Governor. Ron DeSantis A measure was signed Friday that ends the remaining municipal and state housing restrictions against certain dog breeds, which primarily targeted pit bulls.
The legislation (SB942) passed through both chambers with only one “no”.
“Let’s no longer let baseless barriers in public housing contribute to this crisis,” said the Republican representative, sponsor of the bill. Demi Busatta Cabrera of Miami said during the House debate, noting that housing is the reason many people surrender their animals to animal shelters.
The legislature had previously passed bans against breed-specific local rules, but ordinances approved before October 1, 1990, were allowed to stand. Miami still has one that bans pit bulls. And Sunrise’s law, passed in 1989, requires that “pit bull dogs” be securely confined in an enclosure or muzzled.
However, on October 1, these rules and all others that single out specific breeds for restrictions will be null and void.
“This will save so many lives and so many broken hearts,” said Dahlia canesa founder of Miami Coalition Against Breed-Specific Legislation.
His group has been trying to overturn Miami’s ban on pit bulls for nearly 20 years.
His dog “Chocolate” had been taken away from him because of the ban. Through this, she also learned how arbitrarily a dog can be referred to as a “pitbull.”
Animal advocates have been pushing for the bill for many sessions. It had passed the Senate only to languish and die in the House.
“I knew that sooner or later this had to happen: people can’t stay stupid forever,” Canes said. But then she added, “I’m still trying to figure it out.”
Canes said she wants to work to end breed-specific bans across the country — and work to pass federal legislation. Thus, dogs will be judged on their behavior and their history, rather than their breed. Florida’s new law does not prevent cities or public housing authorities from imposing restrictions on dogs that have bitten or attacked people or pets.
“This is what I will do until the day I die,” Canes said.
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