Livingston County Bully Breed Dog Policy

We applaud Livingston County for a proposed policy that would euthanize pit bull or other "bully breed" dogs caught running loose within four days. The policy is similar to to many across the state, including a policy in Ingham County.

The proposed policy, which will come before the Livingston County Board of Supervisors this coming Monday, would end adoptions at the county-operated animal control shelter of pit bull terriers, American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, American bulldogs and mixes.

No doubt, this proposed policy will come under fire from many pit bull lovers who claim that they have seen or own "nice" pit bulls. We do not doubt that this is the case. Many responsible pit bull owners train their dogs to behave safely around other animals and strangers. More importantly, they train their pit bulls to behave safely around children.

Make no mistake, however, that many pit bulls, when left to the responsibility of owners who do not provide this training, can be ticking time bombs waiting to seriously injure or even kill.

As attorneys to whom many turn after vicious dog bites (to adults and, tragically, in a majority of circumstances, to children), we see first hand the predatory behavior of pit bulls.

Hundreds of dog attack victims contact our law firm each year. Pit bulls are involved in a disproportionate number of these attacks. The results are, in many instances, catastrophic.

We urge the Livingston County Board of Supervisors to support this smart public policy to make our community safer.

- Mark Bernstein