The Missouri House has passed a bill that prevents cities from banning specific dog breeds.The measure passed 117-17 and now moves to the Missouri Senate.Supporters said targeting specific breeds, such as pit bull terriers, amounts to discrimination and owners should bear the blame if a dog becomes vicious.Independence passed a breed ban on pit bulls 10 years ago after several dog attacks.The bill has caught the attention of Missouri animal shelters, including Great Plains SPCA in Independence.“What we want is for every single pet, regardless of their breed, to be held responsible for their behaviors,” said Great Plains SPCA President Courtney Thomas.Independence Mayor Eileen Weir said she thinks the decision on whether to ban specific breeds should be done on the local level.

The Missouri House has passed a bill that prevents cities from banning specific dog breeds.



The measure passed 117-17 and now moves to the Missouri Senate.




Supporters said targeting specific breeds, such as pit bull terriers, amounts to discrimination and owners should bear the blame if a dog becomes vicious.



Independence passed a breed ban on pit bulls 10 years ago after several dog attacks.



The bill has caught the attention of Missouri animal shelters, including Great Plains SPCA in Independence.



“What we want is for every single pet, regardless of their breed, to be held responsible for their behaviors,” said Great Plains SPCA President Courtney Thomas.



Independence Mayor Eileen Weir said she thinks the decision on whether to ban specific breeds should be done on the local level.