BSL Legal Action Fund
You can help us prevent family pets from being forcibly taken from their homes by donating to our BSL Legal Action Fund.
Our approach
to ending breed-specific legislation
It is our position that breed-specific legislation violates the 5th and 14th amendments. These bans often include a variety of dogs, not just those perceived to be “pit bulls.” It is also a way for governments to covertly discriminate against marginalized individuals.
We think BSL is the cruelest law pet owners can be subjected to. To end these laws and expose their discriminatory nature, we have hired a national law firm well-versed in constitutional law. We work with lawyers who have a thorough understanding of canine science.
Our goal is to eradicate breed-specific legislation in the United States and we won’t stop until we do.
Current Court Cases
Williston, North Dakota
Williston’s “pit bull” dog ban has been in effect since 1987. In that time, it has been arbitrarily enforced based on animal control officers’ subjective opinion of what constitutes a “pit bull.” Fines and charges vary and seem to impact underserved communities more negatively. This is consistent with what we know of breed-specific legislation – it is a way for officials to enact discrimination against citizens..
Latest Update
Lawsuit filed
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Council Bluffs’ “pit bull” dog ban was established in 2004. Since then, it has violated the constitutional rights of dog owners. We’re helping local dog owners take the city to court, because no one should have to choose between their family member and their home.
Latest Update
Lawsuit filed
Keota, Iowa
Williston’s “pit bull” dog ban has been in effect since 1987. In that time, it has been arbitrarily enforced based on animal control officers’ subjective opinion of what constitutes a “pit bull.” Fines and charges vary and seem to impact underserved communities more negatively. This is consistent with what we know of breed-specific legislation – it is a way for officials to enact discrimination against citizens..
Latest Update
We requested that the City of Keota disclose the data set used in their cited research. They have failed to present this data.
Current Investigations
Little Rock, Arkansas
We made a FOIA request for copies of breed-specific related citations. Our staff is currently going through those. We will make any additional requests as necessary.
Most Recent Win
Sioux City, Iowa
We invested $300k in our first groundbreaking lawsuit in Sioux City, Iowa, where, until November 25, 2019, it was legal for the government to take your pet away simply because of what your dog looks like.
The ban became law in 2006. For over a decade, countless pet dogs have been seized from their homes and destroyed. Not because of behavior, just because Sioux City said the dogs were “pit bulls.”
The lawsuit forced the city to take dog owners and advocates seriously. One city council member even cited the lawsuit as his reason for voting to repeal the ban. City officials knew that breed-specific legislation wouldn’t hold up in court, so they voted to repeal before it ever came to that.
Listen to us discuss our history fighting discrimination
Our first case
Dias v Denver in 2007/8
The first BSL case we co-funded was Dias v Denver in 2007/8. The case ended when the dog owners accepted a settlement but not before the federal district court hinted in its opinion that BSL violates the 5th and 14th amendments.
Fighting ableism
James Sak and Peggy Leifer vs city of Aurelia, Iowa
In 2011, the city of Aurelia took away James Sak’s service dog, Snickers. Service dogs are considered medical equipment under the law. The city did
a snapshot of our legal efforts
Criscuolo v. City of Moses Lake
Result: Repeal and payment of $14k in fees/costs
Newman v. City of Payette and Fruitland
Result: repeal and some financial payment
Douglas v. County of Payette
Result: repeal and payment
Denton v. City of Yakima
Result: repeal and financial payment