Dog Lovers Rejoice as Florida Drops Ban on Pitbulls

In response to the flood of pitbulls in animal rescues and shelters in Miami-Dade County, Gov. Ron DeSantis has enacted a law that prohibits bans on specific breeds and restricts regulations on dog size. WPBF reports that the law will be effective throughout the state, though this county in particular experienced significant issues after numerous owners were compelled to surrender larger dogs, notably pitbulls.

"This was an unnecessary ban that cost a lot of pitbulls their lives," said Lauree Simmons, the founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Palm Beach County. "Shelters essentially had no choice but to euthanize them."

Simmons attributes the increased surrenders to economic conditions, which forced many owners to give up their dogs. Restrictions on the "bully breed" category of dogs limited the housing options available to their owners.

She further stated that a dog's breed does not determine its aggression level; instead, its personality and history do. "Pitbulls have been given an undeservedly negative reputation. There is good and bad in every dog breed. I have more bites from Chihuahuas, and I've never been bitten by a pitbull, despite having rescued thousands," Simmons shared.

However, this legislation will not affect HOAs, hotels, and rental properties, such as apartments. It merely prevents local government or housing authorities from imposing breed or size restrictions following a dog attack. The new law will come into effect on Oct. 1.