Legislator Drops Pit Bull Ban

PORTLAND, Ore. — A proposal to ban pit bulls in Oregon will not be formally introduced this year, according to the spokeswoman for a Republican state senator. The news of the Oregon legislator dropping the pit bull ban was a victory for fans of the maligned breed, but owners already have another fight on their hands. A new proposal, House Bill 2852, would require pit bull owners to buy liability insurance. Legislators have proposed the bills after a number of recent pit bull attacks. However, the bills led some pit bull owners to claim they’re being targeted unfairly because of irresponsible dog owners. In the United States, many cities and counties — from San Francisco to Sioux City — have already passed pit bull bans. Many Oregonians said pit bulls are too risky to people and other pets.

The proposed pit bull ban would have declared pit bulls dangerous and made owning them in Oregon a crime with punishment of jail time and hefty fines. The state could also mandate that pit bulls be euthanized. Natalie Buck, who breeds and raises pit bulls at her home in Tigard, had six pit bull puppies for sale Sunday. She said dog owners remain a greater problem than the breed itself. “Granted, they could hurt somebody — that’s always a potential with any dog,” Buck said. “But I’m responsible about them — keeping them in the yard.” While the pit bulls appeared loving with Buck around, she acknowledges the dogs can do more harm than other breeds when she’s not there. “One bite from a pit bull versus one bite from a Chihuahua or an Australian shepherd — the pit bull’s bite could potentially be more dangerous,” Buck said. “They just have more muscle, more strength in that one bite.” The draft bill would have added a grandfather cause for those who already own pit bulls; however, those pit bull owners would be required to buy a permit and would have to spay or neuter the dogs.   Released by Fox News 12 Oregon

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