New Bill Could Overturn Pit Bull Ruling

[Chris0nllyn]

A bill being proposed in the Maryland General Assembly could overrule a court ruling calling all pit bulls vicious dogs.

That court ruling made landlords accountable for dogs on their property. Since then, the SPCA alone has seen a 30% increase in pit bulls being abandoned by their owners. Now they hope this legislation could stop it.

Some pit bull owners faced a heartbreaking choice.

“We either had to get rid of the dogs or they were going to evict us,” said pit bull owner Joe Weigel.

“We have seen more pets given up because of the ruling. Specifically and overall, we’ve also seen more pit bull-type dogs abandoned here at the SPCA,” said Aileen Gabbey, Maryland SPCA.

“I have never received more email on an issue than I have received from the dog owners,” said Delegate Luiz Simmons.

Now Delegate Luiz Simmons has put together emergency legislation. Under the new bill, if a dog bites, the owner will be liable for knowing the dog is dangerous. But it creates a rebuttable presumption. Meaning the owner can present evidence to prove they didn’t know the dog had violent tendencies. The bill also limits the liability of landlords and preserves defenses for dog owners.

“Let’s say someone banged the dog over the head with a 2X4 and the dog bites. Should the owner be liable?” Simmons said.

New Bill Could Overturn Pit Bull Ruling « CBS Baltimore

[So_what]

Nope, nope nope, If I can't have a 30 round magazine in my assault rifle, no attack pit bulls

[Chris0nllyn]

Originally Posted by So_what

Nope, nope nope, If I can't have a 30 round magazine in my assault rifle, no attack pit bulls

You couldn't buy a 30rd mag in MD way before this ruling.

[So_what]

Didn't say I was buying or transferring, only having

[Chris0nllyn]

Originally Posted by So_what

Didn't say I was buying or transferring, only having

Is it illegal to own a 30rd mag in Md right now?

[Merlin99 (Premo)]

Originally Posted by GURPS

No

I thought MD was limited to 20 except for .22's

[Chris0nllyn]

Originally Posted by GURPS

No

Exactly my point.

Originally Posted by So_what

Nope, nope nope, If I can't have a 30 round magazine in my assault rifle, no attack pit bulls

You CAN have a 30rd magazine right now.

Want to try that argument again?

[Chris0nllyn]

Originally Posted by Merlin99

I thought MD was limited to 20 except for .22's

Limited to in state purchases and transfers as well as internet purchases.

You can still go to VA/PA buy them, and bring them back home.

It's not illegal to own them.

[Baja28 (Premo)]

Interesting..... You would think because these are such safe animals the owners wouldn't have a worry. Speaks volumes about the owners huh?

“We have seen more pets given up because of the ruling. Specifically and overall, we’ve also seen more pit bull-type dogs abandoned here at the SPCA,” said Aileen Gabbey, Maryland SPCA.

[Chris0nllyn]

Originally Posted by Baja28

Interesting.....

“We have seen more pets given up because of the ruling. Specifically and overall, we’ve also seen more pit bull-type dogs abandoned here at the SPCA,” said Aileen Gabbey, Maryland SPCA.

What is interesting about it?

MD law puts landlords at fault for the mishaps of their renters.

Landlords don't want liability, so they say get rid of the dog or leave.