Story Category: Maryland News »

The Humane Society of the United States expresses disappointment in the Maryland General Assembly for failing to take definitive action to relieve the uncertainty that has faced dog owners, landlords, property owners, veterinary clinics and other small businesses since the controversial Maryland Court of Appeals ruling that pit bull type dogs are “inherently dangerous” in late April. The Senate and House of Delegates passed separate bills seeking to clarify the situation for dog owners, but failed to pass a final bill before the special session adjourned this week.

As a result of the Court of Appeals decision, animal shelters braced for an influx of pit bull type dogs, landlords sent warning notices to renters with pit bull type dogs, condo associations considered changing their policies, and local governments scrambled to protect themselves from liability at city dog parks and other public spaces. The ruling has forced many Maryland residents to choose between their homes and their beloved pets, and has forced landlords and property managers to try to determine whether dogs are pit bulls or not. With the General Assembly’s inaction, these impacts are expected to multiply.

“It is extremely disappointing that Maryland lawmakers failed to pass even a stop-gap measure relieving the emergency situation people are facing across the state,” said Tami Santelli, Maryland senior state director for The HSUS. “Due to their inaction, thousands of Maryland families may be forced to choose either their dogs or their homes in the next four months, until the General Assembly comes back in January.”

The HSUS urges lawmakers to pass comprehensive legislation during the 2013 regular session not only to address dog bite liability but also put in place measures to prevent dog bites in the first place.