The Charles County Commissioners are considering an ordinance against any dog that has the appearance of being predominantly "Pit Bull type dog". Predominantly, as used in this bill, is defined as "the dog exhibits the physical characteristics of a pit bull terrier type dog more than it exhibits the physical characteristics of any other breed of dog."
If this ordinance is passed in Charles County and you have a "Pit Bull type dog," new rules will be established, including:
•   keeping your dog in an enclosed kennel when outside on your own property,
•   posting signs on your property that read "Dangerous Dog, and
•   keeping a muzzle on your dog whenever you take your dog off your property.

The entire proposal can be found: http://www.boarddocs.com/md/ch rlsco/Board.nsf/files/8JXMV75D 04F4/$file/Animal%20regs%20rev ision%202011%20from%20LEGAL.pdf
While Pit Bull dogs have a controversial reputation due to commonly cited attack statistics and highly publicized incidents of aggression, verification of many attacks is difficult due to that wide variation in pit varieties, and the tendency to label all dangerous dogs as pit bulls. These attack statistics have led to a certain degree of reactionary fear, and many governments and community organizations have called for bans and restrictions on pit bulls.
Pit bulls make good family pets, showing loyalty, playfulness, and a desire to please people. Most pit bulls are no more or less likely to be aggressive than any other large domesticated dog. In fact many dog fancying websites and humane societies recommend "pit bull" type dogs as family pets because of their stable temperament, high pain tolerance, and desire to please people. However, because of their physical attributes and the social stigmatization surrounding them, the pit bull seems to be a popular choice among unsavory owners. Those who primarily want an animal to fight or to intimidate do not properly train or socialize their dogs and are partly responsible for the negative stereotype of the "pit bull" in today's society.
The American Temperament Test Society, Inc. (ATTS) breed statistics as of December 2005 temperament evaluations of American Pit Bull Terriers shows that this breed has a very high passing rate of 82.6%. The average passing rate for the other 121 breeds of dogs in the tests was 77%.

Did you know that Pit Bulls are less likely to attack you then a Rottweiler, German shepherd, or a Chow? In fact, 4 times as many Rottweilers, 2 times as many German Shepherds, and 3 times as many Chows are involved in fatal attacks as compared with the Pit Bull, based on the population percentage.

Please protect our Pit Bull population and contact the Charles County Commissioners at commissioner@charlescounty.org to voice your POLITE, RESPECTFUL and INFORMATIVE opposition to breed specific legislation.