Update May 5, 2009: H.B. 925 which would have amended the Texas state ban on BSL to make certain restrictions on pit bulls is now dead for this session!  

The bill would have made it a crime for pit bull owners to allow children 15 years of age or younger to "handle or care for" a pit bull dog without adult supervision.

Update Feb. 24, 2009: This bill, H.B. 925, has now been assigned to the House Committee on State Affairs.

Read Animal Law Coalition's original report below for more information including talking points.

Original report: Texas state Rep. Harold Dutton has introduced a bill in the Texas legislature that would make it a crime for pit bull owners to allow children 15 years of age or younger to "handle or care for" a pit bull dog without adult supervision.

This crime would be a Class C misdemeanor.

"Pit bull" is defined to include Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier or "any mixed breed of dog that exhibits distinguishing characteristics that substantially conform to the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club standards for those breeds."   

Currently, Texas law prohibts local governments from passing breed specific legislation. Tx. Health & Safety Code 822.047

Lydia Zaidman, a Texas attorney and director of Luv-a-Bull, observed, "Love-A-Bull believes that parents should be responsible when allowing children around any breed of dog, particularly when children are toddlers and younger. 

"However, this law unfairly targets a particular breed, while not acknowledging that parents need to monitor all dogs around children.  Moreover, we believe this could actually lead to a rise in problems, as many working families (as with any other breed), have their teenager walk their dog after school.  Without that assistance, dogs will be forced to miss necessary socialization and exercise.  Overtime, research has shown that any breed that does not have proper socialization and exercise is more likely to bite." 

Regulating dogs by breed does not work to make communities safer. Dogs don't bite or attack because of breed. Breed specific laws simply do not reduce the number of dog bites or attacks. It is nonsensical and costly for taxpayers when legislators make laws based on a myth that dogs will behave a certain way because of breed.   Send the information at this link to Texas legislators. 

Find your Texas state House Representative here.
 
Find your Texas state Senator here.

Write or call and urge them to vote no on H.B. 925. Don't wait. Do it now. 
Here is a copy of the bill.