RICHMOND, VA. (WTVR) - In Virginia dozens of dogs have been placed on the dangerous dog registry.
This list is assembled by the courts after dog attacks. Out of seven localities, pit bull is the most registered breed, but the list also includes huskies, labs and even basset hounds.
Still, some are shocked to learn Maryland is singling out pit bulls with a new law.
Last week, Maryland’s Supreme Court ruled that pit bulls are inherently dangerous dogs, and if you have one and yours bites someone, you have to pay the damages.
In other words, you’re guilty for simply owning a pit bull.
But pit bull owner, Mac Adams argues it’s the owner, not the dog that’s to blame.
“I have 5 children. I`ve owned a mastiff before I got these dogs, and they`ve never bitten my children because I properly supervise my children and properly supervise my dogs,” Adams, owner of four pit bulls, said.
Maryland’s ruling was based on several factors, including seven instances of serious mauling by pit bulls over a 13-year-period, some of them unprovoked.
“The dog is not born inherently dangerous,” said Adams.” These dogs are taught to fight they`re taught to be bad they`re not socialized at a young age, and they`re not treated properly that`s what leads a dog to be vicious,” said Adams.
Judy Taylor remembers when a 10 year-old boy was viciously attacked by a family dog in her neighborhood. That dog was a pit bull.
She believes Virginia should follow Maryland’s example and adopt the same law.
“Because every time you hear somebody getting attacked by a dog, 9 times out of 10 it`s a pit bull,” she said.
Under Virginia law, no dog can be found to be dangerous or vicious solely because it is a particular breed, or crossbreed.
CBS 6 spoke to Henrico and Richmond’s animal control officers today. Both of them believe breed specific legislation is not the way to go because behavior is not dictated by breed. It's all about how the owners raise and treat their pets.
