Dogs suffer from stubborn stereotypes, and these unscientific assumptions mean that some breeds are more likely to get adopted than others. Worse yet, some breeds are literally legally discriminated against, with property owners or local governments banning breeds like pit bulls and Rottweilers from being owned by tenants. But we know that these assumptions about breed behaviors are totally inconsistent with what science says -- and they hurt many dogs' chances of survival. That's why a new bill that would eliminate dog breed restrictions in public housing is so exciting!
Sign now to demand Congress pass the Pets Belong with Families Act!
The proposed bill would amend the 1937 U.S. Housing Act to include a clause which prevents public housing authorities from banning certain breeds of dogs. This is desperately needed, because breed bans are terrible for pets and owners alike. For many people in public housing, who have few viable affordable housing options for themselves or their family, simply moving to another complex when a breed you own is banned is not an option. This creates an awful cycle in which many loving families are forced to either let their animals become strays or take them back to shelters. A devastating number of these sheltered animals ultimately end up euthanized. On top of that, many families that deeply love their pets end up being regulated out of having any dogs whatsoever. But everyone who will love an animal deserves to be able to have one – and getting animals out of shelters and into caring homes en masse requires us to stop this blantant, prejudiced discrimination.
Studies have time and time again shown that breed has very little impact on dog behavior, even among purebreds. A recent paper suggested that less than 10% of behavioral variation in dogs could be explained by breed. In other words – breed bans are not based in science, but just stubborn stereotypes.
Banning breed discrimination in public housing would be a victory for pets, a victory for low-income families, and a victory for shelters, who are often overcrowded and understaffed. We must put pressure on Congress to pass this no-brainer bill. Sign the petition now to tell Congress: pass the Pets Belong with Families Act!