Editorial: Communities should avoid breed-specific dog bans

By The Detroit News

Communities wishing to clamp down on vicious dogs by banning specific breeds are probably barking up the wrong tree.

Animal rights groups argue if a community wants to consider such regulations, the proposals should be generalized, such as a dangerous animal or a generic dangerous dog ordinance. We agree.

Kevin Hatman, a spokesman for the Michigan Humane Society, says his group opposes bans on specific breeds, such as pit bulls.

"They usually just punish responsible pet owners," Hatman says.

Waterford Township, which has adamantly defended its breed-specific ordinance since 1990, is reconsidering its tough stance.

Supervisor Gary Wall says township officials need time to study the issue.

He says the ordinance, which specifically bans pit bulls, has come under fire recently at township board meetings.

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