by Prince George County, MD – Prince George’s County has officially lifted a nearly three-decade-old ban on pit bulls following a unanimous council vote on Tuesday. The new legislation introduces a comprehensive permit system designed to increase owner accountability and enhance public safety.
For many residents like Keith Holland, who had to send his pit bull named Thanos to Virginia due to the ban, this is a momentous change. The new rules are expected to foster responsible ownership and reduce enforcement costs while promoting education about these dogs.
Reversing an Ineffective Longstanding Ban
The pit bull ban in Prince George’s County had been in place for almost 30 years but was largely seen as ineffective. According to the county’s Department of the Environment, about 33% of the dog population falls under the pit bull category, with estimates reaching between 20,000 and 30,000 pit bulls in the area.
The prohibition defined pit bulls broadly, covering breeds such as the American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, and Staffordshire bull terrier. However, animal control found it difficult to accurately identify dogs fitting these criteria, leading to costly enforcement that exceeded $3 million annually.
“We have an ineffective law on the books, so for me this is about getting an ineffective law off of our books,” said Prince George’s County Council Chair Ed Burroughs.
Introducing a New Permit Plan for Pit Bull Owners
The legislation replaces the ban with a pilot program that allows pit bull adoptions and fostering through the county’s animal services. Key elements of the new permit plan include:
- Mandatory $25 annual permit fee
- Proof of microchipping
- Compliance with leash and containment standards
- Vaccination and spay/neuter verification
- Agreement to safety inspections or follow-up checks
Failure to obtain or abide by permit conditions can result in a $300 fine. The goal is to hold owners responsible for their dogs’ behavior and improve safety standards across the county.
Community Perspectives and Safety Concerns
The decision has sparked mixed reactions within the community. Some residents express concern based on past attacks associated with pit bulls, while others support the move toward responsible ownership.
“We are not against dogs; we are against the fact that these dogs have been deemed vicious and they do not let go,” said Fort Washington resident Valencia Campbell.
“All these problems that they’re having get fixed; they need more training; the owners need more training,” added county resident Richard Rea.
Long-time resident Tomeka Nelson welcomed the change, emphasizing the importance of accountability across all dog breeds. She had even considered moving if the bill didn’t pass.
Reducing Euthanasia and Supporting Adoption
The ban previously prevented county animal shelters from offering pit bulls for adoption locally. As a result, many of these dogs were transferred to other counties or euthanized.
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- Over 1,100 pit bulls were euthanized in 2023.
- In 2022, the number was 742.
With the new legislation, the council hopes to significantly reduce these numbers and save more lives by encouraging safe, responsible ownership and local adoption. For full details, visit the source.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Prince George’s County
This historic shift reflects a modern approach to pet legislation, emphasizing education, responsibility, and safety rather than outright bans. Prince George’s County is setting an example for other areas grappling with similar issues.
What do you think about lifting the pit bull ban with this new permit system? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
