned Dog Breeds

In the UK, four dog breeds are currently banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act. The Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro are the breeds in question.

See what others are reading: Banned Dog Breeds Uk Pictures

Credit: youtube.com, What dogs are banned in the UK? | What to do if you own one

Cross-breeding these four breeds is also prohibited in the UK. This means that if a dog has characteristics from any of these breeds, it may be considered a banned type.

If a dog's physical characteristics are deemed to match those of a banned breed, a court will decide whether it can be owned. However, even if the dog is allowed to be owned, it will still require special treatment.

To be specific, if a dog is deemed to be a banned type, it must be registered, insured, neutered, tattooed, and fitted with a microchip implant. It must also wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead in public.

Here are the four banned dog breeds in the UK:

  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Fila Brasileiro

Where Else Are Pit Bulls Banned?

Pit bulls are banned in many countries around the world. Australia and New Zealand are among the countries that have banned pit bull terriers due to potential dangers.

Credit: youtube.com, Breed ban changes in Washington could exempt pitbulls if they pass a behavioral test

In addition to the UK, several other European countries have also banned pit bulls. France, Denmark, Norway, and Switzerland are among them.

Many US states also have laws restricting or banning pit bulls. Some Canadian towns and cities have similar laws in place.

Pit bulls are also banned in Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Malta, Spain, and Cyprus.

Breed-Specific Legislation

Breed-Specific Legislation is a complex issue that has been debated for years. In Maryland, the insurance industry was initially resistant to insuring homeowners with certain breeds, including Pit Bulls. This led to complaints from dog owners, prompting the General Assembly to pass a law forcing insurance companies to disclose breed-specific discrimination in their policies.

The law was enacted in 2013, and it marked a shift away from breed-specific liability. The Maryland Insurance Administration received complaints from people who were denied coverage because of their dog's breed, and the law aimed to address this issue.

Credit: youtube.com, The Value Of BSL (Breed Specific Legislation)

The UK has also implemented breed-specific legislation, banning four breeds, including the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. Cross-breeding these breeds is also prohibited.

However, breed-specific legislation has been shown to be ineffective in improving public safety. Study after study has found that breed discriminatory legislation does not serve its intended purpose.

In the US, cities and counties have implemented breed bans, but these restrictions have not made communities safer. In fact, the research has been conclusive in finding that breed-specific legislation is totally ineffective at protecting the public.

Here are some examples of breeds banned in the UK:

  • Japanese Tosa
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Fila Brasileiro

It's worth noting that some counties in Maryland have placed restrictions on the type of dog you can have, but there are no banned dog breeds under Maryland law.

Sources

  1. 8 Dog Breeds Banned in Singapore | From Pitbull to Akita (ferndalekennels.com)
  2. was affirmed (kenneltocouch.org)
  3. Prince George’s County ordinance (pgspca.org)
  4. 14 breeds (psychologytoday.com)
  5. Why are pit bulls banned in the UK? | UK News (metro.co.uk)
  6. Why pit bull bans are a bad idea (bestfriends.org)
  7. twitter (twitter.com)

Lucy Orn-Mills

Writer

Lucy Orn-Mills is a versatile writer with a passion for canine culture. With a keen interest in the world of dogs, she has penned articles on a wide range of topics, from the charming Border Terrier to the rich history of dog breeds originating in Scotland and England. Lucy's expertise extends to the fascinating realm of Terriers, a group of breeds known for their feisty and affectionate nature.

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