Proposed Pit Bull Bill
By: Kristen Kennedy
Updated: March 1, 2009
A state representative believes kids caring for Pit Bulls is like kids carrying guns. Now he's doing all he can to keep those dogs away from the hands of young teens. Under Houston Democrat Harold Dutton's proposed act, it would be an offense for people younger than 16 to handle or care for a Pit Bull without adult supervision. Dutton doesn't want young teens walking down the street with this specific breed, saying it's a lot like them carrying a loaded gun. He also wants to outlaw leaving a child alone with the bully breeds - those breeds include Pit Bulls and any mixed breed that have Pit characteristics. Dog experts in the Hub say Dutton's bill should be focused less on Pits and more on the training and handling of all aggressive breeds.
"It's not a matter of a Pit Bull, it's a matter of learning how to treat the animal, how to raise the animal, how to approach it, how to feed it. And it doesn't make any difference whether it's a Pit Bull, a German Shepard or a Chihuahua," says Morris Safe House founder Bill Morris.
A violation of these rules could mean a fine of up to 500 dollars. Dutton wants the bill to go into effect this September.
"It's not a matter of a Pit Bull, it's a matter of learning how to treat the animal, how to raise the animal, how to approach it, how to feed it. And it doesn't make any difference whether it's a Pit Bull, a German Shepard or a Chihuahua," says Morris Safe House founder Bill Morris.
A violation of these rules could mean a fine of up to 500 dollars. Dutton wants the bill to go into effect this September.
