Breed Specific Legislation - Canines: BSL in Miami

Other than Miami Dade County, the only other location in Florida that has a breed specific law is the city of Sunrise.

The 24 year-old ordinance outlawing "pit bull type" dogs in Miami-Dade County Learn more about MCABSL.

Voters in Miami-Dade County will get to decide on Aug. 14 whether to lift a 23-year county ban on pit bulls. If the ballot measure is approved, the county will come in line with the rest of Florida. AP's Suzette Laboy has the story.

Breed specific legislation has been enacted in more than 37 states and is garnering world wide attention. Created as a means to help control dangerous dogs, BSLs have created a firestorm of debate between proponents and opponents of specific dog breeds.

It is illegal in Miami-Dade County to own or keep American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or any other dog that substantially conforms to any of these breeds' characteristics. For more information, view the Miami-Dade County ordinance, Chapter 5, Sec. 5-17.

Sec. 5-17.7. - Pit bull signs in veterinary offices, kennels, commercial breeders, commercial animal establishments, pet shops, and dog grooming businesses.

Update August 15, 2012: Yesterday, by a vote of 63% to 37% Miami Dade County voters said no to this question on their ballots: "Shall the ordinance repealing the County's 23 year old law prohibiting the ownership of pit bulls as a dangerous breed of dogs become effective?" A "no" vote meant the ban on pit bulls should remain in place. But the language was confusing. One voter complained, "When I first read it, I thought 'no' would mean 'no, I don't want the ban'." The ballot question also characterized pit bull dogs as "dangerous". Or strongly implied it. More confusion for voters. A continuing death sentence for innocent dogs.

23-year-old ban goes up for vote. Published Aug 6, 2012

MCABSL is a Miami based organization fighting for all the voiceless canines targeted by Breed Specific Legislation. Our goal is to remove BSL from Miami Dade County and to continue fighting against similar legislation throughout our country.