Whereas we recognize that each and every dog is an individual in temperament and behavior, and physical appearance does not determine behavior;
Whereas all dogs have the potential to do serious or lethal harm, and this is not dictated solely by a dog's physical appearance but by a number of complex circumstances;
Whereas dog owners should be held strictly liable for the actions of their dogs regardless of the dog's physical appearance, so that both dog owners and victims of irresponsible dog owners are provided equal rights and restitutions;
Whereas breed-specific or breed-discriminatory legislation is unethical and inhumane, and has been shown to be financially unsupportable, a detriment to public safety, and a legal quagmire;
Whereas non-breed-specific or non-discriminatory laws provide public safety in an effective, humane, legal, equitable, and moral way;
The undersigned citizens of Texas do hereby direct the members of the state legislature to do the following:
1. Keep intact Texas Health and Safety Code 822.047, which prohibits municipalities from declaring dogs dangerous based solely on breed.
2. Refuse to vote for or support any discriminatory legislation against dog owners, including but not limited to breed bans, restrictions on particular types of dogs, or unequal ownership requirements that are based on a dog%u2019s physical appearance.
Whereas we recognize that each and every dog is an individual in temperament and behavior, and physical appearance does not determine behavior;
Whereas all dogs have the potential to do serious or lethal harm, and this is not dictated solely by a dog%u2019s physical appearance but by a number of complex circumstances;
Whereas dog owners should be held strictly liable for the actions of their dogs regardless of the dog%u2019s physical appearance, so that both dog owners and victims of irresponsible dog owners are provided equal rights and restitutions;
Whereas breed-specific or breed-discriminatory legislation is unethical and inhumane, and has been shown to be financially unsupportable, a detriment to public safety, and a legal quagmire;
Whereas non-breed-specific or non-discriminatory laws provide public safety in an effective, humane, legal, equitable, and moral way;
The undersigned citizens of Texas do hereby direct the members of the state legislature to do the following:
1. Keep intact Texas Health and Safety Code 822.047, which prohibits municipalities from declaring dogs dangerous based solely on breed.
2. Refuse to vote for or support any discriminatory legislation against dog owners, including but not limited to breed bans, restrictions on particular types of dogs, or unequal ownership requirements that are based on a dog%u2019s physical appearance.
